Maono PD300X USB/XLR Microphone Review

The Maono PD300X slots itself squarely in the middle of those looking to start streaming and those aiming to take things to the next level. It has both a USB and XLR input, meaning it could be a fantastic choice for newcomers looking for a mic that can grow with them, or experienced content creators looking to use XLR at home and USB when away or for convenience. With its 192 kHz, 24-bit support, it’s going to check the box for many—especially at the aggressive price point. It all sounds great on paper, but how does it fare when put to the test? Here is my Maono PD300X review.

Why not both?

As mentioned in the intro, the PD300X’s main feature highlights are its dual compatibility with both USB and XLR. Then there’s the 192 kHz 24-bit sampling rate, which I see more and more content creators demanding as they up their audio quality and learn more about nuanced sound.

The PD300X is a dynamic mic with a cardioid pickup pattern, which makes it ideal for content creators, especially those in untreated environments. For streamers in their bedroom or office, this is ideal. It’s the perfect combination and there’s very little compromise in going down this route.

3-in-1 control

The mic has a single knob, which controls three different settings: monitor mix, headphone volume, and microphone gain. This can take some getting used to, but colored lights help distinguish which setting users are tweaking.

While the XLR connection is great for users who have existing audio interfaces with EQ, compressors, noise gates, etc., the USB connection pairs with Maono’s own software to unlock EQ, compression, and other functions. This means even those making use of the USB connection can fine-tune how they sound and give it a professional level of polish.

Sounds good

After setting the mic up and playing around with the various settings, I concluded that the PD300X sounded great, especially for the money. The stock sound is a little dark, but this is quickly fixed with EQ. To be fair, this is how I felt about the legendary Shure SM7B, so it’s likely just my preference.

I should also mention the overall build quality, as it feels much more expensive than it is. The fact that it includes a shock mount and windscreen is very impressive.

The downside

There is just one aspect of the Maono PD300X that I’d like to highlight as a con: the knob. Though I did eventually get used to it, I think having three functions tied to one knob is a bit much and it can lead to some frustration when trying to make quick adjustments.

While it’s nice to get some goodies in the box, I would have loved to see an XLR cable provided. Those hoping to use the XLR port will need to provide their own.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by Maono.