Maono PD400X Review – Best Features, Pros, Cons [Fully Tested]

When creating or updating your podcasting or streaming kit, selecting the right microphone will be your most important task.

In this Maono PD400X review, you will discover that this microphone may be the ideal choice for you, largely due to its cardioid audio output and user-friendly design.

Let’s dive in and discover the benefits this microphone will offer to your podcast or stream!

Stefan’s Take:

I’ve thoroughly tested this mic for multiple purposes while making several videos, podcasts, and a few live streams.

What I liked the most about it is how simplified the control and adjustment are with Maono Link software. Everything you need can be adjusted in the software interface, so I didn’t have to fiddle with the microphone itself too much.

Also, I was easily able to change the settings on the go while recording, which is extremely important because when you’re making a video or podcast, you want your viewers to hear everything loud and clear. Sometimes, there are unexpected interferences though, which require you to make some adjustments. This was quite simple to achieve with this mic.

8.9

Audio Quality	9
Sensitivity	8.5
For Streaming?	9
Value	9

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Maono PD400X Features

The Maono PD400X includes several standard features typical of a dynamic microphone designed primarily for podcasting, but it also boasts some that have been shown to be excellent for streaming as well.

Here are the key points that stood out to me and that you should definitely consider if you decide to choose this mic.

XLR/USB Dual Mode

This microphone features dual output options, which means it includes both XLR and USB outputs.

With dual mode, you can choose to record something both digitally and as an analog recording.

This microphone can be connected to various devices, including mobile devices, desktops, and standard audio interfaces.

You can also use both modes simultaneously, recording with XLR and USB at the same time. However, be aware that some functions, such as phantom power, do not work with the XLR cable.

To switch between these options, simply control the button located at the bottom of the microphone.

I found this quite easy to navigate; however, I must admit that I missed some features while recording via USB and XLR simultaneously.

The absence of the phantom power function means that many cables must be used, which is the primary drawback.

Maono Link Software

Maono offers its own software for controlling its microphones, known as Maono Link Software.

Downloading is straightforward; simply visit their official website here and download either the Windows or Mac version.

Here are the essential steps to follow when working with Maono Link:

The interface of this software is very user-friendly; I found it quite intuitive, and I believe this is not solely due to my prior experience with similar software.

Additionally, having the ability to control most options within the software, rather than constantly adjusting the microphone itself, made the recording process significantly easier.

Multi-Function Compound Knob

The reason this mic features a simple design is due to the single compound knob that controls several different functions.

With this single knob, I could adjust the monitor mix, microphone gain, and headphone volume.

This is not something commonly seen among podcasting microphones, which typically have multiple knobs for various settings.

If you don’t require all those physical knobs and can manage most adjustments through the software, then this option will be quite useful.

One of my favorite features of this knob is its ability to control both the microphone and the headphones. Switching between these two modes only requires pressing and holding the knob for one second.

Dynamic Capsule

Microphones with dynamic capsules operate on electromagnetic induction, which means that phantom power is not required when connecting them.

The other type of microphone capsules is condenser capsules. When deciding between dynamic vs condenser mic, it is important to recognize that dynamic capsules offer numerous advantages.

First and foremost, they are extremely easy to handle.

Additionally, a dynamic mic can function even when there are changes in the magnetic field, a process necessary for the mic to achieve a frequency response.

Dynamic mics have been shown to last significantly longer and are highly durable, thanks to their stiffness and relatively rigid structure.

All of these advantages of a dynamic microphone polar pattern have proven to be very beneficial with the Maono PD400X mic, so you can expect the same from this one.

Real-Time Monitoring

The smart knob on this dynamic microphone, along with the software, allows you to monitor and adjust features in real-time while recording or streaming.

Although this microphone is primarily marketed as a podcasting mic, it is also an excellent dynamic mic for streaming.

You can adjust your stream and change settings while the camera is rolling and broadcasting your stream.

I didn’t find it difficult or particularly complicated to manage everything, so I wouldn’t say that it would be a problem.

Just remember, to fully control the mic while doing something like that, you need to remain in digital recording mode using the USB output instead of the XLR port.

1-Tap Mute

The one-tap mute feature is derived from the mute button on this microphone.

I appreciated this feature primarily because it functions as intended, regardless of the setup you are using.

To mute the mic, ensure that the indicator light changes from green to red.

To take it back and unmute the mic, simply press the button again and wait for the indicator light to change from red to green.

Conclusion

Overall, this is an excellent microphone for both streaming and podcasting, and it is certain to last you a considerable amount of time.

Although I wouldn’t claim that the high price point is entirely justified, I can say that if you have the funds to invest in your streaming equipment, this would be a worthwhile product to consider.

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