OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Microphones Methodology v1.0
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MAONO AU-903 Review | 76 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Connection type:USBTransducer type:electret condenserMax SPL:110 dB SPLSupported sample rates:44.1, 48 kHzOutput connector type:USB-c

MAONO AU-903 Review: Compare 76 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Microphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the microphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best microphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components

75%

6.5

Technical score

25%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 76% of microphones
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Microphones category across these key areas: Audio Performance, Connectivity, Recording, Pickup Patterns, Controls & Features, Power, Design, Accessories, Compatibility.
When it matters
When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

20%

5.7

Audio Performance

20%

4.3

Recording

16%

6.0

Pickup Patterns

16%

7.5

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

6.5

Connectivity

3%

6.6

Design

3%

3.6

Accessories

â–¼Worse than 59% of microphones
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters
When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £45

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of microphone MAONO AU-903

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Microphones category across these key areas: Audio Performance, Connectivity, Recording, Pickup Patterns, Controls & Features, Power, Design, Accessories, Compatibility.
When it matters
When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components:

20%

5.7

Audio Performance

20%

4.3

Recording

16%

6.0

Pickup Patterns

16%

7.5

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

6.5

Connectivity

3%

6.6

Design

3%

3.6

Accessories

6.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters
When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
MAONO AU-903 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 68.3% of microphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the microphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a microphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

60%

6.5

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.5
Microphone type
studio
Transducer type
electret condenser
Diaphragm size
14 mm
Capsule type
dual
Sensitivity
-35 dBV/Pa
Show more
Connection type
USB
Output connector type
USB-c
Headphone output
yes
Headphone output
yes
â–² Better than 38% of models
This microphone includes a headphone output. 62.3% of microphones include this output.
3.5 mm audio jack
yes
3.5 mm audio jack
yes
â–² Better than 37% of models
This microphone includes a 3.5 mm jack. 62.8% of microphones include this connector.
6.35 mm audio jack connector
no
6.35 mm audio jack connector
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone does not include a 6.35 mm jack. 2% of microphones include this connector.
Show more
Supported sample rates
44.1, 48 kHz
Supported bit depths
16, 24 bit
Audio interface sample rate
48 kHz
Audio interface sample rate
48 kHz
â–¼ Worse than 42% of models
Market range: <48 kHz – >192 kHz
This microphone supports an interface sample rate of 48 kHz which is higher than that of 2.3% of microphones and equal to that of 55.6% of microphones.
Audio interface bit depth
16 bit
Audio interface bit depth
16 bit
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Market range: <16 bit – >24 bit
This microphone supports an interface bit depth of 16 bit which is lower than that of 58.5% of microphones and equal to that of 41.5% of microphones.
Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
70 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
70 dB
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <70 dB – >100 dB
This microphone has a DAC SNR of 70 dB which is lower than that of 91.4% of microphones and equal to that of 5.7% of microphones.
Show more
N. of polar patterns
2
N. of polar patterns
2
â–² Better than 76% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
The number of selectable polar patterns offered by this microphone is 2, which is higher than that of 75.9% of microphones and equal to that of 6.5% of microphones.
Cardioid pattern
yes
Cardioid pattern
yes
â–² Better than 9% of models
This microphone supports a cardioid pickup pattern. 91% of microphones support this pattern.
Omnidirectional pattern
yes
Omnidirectional pattern
yes
â–² Better than 74% of models
This microphone supports an omnidirectional pickup pattern. 25.6% of microphones support this pattern.
Hypercardioid pattern
no
Hypercardioid pattern
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone does not support a hypercardioid pickup pattern. 1.5% of microphones support this pattern.
Bidirectional pattern
no
Bidirectional pattern
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This microphone does not support a bidirectional pickup pattern. 17.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Mute function
yes
Mute function
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This microphone includes a mute function. 67.8% of microphones include this control.
Onboard gain control
yes
Onboard gain control
yes
â–² Better than 49% of models
This microphone includes onboard gain control. 50.8% of microphones include this control.
Volume control levels
2
Volume control levels
2
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This microphone offers volume output of 2 which is higher than that of 84.9% of microphones and equal to that of 14.1% of microphones.
Flat DSP mode
no
Flat DSP mode
no
â–¼ Worse than 26% of models
This microphone does not support a flat DSP mode. 25.6% of microphones offer this processing option.
DSP presets
0
DSP presets
0
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This microphone offers 0 DSP presets, which is fewer than 16.6% of microphones and equal to 83.4% of microphones.
Show more
Phantom power required
no
Phantom power required
no
â–² Better than 10% of models
This microphone does not require phantom power. 90.5% of microphones also operate without phantom power.
Phantom power voltage
N/A
USB bus-powered
yes
USB bus-powered
yes
â–² Better than 14% of models
This microphone supports USB bus power. 85.9% of microphones support USB-powered operation.
Battery life
N/A
Height
190.5 mm
Height
190.5 mm
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
This microphone is 190.5 mm tall, which is taller than 56.4% of microphones.
Width
60 mm
Width
60 mm
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
This microphone is 60 mm wide, which is wider than 57.4% of microphones and equal in width to 2.1% of microphones.
Thickness
80 mm
Thickness
80 mm
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
This microphone is 80 mm thick, which is thicker than 66.8% of microphones and equal in thickness to 1.6% of microphones.
Weight
626 g
Weight
626 g
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
This microphone weighs 626 g, which is heavier than 60.8% of microphones.
With included stand.
Body material
aluminum
Show more
Included accessories
stand; cable
Shock mount included
no
Shock mount included
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This microphone does not include a shock mount. 49.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Pop filter included
no
Pop filter included
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This microphone does not include a pop filter. 60.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Windscreen included
no
Windscreen included
no
â–¼ Worse than 32% of models
This microphone does not include a windscreen. 31.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Cable length
1 m
Cable length
1 m
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
This microphone has a cable length of 1 m which is shorter than that of 93.1% of microphones and equal to that of 6.9% of microphones.
Android compatibility
yes
Android compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 34% of models
This microphone is compatible with Android. 65.8% of microphones are compatible with Android.
iOS compatibility
yes
iOS compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 39% of models
This microphone is compatible with iOS. 61.3% of microphones are compatible with iOS.
Windows compatibility
yes
Windows compatibility
yes
Category Benchmark
This microphone is compatible with Windows. 100% of microphones are compatible with Windows.
macOS compatibility
yes
macOS compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This microphone is compatible with macOS. 99.5% of microphones are compatible with macOS.
Xbox compatibility
no
Xbox compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone is not compatible with Xbox. 1.5% of microphones are compatible with Xbox.
Show more

MAONO AU-903 vs the average microphone

246810TotalAudio PerformanceConnectivityRecordingPickup PatternsControls & FeaturesPowerDesignAccessoriesCompatibility
  • Supports omnidirectional pickup
    Omnidirectional pattern
    yes
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This microphone supports omnidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
  • 1 more polar patterns
    N. of polar patterns
    2
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <1 – >4
    This microphone has more polar patterns than the average microphone (2 vs 1). The average microphone offers 1 polar patterns.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports omnidirectional pickup
    Omnidirectional pattern
    yes
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This microphone supports omnidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
  • 1 more polar patterns
    N. of polar patterns
    2
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <1 – >4
    This microphone has more polar patterns than the average microphone (2 vs 1). The average microphone offers 1 polar patterns.
    2 vs 1
  • 8 bit lower interface bit depth
    Audio interface bit depth
    16 bit
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <16 bit – >24 bit
    This microphone supports a lower audio interface bit depth than the average microphone (16 bit vs 24 bit). The average microphone audio interface supports 24 bit.
    16 bit vs 24 bit
  • 21.5 dB lower DAC signal-to-noise ratio
    Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
    70 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <70 dB – >100 dB
    This microphone has a lower DAC signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (70 dB vs 91.5 dB). The average microphone DAC has a signal-to-noise ratio of 91.5 dB.
    70 dB vs 91.5 dB
  • 11.5 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
    70 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <70 dB – >100 dB
    This microphone has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (70 dB vs 81.5 dB). The average microphone has a signal-to-noise ratio of 81.5 dB.
    70 dB vs 81.5 dB
  • 11 dB SPL lower limit
    Max SPL
    110 dB SPL
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a lower max SPL than the average microphone (110 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    110 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • No pop filter
    Pop filter included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This microphone does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • 6.22x less popular
    MAONO AU-903 has a lower popularity than the average microphone (1 vs 6.2).
    1 vs 6.22
  • 1 m shorter cable length
    Cable length
    1 m
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
    This microphone has a shorter cable than the average microphone (1 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    1 m vs 2 m
  • 24 mm thicker body
    Thickness
    80 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thicker than the average microphone (80 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    80 mm vs 56 mm
  • 6.22x less popular
    MAONO AU-903 has a lower popularity than the average microphone (1 vs 6.2).
    1 vs 6.22
  • 5.2% worse value for money
    MAONO AU-903 has a lower value-for-money score than the average microphone (7.55 vs 7.9).
    7.55 vs 7.94
  • 0.3% lower user score
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MAONO AU-903
    the average microphone
    MAONO AU-903 has a lower user score than the average microphone (8.00 vs 8.027).
    8 vs 8.03
  • 11.5 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
    70 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <70 dB – >100 dB
    This microphone has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (70 dB vs 81.5 dB). The average microphone has a signal-to-noise ratio of 81.5 dB.
    70 dB vs 81.5 dB
  • 11 dB SPL lower limit
    Max SPL
    110 dB SPL
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a lower max SPL than the average microphone (110 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    110 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • 8 bit lower interface bit depth
    Audio interface bit depth
    16 bit
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <16 bit – >24 bit
    This microphone supports a lower audio interface bit depth than the average microphone (16 bit vs 24 bit). The average microphone audio interface supports 24 bit.
    16 bit vs 24 bit
  • 21.5 dB lower DAC signal-to-noise ratio
    Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
    70 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <70 dB – >100 dB
    This microphone has a lower DAC signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (70 dB vs 91.5 dB). The average microphone DAC has a signal-to-noise ratio of 91.5 dB.
    70 dB vs 91.5 dB
  • 24 mm thicker body
    Thickness
    80 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thicker than the average microphone (80 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    80 mm vs 56 mm
  • 13.2% heavier
    Weight
    626 g
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
    This microphone is heavier than the average microphone (626 g vs 553 g). The average microphone weighs 553 g.
    With included stand.
    626 g vs 553 g
  • 1 older release date
    Release date
    2019
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This microphone is older than the average microphone (2019 vs 2020). The average microphone was released in 2020.
    2019 vs 2020
  • No pop filter
    Pop filter included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This microphone does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • 1 m shorter cable length
    Cable length
    1 m
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
    This microphone has a shorter cable than the average microphone (1 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    1 m vs 2 m

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

K
knowledgesharingtech.com
19/07/2022
Summary of the review
Maono Fairy AU-903 USB mic Review

Third-party reviews

What we like about MAONO AU-903

  • Versatile USB-C condenser microphone for streaming and podcasting
  • Dual 14mm capsules with cardioid and omnidirectional pickup modes
  • Plug-and-play setup with 48kHz/16-bit audio support
  • Sturdy all-metal build
  • Hardware gain and volume knobs plus 3.5mm zero-latency monitoring

What we don't like about MAONO AU-903

  • Included USB cable is relatively short
  • May produce background hiss at higher gain levels
  • Compact design may need a boom arm or separate stand for better mouth proximity

Verdict

The Maono AU-903 (Fairy) is a versatile USB-C condenser microphone featuring dual 14mm capsules that allow users to switch between cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. It supports a standard 48kHz/16-bit sampling rate with a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz and a sensitivity of -35dB, making it a robust plug-and-play solution for streamers and podcasters. Key advantages include its sturdy all-metal build, dedicated hardware gain and volume knobs, and a 3.5mm jack for zero-latency monitoring. However, users have noted some drawbacks, including a relatively short included USB cable, potential background hissing at higher gain levels, and a compact design that may require a separate boom arm or stand for optimal mouth proximity.

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