MAONO USB Gaming Microphone for PC, Noise Cancellation Condenser Mic with RGB Lights, Mute, Gain for Streaming, Recording, Podcast, Chat, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, Computer, PS5, PS4, GamerWave
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AI Verdict
This is a plug-and-play USB mic for beginner streamers or gamers who want a clear audio upgrade from their headset and cool RGB lights without a complex setup.
For its budget price, this mic is a strong fit for gamers and new streamers. It delivers a significant audio upgrade over headset mics and includes key features like a tap-to-mute button, gain control, and zero-latency monitoring right out of the box. The plug-and-play USB connectivity makes it incredibly easy to set up on PC, Mac, or PlayStation.
If you need more professional audio quality and control, look for an XLR microphone paired with an audio interface.
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Pros
- Plug-and-play setup is instant via a single USB-C cable; no drivers needed.
- Convenient top-mounted touch buttons for one-tap muting and cycling RGB effects.
- Onboard gain control knob allows for quick sensitivity adjustments without software.
- Includes a full starter kit: stand, pop filter, shock mount, and boom arm adapter.
- 3.5mm headphone jack provides zero-latency audio monitoring.
- Features a one-key noise cancellation function to help reduce background sounds.
Cons
- The noise cancellation feature can be aggressive, making your voice sound thin or overly processed.
- The included plastic desk stand is short and can feel lightweight or unstable.
- Audio can sound a bit distant or 'roomy' if you're not close to the microphone.
- The integrated pop filter and shock mount cannot be removed, which could be an issue if they break.
Dimension Scores
Provides clear vocals that are a major step up from headset mics, but can lack depth and sound 'roomy' without ideal placement.
The onboard gain knob gives good control over input volume, and users report a nicely balanced sound that isn't overly bassy.
Excellent plug-and-play setup with an included 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-A/C cable makes it instantly compatible with PC, Mac, and PS5.
The microphone itself is mostly lightweight plastic, and the included desk stand has foam feet instead of rubber, making it feel less premium and stable.
Best For
- Your first streaming setup on a tight budget.
- Discord and in-game chats where you want to sound much clearer than a standard headset mic.
- Recording casual YouTube voiceovers or school projects.
- Gamers who want their mic's RGB to match their existing setup.
Not Recommended For
- Recording musical instruments or professional vocals where audio depth is critical.
- Users who need to connect to an Xbox, as it is not compatible.
- Anyone needing fine-tuned audio control via a dedicated software interface.
Watch Out For
- The noise cancellation is a long-press (3 seconds) to activate/deactivate, which isn't ideal for quick changes mid-stream.
- Plugging headphones directly into the mic's 3.5mm jack enables direct monitoring by default, which can be confusing if you're not expecting to hear yourself.
- The microphone's optimal recording range is quite small, requiring you to stay close to it for the best volume and clarity.
- While it includes a boom arm adapter, some users noted it might not fit all boom arms without an additional screw adapter.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BY8FPQJP |
| Brand | MAONO |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Model Name | GamerWave DGM20 Gaming Microphone |
| Item Weight | 9.9 ounces |
| Manufacturer | MAONO |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional |
| Connector Type | USB, USB Type-C |
| Audio Sensitivity | 10 Decibels |
| Hardware Platform | Computer, PC, Laptop, Desktop, Mac OS, PS4, PS5 |
| Item model number | GamerWave DGM20 Gaming Microphone |
| Compatible Devices | Computer, PC, Laptop, Desktop, Mac OS, PS4, PS5 |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 8.46 x 5.9 x 4.33 inches |
| Included Components | Condenser Microphone, Pop Filter, Shock Mount, Stand, USB Cable |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 73 dB |
| Microphone Form Factor | Gooseneck |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, USB C |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 8.46 x 5.9 x 4.33 inches |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming, Streaming, Recording, Podcasting, Video Creation, Online Chat |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing about this mic is how many features it packs in for the price. It's a true plug-and-play device, recognized instantly by computers and consoles. The tap-to-mute button on top is super convenient and has a clear red/green LED status light. While the built-in noise cancellation works, it can be aggressive and degrade voice quality, so many prefer to leave it off. The included desk stand is a bit short and flimsy; you'll get much better sound by using the included adapter to put it on a boom arm closer to your mouth.
“for under 40 bucks this thing is insane, my friends on discord finally stopped complaining about my crappy headset mic and the rgb looks sick with my keyboard.”
Common Praise
- The tap-to-mute function is silent, responsive, and easy to access on top of the mic.
- Sound quality is a huge improvement over typical gaming headset microphones, making your voice much clearer in chats.
- RGB lighting is vibrant and offers several modes, adding a nice visual touch to a gaming setup.
- The physical gain knob on the bottom is great for making quick volume adjustments on the fly.
- It's an all-in-one package with a pop filter, shock mount, and stand included, so you can start immediately.
Common Complaints
- The included desk stand is too short, forcing you to lean in or have the mic pick up more keyboard noise.
- The noise cancellation feature makes your voice sound noticeably thinner and more processed.
- The microphone body is made of lightweight plastic that feels a bit like a toy.
- You have to be very close to the mic to get the best sound, it's not great at picking up audio from a distance.
- The gain knob is very sensitive, making it easy to go from too quiet to too loud.
Ownership Tips
- You'll almost certainly want to buy a separate boom arm; the included desk stand just doesn't cut it for proper positioning.
- The noise cancellation sounds impressive at first, but after a while, you realize your raw voice sounds better without it, especially if you use a boom arm.
- The touch buttons on top are sensitive; you might accidentally mute yourself or change the RGB when adjusting the mic's position.
- The matte plastic finish, while looking nice out of the box, tends to pick up fingerprints and oils over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this microphone work with Xbox?
No, the MAONO GamerWave is not compatible with Xbox consoles. It is designed for PC, Mac, PlayStation (PS4/PS5), and Android phones.
How do you turn the RGB lights off?
You can turn off the RGB lighting by pressing and holding the light button on top of the microphone for a few seconds. A short tap cycles through the different color modes.
Is the noise cancellation good for keyboard clicks?
The noise cancellation reduces keyboard sounds but doesn't eliminate them completely, especially for loud mechanical keyboards. It can also make your voice sound compressed, so positioning the mic on a boom arm away from your keyboard is often a better solution.
Do I need to install any software to use it?
No, it's a plug-and-play device that works as soon as you connect it via USB. There is no dedicated software for controlling its settings.
Can I mount this microphone on a boom arm?
Yes, it comes with a boom arm adapter that allows you to attach it to a standard threaded mic stand or arm. Many users recommend using a boom arm for better positioning.
Why can I hear myself in my headphones?
If your headphones are plugged into the 3.5mm jack on the microphone, you are using the zero-latency monitoring feature. This is designed so you can hear your own voice in real-time. To stop hearing yourself, plug your headphones directly into your computer instead of the microphone.
How do I activate the noise cancellation?
You activate noise cancellation by long-pressing the dedicated button on top of the mic for about 3 seconds. A blue LED indicates it's on, while green means it's off.
Buying Guide
When you're buying a budget USB mic, you're looking for three things: a clear upgrade from your headset, easy-to-use features, and no-fuss setup. Don't expect studio-level recording. You want essential controls like a physical mute button and a gain knob so you can make adjustments without tabbing out of your game. This mic is about convenience and getting a much better sound for chat and basic streaming, not producing a professional podcast.
Cardioid Polar Pattern
Think of this like a spotlight for sound. It's designed to capture what's directly in front of it (your voice) and reject sounds from the sides and back (like your keyboard or TV). It's why you need to talk into the front of the mic, not the top.
Gain Control
This is basically a volume knob for the microphone's sensitivity. If your friends say you're too quiet, you turn the gain up. If they say you're clipping or sound distorted, you turn it down. Having a physical knob is way faster than changing a software setting.
Zero-Latency Monitoring
This lets you plug headphones directly into the mic and hear your own voice instantly, with no weird echo or delay. It's useful for making sure you don't sound too loud or quiet without having to ask 'how do I sound?' all the time.
Alternatives
If this mic isn't enough, look for models with an XLR connection, which offer more professional control through an audio interface. You can also find USB mics that come with dedicated software for customizing EQ, compression, and lighting effects.
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