Maono PD400X USB and XLR Mic Review (VS Shure MV7, Deity VO-7U, Q9U, Maono HD300T, FDUCE SL40, SM7b)

[@LawrenceArnell]

I'm a firm believer that exactly 0% of people use a microphone with no processing whatsoever. Therefore the aesthetics of a microphone actually play a huge part for me since almost everything has a video component these days. This is a really good looking microphone that sounds pretty good from the beginning. I would choose this over the Shure.

[@j.powellnetwork]

Yeah a mic needs to have a nice tone before processing for me. If you are using plug-ins to fix a mic's original sound, that's a problem.

[@ObscureTech]

Impressive. Its hard not to love these dual option mics....especially with on board DSP

[@RetroBigCat75]

Excellent PD400X review, Audio Hotline. Two question, which alternative foam microphone works & does it need the cloudlifter?

[@StefanGenov7]

Wow well done Maono!! I think this is great microphone especially for the price.

[@DuaneDouglas]

Thanks for the video. The PD400X is trying to eat the MV7's lunch...and it may very well succeed down the road if the price disparity remains. I certainly can't justify paying an additional $100 for what is virtually the exact same mic. I much rather spend that extra money on an awesome boom arm instead.

[@caitlingrant5356]

absolutely you are telling the truth, well price microphone

[@razattack1337]

My thoughts too! I needed the arm and this fit within budget for the same performance

[@AsphodelTime]

the Maono sounded a tad bit too bright and the plosive issue is definitely something to consider, was surprised how much i liked the tone of the Q9U and Deity in the comparison though

[@fluphybunny930]

Audio Hotline should have 200K plus subs by now.

[@onlymyopiniontech]

All things considered it sounds like a pretty solid mic. 👍👍

[@spacey_blob]

Great review once again, just stumbled across your channel recently and loved it, amazing content! I just recently bought a Tonor TC40 and the FDUCE SL40, still waiting for them, ordered yesterday and will get them tomorrow, i am thinking in acquiring this one since i already have 2 40's ordered... might as well get a 400... 😆 I would like to know if i may, what do you think of it compared to the SL40 and MV7 and VO-7U and PODMIC (sorry for all the options) Not asking which one is better, i don't have a great ear for this yet, hard to tell the signuture of them, which one do you like more in terms of sound, or which do you think is better to EQ to have other sounds? I am also thinking in acquiring a SM58 since it's really good and close to SM7B, what is your opinion on that? I will use it just for streaming eventually, getting things setup and such. I believe your opinion and like what you think of them, so, was wondering which one you prefer (not the best one) full stop. And which one you prefer with price in consideration, let's say i will be using this in XLR. I will start using them in USB temporarily, but by when i start streaming i will have an audio interface, still picking which one i want, but at minimum i will have a Scarlet Solo. Thank you immensely for all the reviews! And for any help you might throw my way! Keep it up!!! You might have earned a new supporter! :P

[@spacey_blob]

I made the decision of buying a Moto M2, or a Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen and a dynamic mic. I will be returning these items since both did not work for me. I am thinking in between a Rode Podmic, Maono PD400X, or the Shure SM58. Which combo would you choose for you? I know they will be diferente for diferente voices. I made it simpler. :P

[@AudioHotline]

Hey! Thank you for the very kind words! I appreciate the support. Here are my thoughts on this: I would go with the motu m2, I love mine, and I prefer it to my focusrite 2i2. If I was to choose a mic from the list, I would go with the SM58… BUT there are mics I prefer to that. I personally love the versatility and sound of the sm57, but I actually really love the SE V7 in this price range. Another really good mic under a $100 is the Donner PO-8 (I just reviewed it) and for spoken word I would take it or the SE V7 over the Shure mics. If you’re doing some singing, the SE is a great choice, then the SM58 would be next in line. I really like the Maono, but if you’re getting an interface I feel like it isn’t worth getting it, if you’re getting an audio interface… unless you plan on traveling a lot and don’t want to take your interface. To sum up, if I was doing a podcast/content creation and traveling wasn’t a possibility, I would take the Motu M2 and the SE V7 or the Donner PO-8… I personally like the sound of them over the 58 and PodMic.

[@TNTpyros]

Hello! Great review as always :D What should I choose between this, Elgato Wave 1 or something else? I want to sell my AKG D5 and Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD because I want a cleaner and easier setup.

[@DavinciHD_]

How would you say this microphone compares to the Donner PO-8?

[@johnstewart7619]

I liked the Shure and the FDUCE SL40 in your “best of your comparison.”What kills the Shure for me though is that it’s only 48K recording option (and $250 US currency). That’s a big no bueno! But the FDUCE is 96K and $100. I really like that mic. The FDUCE SL40 is a sore dick…….meaning you can’t beat it!! 😉😁

[@sung_yun]

Might not be popular but I thought the sound from FDUCE was bad/worst. PD400X is a good microphone and I think you gave a great/fair grade based on the sound, build quality and design. Thanks for the review, enjoyed watching you.

[@AudioHotline]

That FDUCE is boomy in USB mode for sure!

[@Crapgame619]

Looks very much like the Q9U from Samson

[@fungdark]

Is this the kickstarter mic I just saw last night? Someone posted it in r/podcasting trying to make it seem like not an ad, turned me off from it immediately.

[@tjzuppe]

This is totally not the correct place to ask -- I'm lazy! -- but what is that right-angle XLR you and Bark were discussing on your latest podcast?

[@AudioHotline]

No problem dude! It is the Telefunken right-angle cable, here is a link: imp.i114863.net/5bdBBj

[@AudioHotline]

Also, thanks for listening to the podcast!

[@danmagoo]

@@AudioHotline Thanks! I got a cheaper one from Amazon that literally fell apart before it was delivered.

[@hnm6649]

Won't lie, That mic is fuller than the Shure, That's a shocker.

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

This mic at least sounds better than the Q9u

[@samyoghoshal7716]

Maonopeteyforendendeck!

[@marcelomejiaec9834]

Can I use it for meeting?

[@AudioHotline]

absolutely!

[@scottscrufari]

Has a bit of mid bass distortion

[@j.powellnetwork]

Maono Petey Pablo 😂😂😂

[@exit_hero2230]

This microphone is another Chinese company or cheap company just like there audio interfaces trying to copy mv7 or samson(which copied shire too) why is maono even doing a crowdsource they not a small company, in other country’s there audio interface is number one sold becuase it’s so cheap and simple (and that’s the sound u get as well) that is really wiwrd as well. Some webpages are saying this is the numebr one content creators choice of mics hahahah gosh anyone heard of the sm7b. Once again another knockoff that will sell believe me, peope don’t wanna spend money on hobby’s that aren’t gonna go anywhere probably (80 percent of content creators stop after the first 6 mnths due to not getting views etc)

[@unbiasOrbit]

A lot of other company's are borrowing and inspired by each other.. I don't see why having options is a problem, major brands/companies "copies" their competitors too

[@lionheartroar3104]

The Maono Sound very average.

[@luisfontinelles5834]

100$ to sent to my country 🤡

[@benjiang9789]

PD400x sounds even richer than MV7!

[@ItayFlikier]

Amazing review and comparison! thank you so much ❤

[@AaronOverEverything]

After 2 years of trying , buying and watching reviews of microphones, THIS Maono PD400X is the overall best sounding microphone for podcasting & livestreaming. I just came to this conclusion 5 days ago, when I randomly took it out of the box, after using the Amplitank Tank 3 for a month, and randomly using my Sm7B. The Maono PD400X is the ABSOLUTE BEST sounding mic for the price.. And it ain't even close..

[@Rovan_these_days]

Bro do u have any problems with the mic and what mic arm do u use if u use one

[@AaronOverEverything]

@@Rovan_these_days absolutely no problems with this microphone… However, I never use it and USB mode… Only an XLR through an interface. I have many mic arms, but when going for aesthetic, I use the Fulaim low profile arm.. it’s built insane & tight as hell.. you can actually hear this mic being used in my last 2 latest videos on my channel!

[@asdasdf-s3p]

so limited and still selling it...

[@artmaltman]

Maono took your advice and included the beefier wind screen (sponge) in the box. I just bought one, that's how I know 🙂.

[@AudioHotline]

@@artmaltman heyyyy!!!! Nice! I am glad they did!

[@WonyongTV]

I use Shure MV7. Maono PD400X is a product that copies too much of mv7, but the performance seems to be similarly good.

[@_pvn]

Im trying to personally decide between the maono pd400x @$110 or the sm57 with a pop filter for roughly the same maybe a $5 difference. So it doesnt matter too much, however my main goal is to avoid sounding nasally with a preference of being more dark and warm. If you could possibly provide insights and help in making a decision, that would be great ! I will be using the Wave XLR to power either of these mics, so losing usb is not a deal breaker.

[@Raeraeiscooler]

would you need to have maono link open all the time or does the mic have some sort of onboard memory to save the settings?

[@AudioHotline]

The mic is able to remember the settings, no need to always use Maono link.

[@Raeraeiscooler]

@@AudioHotline thanks!

[@anized6896]

Can you please tell me which pop filter u have? It looks SO much better than the one I have and I hate it!

[@AudioHotline]

I am just using the windscreen they sent me. They must have changed which one comes with it since I got mine! I do have some universal windscreens I could try when I get to my studio later and let you know if any of them fit/work.

[@Nofamilly]

Pd400x better than sm57? Or nt1 signature in untreated room for vocal and guitar?

[@AudioHotline]

For vocals and guitar I would personally pick the SM57 in that situation

[@Nofamilly]

@@AudioHotline thanks u, going to buy sm57lce, unfortunately sm7db is so expensive and I can’t find nothing better than sm57 :( for 200$ price it will costs me

[@user-kf8de4cf7k]

Can you pls suggest me a dynamic mic under 250 dollars for my gaming and livestream

[@MrMoeJo]

Thank you so much for putting in the work to provide us with an incredibly enlightening and eye-opening comparison of Dynamic Microphones. During the blind test, I found myself gravitating towards the Maono AU-HD300T and Maono PD400X. Your video has greatly simplified my decision-making process on which one to choose.

[@AudioHotline]

I am glad you found it helpful! Thanks for the support!

[@hwthinker]

Does the dual output (USB & XLR) of PD400X operate alternately or can they be used simultaneously? If they can be used simultaneously, is it possible as a backup in case one of them encounters an issue? How about PD200X? Can the USB & XLR be used simultaneously?

[@AudioHotline]

Yes, at the beginning I am actually swapping between XLR and USB mode. On the lower left part of the video, it shows you which one I am using. You can definitely use one of them as a backup; that's one great thing about some USB+XLR mics! Not all of them can, but the ones that can are really cool!

[@AudioHotline]

The PD200X is also capable of recording simultaneously.

[@razattack1337]

Just got the PD400x after this review, such a great value for the price ! Planning to broadcast recording and I was impressed with how this performed in USB mode.

[@emeraldzLmon]

kitty pur test 😆

[@CRYPTKREEPER]

what would you say the best settings for this mic are in the software and they changed the windscreen to a crazy huge one

[@WhiteAsperagus]

pd400x or fifine k688? looking for voiceover microphone

[@jorgeguerrero2292]

Hola que tal, una pregunta: ¿Que pasa si gritas al micro, se satura el audio?

[@abutaheera2250]

prices UAE?

[@AudioHotline]

I appreciate the watch! In regards to the price, It will be easier for you to check that than for me to change my settings/location and check it for you. I’d love to be able to tell all the prices for all over the world but If I mentioned every country’s price for each product that would take most of the video runtime.

[@F01L]

Question: the Samson Q9U is US$ 40 more than the PD400x, is it worth getting the samson over the pd400x?

[@AudioHotline]

Personally, I would pick the Maono.

[@psalmsbyharvz81]

Great review as always! 🔥 By the way, I just got mine and try to use it on my mac. Im a newbiew and dont really know what im doing. First issue, I plug the xlr to my 2i2 infereface and it works but can't use any of the controls on the mic. Is that how its supposed to be? Secondly, I plug both xlr and type C and I can use the maono link, but when I use the buttons on the mic, its lighting up but I dont hear any difference. For example, I tried to adjust the gain, and it doesnt seem to do anything. I also adjust the gain through the software and does the same. Am I missing anything, or is this a faulty unit? Thanks man!

[@AudioHotline]

As an XLR mic, the buttons and controls will not work. Same goes for any Hybrid USB and XLR mic. Since it’s a dynamic mic, it doesn’t get sent any sort of power through the XLR port. It would be cool if DSP worked on the XLR side of the mic, but it is essentially an analog connection and can’t support that. That’s where DSP on the interface would come into play or plugins on your computer. When you are using it with the Maono Link software how are you monitoring the mic to listen for adjustments? Are your headphones plugged directly into the back of the mic? If you record and make gain adjustments is it noticeable on the waveform?

[@dinkyshopYT]

Months later, the Maono PD400 goes on sale for $120, making it a good, cheaper alternative to the pricier Shures. Great review. Comparisons very helpful. Some of the other mics are very solid too, depending on one’s mic technique skill & vocal improvement over time.

[@TheMillionDollarDropout]

Now it sells for $112 on Amazon Regularly. I got mine for $105 on eBay!

[@DashHawk]

you disserve more than 20 k sub

[@DashHawk]

just help with comment

[@paulworster3683]

Was looking at a second hand MV7 for £150 but honestly there is so little difference between these two its hard to justify buying a second hand MV7 over a new 400x at £122. i looked for a 400x on amazon uk. nothing. yet in the US its all there. why is it so hard to get Maono in the UK?

[@iam_ram_]

crazy review, Most detailed!

[@wallmartkiller]

I NEED TO KNOW IF YOU CAN 100% MONITOR YOUR VOICE AND PC AT THE SAME TIME?

[@AudioHotline]

Yes, you can. You just have to select it as your output device on your PC.

[@wallmartkiller]

But can you monitor your voice and pc at the same time or do you have to choose what to hear?

[@s8shocktv20]

which pop filter had on pd400x at 21:27 ?

[@Jair_Araujo]

15:11 - 15:30 is lovely!😻😹

[@RjeeyProduction]

Hi, I have a question can I use this mic with the original iPhone type-c to lightning cable? So one end the type-c plugs into the mic and on the other end the lightning goes into my iPhone.

[@F01L]

Hi! Have you tried the lightning to type c with this mic?

[@erickmetzplay]

Thx for your vıdeo, I choose Shure MV7

[@CarloLeonKolega]

Help! This mic or K688?

[@AudioHotline]

I'd take the Maono!

[@aliendroneservices6621]

"MAONO is located in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China"

[@dolphinboy2u]

Your settings for Tone are not the same: Shure is set to Natural, but Maono set to Deep. Kinda invalidates the A-B comparison,...

[@AudioHotline]

I only was in deep mode for the first little part of that section when I showing the standard setting options on the maono software. It was to demonstrate the only wording differences... like I mention in that section. Then I switch to natural. Also, the blind comparison has both of them in natural mode too.

[@diagnoseddad]

Great review. If you got an extension for the included base plate to make mic sit taller do you think it will be too top heavy to extend height?

[@diagnoseddad]

Looking for my first USB mic. Was set in the MV7 but based on this review the PD400X is on route for $110 inc shipping & taxes. Thanks for the great review.

[@jnregino]

Which one is better? The Maono PM500 or The Maono PD400?

[@AudioHotline]

What are you planning on using it for?

[@shaneolarte5718]

​@@AudioHotlineahmm home studio recording, singing ?

[@Skripmzs]

Cool comparison dude. I like mic C and was already considering buying it. Thanks for making up my mind for me.

[@ruslangorceag1341]

Hey bro Please try PreSonus Revelator Dynamic You gotta try it...

[@MIHAYAOWEN]

Thanks for your review. It is really an amzing product

[@cristianhaivaz]

between the Maono PD400X and the Fifine 688 which one would you suggest if used with USB C ONLY? I'm looking for a good mic to do voice overs. Great review btw, keep it up! :)

[@Jeldin486]

Honestly curious about this too. Both are what I'm looking at. I already picked up the 688 but I'm still in the return window. It sounds nice, but I'm no audio engineer so I'm struggling with filter settings to get it as nice as possible. The maono is definitely more expensive, but seems like it'd be easiest to get the best sound possible for an audio idiot like myself.

[@syed.simanta820]

​@@Jeldin486 u can hire someone.

[@Yesan_]

What did you end up picking and how do you like it?

[@yannickpolitowski6074]

Recently stumbled across your review on this mic again. Is there any third-party pop filter you can recommend that is similar in aesthetics to yours? I‘m not a big fan of the new one they put in the box right now. Thanks in advance - keep crushing it! ☺️

[@PieceOfThePieWithTy]

Great Review Bro 👍🏽

[@Jra362]

would you say this is great for making music? how is it for singers?

[@ce7778]

Do you know what the SNR is on USB?

[@yannickpolitowski6074]

Awesome work, man! Thanks for the vid.

[@JT-tr6ei]

think if u have a top 5 ranking list at every video would help to know whether each update affects how good it is at the time