Maono PD200W wireless dynamic microphone review
Tangle-free podcasting.
The Maono PD200W is a dynamic microphone that can connect to a device via USB, XLR, or wirelessly. Audio quality is good and within expectations for the price. Its wireless connectivity makes the PD200W a convenient and solid option for budding podcasters, streamers, and vocal workers.Sam Medley Published
Verdict - A clutter-free recording experience for amateur vocalists
The Maono PD200W is a versatile dynamic microphone well-suited for streamers, podcasters, and vocal artists getting started in their lines of work. The main draw is its 2.4 GHz wireless module, which allows the mic to connect to any compatible USB-C device (including smartphones) without worrying about running wires across a workspace. Recording quality is fairly good in all modes and competes with most other USB microphones in this price range. One of the big drawbacks is the lack of pattern selection; the PD200W is stuck in a cardioid pattern. While this is fine for individual recording, it limits what the PD200W can be used for. Overall, the microphone is a solid "bang for the buck" option for those getting started in solo vocal work.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Maono PD200W is available from Maono directly or through Amazon starting at $99.99. It can be purchased with either a desktop stand (included) or a boom arm ($30 more). Maono is running a Black Friday sale, offering 20% off either option now through December 1, 2025.
There is no shortage of USB microphones on the market, but most in the sub-$100 bracket are fairly lackluster when it comes to dynamic responsiveness and voice quality. The Maono PD200W hopes to fill that hole and, for the most part, succeeds. Quality is excellent considering the price, and the inclusion of a dynamic capsule and a variety of connections make the PD200W a solid option for both voice recording and podcasting. However, the microphone is tuned to solo work, meaning group recordings will require more mics and a higher budget.
Specifications
| Micorphone type | Dynamic |
| Capsule size | 30 mm |
| Sample / Bit Rate | 48 kHz/24-bit |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 82 dB |
| SPL max | 128 dB |
| Frequency response | 50-16000 Hz |
| Connection options | USB-C, XLR, 2.4 GHz wireless |
| Battery | 2600 mAh, 9.62 Wh |
| Battery life | 60 hrs (per Maono) |
| Wireless range | 60 m (per Maono) |
Build quality and features: a variety of connection options
The PD200W features a well-built and premium-feeling aluminum casing. It is a "shotgun" style microphone, meaning the capsule is pointing straight out in a direct line. It comes with a slip-on popcover that fits snugly over the main capsule and is held on with friction. The pop cover remains in place and does a good job of cancelling out ambient air noises and reducing the harshness of plosives (hard "p," "s," and "d" sounds).
There is an RGB light ring around the base of the capsule that can be set to any color in the RGB spectrum via the Maono mobile app. It can also be set on a "rainbow" pattern, in which multiple colors cycle around the ring and give the microphone some aesthetic flair.
There is a single knob on the main body of the microphone that controls either gain (the volume going into the microphone) or headphone volume (going out via the 3.5 mm jack on the bottom of the microphone's body). There is an LED ring around this light that gives a vague idea of where the gain or volume levels are set, although it is not very precise. The lid dims as volume goes down and brightens as volume is increased, but it is difficult to tell exactly what percentage or level the volume is at. The knob has good tactile feedback, clicking at each level. For reference, there are exactly 20 clicks from 0% to 100%, so counting clicks must be used to get a better, more exact idea. A more precise visual cue would be a better option in future revisions, letting users know at a glance what gain is set to.
There is also a mute button on the main body that works as expected, although it is a bit clicky. However, clicking it could not be detected in recorded audio.
The bottom of the microphone houses the XLR and USB-C inputs alongside a power button (that can also be used to cycle the LED ring through a variety of colors) and a 3.5mm audio output for headphones. The USB-C port is also used to charge the battery of the microphone, which Maono rates at up to 60 hours. Based on rudimentary testing, that battery claim appears fairly accurate, depending on use. Turning on RGB cuts the battery life in half.
The USB-C port allows the PD200W to connect to desktops, laptops, and even some smartphones and tablets that support the feature. Those with a mixing board in their setup can opt to connect the PD200W via XLR. The microphone doesn't require phantom power, which is a nice touch. Lastly, the PD200W can connect to a Maono wireless receiver (one of which is included in the box) via 2.4 GHz, meaning a user could have a fully wireless setup (provided the microphone's battery is charged). While Maono includes only a USB-C compatible wireless receiver, there are also receivers with Lightning (for older iPhones and iPads) and 3.5 mm connectors.
All said, the PD200W offers a fair bit of versatility for muiltiple setups. It is ready to go out of the box and doesn't require much fuss to set up; it's truly plug-and-play. However, the lack of clear indication of gain and volume levels on the microphone itself is a downside.
Audio quality: solid one-trick pony
The Maono PD200W has some nice connection options, but these don't matter if the audio recorded through them is of poor quality. Thankfully, that is not the case. The PD200W offers excellent audio. While I wouldn't rank it at "studio-grade," it is more than good enough for a home podcasting, voice recording, or streaming setup. It could also be a nice entry microphone for budding musical artists.
The PD200W records clean, crisp audio that is fairly level. Bass frequencies are not overpowering, and highs don't clip. Higher registers do tend to be slightly quieter than mids and lows, but the overall profile is well-balanced with a full body. It is well-tuned for podcasters and more conversational voice recording work such as voiceovers or audiobooks. Streamers or voice actors may want to look for something that offers more responsive highs, but the PD200W is a solid entry point and a "good enough" mic for most people.
You can hear some voice samples below.
Maono PD200W - 50% Gain
Maono PD200W - Max Gain
Maono PD200W - Ambient sounds
Movo UM300 - Ambient sound
Audio quality also seems consistent across connection types. There may be very slight differences in quality between the wireless and wired options, but these are largely not noticeable. Either way, audio quality is significantly better than the built-in microphone of a smartphone or a cheaper USB-only microphone (such as the Movo UM300).
One of the main drawbacks for the PD200W is its lack of variable polar patterns. The microphone is set to record in a cardioid pattern and cannot be changed, meaning it is suitable only for solo vocal recording directly in front of the capsule. While this shouldn't present a major issue for most home and semi-professional users, it does mean that multiple microphones will be needed if more people are added to a podcast or more simultaneous vocal tracks are needed.
Still, the quality from the PD200W is excellent, especially for the price.
Maono PD200W - USB-C
Movo UM300 - USB-C
iPhone 16 Pro Max - Direct Capture
Maono PD200W - Wireless receiver on iPhone 16 Pro Max
Conclusion
For a penny shy of $100, the Maono PD200W is a solid option for those looking to get into vocal work, especially with solo ventures. It offers a variety of connection options for any setup, so it can easily transition from a starter USB mic into a full soundboard setup via XLR. The wireless module also makes for a clutter-free setup, whether connected to a computer or a smartphone.
There are some minor nitpicks. For one, while there is a gain knob on the microphone, the visual indication for gain level is unclear, meaning users will need to take some time to tune in gain exactly. Additionally, the microphone is limited to a cardioid pattern, making it suitable only for single individuals; more microphones would be needed for an interview, for example.
All said, the Maono PD200W is a flexible microphone that offers excellent recording quality for the price. It's an easy recommendation.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
