Photo by Bonus Action
Podcasting can be an expensive venture, and finding a good microphone at a reasonable price is no small feat. However, Maono has continued on its mission to provide powerful audio equipment at a price that won’t break the backs of new podcasters with the PD200W Hybrid Podcasting microphone.
This stunning mic can be installed on an arm or step up on a desk stand and offers a shocking variety of settings and options for an option just under $100. From a solid shock mount to the crisp XLR capabilities, the PD200W isn’t holding back.
Key Details
- Developer: Maono
- Microphone Type: Podcasting
- Stand Campabitibilty: Desk and Arm
- Price: $99.99+
- Sampe Provided: Yes
Powerful Podcasting Technology at A Reasonable Price
Offering a 30mm dynamic microphone with Cardiod reception, 2.4GHz wireless, USB, and XLR connection, the PD200W is kitted to provide high-quality recordings right out of the box. This microphone is perfect for first-time recorders looking for high-quality sound, but it does have a bit of a learning curve.
For those who order the desktop version of the PD200W, setup is simple. The mic screws onto the stand and can be adjusted via a direction knob just under the shock mount. One thing I particularly like about this mount is that it can be extended via a second knob for more height, making it perfect for on-the-go adjustments. This is a big leap from my standard setup with the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP, whose desktop stand is the worst part of its design. The stand on the PD200W is hefty as well, ensuring the microphone won’t fall over.
When in use, it can be set to a wireless mode, USB, or XLR. The Wireless mode, while convenient, is the least stable of the options. The audio was a bit crackly and choppy, but it is very nice for travel or events.
The USB-C and XLR options are the way to go if podcasters want the best quality audio from this microphone. When hard-wired in, the sound is clean and crisp, with any artifact sound removed thanks to the foam windscreen.
Additionally, the controls on the PD200W are set up in a way that is easy to adjust while in use. The sound mic and headphone setting dial is on top of the mic body, and pressing on it allows the user to adjust the gain to the desired level. On the AT2020USB-XP, these settings dials are under the windscreen and can be difficult to adjust mid-recording without bumping the screen and creating noise artifacts.
The dials are exactly where I want them, and it is one of the highlights of the overall body.
Sound Quality Is Sharp, But Not Without Setbacks
As stated above, the Maono PD200W is being tested against the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP. The AT2020USB-XP is more than double the price of the PD200W, so if it comes close, that is good news for those looking for an affordable and quality option.
When it comes to sound isolation and clean audio recordings, the benchmark in the $150-$250 price range has remained firmly set with the AT2020USB-XP for the past several years. The mixture of clean audio and minimal background noise for the price point has remained solid, and is needed for recording my own podcast: Spilling the Sinistea. Shockingly, the PD200W challenges the more expensive microphone honorably.
Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP Test Audio
Maono PD200W Test Audio
The audio test for the Maono PD200W shows the importance of toggling the gain to get the sound balance correct, as the initial recording is very quiet. Both PD200W recordings have more artifact noise than the AT2020USB-XP, but the background sound is minimal and can be adjusted for even less intereference in the Maono app.
If the user is recording in a quiet studio space or area designed to minimize noise, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, anyone recording in a conference, in a busier location, or in a home that doesn’t yet offer a dedicated studio for podcasting may encounter issues with ambient noise being picked up on the recording.
It is also important to remember that the Maono has a software application designed to help minimize background noise and adjust recordings to exactly what the user needs. This may take a bit of extra work, but doing so puts this microphone on par with options substantially more expensive.
Final Score – 9.5/10
For the price, the Maono PD2020W does everything. For less than $100, users can record high-quality audio without cables or set up a wired system with minimal effort.
Audio recoded is close to the same quality as microphones twice as expensive, but the PD2020W offers a better desk stand, boom arm compatibility, and an ergonomic and intuitive control interface that can be adjusted mid-recording with no interference to sound quality. The shock mount adds another level of stability, ensuring that the microphone doesn’t pick up unwanted sound while in use.
The Maono PD2020W is a steal, and will provide everything podcasters need for a bargain price. Whether you need to replace a mic as a long-time podcaster or are looking to try something new and powerful on a budget, this is a fantastic choice and one that won’t disappoint.
**Bonus Action was provided with a sample of the Maono PD200W Hybrid podcasting microphone**
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