USB Microphone, MAONO 192KHZ/24Bit Plug & Play PC Computer Podcast Condenser Cardioid Metal Mic Kit with Professional Sound Chipset for Recording, Gaming, Singing, YouTube (AU-A04)
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AI Verdict
This is a complete starter kit for anyone needing a massive audio upgrade from their headset mic for streaming, gaming, or basic podcasting on a tight budget.
For its target audience of beginners and budget-conscious creators, this kit is a strong fit. It provides everything needed for a huge audio quality jump over headset mics in one simple, plug-and-play package. While the accessories are flimsy, they get the job done for a static desk setup.
If you need to record in a noisy environment, look for an entry-level dynamic microphone instead, as it will be better at rejecting background sounds.
Regret Score™
Very Low RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Includes a full kit with a boom arm, pop filter, and shock mount, which is rare at this price.
- Plug-and-play USB connection is dead simple to set up on PC and Mac without extra drivers.
- Features a 192kHz/24bit sampling rate, which is high resolution for a budget microphone.
- The microphone body has a sturdy metal construction that feels more premium than its price suggests.
- Sound quality is a significant step up from any gaming headset microphone, offering clearer and richer vocals.
Cons
- The included boom arm is flimsy, short, and transmits vibrations easily if you bump your desk.
- Lacks any onboard controls like a physical mute button or a gain knob.
- The shock mount is mostly for looks and does little to absorb real-world bumps and vibrations.
- It's a condenser mic, so it's very sensitive and picks up a lot of background noise like keyboards and fans.
Dimension Scores
For the price, the sound is surprisingly clear and rich, easily beating more expensive gaming headsets.
It has a strong bass response from its 16mm condenser transducer, but some users find the volume too low without a software boost.
It's a simple, driverless plug-and-play setup via a standard USB-B to USB-A cable.
The mic itself is a sturdy metal build, but the included boom arm and shock mount are flimsy and not built to last.
Best For
- First-time streamers or podcasters who need an all-in-one package to get started.
- Gamers wanting clearer voice chat on Discord or in-game without breaking the bank.
- Recording voiceovers for YouTube videos on a budget.
- Anyone working from home who wants to sound more professional in video calls.
Not Recommended For
- Recording in a noisy, untreated room due to its high sensitivity.
- Professional music or vocal recording that requires nuanced capture and minimal self-noise.
- Users who need to frequently move or adjust their microphone during use, as the boom arm is fragile.
Watch Out For
- Newer versions of the mic were found to be overly sensitive or 'hot' out of the box, though a firmware update exists to fix this.
- The desk clamp for the boom arm is small and may not fit on thicker desks.
- Any tap on the desk or the boom arm's exposed springs can send a loud reverberation through to the recording.
- The default gain is often set to maximum in Windows, picking up everything, so you have to manually lower it in your sound settings for clear audio.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 667016188537 |
| ASIN | B07GQT8879 |
| Size | A04 |
| Brand | MAONO |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Metal |
| Color Name | Black |
| Model Name | AU-A04 |
| Item Weight | 12.3 ounces |
| Manufacturer | MAONO |
| Power Source | USB Microphone |
| Material Type | Metal |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Hardware Platform | Laptop, PS4/PS5, PC, Computer, Mobile Phones |
| Item model number | A04 |
| Compatible Devices | Computer, PC, Laptop, Desktop, Mac OS, PS4, PS5, Mobile phones |
| Frequency Response | 16 KHz |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 17.13 x 8.07 x 3.54 inches |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 70 dB |
| Microphone Form Factor | Large Diaphragm |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, USB Type-C |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 17.13 x 8.07 x 3.54 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 05056020202844 |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing about this kit is just how much you get for the money. It's a complete plug-and-play solution that sounds shockingly good compared to any headset mic. The microphone itself feels solid and well-made, but the illusion is broken by the accessories. The boom arm is functional but feels fragile, and the shock mount doesn't do much to stop desk vibrations from reaching the mic. It's a condenser mic, so it's sensitive; you'll need to position it close to your mouth (about 6 inches) and turn down the gain in Windows to avoid picking up every keyboard clack and fan hum in the room.
“i was so sick of my friends complaining about my tin can headset mic on discord, i got this and the difference is insane, they thought i bought a $150 mic lol just get it.”
Common Praise
- The audio quality is crisp and clear, a massive improvement for Discord, streaming, and voiceovers.
- It's an incredible value, providing an entire starter kit with an arm and pop filter for a very low price.
- The microphone itself has a solid metal body that feels durable.
- Setup is extremely easy – just plug it into a USB port and it works.
Common Complaints
- The included boom arm is flimsy, short, and the desk clamp doesn't open very wide.
- It's extremely sensitive to background noise, picking up keyboard sounds and mouse clicks easily.
- The shock mount is ineffective and transfers any bump to the desk or arm directly into the audio.
- There's no physical gain knob or mute button on the microphone itself.
Ownership Tips
- You'll quickly learn not to bump your desk, as every vibration travels up the cheap stand right into the recording.
- After a few weeks, you'll have your software noise gate and suppression settings dialed in perfectly to block out your keyboard.
- You might find yourself looking for a longer USB cable, as the included one can be a bit restrictive depending on your setup.
- Some users report needing to find and install a firmware update to fix issues with the mic being too sensitive on newer hardware revisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any special software or drivers to use this?
No, it's a plug-and-play USB microphone. Your computer should automatically recognize it without needing any extra drivers.
How can I reduce background noise?
Position the mic about 6-12 inches from your mouth, use the included pop filter, and enable noise suppression features in software like Discord or OBS. Since it's a sensitive condenser mic, recording in a quiet room is the best way to avoid echo and background noise.
Does it work with PS4/PS5 or mobile phones?
It works with PC, Mac, and Linux. To connect to a mobile phone, you will need an OTG adapter, which is not included.
Why does my audio sound distorted or too loud?
The default gain level in your computer's settings is likely too high. Right-click the speaker icon, go to sound settings, find the microphone's properties, and lower the 'Levels' tab to around 70-80% as a starting point. Some newer models were also overly sensitive and may benefit from a firmware update from Maono's website.
Is the included boom arm any good?
It gets the job done for a stationary setup, but it's considered fragile, short, and wobbly by many users. Be careful when moving it, and expect to upgrade it if you need more reach or durability.
Where should I point the microphone?
This is a cardioid microphone, so you need to speak into the front of it, the side with the MAONO logo. Don't speak into the top of the microphone.
Buying Guide
When you're buying your first real microphone, the biggest choice is USB vs XLR. This one is USB, which means it's incredibly simple: you plug it in and it just works. You don't need any other expensive boxes. This kit also comes with a boom arm and pop filter, which are non-negotiable for getting good sound. Buying them separately would cost you half the price of this whole kit. Just know that as a condenser mic, it's built to pick up sound in detail, which means it will pick up your keyboard, your fan, and your dog barking unless you position it correctly and use software settings.
192kHz/24bit Sampling Rate
Think of this like the resolution of a photo. It's how many 'snapshots' of the audio are taken per second. While this is a high number, for voice recording you likely won't hear a difference above 48kHz, but it's a nice spec to have.
Cardioid Pattern
This means the mic primarily picks up sound from directly in front of it (where the logo is). It's like putting blinders on the microphone so it ignores sounds from the sides and back, which helps reduce room noise.
Plug & Play
This is the 'it just works' feature. You don't need to hunt for drivers or install special software. Your computer provides the power and recognizes the audio all through one USB cable.
Alternatives
If this mic seems too sensitive for your noisy room, search for a 'USB dynamic microphone', which will be less sensitive to background sounds. If you want to upgrade for better control, look for a microphone that has a 'built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring' and a 'physical gain control knob'.
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