Photo by Bonus Action
When it comes to audio recordings, I am fairly picky. Recording podcasts, streaming games, and talking through meetings requires a reliable and quality sound that won’t fail halfway through what is being worked on. The Maono DM40 Pro wireless condenser microphone delivers this quality alongside numerous features, all while looking beautiful on my desk.
The DM40 Pro microphone comes in black and white, both with a build that, while bulky, stabilizes the mic and ensures that it won’t be easily knocked over. I was surprised at how easy it was to set up for recording and how crisp the sound was when playing back podcast episodes.
Key Details
- Developer: Maono
- Microphone Type: Desk Condenser
- Pop Filter: included
- Wireless: Yes
- Price: $119.99
- Where to Buy: Amazon
- Review Sample Provided: Yes
A Microphone With Optimal Style
There is no arguing that the Maono DM40 Pro is a sleek microphone. The mic we tested came in both white and black. We picked the white to test if it would start looking smudgy if it got dusty. Not only does it look crisp and lovely on a desk setup, but the white highlights the RGB glow of the mic. The silver accent is slick and stands nicely against darker objects on a desk.
To keep mess to a minimum, the DM40 hides its control buttons on the bottom of the device. This includes the power button. I had a bit of a struggle the first time I powered it on, thinking the mic-to-headphone control dial on the front would get it started. Instead, you have to press a small button on the underside of the mic and hold it for three seconds. The RGB immediately jumps to life as a signal that it is now in use.
While I love the wireless feature of this microphone for meetings, I always use it wired when recording podcasts. This ensures that the audio doesn’t suffer compression or loss of connection while recording. Despite this, at no point did I have any issues in regular use with dropped connections or a tinny audio quality. The ability to move the DM40 Pro freely around your desk is amazing and works well with workflows on a more compact or busy desk space.
Crisp Audio Comparable At An Affordable Price
When testing the Maono DM40 Pro, I brought it up against my Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP, which has been my primary microphone for the past four years. The AT2020USB-XP comes in at $219 and offers a sleek footprint and professional-level audio.
The DM40 Pro sits at $119.99 when not on sale, but at half the price, it takes on Audio-Technica with admirable results. The Maono mic delivers crisp, concentrated audio that blocks the majority of background noise. It does have a bit of an echo in bigger rooms, but this can be avoided by talking at a proper distance from the pop filter.
The Maono also tops the AT2020USB-XP in the mobility department, as the wireless option provides a portability that allows me to record in places outside my home. It works particularly well in a laptop setting, where there might not be as many options for a wired setup.
When gaming, I did notice it has a habit of picking up any speaker noise, so it is best to play with headphones on to prevent any extra sound from being captured.
Final Score: 8/10
The Maono DM40 Pro wireless microphone is a high-quality, stylish, affordable microphone that delivers premium recording power for almost any situation. It works particularly well for gaming, and streamers will love it for the sleep design, color options, and RGB settings.
While it does have a bit of an echo in certain situations, and doesn’t filter out background noise as carefully as more expensive options, all recordings done come out clear, crisp, and professional. It would be a great option for a new podcaster or anyone looking for a way to start recording their voice regularly.
The Maono DM40 Pro is a fantastic microphone and will look right at home on any desk. It is worth investing in for anyone who needs a quality microphone.
**Bonus Action was provided with a sample of the Maono DM40 Pro Wireless Microphone for the purpose of this review**
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