Maono AU-HD300T USB/XLR Dynamic Mic Review / Test (vs. Q2u, MV7)

Today I review another budget usb microphone. This is a USB & XLR dynamic mic similar to the Shure MV7, Samson Q2u and Audio Technica ATR2100. The sound of this is slightly V-shaped so if you want a bit of a recessed midsection with powerful low mids and crisp top, this will do that. This is limited to 16-bit 48khz in terms of conversion and the inbuilt preamp is quiet.

Buy the Mono AU-HD300T (Affiliate Link)

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:20 - Setup
00:40 - What’s in the Box
01:15 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:13 - Specifications
02:34 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:52 - Plosive Test
03:03 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:21 - Background Noise Test
03:40 - Untreated Room Test
03:54 - Shockmount Test
04:10 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:28 - On Off Switch Noise Test
04:42 - Volume Button Noise Test
04:55 - Handling Noise Test
05:12 - Cup the Mic Test
05:36 - Noise Floor Test
06:20 - XLR vs. USB Output
07:20 - Intro to Comparison
07:35 - Samson Q2u Comparison
08:24 - Audio Technica ATR2100-USB Comparison
09:08 - Audio Technica ATR2100S-USB Comparison
10:04 - Samson Q9u Comparison
10:56 - Shure MV7 Comparison
11:41 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
13:01 - Latency Measure
13:31 - Music Test
14:46 - Pros & Cons
16:00 - Overall Thoughts
18:50 - Recommendation
21:09 - Outro

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): If you purchase an item using my amazon link, it provides me a small referral fee. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

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[kry]

Wow, for the price this thing sounds really smooth!

[tombuck]

Interesting- I stumbled across the Maono A04 and it’s also pretty decent for the price. Seems like they make mics that are pretty easy to recommend for anyone who’s looking to jump into better-than-built-in audio.

[PressStartToLaugh]

Hmm, I do like the sound of this one. Then again, I am that "v-shape" person you mentioned so...

[AudioHotline]

I literally just shot my review for this mic last night! 😂 Great job as always man!

[alextthomas]

I am just learning about audio and mics and every time I google a new one, you have a review and test for it and I love how effecient you are and how straight to the point your videos are. and also I end up loling, so it's a good time had by all. Thank you for doing all these tests!!!! I am learning so much! <3

[jarwins]

I actually like the sound of this one over both samson and audio technica mics.

[sadpotato]

maono sounds incredible, not too much hi frequency, not too much lows, it sounds so balanced, perfect for a podcast thing. im actually surprised i prefer it over the 2 audio technica. idk what's the problem with samson but q9u sounds like i just got out of my car from a 12 hour non stop road trip, and the q2u sounds like someone's tickling my ears with sharp af nails. also glad it doesnt come with stickers

[silvydb]

honestly I like it over most of these if not only cause how smooth it is. my ears were happy every time going back to it.

[nickbnash]

Brining out the Neumann made my day. I really needed that. Thanks for the video!

[felenov]

The shockmount assembly is actually really nice. I like it.

[deniswauchope]

Very nice review, which I enjoyed even though I bought a Maono AU-HD300T before I saw your review. I wanted a dynamic mic because I'm in a noisy environment; I have a condenser mic, an ancient Teac, but it picks up way too much noise (outside traffic, air cond, etc.)

This mic has a great cardioid pattern, when I've got it set up it rejects almost all the exterior noises I don't want, so it's perfect for me doing voice work. I'd still like an audio interface, though I'm using both Voicemeeter Banana and Audacity, so I get pretty clean sound in the end.

After seeing & hearing all the comparisons, I'm happier than ever with this mic! Yes, the Shure & the Neumann did sound a bit better- but at their prices, that's no wonder. For my needs the Maono is the bee's knees!

[Jayrod]

The Samson Q2u has been my main microphone for almost 6 months now. It has better handling noise rejection in my opinion, and I just really love the way it sounds. The Samson Q2u easily one of the best USB/XLR Microphones in it's price range. It does indeed sound hotter than the Maono, but it honestly sounds better to my ears.

[Pentti_Hilkuri]

I find the maono more pleasant sounding and less sibilant than the similar samson and audio technicas.

[WTFGamingUSA]

This is such a detailed well thoughout test. I wish more people did this with other types of products. It's perfect for actually comparing products for all types of scenarios. Thank you so much for what you do bro. Keep it up!

[agambhasin]

Dear Brother
I feel this Maono guy is sounding really good when compared to the likes of the 2100/2100X, Q9U, and even the MV7, damn, I am impressed! Thanks for doing this review and comparison, I am picking this guy up! Love ya Brother!! God Bless!

[nicholasmullins]

To be perfectly honest, the comparisons to the U87Ai isn't useless.
It provides a reference against one of the most common voiceover mics out there for folks who are less educated. Also outlines the real difference between cheaper mics and more expensive ones.

Start comparing everything to the SM7B as well as the 87!

[hans-kkoe]

YO I WAS LITERALLY WAITING FOR THIS! THANK GOD YOU'RE HERE

[CynsCorner]

I've been using this mic for my videos for quite some time now and I really like it.

[PileOfEmptyTapes]

Nice "radio voice" mic, actually. Way better than the scratchy treble of the Q2U or the wooly Q9U, not as bright as the ATR2100s, not to mention very low noise. I bet pitting this against some popular podcasting mics may yield some surprising results. Just who knows whether current production samples are still behaving like this in the USB audio department.

[KyokujiFGC]

I'm curious as to why manufacturers keep making USB dynamic mics with low volume pre-amps.
That pretty much necessitates something like a cloudlifter and an interface anyway to add enough clean gain, which kind of defeats the purpose of a cheap USB mic.