Maono PM500 Condenser Microphone
Summary
Good value overall.
I was happy to be selected by Maono to receive a pre-release microphone to do this review. Thanks, Maono for letting me test this microphone out!
The AU-PM500 is a premium XLR, large-diaphragm, condenser microphone that costs around $100 with a shock mount and pop filter included. It has the largest in class 34mm capsule and Maono claims that it beats out many competitors in the $200 – $300 range.
Maono PM500 Condenser Microphone unboxing and review
This microphone is an XLR microphone which means you need an audio interface, mixer, or podcast-specific interface like the Rodecaster Pro, Zoom P4. or the Maonocaster.
Features:
- Balanced XLR outpout
- Custom Fit Shock Mount
- 34mm metal-coated condenser microphone
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Full metal body
Unboxing the PM500
This is the second Maono Microphone I am reviewing. The previous microphone I reviewed was the HD300 Dynamic microphone. One thing I’m noticing about Maono is their attention to design detail and focus on providing value for the dollar.
What comes in the box?
In the box, you will find the microphone itself, XLR Cable, a pop filter, and a shock mount. It also comes with a small user manual.
And a really nice metal carrying case that will protect your microphone and accessories while traveling. See the photo below.
The Shock Mount and Pop Filter:
The shock mount and pop filter are well designed and look great. Definitely a visually appealing microphone.
First impression:
This is a very nice-looking microphone. The design is sleek and the metal finish feels good.
I really like the metal carry case that comes with the microphone as well. When you travel with this mic you don’t have to worry about damaging the microphone and included accessories as they fit nicely into the protective case.
I like the look and feel of this microphone.
Maono PM500 microphone specs
The PM500 has a large 34mm metal diaphragm condenser capsule.
Cardiod Polar Pattern
The polar pattern is a cardioid pattern that is designed to be a front-facing microphone with audio fall out towards the back of the microphone.
Frequency Repsonse
The microphone frequency response is from 20Hz – 20KHz with a sensitivity of -35.3dBu at 1kHz.
Output impedance is 98.7 ohm. Rate Load impedances are not less than 1k ohm. The maximum SPL is 120 dB SPL.
S/N Ratio is 70 dB-A. The noise Level is 20u Vrms. Dynamic Range is 120 dB.
This microphone requires +48V DC phantom power.
How does the Maono PM-500 sound?
So with all the specifications out of the way let’s see how the Maono PM500 sounds. For this test, I will record a sample audio script and I will compare the PM500 to some other microphones I have on hand.
Note: These test recordings were recorded in a basement with some ambient background noise.
TEST 1 – Maono PM-500 recorded into XLR connected to my Behringer UMC404HD
TEST 2 – Maono HD300 test recording to compare a less expensive dynamic microphone to the PM500.
TEST 3 – HEIL PR40 test recording to compare a more expensive microphone to the PM500.
About Maono
Maono is a company that focuses on the gaming and podcast space. With millions of users enjoying their products around the world Maono is becoming a well-known audio equipment brand.
So what do I think of the Maono PM500?
This is a decent microphone for a podcaster that already has an audio interface or mixer (or wants to set up a podcast studio). If you are just starting out and you are not sure if you will continue podcasting then the Maono HD300 may be a better starter mic because it has USB and XLR connections.
I like how it sounds and the build quality appears to be good.
The PM500 is a beautiful microphone and Maono put some nice finishing touches on this mic with the nice-looking shock mount and pop filter.
Remember that you have a unique voice and picking a microphone is a very personal experience. This microphone sounds good but you may want to try out a few different microphones to get a feel for what resonates best with your voice.
This is the first condenser microphone I have reviewed and to be honest I was expecting it to be more sensitive than it is. Condenser microphones tend to pick up more background sounds but I was pleasantly surprised by the Maono PM500.
At the expected price of around $100 for the microphone with the shock mount and pop filter, this microphone is a good value for the money. The only accessory you will need is a stand to attach it to. You can get a desktop or swivel arm stand for a small additional investment.
I like this microphone and would recommend it to podcasters who are comfortable using a condenser mic. This microphone is definitely priced below other microphones of similar specifications.
