Can’t decide whether you want a USB or an XLR microphone? It’s a common question for people who want to start a podcast or maybe work as a voiceover artist. A USB microphone is convenient because you can plug it straight into a PC or Mac and start recording straight away.

An XLR microphone can be plugged into an audio interface and can have effects added to make the sound suit you. There are advantages to both types of interfaces but if you can’t decide which type to buy, why not get a microphone that does both?

The Maono PD400X USB/XLR is a dynamic dual-mode microphone with USB-C and XLR interfaces. Designed for podcasting and live streaming, the PD400X can also be used for recording instruments or vocals and, thanks to its wide compatibility with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android OS devices, you can use it to record on computers, mobile phones and tablets.

The Maono PD400X has a cardioid pickup pattern. That means it captures sound from a heart-shaped area in front of the microphone. This is an end-address model which means you speak into the top of the microphone to get the best sound quality. The microphone also features good off-axis noise rejection which helps to stop bleeding from other sound sources such as other speakers in a podcast.

When it’s being used in USB mode, the Maono PD400X provides 48kHz / 24-bit output which is high enough quality for most people’s needs, even musicians. In XLR mode, the resolution will depend on the type of interface being used.

In USB mode, the PD400X also provides real-time monitoring. You can plug in a pair of headphones with a 3.5mm connector and then hear what the microphone is picking up in real time the output of the microphone. If you need to silence the microphone you can feel a cough coming on with the Tap-to-Mute button which immediately silences the microphone.

When used in USB mode, the PD400X has a clever 3-in-1 multifunction knob with an LED scale around it showing the settings levels. Turn the knob to increase the microphone’s gain level. If you press the knob again, you can adjust the output of the built-in headphone amplifier for live monitoring. Finally, press the knob a third time and it will let you balance the sound between the host computer and the microphone’s output.

At the back of the microphone, three EQ buttons offer the choice of a Flat Response, High-Pass filter, Presence Boost or both those settings at the same time. There are lots of choices for adjusting the microphone to suit the user’s voice. The overall design is impressive and compares well to Shure’s MV7+, probably the current gold standard for dual-interface dynamic microphones.

Another handy feature of the Maono PD400X is the Maono Link software which is available for Windows and macOS. This software provides settings for the microphone’s gain, headphone volume, tone, equalizer, limiter and even a compressor setting that can give the PD400X a customized sound. It’s an impressive piece of software.

The PD400X comes with a yoke bracket that’s very similar to the one used on the Shure MV7+ and SM7B. The yoke has a 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch thread for fitting on a desk stand or a boom arm. Although the microphone will fit almost any boom arm or stand, Maono sells its own BA92 boom which is an impressive piece of kit.

Unlike most Anglepoise style boom arms, the BA92 is a cantilever design with a long horizontal arm and then an articulating boom like a mobile crane. This design makes it easy to position the microphone in just the right position. It’s a surprisingly rugged boom with hollow arms where the USB or XLR cable can be tucked away and hidden from view with a plastic cover. The whole boom attaches to a desk or other surface with a screw-clamp mechanism that keeps the whole thing rock steady.

The main advantage of the BA92 is it’s very good for use with video podcasts as its low-profile design doesn’t cover the face of the person speaking into the microphone. The whole thing feels well-made and is surprisingly substantial.

Verdict: The Maono PD400X USB/XLR dynamic microphone is a more affordable alternative to Shure’s excellent MV7+, which is also a dual-interface microphone. I like the PD400X because it offers a lot for the money at a sensible price. It may not have quite the same sparkle as the Shure, but with a little tweaking of those EQ settings or the software, it can turn out a good sound. If you are on a budget and want a good quality podcast microphone, the Maono PD400X USB/XLR should be on your shortlist of possibilities, as should the BA92 boom arm.

Pricing & Availability: The Maono PD400X USB/XLR is available now and costs $149.99 / £115.61 / €138.68. The Maono BA92 boom is also available now and costs $79.99 / £61.61 / €73.95.

Tech Specs:

• Capsule: Dynamic.
• Polar pattern: Cardioid.
• Interface: XLR / USB-C.
• Microphone gain range: 0 to +42dB.
• Sampling rate : 48kHz / 24-bit.
• Sensitivity: XLR: -51dBV USB: -8.5dBFS/Pa(Max).
• SPL: ＞130dB SPL.