Budget Podcast Kit Review: Maono AU-A04

[@tombuck]

Chapters: 0:00 - Oh Man It’s the Maono! 1:16 - Features & Specs 2:10 - Unboxing 5:29 - Quick Teardown & Capsule Exam 6:47 - Best Mic vs Best Mic on a Budget 7:15 - Assembling the Kit 8:51 - Maono Mic Test 9:44 - Plosive Test

[@NanliteGlobal]

Thank you for using our product! What a professional and cool podcasting kit you have!

[@tombuck]

Love my Nanlites 👍

[@PrestonJensen]

Looks like a very good option! I really liked the sound of the Neat Widget when you switched to that. So many good options out there!

[@tombuck]

There are so many great choices! I like having this as a budget recommendation 👍

[@shiplabi4454]

It’s always great to watch your videos!

[@tombuck]

Thanks so much! It means a lot to hear that!

[@Brett_Flow]

Really insightful video Tom, loved all the pun's

[@HaruXen]

Been using this mic for more than a year now, with EQ this mic actually sounds really good.

[@tombuck]

Really glad it's been working well for so long!

[@skult227]

Hi, could you tell me what you use for EQ? Thanks

[@iodainsoneoficial]

Thank you very much, Mr, Tom, for this fantastic class! Thank you!

[@tombuck]

I'm glad it was helpful! Class dismissed! 😁

[@MSladekPhoto]

It's amazing how much affordable gear there is out there to get folks started. Would be interesting to see durability type issues after year or two. The even better part is how many $100ish mics are now available that are great build and audio quality. Thanks for being a maono in accepting the challenge review this interesting low-cost kit.

[@tombuck]

The $100 price point is full of incredible stuff. I wouldn't recommend this to someone who really wants to dive in and get something that'l last forever, but it's a solid recommendation for anyone who wants to step up their audio on a budget or who isn't sure how far they want to take things 👍

[@ugglebo1198]

Its not very durable unfortunately. Mine stopped working after about 6 months, lots of buzzing and stuff. Sent it in for "repair", got it back, nothing was fixed, same issue. Got my money back. Loved the mic, but it stopped working quick.

[@abhiseksaha8284]

I really love your backgroud and owsom video quality In you deserve million of subscribers

[@tombuck]

Thank you! You’re way too kind 🙏

[@kalechips5972]

"Maono how to say this thing" That pun literally made me spit out my coffee.

[@KixPanganiban]

My brother has the XLR version of this exact same Maono mic, and they seem to sound pretty similar except that I think the USB version you have is way more susceptible to clipping. It might be because my brother's mic is connected to a GoXLR mini so the preamp and bit depth is better, but you could probably get away with a lower gain (in the OS audio settings) and just boosting in post. Great video as always!

[@tombuck]

Any clipping is probably my fault, to be honest, but it wouldn't surprise me if the XLR version offered a bit more flexibility.

[@NE0TIMELESS]

Thanks for this great video, would that work for DJ ing using Mixxx software?

[@urbanmetal7802]

Wow... Nice detailed review! Looking at the internals should be standard across all mic reviews!

[@tombuck]

Thank you! It's definitely interesting to see what's happening inside- especially on some of these budget models.

[@CapnDavidMorgan]

First video of yours I've seen. The microphone puns are killing me hahaha

[@tombuck]

Thanks David!

[@DrSevTalksMoney]

Man oh man! I finally set up my Maono! I am loving the sound. You never really notice your sound until you notice your sound. LOL.

[@tombuck]

I’m so glad to hear it! Can’t wait to see the mic in action 🙌

[@creepyotter361]

nice video dude just bought one from amazon well really my second one (amazon lost my first package) and cant wait to use it for my videos. i heard that the chipset had changed or something and that there is a firmware patch to fix some distortion stuff. But anyway love this video really shows the quality of the mic :)

[@tombuck]

Ooh, that’s cool to hear about the update! Hopefully you really enjoy yours!

[@PhillipRPeck]

Looks suspiciously exactly the same as the InnoGear SM016 kit which I happened to review last week. I was also surprised at how decent to good everything is for the price

[@tombuck]

I wouldn’t be surprised if it is that same, or at least REALLY similar.

[@QuikTechSolutions]

Hey Tom, enjoy your videos. I thought the Shure & the Yeti by far sounded the best to my ears.

[@tombuck]

They’re both great mics. I’m liking the Shure more and more over time.

[@markfitzurka9995]

Thanks for the review. I got a first grader I don't think is going to stick with his dream of being a KZbin er. at least I won't have to drop $250 to get him started. I shoot and edit some videos of our family activities mostly with a GoPro and Nikon I know when I stepped my audio up with a rode mini microphone with a fuzzy filter it changed a whole lot in my production value. Nothing like what you are doing on your channel. I do watch and listen to enough media to know when someone has it figured out or not. Your review was helpful and your production value is above par. I will give your channel a follow even though I don't think I am necessarily your target demographic. Especially since this video I'm commenting on is a year old. Anyway, I enjoyed it. Keep up the good work. Thanks!

[@PodcastMeister]

Thanks for the comprehensive review Tom! Indeed a decent and budget friendly option, however, I would recommend for those starting in podcasting to save for the Rode NT USB mini - true, it‘s 2x the price and also need a 15-20€ stand to raise it (or put it on its box) but with the Rode Connect app you have the option to record up to 2 remote guests as well, which otherwise would nowhere near be accessible for additional 50-70€. I loved your crazy angled adapter for the Shure 55, could you pls put a link to it? Loved your background music of choice. :)

[@tombuck]

Thanks! The Rode is a really. I’ve mic, and you’re right about the Connect app being a big benefit. The Super 55 adapter is a mix of things, but it’s centered around a SmallRig mini ball arm. The. I have various adapters to fit it onto the boom arm and into the mic. 👍

[@_.itsjxden]

I’m very excited to get this microphone. I hope it works for music recording.

[@tombuck]

Condensers are really popular for instruments and music, so it's a great affordable way to get some decent sound 👍

[@FrancescoGarabello]

As allways you give us excellence! I wonder if you could try the Alctron MC001 some day.

[@tombuck]

Thanks for the kind words and the recommendation!

[@happy_feet546]

Hey can i comnect the power adapter for mic box to the surge protector with all other pc cables or should i connect the power adapter for mic to just the wall outlet??? Im worried i will fry the surge protector thats why

[@ZeDarkLord]

Been using the mic for nearly a year now, and it's pretty decent for the price. The audio quality isn't the "best" ofcourse one can't expect it to be really amazing given the price, but it is a decent upgrade over the inbuilt mic of most portable devices.

[@tombuck]

I think it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to step up their audio without breaking the bank. Good to know it’s held up for you!

[@ZeDarkLord]

@@tombuck The primary point of damage possible with this mic over time would be the USB cable, they aren't meant to be touched around or moved once it has been set, but I unfortunately have to fiddle around with it quite often based on when and what I do. But all in all, I feel this'd be good enough for atleast a year or two. PS. I got the mic for under $40, I live in India so the price is converted from INR.

[@ZeDarkLord]

@@tombuck Also, I'm planning to maybe upgrade to the Shure MV-7, or buy a pre-owned Blue Spark Digital. What would be your opinion on it? PS. I've a dark voice.

[@YouTubePixo]

Does anyone know of a boom mic that I can use with a headset for ps4? Been searching for hours. Thanks in advance.

[@danielschaller-digitalmark9068]

Fun video as always Tom... and surely with Mr. Covid still around a good 'out of the box' solution for the many people that had to run online stuff from one day to another...

[@tombuck]

Definitely a so,I’d choice for someone in that position 👍

[@sapphirejade3969]

Sounds great.

[@danielnordstrand6443]

The puns! XD keep them coming Tom, there great!

[@MikeMena]

PODCASTER RULE #1: no tickling mics.

[@tombuck]

What if they started it?

[@ScottSmithDev]

Hahahaha

[@documenteddrive]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gamingwithjakealt5622]

@@tombuck it would be an asmr podcast

[@RexxReviews]

May-ahh-no , atleast thats what I think it is. The main mic I've been using for my channel recent is a Maono AU-PM320T XLR mic and i was super surprised at the sound. I am using their MAONOCASTER mixer with it.

[@tombuck]

Nice- how is the mixer working out?

[@RexxReviews]

@@tombuck for what it is and it’s price point not bad. It’s no GoXLR by far but for someone just starting out fresh I’d say it’s a decent starting option. The phantom power does not have a lot of power so things like the Rode podmic aren’t viable but any XLR mics with lower power requirements should be fine. The kit that comes with the Mic is probably the best option is that Mike was most likely tuned for this board specifically.

[@paulsasianadventure8050]

Can use condenser USB mic(s) for several people sitting around a table?

[@tombuck]

Yes and no. Something like this could work for two people sitting side by side, but if you have people on all sides then you would need a mic with an "omnidirectional" pickup pattern. This will pick up sound from every direction, but you'll probably need to do quite a bit of processing because it'l likely sound very boomy reverb-y, since it's picking up EVERYTHING in the room.

[@gianri05]

Great video! Have you had any experience with the Maonocaster?

[@tombuck]

I don't! I've mixed reviews, but haven't tried it myself.

[@DrummerPunked]

Thanks for the video! I have a research project/ idea for a video for you, look into how to get Bluetooth headphones without lag for the Rodecaster pro. From what i have found it is possible with a Bluetooth transmitter with APTX codec. I think this would really help the community out a lot if there was an informed video on the subject showing how to get it to work inexpensively since a lot of people already have AirPods, Airpod pros and other Bluetooth headphones alike. Just an idea.

[@tombuck]

That is a good idea! I’m not super familiar with Bluetooth gear, so I’d need to do some research like you said, but you’re right, there are a lot of people interested in that.

[@MGHero504]

I just got mine but there is a lot of ambient noise, with you it sounds amazing, how could I remedy that?

[@Flametalia]

So I just setup everything but I can't seem to figure out why the mic doesnt sound great compared to yours. The mic is configured to the computer yet it picks up a lot of background noise

[@johnheiser2604]

What a great starter kit.

[@tombuck]

I think so!

[@KcDaugirdas]

I'm hearing a bit of distortion/saturation on the Maono. Wondering if that's because the gain was set a bit too hot or due to intrinsic characteristics of the mic?

[@simple5953]

I'm wondering between au-a04 and au-903, which is a good choice for good noise filtering (such as car horns, barking dogs, etc.)

[@braidonthorn]

so why did you set up the boom so close??? is it too short?

[@tristannn808]

May I ask your thoughts if it is worth it to upgrade to the nt-usb mini? From what I can hear from the video, there is indeed a quality upgrade but what my ears can say is it is only a 20% quality uplift. I'm talking about the rode being four times more expensive than the maono in my country. It would be great for you to give your thoughts on this, thank you for the awesome video.

[@tombuck]

I think the biggest benefit that you’d get from the Rode is the ability to use it with the new Connect app. It’s pretty cool, and I’m many ways acts like a virtual Rodecaster. Plus it’s free!

[@JediObiDave]

Whats the board in front of you at 7:30?

[@haggiesm]

Would like to see the Samson Q2U either in its own review video or as part of these comparisons.

[@tombuck]

I've had a hard time getting a hold of one myself, but I have a number of friends who use the Q2u with great results.

[@Zummeli]

Can you do Sudotack ST-900? Great video once again!

[@tombuck]

I haven't heard of that one, but thanks for the recommendation!

[@DatDudeDullah]

This is a great starter mic. I’ve been using it for the the last two seasons of my podcast. Listening to the recordings and comparing them to other mics like the NT1, Podmic, and even the Shure MV7, and it gives a great recording. I run out through Ableton and Ive been impressed. Adding effects makes it sound even better. The main drawback is that you need to use the pop filter as the best option for avoid plosives. The windscreen does a decent job of managing plosives if you have good mic technique. The pop filter and wind screen will give the best results. The only thing I don’t like about it is that it is USB, so you can’t record multiple mics into a computer without an interface of some kind.

[@tombuck]

Two seasons! That's a really great way to put it through it's paces 👍

[@chaiwattongchoi]

Cheers!!

[@SammySuperStar]

This mic looks interesting! Sounds good and good price

[@tombuck]

I feel like your collection is a bit too premium for this one 😁

[@shubinternet]

The square-ish printer-style USB connector is called USB-B. The “normal” rectangular USB interface is USB-A. Don’t ask me why they had to have a different designation if all they were doing is changing the shape, but there you go.

[@tombuck]

Thank you! I completely couldn’t remember 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@eagle7015]

The whole usb naming scheme is just a universally accepted scam

[@jimshaw899]

Podcasting Kit - $50 Something to say that someone wants to hear - $Priceless

[@MichaelDionneDrummer]

That pop filter though!

[@3trunk334]

This model has problems with them changing out the chip compared the older produced ones due to shortages, and sounds worse than the older ones. By the way, you should try out the maono pm461tr, seems like a really solid, great budget mic that can go head to head with the fifine k669b. You should make a comparison between those 2 microphones, pretty much same in price!

[@tombuck]

Interesting, thanks for the recommendations! And very fascinating news about the chip switch 🤔

[@hamburger6434]

I’ve had this microphone for about 2 years and it sounds very bad I need a way to fix it

[@CarterPierce811]

I got this microphone for Christmas!

[@tombuck]

Woo hoo! Merry Christmas!

[@CarterPierce811]

@@tombuck Thanks!

[@neandertalac]

My plan is to have Podtrak P4 and four mics for throwing around, like those Samson or Behringer. 😂

[@tombuck]

The P4 seems like a super solid choice, especially with those insane levels of gain.

[@lukasisbored]

Does it pick up clicking sounds when i use my mouse? I use a logitech g203 lightsync and I've had problems with all my mics picking up sounds of my mouse

[@tombuck]

It really depends on positioning, but I think it'll probably always pick up at least some level of click.

[@fastng]

i always thought that this 2:35 was the windscreen and the first thing 2:20 was a pop filter. now im confused.

[@tombuck]

I tend to mix them up, but the one that goes ON the mic is the windscreen, and the one that clamps to the boom arm is the pop filter.

[@stanAOgar]

Maono Sounds great for the price. Worth a try!

[@tombuck]

Definitely worth considering for anyone on a budget!

[@GabePineda]

At this point, anything you review, I want to buy.

[@tombuck]

I'll keep that in mind if I ever need to have a yard sale 😁

[@brianturney2124]

The Maono (May-ono) mic sounds better than the other one you were using at the start of this video.

[@thinkitthendoit3224]

You can also get a lighting or android jack and use your phone.

[@ardajohn3717]

Watched for the mic❎ Watched to improve my puns & receive an informative review✅

[@tombuck]

I love it.

[@mayasummer6784]

Can you record with two mics on garage band? Two of the maono mics specifically

[@tombuck]

Connecting two USB mics at the same time is always a little tricky. Best to use an XLR interface with XLR mics if you need more than one.

[@SingleRider]

As always, great Video :) is it me or is the Maono Microfone clipping ?

[@tombuck]

After uploading it to KZbin, I noticed that a bit too. I would put the blame on me though- user error.

[@lavandeviolette4165]

Hello ! Did you have test de maonocaster ?

[@tombuck]

I haven't texted that one out, since I do really enjoy the Rodecaster.

[@emmaconcepciontribiana5941]

Is there any microphone with noise cancellation? Dynamic mic or condenser microphone.

[@tombuck]

There are some out there that claim to have noise cancellation, and I believe they're all USB models. I'm even thinking of something like the Shure MV7, which doesn't have built in cancellation but comes with a pretty powerful app to help fine tune your sound. The best thing about USB mics is that it's easy to run them through a software app of your choice for EQ, even while recording live.

[@Edk_Ezy]

If I used a headphone/aux splitter would it work with my PS5?

[@tombuck]

I'm honestly not sure how mics work with gaming consoles, but maybe someone else will see this and be able to help.

[@mathegaming4415]

i got this mic before the chip shortage yay

[@tombuck]

The shortage has really made it tough to get some of these kinds of things!

[@meirgoldenberg5638]

Can I use it as an overhead microphone (i.e. invisible to the viewer)?

[@symmetry6320]

is it loud? like can you use it to trashtalk on games loudly or do you have to config something in a 3rd party microphone program?

[@tombuck]

It should have more than enough gain for most situations.

[@symmetry6320]

@@tombuck Haha alright thanks!

[@franklinjosek9348]

Does Maono A04 require additional sound card when connected to a laptop?

[@tombuck]

It should just be plug and play 👍

[@pxcbvn]

My mic is working, but it has annoying noises and sounds. The sound is not clean or clear. What should I do? My Macbook and the mic maono😞

[@tombuck]

Hmm, that definitely sounds frustrating. Where I always start in situations like that is to record as simply as possible. Sometimes EQ or noise cancellation options do really weird things to mics, so using a basic app like Quicktime to do a test recording will let you know if it's a software problem or something with the mic itself.

[@pxcbvn]

@@tombuck please help me😞

[@LoneRonin77]

Got the maono from fb marketplace and then got a presonus px1 a week later with a studio 24c.

[@RomTavor]

Can I record 2 of these at the same time in GarageBand? The purpose is a 2 man podcast Thanks!

[@tombuck]

Connecting 2 USB mics always brings some issues. Rode has a cool app to use their mics with it, but I don't know of a reliable way to use multiple USB mics beyond that.

[@in_sa_ne]

Got it for 11 CAD in a Thrift Store. Works ok. The part that holds the mic holder to the arm is missing. So I'm justing hanging that on the arm.

[@filipemathias]

Hi, which the best maono au-04 pra fifine k669?

[@tombuck]

They’re both good. I like that the Maono cable isn’t permanently attached to the mic, but the Fifine is a bit cheaper.

[@filipemathias]

@@tombuck Wow, im brazilian, here fifine k669 its more expansive, maono au-04 costs like 20 dollars(only mic and tripod) and fifine k669(only mic and tripod) costs like 30 dollars, i have compared to fifine, because i tested fifine k669 and liked, then maono au-04 its better option ?

[@tombuck]

Oh interesting- with that price difference you can’t go wrong with the Maono.

[@filipemathias]

@@tombuck thanks tom, i buy for 20 dolars now, your Review its primordial for my choice, you are so cool and make a goods reviews ! New subscriber !

[@kittiepurry]

Somehow in the revolution of youtube, windsocks are now called windscreens. Great vid though bought it for my webcam channel.

[@iliyasshaikilu]

Here in India, I got this for just 3k rupees (40 USD), It's great value for the money.

[@tombuck]

Nice! That’s a great deal!

[@SatishKumar-tl3le]

Hi does it have good noise cancellation my room is near the road..

[@BhagyamPrajapati]

Which one is better? Maona au-a04 or maona 421?

[@tombuck]

I haven't used the 421, but it seems to have similar specs to this. The biggest difference seems to be that the 421 has physical controls on it, which is nice.

[@MikeMena]

Dude, i listened to your podcast on really adding security to avoid being hacked a couple days ago, the day AFTER KZbin was being really glitchy and all my videos were GONE. I almost died. I texted everyone I knew to check my channel, videos were GONE. Opened KZbin studio, everything there, and everything got fixed in a couple hours. Omg, that was a terrible coincidence of listening to podcast on hacking and then KZbin glitch 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@tombuck]

That happened to me yesterday! People sent me screenshots of my channel coming up empty. It was terrifying, but luckily just a bug.

[@MikeMena]

@@tombuck ohhhh jeez man, I had a borderline anxiety attack!!! LOL (i laugh now, it wasn't funny in moment)

[@davidgesztesitoth4007]

Hey! Loved your video! I might end up getting this microphone, but where I live this mic costs like 80 bucks and so if you could recommend a $100 mic i would really appreciate it. Edit: Oh I forgot to mention that I need a usb mic...

[@tombuck]

The Samson Q2u is under $100 and is a pretty great option that offers USB and XLR functionality.

[@davidgesztesitoth4007]

@@tombuck Thanks for the recommendation!

[@NATEbTROUBLE]

Can you use this for Xbox and PS5?

[@tombuck]

It is a USB mic, so it should work just the same as any other would with the console.

[@justApigeon.]

I mean it’s gotta be better than my Astro a40 mic right?

[@tombuck]

I would say yes.

[@SamTavrs]

Tom, AU the man! 😂 ✌🏼

[@tombuck]

AU over there- thanks. 😁

[@gamingwithjakealt5622]

I'm thinking about getting one of these for my KZbin channel

[@tombuck]

I'm really excited about it!

[@gamingwithjakealt5622]

@@tombuck thanks

[@gamingwithjakealt5622]

@@tombuck I'm an alt, my real channel is GamingWithJake

[@danmelleady6518]

Why can't people be articulate, thorough and run through a simple topic in a reasonable amount of time... Tom did a great job here, the only thing I would like to see is connecting it to audacity (which he doesn't use). He might have it on a separate video. Another topic that isn't talked about much is how you don't need a mixer with a USB mics why, why not. benefits and other. At least not great vids.. This was a good one though, very helpful, thank you.

[@eezz7822]

Jesus Dan relax

[@xalex9382]

I use this mic

[@tombuck]

Nice! Hope you’re liking it 👍

[@Asaljaga007]

03 or 04. Which to buy

[@tombuck]

I've only used the 04, but I think it's a solid choice.

[@dexgaming6394]

Fifine also makes a kit that has a mic arm, shock mount, pop filter and windscreen for around $62

[@tombuck]

Interesting! I didn't know that.

[@prabhuja7554]

My bread winning for singing covers bro...xlr too has come bro

[@JonathanBlido]

3:43 it's USB type B

[@tombuck]

Thank you!

[@DaviddoesStuff]

Buy the best you can afford but don’t purchase anything with credit!

[@tombuck]

Solid advice right here!

[@dominickcicero]

Totally just gonna end up calling it "Moana" 😂The USB that you were talking about is a USB-A (i think) btw I love the yeti conspiracy!!

[@tombuck]

The Yeti thing is SUPER fascinating to me.

[@nicktayloriv310]

"I wish I would have Rode it down"... 😄 Am I the only one that says "wait for it, wait for it" knowing that they're coming???

[@tombuck]

If it were a drinking game you'd be seriously impaired 😬

[@yehior-eq4ll]

The cord is called usb-b

[@ac1320]

Did I like the mic? Maono, but seems ok. 😃

[@tombuck]

Nice.

[@beyond2809]

I always let out a maono with some of your puns... ...I'll see myself out.

[@tombuck]

Bravo 👏 👏

[@mastertech7662]

Check out pm422 please.

[@jettamxs]

you just exposed all the mic ticklers lol

[@def_kaori]

This or the fifine k669b

[@tombuck]

That's tough since they're both great! You definitely get more in the "kit" with this one, so if you don't have an arm or pop filter or anything, this is probably the way to go.

[@theemclane4037]

Maono is a Swahili word meaning visualising or prophecy, its pronounced "Mer-on-oh"

[@tombuck]

Thank you for this!

[@mumo]

Maono is Swahili for Vision.

[@tombuck]

Very interesting!