REVIEW – All of our modern devices have microphones. Some are sensitive and well placed, others may pick up ambient noise like your keyboard or the AC fan. Others just may not be up to the task of giving expression to all you’re wanting to get across in your calls, podcasts, video meetings, etc. The Maono Pro AU-HD300T is a full solution for this issue in a single box. You can attach via USB, or move up to a full XLR low-impedance audio setup. Either way, it can handle your sound needs – or so the box says. Let’s take a closer look.
What is it?
The Maono Pro AU-HD300T is a stand-mounted mic with desk stand, pop filter, and sound-isolating mount.
What’s in the box?
- Maono Pro AU-HD300T mic
- Pop filter and holder
- Sound-isolating mount
- Adjustable weighted desk stand
- XLR and USB cables
- Paperwork
Hardware specs
From company website
- Best of both worlds: Professional handheld dynamic microphone with USB/XLR dual-mode output. USB digital output connects to a computer, PC, Mac, and XLR analog output connects to a mixer, audio interface, or portable PA system. Ideal for podcasting, recording, live streaming, vocal, voice-over, singing, home-studio, content creation.
- Zero-Latency Monitoring and Volume Control: onboard 1/8″ (3. 5mm) headphone output allows you to monitor your sound while recording without any delay or echo. HD300T microphone also has a control button that can adjust the headphone output volume conveniently. (Monitoring and volume control only work under USB mode)
- Cardioid dynamic microphone: Built-in cardioid capsule can capture sound directly in front of the microphone and reduces unwanted background noise from other sources. Smooth and extended frequency response for rich and natural vocal reproduction.
- Durable metal construction and fully loaded with accessories: Rugged metal construction provides outstanding durability. Heavy metal stand base offers stability and has a height-adjustable metal tube. Shock mount and pop filter are included to reduce low-frequency rumble and p-pops.
- Package List and Warranty: Dynamic microphone*1, microphone stand*1, pop fliter*1, shock mount*1, 78in USB-A to USB-C cable, 98in XLR cable*1, user manual*1. MAONO HD300T dynamic microphone provides 24-month warranty.
Design and features
The Maono Pro AU-HD300T is a fully metal “ice-cream-cone” type microphone, 7.5″ long, tapering from 2″ in diameter to 1.325″ at the base. It has a rigid-screened wire cage over the input, backed by thin foam. (Like most mics of this type, the cage is threaded and can be removed if it gets damaged, but there should never be a need to do this.) There is an on/off toggle and two volume adjustment buttons on the body about halfway down. On the bottom, there is a USB-C jack, an XLR jack, and an AUX headphone jack. The mic needs no phantom power or external power – it’s totally plug-and-play for either connection.
There is a 1/8″ headphone jack for monitoring your spoken input. This means there is no delay. It doesn’t have to be passed to the mixer and back to you. You hear just what you sound like, straight through the mic.
Included with the kit is a 4″ diameter base for the also-included 10″ max height desk stand. There is also an audio-isolated cage mount to attach to the top of the stand, with rubber O-rings to hold the microphone isolated from vibrations and accidental bumps. There is also a mounting socket for a rigid wire holder for an included 4″ pop filter. The only thing I needed to add to test it was a USB-C to USB-C cable for the iPad Pro, and a USB-C to Lightning connector for the “little” iPad Pro, the 10.5″. The USB-C to USB-A cable connected to my Mac without incident. I’m currently without anything that can process direct XLR input, but with an XLR to quarter-inch audio cable, the sound through my amp was great! I think the sound is more mid-range friendly, better for speaking than for singing.
Using the mic is dead simple: plug it in, choose it from the available inputs, and hit “Record.” While it did offer some isolation when used on a desk with keyboard noises and such in the background, I could tell little difference between this and the built-in mics on iPads and desktop Macs. I don’t have a need to have my mic far from my device. If you’re recording someone a good distance away from your iPad or phone or computer, having this unit will gather truly great sound for a $65 setup! Connecting to most PA systems with either an XLR or XLR-to-1/4″ connector is simple.
The screw mounts are all brass, so they are not going to split out or wear out anytime soon. The heavy-duty stand base weighs 356 g (12.5 ounces), while the mic only weight 315 g (11.1 ounces).
What I like
- Fully usable over USB or XLR
- All necessary parts included
- On-device monitoring
What I’d change
- Can’t think of anything
Final thoughts
With all the web meetings and such you’re doing with your computer, have you asked anyone about the quality of the audio they are hearing? They may be struggling to understand and not want to embarrass you. An external mic may be just what the doctor ordered. If so, the Maono Pro is an easy bet. And if you decide to fire up that podcast, you’re ready to go!
Price: $64.99
Where to buy: Amazon or Company Webstore
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Maono.
Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
I purchased this microphone over two months ago， and I bought it to use with my voiceover app. The sound quality is great at this price…I like this mic
Yes, it’s quite the bargain!