Testing
The RGB LEDs present on this microphone are installed inside a ring at the base of the foam filter. These LEDs can function as a solid color of your choice or as a rainbow light mode. The lights of the microphone can be customized via the offered software on the manufacture’s website.
Software
The software included with the PD200X is comprehensive and easy to understand and use.
You get a nice volume and gain indicator up top and have all the functionality of the microphone on the bottom left. This includes the microphone volume, the mute function, some adjustments for the integrated RGB LEDs and of course, a few audio profiles that will change the way the microphone sound.
The advanced tab offers more options and settings. Here we get more options that are aimed towards the pro grade user. Options such as the volume for the monitoring of the microphone input, the compressor and limiter adjustments as well as a dedicated equalizer.
The PD200X uses a single recording pattern, which is Cardioid. This recording pattern is ideal for podcasts, voice recordings and general usage. However, the drawback of this pattern is that you need to talk into the front part of the microphone for the best sound quality.
The sounds quality offered by the PD200X is great, even while using the USB Type-C port, the sound is clear with no distortion or static present. The background noise is kept to a minimum; however, it is present so be mindful of your surroundings. In the video below you have a sound sample and a direct comparison with the original Blue Yeti microphone.
Final thoughts
The Maono PD200X is a great budget microphone, especially when compared to other microphones in this price range that offer less. For a microphone though, what’s important is the performance not the design and here is where the PD200X shines.
The sound quality is one of the best around, in many situations being on the same level as the original Blue Yeti. The voice is clear and the background noise is kept to a minimum. Not only that, but even while using a USB Type-C cable and connector, the microphone has no static present.
The build quality is great all around as the microphone has a solid metal casing, a plastic shock mount and an easily detachable foam filter on the front.
For under 70 USD, the PD200X offers great value, especially when paired with a good boom arm that will keep it away from other sound sources, such as keyboards and desk bumps.
In terms of accessories, you get plenty and they are well packaged too. In fact, the only thing missing to make a complete package with this microphone is a boom arm, but those are readily available.
In conclusion, the Maono PD200X is a great microphone for general usage and gaming. The sound quality is very good especially on the USB Type-C port. Using this microphone with the XLR port will only improve the sound quality and eliminate whatever static and interference you might encounter.
