Maono PD100W is a Microphone You Can Take Anywhere!
As someone who is regularly conducting interviews and producing podcasts, my first goal is to secure quality equipment. I need reliable technology that can consistently output with professional precision. For so many of us, critics and content creators, our setups are fixed to our desks at home, so most of the time we have to be home to record. Maono is introducing a game-changer in technology: the PD100W wireless microphone!
Maono created the PD100W with a specific demographic in mind, as this microphone is designed for an audience that wants and needs to record from anywhere in the world, without too many hurdles. It isn’t trying to replace studio-grade technology or compete with professional podcasting setups. Instead, the PD100W mic is geared towards gamers, streamers, and casual content creators who want to achieve high-quality sound with the added freedom that wireless offers.
After spending time with the PD100W, it’s clear that Maono’s intention with this microphone is to provide consumers with a level of convenience not common among so many similar products on the market. While this microphone might not be for everyone, there’s no denying how perfect this piece from Moano is for those looking for flexibility in their recording, or for those starting out in the podcasting or streaming world.
[Note: while I am reviewing this item independently and honestly, it should be noted that I received the PD100W from Maono for the purpose of this review.]
Maono’s PD100W design speaks for itself
It’s apparent that Maono has streamers in mind with the PD100W, as the microphone features a clean, compact design that looks and feels substantial. It feels simplistic at first glance, with a sleek body featuring a single knob and a touch-mute button that runs right into the microphone.
But it’s the RGB lighting around the base that indicates the PD100W will fit into any gaming or content-creation setup. Attached to a minimalist yet sturdy base, this microphone won’t dominate desk space the way other microphone brands often do, and it looks good on camera without becoming a distraction.
This is definitely a microphone that is built solid enough for everyday use and one you won’t have to worry about breaking as you take it on the go. Maono has found the sweet spot between feeling cheap and that heavy, tank-like construction that is synonymous with other, more expensive dynamic microphones.
From the feel to the aesthetic of the PD100W, the word “easy” keeps coming to mind, as the design and controls feel simple and intuitive. But does it remain so once you begin using it?
Setting up and using this Maono microphone is a breeze
While I may be only 33 years old, there are times when I feel completely out of my league with technology. Which is just to say that when approaching a new piece of equipment, I want something that doesn’t require a degree in mechanical engineering to connect to my computer. Ideally, I want pieces that cause me as little stress as possible or don’t require me to call in reinforcements to make work, which happens more often than I even care to admit. That being said, the PD100W is, thankfully, almost effortless in this area.
Truly, all it takes to get this microphone connected to your computer is to plug the USB receiver in, turn on the microphone, and the PD100W is ready to be used. It’s almost shocking how easy it is to get this Maono product connected to your computer, as other microphones I’ve tested required downloading apps, searching for connections within the interface, and still couldn’t deliver the quality sound I’m looking for. All you have to do is plug it, and you’re good to go, which is essential for beginners or anyone who hates fiddling with audio settings.
Yet the PD100W’s biggest selling point is the ability to switch between wired and wireless options, which is helpful more often than you might think. For some, using the wireless design provides a minimalist look to your desk, as the lack of wires keeps it clean and presentable.
However, for me, I love that I don’t have to be tied down to one spot. With the PD100W, you can feel free to move around with the microphone or use it from just about anywhere, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice quality sound to gain freedom in your recording setup.
The power inside this travel friendly streaming mic
Now that we’ve examined what this microphone looks like and how easily it connected to my computer, it’s time to turn to what’s inside this Maono product and how it compares to similar products on the market. The PD100W is a dynamic microphone, meaning it’s less sensitive than a condenser microphone but more practical for casual users. Sure, it may not pick up every sound around you, which is actually a blessing, believe it or not, as it can reduce background noise more effectively than a condenser mic.
Which just means that the PD100W will pick up what you want, such as your voice as you’re playing a game or recording with friends, without including other noises around your environment, such as keyboard clicks. A dynamic microphone such as this one easily captures that studio sound that elevates your production from mediocre to impressive.
The PD100W also adds to the noise reduction from your environment with 5 hardware filters, such as the high off-axis noise rejection, low self-noise capsule, and an 8mm anti-plosive windscreen.
Paired with a one-click button that turns noise off and some pro noise-reduction software, Maono ensures you’ll sound great from just about anywhere. My voice came out crystal clear, with clean audio that didn’t require much editing in post, which is a distinct upgrade over any headset or laptop mic you may be utilizing.
It’s important to remind ourselves that with a microphone whose selling feature is the ability to switch between wired and wireless, there may be some concessions. For those looking for a microphone that delivers audio with the same warmth and depth as a more expensive studio mic, the PD100W may not be the right choice. There were times, specifically when utilizing the wireless feature, that my vocals sounded just slightly compressed or flat, requiring some EQ adjustments to normalize the audio.
That isn’t to imply that it came out sounding bad or impacted my recordings in any substantial way, but it’s important to understand that when we prioritize convenience, other aspects do take a hit. If you’re an audio enthusiast or someone who obsesses over vocal tone, you’ll likely notice its limitations quickly; however, for most people, the difference is negligible and won’t impact your final product all that much.
The sound quality of this wireless microphone and Maono’s fix
Speaking of PD100W’s wireless capability, its functionality is impressive, though perhaps with a few caveats. In a standard office or desk setup, the connection between the microphone and computer is relatively stable and responsive, though it also depends on the number of nearby wireless devices.
As mentioned before, interference is possible, and depending on how close or far you are from the computer, your audio might be impacted. The PD100W may also experience some latency issues, which didn’t bother my nephew while gaming but did bother me when recording interviews and podcasts.
Recognizing the downsides of a wireless connection, Maono sought to address them through its companion software, Maono Link. Through this app, users can adjust the gain, apply equalization (EQ), and even change the color of the RGB lighting on the microphone. The app allows for greater sound manipulation, bringing out the best the PD100W has to offer. It’s worth noting that the Maono Link isn’t required to use this microphone, as it still functions straight out of the box, but to get closer to that studio-quality sound, utilizing the app is almost a must.
Not so much a downside, but something users of the PD100W should keep in mind: this microphone requires charging. It has a built-in 1500 mAh battery that delivers up to 40 hours on a single charge, which is astounding for any piece of technology, especially a microphone of this quality. This also means users need to pay attention to battery life and charge accordingly, so they never go without their microphone!
Final thoughts on the Maono PD100W mic
So, who is this microphone for? The PD100W feels aimed at both beginners looking for a microphone that is easy to use and looks impressive and those who prioritize convenience when making a purchase. This wireless microphone from Maono makes travel easy, giving people the freedom to take it anywhere or move up to 40 meters away from their device without losing quality. What this company is preaching with its microphone is that you don’t have to sacrifice substance to achieve style or freedom.
This is also a microphone that, once it’s set up, you don’t have to constantly fiddle with it to ensure it’s quality. I’ve owned and tested microphones that seemed to need one adjustment after another, each time you boot them up, which can be frustrating. With the PD100W, the quality of my audio recordings never wavered across sessions.
For those chasing the highest possible sound quality, this may not be the microphone for you, as the PD100W’s highlights are its simplicity and flexibility. However, in my opinion, the sound quality provided is satisfactory enough that most people won’t notice a difference.
As someone who lives out of their backpack, recording podcasts almost anywhere I go, the PD100W is the new standard of ease by which I’ll measure any microphone to come. With the ability to connect to any device, from computer to phone and everything in between, I’m now a man on a mission, with nothing holding me back from continuing to make quality recordings from anywhere in the world.
The Maono PD100W is available for purchase now! Are you looking for a new microphone? Do you like the idea of a high-quality wireless microphone like this one? Let us know @mycomsiccircus on all social media platforms!
Also check out Maono’s PD300X is Some Serious Podcasting Tech
