Maono knows a thing or two about microphones, as The Cosmic Circus has learned since reviewing some of their equipment. Having been in the field for many years, the Japan-based company has continued to develop and perfect its technology to match the needs of serious gamers and podcasters. However, what about those just getting started in streaming of any kind and looking for something that is easy to operate but still delivers the highest of qualities in both output and looks? Maono has you covered with their Maonocaster PD 100x and GI Neo bundle, made specifically for those in the early stages of their gaming and streaming journeys.
With easy-to-use buttons and knobs, as well as a flashy and stylish design, the Maonocaster PD 100X and the G1 NEO not only look stunning both on and off-camera but also provides superior sound quality. Whether you’re just looking to game with some friends and look cool doing it or impress those on the internet who are watching your Twitch stream, Maono makes choosing a microphone bundle easy, as everything you could need as a beginning gamer is at your fingertips with the Maonocaster PD 100x and the G1 NEO.
Want to know more about this piece of equipment before purchasing it? No worries! We’ve thoroughly tested it and highlighted everything you need to know about the Maonocaster PD100X and G1 NEO bundle.
[Note: while I am reviewing this item independently and honestly, it should be noted that I received the S800 4K Webcam for free from Maono for the purpose of this review.]
The simplistic design makes using the Maonocaster PD100X and G1 NEO easy!
The distinction between the Maonocaster PD100X/G1 NEO bundle and other Maono products was evident as soon as I unboxed them. Both the packaging and design cater to a younger audience with a specific intent. These two pieces of Maono technology are designed to attract attention, not just auditory engagement, with their bright colors and vibrant RGB lighting throughout the audio system.
The base of the microphone is completely encapsulated in a bright white case that lights up in various colors, depending on what you have it programmed for. You can switch it out for solid colors or feature an ever-changing cycle of gradients, which is the same as the customizable buttons on the G1 NEO. This immediately makes your streaming setup look and feel more impressive, creating a more immersive experience for those on both sides of the camera.
Although the Maonocaster PD100X and the G1 NEO are created specifically to be eye-catching, one of the best qualities of this audio equipment is how easy it is to set up. The bundle allows for the dynamic microphone to connect either as an XLR or through a USB port and can be easily switched out depending on if your needs or setup changes over time.
To properly test this product, I enlisted the help of my teenage nephew, who is an avid gamer on both PC and consoles. Specifically, I wanted to see how easy it was for someone within the age bracket that the bundle is aimed at to set up by themselves. Granted, I know younger generations than myself are more tech-savvy, so this approach may be skewed. All that to say, my nephew was able to connect it to both his PC and console with ease, testing it out with his friends and putting it through hours and hours of “research.”
Connectivity was a breeze for both my teenage nephew and someone in their 30s, with just a snap in of a few cords, the microphone automatically connects to whatever system you’re using, and so begins a young one’s journey to gaming extraordinaire!
The functionality of this Maono bundle is great for entry-level streamers
I’m sure some of you are wondering how well the Maonocaster PD100X & G1 NEO, which is probably more important to our tech community rather than whether it looks cool or not. Thankfully, both the microphone and the soundboard work together to provide incredible audio output, allowing the user customization depending on their needs.
The PD100X microphone features a cardioid polar pattern, meaning that it is more sensitive to sounds coming from in front of the mic and less from the surrounding areas. This essentially means that it’s created to pick up the most noise from the speaker and all from anywhere else in the environment, helping to ensure the clearest and best sound. It has a 24-bit depth with a sample rate of 48kHz, both of which are the perfect setting for capturing audio for video. The PD100X also has a singular knob to adjust sensitivity and a mute button, again allowing for deeper customization for whatever gaming needs you may have.
However, if you’re looking for more customization, that’s where the G1 NEO comes in, which is ultimately the hub in which you’d control your streaming show! Around the size of a small tablet, the G1 NEO comes with knobs and buttons for whatever is needed. From controlling the reverb and the gain with a twist of a wrist to reducing noise and changing your voice with a push of the button, it has it all. It also allows for either a direct connection or through Bluetooth, once again proving that Maono has thought of just about everything someone might need when developing their products.
Maono has made parenting a gamer simple with the PD100X and G1 NEO
Both the PD100X and the G1 NEO are set up so that you can turn off the RGB function if you’d rather not have the bright lights on all the time. This allows users to transition from a night of gaming to school or work. From fun to formal, the PD100X and G1NEO’s functionality works for whatever use you may have, and the customization allows for any transition to happen flawlessly.
As stated many times throughout this review, the PD100X and G1 NEO are geared toward a younger audience or those just starting out in streaming and gaming. Is this bundle for people who have a lot of experience podcasting? No, probably not, although some of their other products might work better for those needs. However, this bundle is excellent for beginners, with so many features that are intuitive and easy to figure out without using up too much mental bandwidth. That being said, if you’re already in the streaming world and looking to upgrade your equipment, then this bundle isn’t for you.
If you’re looking for that perfect gift for someone interested in getting into gaming and streaming, then look no further than the Maono’s Maonocaster PD100X and G1 NEO bundle!
Maono’s Maonocaster PD100X & G1 NEO bundle is available here! Are you in the market for some easy-to-use gaming equipment for a young gamer? What microphone setup are you currently using for streaming? Let us know on social media @mycosmiccircus!
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