*this review is not sponsored and features only my personal and honest opinion of the microphone model reviewed.
The MAONO AU-PM401 microphone is a multi-function set zero latency monitoring microphone that was gifted to me (from a seller on Lazada) in exchange for an honest review. It is a USB microphone that allows you to plug into a computer or laptop and record your playing. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack feature for zero-latency monitoring, as well as a one-key mute/unmute button with an LED indicator.
Its Specifications
| Microphone-core: | Dia.16mm Condenser |
| Polar Pattern: | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response: | 20Hz-16kHz |
| Sampling Rate: | 192kHz/24bit |
| Sensitivity: | -38dB+/-3dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz) |
| Maximum SPL: | 120dB |
| S/N Ratio: | 70dB |
| Working Electrical Current: | <50mA |
| Working Voltage: | 5V |
| LED Indicator Light: | Yes (Mute: Red; working: Green) |
| Zero-latency monitor function: | Yes |
| Mute function: | Yes |
How does it work?
The MAONO AU-PM401 microphone is a USB microphone which requires a direct connection or input to a laptop or a PC to work. Once connected, I use the Voice Memos app on my laptop to record the sound captured by the mic, and then sync it with visuals of my latest cover of “Watermelon Sugar”.
The video below features my cover of “Watermelon Sugar”, recorded using the MAONO AU-PM401 microphone. Have a listen and let me know in the comments below what you think of the sound quality of the recorded audio.
The Mic’s Standout Features
| For Singing | Ensures clarity and crispness of the voice |
| For Instrument Playing | Aids in plucked playing styles and helps to bring out the tone and clarity of each precise note. |
| Others | The easy to set-up stand allows for comfortable positioning. A mute button allows instant interruption of the sound being captured. A headphone jack allows zero latency monitoring of the sound being captured. |
Pros and Cons of the MAONO AU-PM401 Microphone
Pros
- Best for recording audios of singing and talking/speaking
- The microphone really focuses on the clarity and crispness of the voice as one is speaking or singing to the microphone
- (for instruments) More suited for plucked playing styles
- The microphone helps to bring out the tone and clarity of each precise note that is being plucked. This makes it more suited for plucked playing styles rather than hard strumming playing styles.
Cons
- Not the best for hard strumming playing styles
- The audio may sound jarring if hard strumming is being played on an instrument because the microphone brings out the tone and clarity of precise notes.
My Personal Recommendations
I would recommend this microphone to…
- Singers
- Those needing a good device for recording voices
- Those who would like a simple USB mic that is convenient and easy to use
- Those on a budget who would like to buy a higher quality professional mic
- Those who gravitate to plucked playing styles on string instruments
I would NOT recommend this microphone to…
- Those who prefer non-USB mics
- Those who prefer high-end mics that allow a mix of direct-input audio from the instrument as well as acoustically captured audio from the externals mics attached to the camera
Is the price (USD$85) worth it to me?
Yes. I think that this mic is worth the price since it’s one of the higher quality professional USB microphones. It also possesses great features which help in recording.
My rating
4 out of 5 Stars
This microphone is of extremely good quality, for a USB microphone. It has many great features and is able to surpass the standards of regular audio recordings of instruments and exceeds my expectations of a USB microphone.
I am very grateful for all the support I receive.
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Evan J De Silva 