As a podcast host and a psychologist who still conducts Telehealth therapy, I need to ensure I have a good setup when it comes to my computer. I need a strong connection so my video doesn’t drop, a sturdy camera that can output the best video and a microphone that makes me sound amazing. It’s harder than you think to get all three consistently, especially when the market is saturated with products that come in every shape and size you can imagine. It can be overwhelming, but Maono is here to make the choice easy with their PD400x microphone and boom stand.
Since 2017, Maono has been a key player in the microphone business, delivering high-quality products to global markets, including the US, Japan, and Europe, with the verification of its ISO9001 and ISO14001. With numerous awards, Maono is set to revolutionize the podcast and streaming industry with its products, including the PD400x. This microphone and the heavy-duty boom arm make you look and sound like a professional podcaster. Or at least upgrade the sound quality for your next team meeting or gaming session with your friends online!
If you’re looking for your next investment in gaming, streaming, or podcasting, look no further than Maono’s PD400x microphone! Continue on for a complete breakdown of this product!
[Note: while I am reviewing this item independently and honestly, it should be noted that I received the Maono PD400x and Boom Stand mic for free from Maono for the purpose of this review.]
The PD400x microphone is a professional-grade tool
One of the first details of this microphone from Maono was the weight and heft that the PD400x carries. Since I’ve begun hosting and participating in podcasts, I’ve had a few different microphones that I’ve bought or reviewed. For many of these microphones, they are incredibly light, weighing almost nothing compared to the PD400x. While this makes the others easy to transfer, especially if you’re podcasting on the go, Maono’s PD400x is the first podcast microphone that exudes a professional feel, instilling confidence just from the feel and look of it.
It features a sleek, all-black design reminiscent of the microphones used by all major podcasters and platforms. Again, this provides the professional feel I’ve been seeking from my equipment, making me feel like I’m in the major leagues now. The functional aspect of the design is simplistic, with a single knob that controls the volume/sensitivity level that you can switch between microphone gain, headphone volume, and monitor ratio, as well as a touchpad that mutes the microphone with a simple tap.
The back of the microphone features a USB-C hook-up, as well as an XLR port, with both cables provided in the package, depending on your computer setup and which microphone interface you prefer. The Maono PD400x is also a dynamic microphone, which means that it better for podcasting, as it only picks up the noise from the direction it is facing, instead of a condenser microphone, which picks up everything in an environment. Dynamic microphones work better in loud and less controlled environments, which is better for recording podcasts when you don’t have a studio specifically to do so.
I’ll be honest: I didn’t know the difference between a condensing and a dynamic microphone, but you can tell the difference in the recording quality. I live in a noisy house, with people walking around and frequently making noises. With so much background noise, a dynamic mic is the only way to ensure the best sound quality. It also helps, in conjunction with a proper audio interface/mixer, to create new podcast setups, such as having two people in the same room.
With condensing microphones, you’ll get interference and feedback if you’re sitting in the same room, which limits podcasting to separate rooms/through computers. I’ll be looking for an audio interface and attempting a new setup for Box Seat Babes and The Cosmic Curtain. The possibility of doing so is exciting, and I can’t wait to try out the total capacity of the PD400x.
Maono also allows for connection to their app, Maono-Link, which provides a digital interface for the microphone. You can control microphone gain, headphone volume, microphone tone, and other functions through the app. These are the same functions you can complete on the microphone itself, but with the app, it is easier to customize your experience.
Sensitive buttons and a short stand are the only drawbacks to this microphone
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve discovered with the PD400x was just how sensitive the mute button is on the mic. I tend to talk with my hands and move around quite a bit while recording, so I also move the mic and boom arm around a lot. I found myself accidentally hitting the mute button and not even realizing it, with my sound cutting out and another informing me that I was muted. I think this issue could be fixed with feedback to the finger, such as the difference between a tap and a hold on an iPhone. If there was some indication it had been switched off, I could quickly turn it back on and continue with recording.
The other drawback of this mic’s initial setup was its incredibly short stand. There is no way to adjust the height to bring it closer to your face. The first time I used the microphone with the small stand, it was hard for those on the other end to hear me, so I had to fiddle with the settings and ultimately switched to a different microphone until I had time to play with it. This was easily rectified with the boom arm, which had a much longer reach and brought the microphone closer to me. This helped create a better sound without much messing with the settings and made recording our Doctor Who podcast easier.
Maono’s PD400x mic is worth every penny for podcasters and streamers
Good quality equipment isn’t always cheap; however, Maono’s price is reasonable compared to others on the market for similar quality. With a price tag of $149.99 for the microphone and $89.99 for the boom arm, you get studio-grade recording equipment for under 250 dollars. The setup of the PD400x is easy; with just a few clicks and switches, you’re ready to go! I would definitely recommend purchasing the boom arm as well if you’re going to buy the microphone, as it makes recording simpler and helps produce that better-quality sound.
Maono’s PD400x microphone and boom arm stand are available now for purchase! Are you in the market for a new microphone? Let us know your thoughts on this option on social media @mycosmiccircus or in The Cosmic Circus Discord!
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