MAONO Gaming USB Microphone, Noise Cancellation Condenser Mic with Mute, Gain, Monitoring, Boom Arm Mic for Streaming, Podcast, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, PC, Computer, PS4, PS5, Mac, GamerWave DGM20S
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AI Verdict
An unbeatable budget starter kit for new streamers and gamers, bundling a decent USB-C condenser mic with a boom arm, though the built-in noise cancellation requires tweaking.
The DGM20S delivers massive value by bundling a 48kHz/24-bit cardioid condenser mic with a functional boom arm and shock mount for the price of a standalone budget mic. It perfectly suits beginner setups where getting the mic off the desk and close to the mouth is the biggest audio upgrade.
If you need better background noise rejection without relying on software, look for a dynamic USB microphone like the Fifine AM8 or Maono PD200X.
Regret Score™
Medium 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 metal boom arm, shock mount, and pop filter for under $50
- Top-mounted capacitive tap-to-mute button with a red LED indicator
- USB-C port is located on the back rather than the bottom for cleaner cable routing along the boom arm
- 9 customizable RGB lighting modes that can be completely turned off with a long press
- Built-in 3.5mm headphone jack provides zero-latency monitoring
Cons
- Microphone body is made entirely of lightweight plastic
- Default noise cancellation is too aggressive and clips off the ends of words if you sit more than 6 inches away
- The noise cancellation adjustment software is only compatible with Windows, leaving Mac users stuck with the default aggressive setting
- Included boom arm springs are a bit noisy and the desk clamp maxes out at 2 inches
Dimension Scores
Good clarity for the price, but the default noise cancellation sounds artificial and nasally.
Lacks low-end punch compared to dynamic mics, but the physical gain knob provides plenty of volume.
USB-C port on the back is great for cable management, and it includes a 2-in-1 USB-A/C adapter cable.
The metal boom arm is a huge plus, but the mic capsule itself feels like cheap, hollow plastic.
Best For
- Beginner Twitch streamers looking for an all-in-one audio setup on a tight budget
- Gamers upgrading from a headset mic who want the mic positioned close to their mouth
- Discord voice chats in moderately quiet bedrooms
Not Recommended For
- Mac users who need to use the noise cancellation feature
- Professional voiceover artists needing broadcast-grade dynamic range
- Thick desks over 2 inches that won't fit the included C-clamp
Watch Out For
- Aggressive default noise cancellation — if you turn it on without using the Windows software to lower the intensity to 30%, it will aggressively cut out your voice.
- Windows-only software — Mac users can use the mic plug-and-play, but cannot download the tool needed to adjust the noise cancellation levels or update firmware.
- Flimsy desk clamp — the metal is thin and can bend if you over-tighten it on your desk.
- Firmware update failures — several users report the Maono upgrade tool failing to flash the mic when connected via USB hubs, requiring a direct motherboard connection.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C46CS37H |
| Brand | MAONO |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Metal Plastic |
| Impedance | 2.2 Kiloohms |
| Model Name | Gaming Microphone DGM20S |
| Item Weight | 12.3 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 | DGM20S |
| Compatible Devices | PC, Laptop, Mac, PS4, PS5 |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 13.78 x 13.78 x 7.87 inches |
| Included Components | Condenser Microphone, Pop Filter, Shock Mount, Boom Stand, USB Cable |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 78 dB |
| Microphone Form Factor | Stand up microphone |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, USB C |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 13.78 x 13.78 x 7.87 inches |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming, Streaming, Recording, Podcasting, Video Creation, Online Chat |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing about the DGM20S is that the included metal boom arm is actually usable, making this bundle an absolute steal for beginners. Out of the box, the raw audio is crisp and clear, but the heavily advertised one-click noise cancellation is a double-edged sword. By default, the noise suppression is so aggressive that it chops off the ends of your sentences if you lean back. You absolutely need to download the Maono software to dial the cancellation down to about 30% for it to sound natural. The rear-facing USB-C port is a brilliant design choice that makes cable routing along the boom arm look incredibly clean.
“For 40 bucks you get a mic, a boom arm, and a pop filter that actually sounds decent, just don't use the blue noise cancelling mode unless you download the software to turn it down cause it cuts out half my words.”
Common Praise
- Rear-facing USB-C port hides the cable perfectly along the boom arm
- Tap-to-mute button is highly responsive and clearly turns red when muted
- Raw audio quality punches way above its price class when noise cancellation is off
- Included 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-A cable adapter is very convenient
Common Complaints
- One-click noise cancellation makes voices sound muffled and robotic
- Microphone housing feels like cheap, hollow plastic
- Software to adjust noise cancellation is not available for macOS
- Desk clamp struggles to grip desks with beveled edges
Ownership Tips
- The noise cancellation setting resets if you unplug the mic, requiring you to re-open the software to adjust it again.
- The gain knob on the bottom is infinite-scroll without hard stops, making it hard to know your exact volume level without checking your PC.
- The shock mount uses proprietary plastic bands rather than standard elastic, which might be hard to replace if they snap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work with Xbox?
No, the DGM20S is not compatible with Xbox consoles. It works plug-and-play with Windows, Mac, PS4, and PS5.
Can I turn off the RGB lights?
Yes. Long-pressing the RGB button on the top of the mic will completely disable the lighting.
Do I need to install software to use it?
No, it works plug-and-play right out of the box. Downloading the Maono software is highly recommended on Windows to lower the intensity of the noise cancellation feature.
Is the boom arm made of metal or plastic?
The boom arm structure, springs, and desk clamp are made of metal, while the microphone body itself is plastic.
Can I hear myself through the mic?
Yes, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack on the front of the mic for zero-latency monitoring.
How long is the included USB cable?
It comes with a 6-foot USB-C to USB-A/C cable, which is long enough to route through the boom arm to a PC on the floor.
Buying Guide
When buying a budget USB microphone, getting the mic close to your mouth is 90% of the battle. That's why a bundle with a boom arm is so valuable for beginners. Condenser mics like this one are very sensitive and will pick up keyboard clicks and room echo, which is why companies add digital noise cancellation. Cheap digital noise cancellation often ruins your voice quality, so you're usually better off leaving it off and just keeping the mic 6 inches from your face.
Cardioid Polar Pattern
It means the mic only 'listens' to what's directly in front of it and ignores sound coming from behind it, like your computer fans.
Zero-Latency Monitoring
Plugging headphones directly into the mic lets you hear your own voice in real-time without the confusing half-second delay you get when listening through Windows.
Condenser Capsule
It's highly sensitive and captures a lot of detail, but it also means it will pick up your mechanical keyboard much more than a dynamic microphone would.
Alternatives
If you have a loud room with AC or mechanical keyboard noise, look for a 'dynamic USB microphone' which naturally rejects background noise much better than a condenser mic.
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