Better than an Audio Interface? - Maono PD200x Unboxing (ft. Fifine K688, Fifine AM8)

Let's unbox and review the Maono PD200x!
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I'll also cover something that the Maono PD200x does better than the Fifine K688 and Fifine AM8.
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[@DaveSoltura]

I am a poopoo head. As of my latest test with the included cable, the Maono PD200x got the pops and clicks you can hear in this video. You still need to get a separate USB 3.0 cable for this mic for it to work flawlessly. With the Maono DM30 cable which is shorter, the PD200x did not have pops and clicks for 10 minutes straight as I talked in a continuous stream of consciousness. Whatever that is. You can /sometimes/ get away with no pops and clicks, but you have no guarantees. Would that make me recommend this mic any less? Not at all. It's still 24-bit, so once you've replaced the cable, it's still going to be a strong contender in this category.

[@nikolai09]

What USB 3.0 cable would you recommend for use with this mic?

[@telugudevotionalteacher7209]

K688 vs pd200x which one is great mic ?? apart from 24-bit

[@DaveSoltura]

@@telugudevotionalteacher7209 I like how the K688 sounds. If 24 bit doesn’t matter to you, and you plan to upgrade to an audio interface later on, I prefer the K688 upgraded sound.

[@DaveSoltura]

@@nikolai09 Something from Ugreen would do the trick!

[@torpedoyt09]

Please make a video on maono pd 400 x

[@ersamson]

This channel is so underrated. Love the production put into this video, very clean. Your room set up is great as well. Good review, I like the Podcastage-ish style of it. I wish to have a sound comparison with more microphones that you own. Keep it up chief!

[@DaveSoltura]

Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate you letting me know you want more comparisons. :) Definitely keeping that in mind.

[@ajh.7]

You deserve way more views and subscribers considering this level of quality of videos and production

[@DaveSoltura]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@CraftReaper-OmarFaruqTawsif]

Great review! I have went through a few others but only your review hooked me till the end

[@DaveSoltura]

Thank you!

[@misterx8592]

Great job Dave! Thank you!

[@LowKeyContender]

purchased this mic today off amazon after watching your video....... plus word of mouth from online. thanks for your informative video. new sub! p.s good video production. :)

[@khalidelgazzar]

Thank you Dave. This has been very informative

[@DaveSoltura]

Appreciate it!

[@samantasunanda]

Your production quality is great❤

[@DaveSoltura]

Glad you think so!

[@ZeitreisemitKI]

thx bro, very professional video! I get the k688 😊

[@Ghaleon]

Very professional review. KZbin algorithm is buggy for not promote this

[@DaveSoltura]

Thanks for the kind words. ☺️

[@user-or9yy7tf1j]

it would be nice if u do a comparison of all fifine mics u have the k688, am8, a8 plus, k690

[@Purpful]

So would you recommend this over the k688? im gonna purchase a new mic and an audio interface. Ill be using it for my videos and for music, in xlr mode ofc

[@DaveSoltura]

If it’s for music, I like the K688 more for vocals :)

[@kruzowarzone]

Nice Video ❤❤ does the software still run in background when we close (click X button) ? or we need to keep open (minimize -) How do you compare with Maono PD400X condenser mic

[@KingTangoXL]

Underrated youtuber

[@philipy266]

Hey could you check to see if a usb 2.0 usb c cable replacement works just the same as something that is usb 3.0? for fixing the mic issues

[@Zeiboon_GG]

Hi! What audio obs filters can you suggest using this mic ?

[@kamingsgarden]

Dude this video is just👌

[@DaveSoltura]

Thank you!

[@wikitube8089]

Awesome review keep it up i have the same mic 🎙️ and this is awesome but the sound of mute and rgb button is little noisy but i can use the software for that i don't try any cable or xlr cable for now cause i don't have sound interface but i see that the sound with usb is similar to the sound of xlr is it ??? And if you found a solution of clicky sound of buttons let me know bro thanks for brilliant review 👏

[@DaveSoltura]

No solutions for me for now, but yes usb mode is very similar to XLR! You would need a very expensive interface to beat the usb mode.

[@EnglishFluentFly]

After long research, I purchased it but noise cancellation is Zero. Now I can't understand what can I do?

[@ChichiManoToons]

Sir i have problem i but icon uport 2 dyna interface but it can record only left channel with mic for voice over if i switch to mono then the quality drops can you plz suggest me a interface which can record stereo both channels with one mic for voice overs

[@AnimakerCreation]

please suggest me a microphone for voice over

[@Ghaleon]

Yo. Have you ever used/tested an ARCANO Mic? Arcano BKU-01 to be more specific. I have that one, they dont produce it anymore. Sound is good, but I can't increase too much of the volume because of noise sound. You think I could use this Maono PD200x for both: - Videos where I narrate a story. Roleplay wih aa game character - Record more far away from the mic, where the mic doesnt appear, but still have good quality. (No Noisy if I need to increase its gain) Thanks

[@DaveSoltura]

Hi! I've never tried any Arcano mics. You can definitely narrate a story and roleplay as a game character with this mic. As for being out of view, it performs fairly well, but there will be a bit of noise still. I find that it isn't /super/ noisy though and is usable for casual use like KZbin and amateur game streams. Hope that helps!

[@jeydi_yt]

lods can you review the new update in maono link update?

[@MannyS2K]

im having a problem with my PD200X and it sounds like a bee whenever im not talking and randomly cutting out do you have any advice on how to fix it

[@pandaadventureunboxing6855]

When you on a Podcast and Voice acting which one would you choose, K688 or this one ?? Disregard the cables and software cons just out of the box quality either XLR or USB mode ???

[@DaveSoltura]

To my ear, disregarding all that, I prefer the K688

[@shamshad3128]

hey for voiceover which one is better.. maono pd 200x or fifine k688 ( on comapring voice from you k688 video i found the audio from pd 200x to be more richer and fuller compared to k688 )

[@DaveSoltura]

I’ll make a comparison :)

[@sempopo]

Great video!😊 Any idea how this mic would be for singing?

[@DaveSoltura]

Thank you! It would fare well on a technical level, because it is hard to distort it with the pop filter, and you can get loud audio with very little noise. However from a tone perspective, that would be subjective. You may like what you hear. Personally, I think a mic like the Fifine K688 would fare better, tone-wise. You can watch my unboxing of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6nPe4WdZ7ygrq8

[@sempopo]

@@DaveSoltura wow! That was fast.. Thank you for the information. Subed!

[@edwinchia6043]

Hello, I'm looking to record ASMR content, I'm stuck between the Teyun Q12, Behringer UM2 and the Bomge BMG11S. Would really love your opinion on which should I go for, will be using a BM800 condenser mic

[@DaveSoltura]

I’m not familiar with the Bomge, but it seems pricey compared to the Teyun. The Teyun, in my opinion, is a better value than the UM2. If you have more of a budget, go for the Fifine A8 Plus! If you can only use the Bm800 only, the Teyun will do for now, but note that it’s got more noise than the Fifine.

[@tessietumbaga4712]

Im planing on getting this mic however I don’t know what boom arm to get, any suggestions?

[@DaveSoltura]

Even a generic one will do, since the mic is so light!

[@joevalfiel1124]

would you recommend this for a call center mic? or better get a headphone with a decent microphone? thanks

[@DaveSoltura]

You might want to look into the Fifine H6! Headset + mic combo

[@onyxbunny]

please to a Maono PD400x vs Maono PD200x

[@Kryin_YT]

Which one of the 3 mics do you recommend the most? The Fifine K668, Fifine AM8 or the Maono PD200x?

[@DaveSoltura]

Not considering 24-bit and other factors, I like the K688 for thinner voices, and AM8 for deeper ones.

[@milisnow]

in term of rejecting background noise, do you prefer this or K688? thx!

[@DaveSoltura]

They generally capture the same amount, but the AM8 captures more high frequencies, including higher frequency noise. k688 wins here

[@Cordest]

What would be a good boom arm or arms with this? Any recommends?

[@DaveSoltura]

Most generic boom arms will do because it's so light! But if you want something heavy duty, you can check out the Maono BA90. It's pricey though.

[@meltx]

hey dave! not sure if you're still reading comments but am curious what you think is better? i'm planning on getting a usb/xlr mic for my room where there's a bit of background noise but would only be used for vc's or in-game chat. i also cannot afford a boom arm at the moment but i plan on getting a good desktop stand. would you recommend the maono pd200x or the samson q2u? thanks! :)

[@DaveSoltura]

PD200x all the way! As a former q2u owner, it really requires a lot of gain. In usb mode, it’s quiet, and the microusb is dated at this point. You also get software, which the q2u doesn’t have!

[@meltx]

oh wow, that's true! i just came across the atr2100x and fifine k688 since they're currently in my budget - which of the these four would you recommend overall?@@DaveSoltura

[@DaveSoltura]

@@meltx I've never owned an Atr2100x, but upon listening, preamps are noisy/quiet, so you'll get a little hiss in the background. Would be good if you need a handheld mic, but it seems you just need it on your table. Can't really go wrong between the K688 and PD200x, but the latter has more features!

[@meltx]

thank you so much! just did some listening to both mics and pd200x stood out so much more to me. gonna get it for christmas, thanks again! i appreciate the help :)@@DaveSoltura

[@reznified8624]

What’s a cheap boom arm or stand for the maono pd200x

[@DaveSoltura]

Any generic stand will do! It’s very light.

[@Lemon_10]

is it FDA approved

[@hikvision-gd5yw]

can i use it for song cover , does it recommend ?

[@DaveSoltura]

Wouldn’t be my favorite choice for songs. Go with the Fifine K688! :)

[@tyroneTy2024]

does this sound good with the teyun q12?

[@DaveSoltura]

It will sound better on its own, in usb mode!

[@j8457]

I'm looking for a USB mic for a noisy environment and I have these options: 1. MAONO DGM20 2. MAONO DGM30 3. MAONO PD100U 4. MAONO PD200X Which one should I go for? Note: I'll only use the mic rarely and only for chatting with friends and for work, that's it.

[@DaveSoltura]

The PD100U or PD200x will be fine. You can’t go wrong with either!

[@anyplacia]

is this mono pd200x better or fifine k688 I can get both of them as they at similar price tho I would love to get the am8 but the price of it in india on amazon of am8 is approx 150$ like what the hell but on official fifine india its priced at 55$ but its out of stock so im considering pd200x or the fifine k688 which is better do you think for usb connection

[@DaveSoltura]

You can’t go wrong with either. Personally I prefer the K688. It sounds great even when you upgrade. If you don’t plan to upgrade, the PD200x will give you more flexibility in post-processing because it’s 24 bit.

[@anyplacia]

@@DaveSoltura is maono pd200x or ampligame a8 not am8 but a8 I’m mostly gonna use it on a Mac but also on an android so wondering which is better between pd200x or a8 as I was considering Fifine k688 or pd200x but found out that the usb cable with Fifine doesn’t work so basically useless for me as I do not have any spare usb 3.0 to usb C cable I think and even if I had it I would not be able to tell the difference so I’m thinking of getting maono pd200x or a8

[@anyplacia]

@@DaveSoltura yeah I saw that k688 sounds good 👌

[@CaptMrgn]

I bought this mic, but somehow there a static sound when im recording "tik" sound you can refer to your video 6:40 how do we solve this?

[@DaveSoltura]

I’m currently away on a trip and I’ll look into it when I’m back!

[@DaveSoltura]

Please check my pinned post.

[@beaackermine8903]

Hello there! I would like to know your opinion if fifine k688 is better than that microphone or not.

[@shamshad3128]

same

[@DaveSoltura]

I’ll make a comparison soon!

[@shamshad3128]

@@DaveSoltura make sure i dont die before its out 😆

[@poomipasjaichuen3479]

Compair to the k688 which is better?

[@DaveSoltura]

I don’t have a preference yet. A potential versus video maybe :)

[@darealgreglopez]

how is the latency on the headphones

[@DaveSoltura]

No latency in my experience!

[@rishikeshyadav1813]

I wanted to ask that When Doing Real time monitoring make some Sssss/Not exactly buzzing type of sound?? Or Mic does in usb? I have Win 11 Amd 5800H and Rx6500M doesn't have Noice Suppression how will I fix it any idea? (I got Pd200x today and I have this Doubt should I replace it?)

[@DaveSoltura]

That’s known as preamp noise. You have noise from both the headphone preamps, and the microphone preamps. It’s to be expected at this price point, and you’d need to upgrade to an audio interface to significantly reduce it.

[@rishikeshyadav1813]

@@DaveSoltura Thank Youu...! Maono Link added Noice Cancellation in Pd200x can u make a review...When I used it didn't felt any cancellation suggest you to try it. It's under development I guess

[@Music-ch7tm]

Can we use this to record music

[@DaveSoltura]

You can. I’d just personally prefer the K688 a bit more in terms of tone.

[@Music-ch7tm]

Great

[@harrypotter_petronus]

Is it good for recording vocals? Signing i mean

[@DaveSoltura]

I prefer the Boya BY m1000 pro or the Fifine K688/Fifine AM8 for that application!

[@kaetce]

Do you prefer this or the Blue Yeti? I trust your thoughts

[@DaveSoltura]

For most people without soundproofing and sound treatment, the PD200x would be better.

[@PankArts]

Hi, Great video❤ I have Audio Array AI-03. I am trying to connect my MAONO PD200X mic with this audio interface to my computer but the mic not working with this audio interface. this auido interface not giving power to turn ON my mic connection steps 1.audio interface power in ON 2.connected type c usb to usb from audio interface to my pc 3.MAONO PD200X mic connected to audio interface with XLR cable 4.mic not receiving power after connect to audio interface zero response I am not able to understand whats the problem here. Is this audio interface not compatible to the MAONO PD200X mic?? Please help me and let me know if you have any solution for me.

[@DaveSoltura]

Hi! There seem to be two main possibilities here: Either your particular Maono PD200x itself can't accept XLR power as a factory defect, or the Audio Array is the one with a problem. Would you know if your interface works with other microphones?

[@PankArts]

@@DaveSoltura thanks for quick reply. I have check with 3 mic i.e 2 condensor and 1 dynamic.. and audio interface not able to supply enough power to these mics.. means mic power ON issue

[@PankArts]

@DaceSoltura may be this interface don`t have enough capacity to turn ON mic power....

[@DaveSoltura]

@@PankArts By the way, have you tried recording with it? It won't light up in XLR mode. There is only RGB in USB mode. You should be able to select your interface in your recording software.

[@PankArts]

@@DaveSoltura okay thanks..I will check

[@ConciergeofRyan]

Is it good for recording? TIA

[@DaveSoltura]

For most uses, yes it is!

[@kuyagold9524]

This or Fifine A8 Plus??

[@DaveSoltura]

Depends on your needs. This can take plosives more and is easier to recommend because of that. The A8 Plus sounds better overall to me, but will distort audio easy. It’s also a condenser so it will capture more background noise.

[@Diffstu]

am8 or pd200x?

[@DaveSoltura]

sounds like a good video idea! I'll look into it :)

[@Nabil619]

Bro, You can't be serious Right? I just brought Fifine k688. Now your saying This mic is better.

[@DaveSoltura]

Only by virtue of features and a working cable. 🙂 I recorded this a week ago. After that, in one of my other videos, someone left a comment that the new K688s have a working cable. EQ-wise, I give the K688’s sound an edge and will continue to use it in XLR mode. Podcastage likes the K688 sound too!

[@JamesLuna11-14]

Bought it for 50USD hehe

[@ShoutAyzee]

is the maono software free?

[@DaveSoltura]

Yes!

[@furnacecrafter]

This looks like the fifine k658.

[@DaveSoltura]

Similar, but different. 🙂

[@Rayu25Demon]

mayuno 😂😂😂😂

[@OhNooJosephJoestar]

bro reviews just fine but damm homie bring some bass to the voice, no hate at all but mann you got a little eeee eee eee eee voice

[@bendover-do5rj]

fr

[@DaveSoltura]

I’ll try :) Thanks for the suggestion!

[@destinsleutel5541]

​@@DaveSolturanever listen to this type of stupid advice. Own your voice. Make jokes about it. Fully accept it. It's unique, never accept advice from people who start their KZbin comment with "bro" followed by a verb.

[@DaveSoltura]

​@@destinsleutel5541 Thanks for the very kind and considerate comment. :) I appreciate it. I was bothered at first, but I realized it was actually a comment a couple of my voice over mentors have mentioned in the past. Back then, I did not listen to the advice and have had the chance to really "own" my voice. In fact, more than half of my VO work uses it! So I'm absolutely happy and content with it. :) I love making fun of my "scrawny teenager voice." Makes me more relatable to voice acting students. As an audio engineer, I've also recognized how thin a band could sound without a bass guitar/a proper subwoofer. There is a certain objectivity to it. Higher frequencies tend to be heard, lower ones tend to be felt: you could feel your chest thump from bass, but not with high frequencies. So this time around, I'm not taking this advice personally, but as an experiment. Recorded a video with a bassier voice. Let's see how people like it. 🤣

[@destinsleutel5541]

@@DaveSoltura It sounds look you've put healthy active thought into this so you're probably more knowledgeable about your own voice and what it does and doesn't need, than anybody in a KZbin comment section (including me) would ever be able to tell you. Keep up the good work :)

[@TRUMPSUCKS45]

Too bad the mute button makes so much noise!