Maono PD500W: USB-C, XLR and wireless in one AI-assisted mic

Maono has announced the PD500W, which it calls the world's first AI-powered hybrid microphone. The company is aiming it at podcasters, streamers, video creators and interviewers who want a single recording tool for several setups. The same microphone is meant to serve a computer desk, an existing interface-based studio and a wireless rig. The microphone is being funded through Kickstarter.

Three ways to connect

The PD500W supports three connection types:

• USB-C for direct recording to a computer;
• XLR for use with existing audio interfaces;
• 2.4GHz wireless, with receivers that work with compatible USB-C devices.

Onboard recording

The microphone has 32GB of internal storage and records in 32-bit float. It can save audio to that storage while sending the signal to another device at the same time, which gives a backup copy for podcasts, interviews, video work and live content. A separate safety track is recorded 9 dB lower than the main signal.

AI and level control

To handle changing vocal levels, the PD500W uses AI-based adaptive automatic gain control. A digital de-popper reduces plosives, and built-in limiters lower the risk of overload.

Further AI features are planned for the MaonoLink software: transcription, summarization and translation, turning recorded speech into searchable text, short highlights and versions in other languages. Maono expects them to arrive before rewards ship to backers, subject to final testing and validation.

Price

Early-bird rewards on Kickstarter start at $359 and are limited to the first 30 backers. As with any crowdfunded project, delivery is not guaranteed.