Maono PD200W: a dynamic podcast mic with USB, XLR and 2.4 GHz

Maono has announced the PD200W, a dynamic microphone aimed at podcasters, interviewers and other creators. Maono describes it as a hybrid design. The same microphone can work over a cable or without one, and it supports three connection modes: USB, XLR and 2.4 GHz wireless transmission.

Three ways to connect

The wireless mode needs no drivers and no setup, according to the company. Without a cable, the microphone can be moved around the desk or to another recording position without stopping. Maono claims a battery life of up to 60 hours.

The USB and XLR modes cover wired setups. The microphone can connect directly to laptops and desktop computers, phones, tablets and cameras. Through XLR it can also go into mixers and audio interfaces. Maono positions this as a way to start on a phone or tablet and later move to larger equipment while keeping the same microphone.

Capsule and specifications

Inside is a 30 mm dynamic capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern. The main published figures are:

• sampling at 48 kHz and 24-bit;
• signal-to-noise ratio of 82 dB;
• maximum SPL of 128 dB;
• multi-level noise reduction aimed at room noise and reverb.

Tone and reverb can be adjusted in the MaonoLink app.

For shows with two people, the PD200W supports dual-channel stereo recording. Two voices land on the left and right channels separately, so their volumes can be balanced independently in editing.

Price

The desktop version of the Maono PD200W costs $99.99. It is sold through Amazon and Maono's own website.