MAONO PD300X USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone review — A dual XLR/USB interface makes this microphone great for any project

Versatility is everything when it comes to content creation, and the Maono PD300X USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone is most certainly a versatile product. Boasting dual XLR/USB interfaces, the Maono PD300X is capable of connecting to essentially any of your audio products. Whether connected directly to your PC or laptop via USB or USB-C with the included software or your audio software of choice, or through a Focusrite Scarlett via XLR, the Maono PD300X proves itself as one of the most budget friendly multi-use microphones currently available.

The Maono PD300X is relatively small, but packs a big punch. This sturdy and well-made microphone is crafted from a light-weight but durable metal, and is covered in a high porosity foam filter. With a 192kHz/24bit sampling rate, this plug-and-play dynamic cardioid mic features a 5-level noise reduction system, 3-in-1 smart knob, multiple preset modes, an adjustable gain range of 0 to+42dB, and a frequency response of 40Hz-16kHz. 

All that is just technical jargon to say that the Maono PD3000X is capable of producing crystal clear audio whether you’re recording podcasts or streaming on Twitch, or if you’re laying down voice over, vocals, or instrumentation. The dual interface allows for a variety of recording options. The USB input connects to the included software MaonoLink - or any audio software of your choice - to tailor your recording to whatever specifications fit your need. I highly recommend giving MaonoLink a try, as it features an intuitive EQ interface which allows you to toggle compressors, high-pass filters, and limiters to craft the perfect tone and helps you to seamlessly blend audio to ensure the right balance for your content. Making it even more user friendly is MaonoLink’s preset scenes which allow users to quickly switch between settings for gaming, streaming, recording, and podcasts, avoiding delays which may stem from needing to continuously adjust settings depending on your current project. Of course, you don’t have to use these preset scenes, and you are welcome to tweak the audio on your own if you prefer. 

Utilizing the XLR input may not allow you to process audio through MaonoLink, but will work perfectly well with any XLR based audio equipment you may have, allowing for clear recording of vocals, audio, or even instrumentation. During my testing, both USB and XLR audio came out great and were nearly identical, despite the difference in how the analog signals are registered. Though you could argue that the XLR input provides a more natural tone great for voice over work while the USB input offers a brighter tone more suitable for podcasts or streaming.

No matter which way you use the Maono PD300X, you’ll immediately notice how well it picks up audio, along with the mic’s ability to filter out unwanted noise such as keyboards and background chatter thanks to its 30dB of noise reduction and flocked pop filter foam. Adding to the mic’s versatility are features such as the 3-in-1 smart knob, which integrates headphone volume, mic gain, and zero-latency monitoring allowing for quick adjustments in real-time, and a 5-level noise reduction system which utilizes built-in circuits and filters to block out any ambient electronic noise, helps ensure that all recordings come out are rich and clear, picking up on all the subtle nuances that may normally get drowned out or blend in.

To test the mic’s ability to filter out background noise we recorded some voice over while having someone nearby making noise and speaking, and at no point did the background noise get picked up in the recording. Your mileage may vary, but it seems that under normal circumstances and noise levels the Maono PD300X lives up to its promises.