OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Microphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Microphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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MAONO AU-PM420 Review | 76 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Connection type:USBTransducer type:condenserMax SPL:120 dB SPLSupported sample rates:192 kHzOutput connector type:USB-b

MAONO AU-PM420 Review: Compare 76 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Microphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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 71% of models
Score components

75%

6.6

Technical score

25%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 71% of microphones
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 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 57% of models
Score components

20%

7.7

Audio Performance

20%

5.6

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

6.0

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

4.0

Connectivity

3%

8.0

Design

3%

9.7

Accessories

â–¼Worse than 57% 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.
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Technical Specifications of microphone MAONO AU-PM420

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 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 57% of models
Score components:

20%

7.7

Audio Performance

20%

5.6

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

6.0

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

4.0

Connectivity

3%

8.0

Design

3%

9.7

Accessories

6.6
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-PM420 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 68.3% of microphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 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 71% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.6
Microphone type
studio
Transducer type
condenser
Diaphragm size
16 mm
Capsule type
single
Sensitivity
-38 dBV/Pa
Show more
Connection type
USB
Output connector type
USB-b
Headphone output
no
Headphone output
no
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
This microphone does not include a headphone output. 62.8% of microphones include this output.
3.5 mm audio jack
no
3.5 mm audio jack
no
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
This microphone does not include a 3.5 mm jack. 63.3% 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
192 kHz
Supported bit depths
24 bit
Audio interface sample rate
192 kHz
Audio interface sample rate
192 kHz
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <48 kHz – >192 kHz
This microphone supports an interface sample rate of 192 kHz which is higher than that of 83% of microphones and equal to that of 17% of microphones.
Audio interface bit depth
24 bit
Audio interface bit depth
24 bit
â–² Better than 42% of models
Market range: <16 bit – >24 bit
This microphone supports an interface bit depth of 24 bit which is higher than that of 42.1% of microphones and equal to that of 56.7% of microphones.
Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
N/A
Show more
N. of polar patterns
1
N. of polar patterns
1
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
The number of selectable polar patterns offered by this microphone is 1, which is lower than that of 24.6% of microphones and equal to that of 75.4% 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
no
Omnidirectional pattern
no
â–¼ Worse than 26% of models
This microphone does not support an omnidirectional pickup pattern. 26.1% 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
0
Volume control levels
0
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This microphone offers volume output of 0 which is lower than that of 65.7% of microphones and equal to that of 34.3% 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
160 mm
Height
160 mm
â–² Better than 73% of models
Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
This microphone is 160 mm tall, which is shorter than 73.3% of microphones and equal in height to 3.6% of microphones.
Width
45 mm
Width
45 mm
★ Better than 93% of models
Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
This microphone is 45 mm wide, which is narrower than 92.8% of microphones and equal in width to 2.6% of microphones.
Thickness
45.7 mm
Thickness
45.7 mm
â–² Better than 89% of models
Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
This microphone is 45.7 mm thick, which is thinner than 89% of microphones.
Weight
350 g
Weight
350 g
â–² Better than 75% of models
Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
This microphone weighs 350 g, which is lighter than 75.2% of microphones.
With included stand.
Body material
metal
Show more
Included accessories
desk clamp; shock mount; pop filter; windscreen; cable
Shock mount included
yes
Shock mount included
yes
â–² Better than 51% of models
This microphone includes a shock mount. 49.3% of microphones include this accessory.
Pop filter included
yes
Pop filter included
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This microphone includes a pop filter. 60.3% of microphones include this accessory.
Windscreen included
yes
Windscreen included
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This microphone includes a windscreen. 31.3% of microphones include this accessory.
Cable length
2.5 m
Cable length
2.5 m
â–² Better than 63% of models
Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
This microphone has a cable length of 2.5 m which is longer than that of 63.1% of microphones and equal to that of 15% 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-PM420 vs the average microphone

246810TotalAudio PerformanceConnectivityRecordingPickup PatternsControls & FeaturesPowerDesignAccessoriesCompatibility
  • 144 kHz higher interface sample rate
    Audio interface sample rate
    192 kHz
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <48 kHz – >192 kHz
    This microphone supports a higher audio interface sample rate than the average microphone (192 kHz vs 48 kHz). The average microphone audio interface supports 48 kHz.
    192 kHz vs 48 kHz
  • Includes shock mount
    Shock mount included
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This microphone includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes windscreen
    Windscreen included
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This microphone includes a windscreen, the average microphone does not.
  • 36.7% lighter
    Weight
    350 g
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
    This microphone is lighter than the average microphone (350 g vs 553 g). The average microphone weighs 553 g.
    With included stand.
    350 g vs 553 g
  • 10.3 mm thinner body
    Thickness
    45.7 mm
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thinner than the average microphone (45.7 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    45.7 mm vs 56 mm
  • 25 mm shorter body
    Height
    160 mm
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
    This microphone is shorter than the average microphone (160 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
    160 mm vs 185 mm
  • 144 kHz higher interface sample rate
    Audio interface sample rate
    192 kHz
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <48 kHz – >192 kHz
    This microphone supports a higher audio interface sample rate than the average microphone (192 kHz vs 48 kHz). The average microphone audio interface supports 48 kHz.
    192 kHz vs 48 kHz
  • 36.7% lighter
    Weight
    350 g
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
    This microphone is lighter than the average microphone (350 g vs 553 g). The average microphone weighs 553 g.
    With included stand.
    350 g vs 553 g
  • 10.3 mm thinner body
    Thickness
    45.7 mm
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thinner than the average microphone (45.7 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    45.7 mm vs 56 mm
  • 25 mm shorter body
    Height
    160 mm
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
    This microphone is shorter than the average microphone (160 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
    160 mm vs 185 mm
  • Includes shock mount
    Shock mount included
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This microphone includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes windscreen
    Windscreen included
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This microphone includes a windscreen, the average microphone does not.
  • No zero-latency monitoring
    Zero-latency monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This microphone does not support zero-latency monitoring, the average microphone does.
  • No on-device controls
    On-device controls
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This microphone does not place key controls on the device, the average microphone does. 79.5% of microphones place key controls on the device.
  • No headphone output
    Headphone output
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a headphone output, the average microphone does.
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a 3.5 mm jack, the average microphone does.
  • 1 dB SPL lower limit
    Max SPL
    120 dB SPL
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a lower max SPL than the average microphone (120 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    120 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • 6.22x less popular
    MAONO AU-PM420 has a lower popularity than the average microphone (1 vs 6.2).
    1 vs 6.22
  • 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-PM420
    the average microphone
    MAONO AU-PM420 has a lower user score than the average microphone (8.00 vs 8.027).
    8 vs 8.03
  • 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
  • 6.22x less popular
    MAONO AU-PM420 has a lower popularity than the average microphone (1 vs 6.2).
    1 vs 6.22
  • 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-PM420
    the average microphone
    MAONO AU-PM420 has a lower user score than the average microphone (8.00 vs 8.027).
    8 vs 8.03
  • 4.5% worse value for money
    MAONO AU-PM420 has a lower value-for-money score than the average microphone (7.6 vs 7.9).
    7.6 vs 7.94
  • 1 dB SPL lower limit
    Max SPL
    120 dB SPL
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a lower max SPL than the average microphone (120 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    120 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • No headphone output
    Headphone output
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a headphone output, the average microphone does.
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a 3.5 mm jack, the average microphone does.
  • No zero-latency monitoring
    Zero-latency monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This microphone does not support zero-latency monitoring, the average microphone does.
  • No on-device controls
    On-device controls
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This microphone does not place key controls on the device, the average microphone does. 79.5% of microphones place key controls on the device.
  • 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

Third-party reviews

What we like about MAONO AU-PM420

  • Excellent value for money for a complete kit
  • Clear, professional audio quality (192 kHz/24 bits)
  • Easy and quick Plug-and-Play setup (no additional drivers)
  • Very practical included boom arm and accessories (pop filter and shock mount)
  • Good directionality reducing unwanted background noise

What we don't like about MAONO AU-PM420

  • No mute button on the microphone
  • No gain control button directly on the device
  • The boom arm can pick up some noise and physical shocks if handled roughly
  • USB connection requires a square cable (printer type) instead of a more modern USB-C cable

Verdict

The Maono AU-PM420 is a professional-grade USB condenser microphone featuring a 16mm electret transducer and a cardioid polar pattern designed to minimize background noise for streaming, podcasting, and voiceovers. It utilizes a high-resolution sound chipset providing a sampling rate up to 192kHz/24-bit with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz and a sensitivity of -38dB. Main pros include its durable all-metal build, plug-and-play USB connectivity, and the inclusion of a full studio kit containing a boom arm, shock mount, and pop filter. However, notable cons include the lack of a physical gain knob, no dedicated mute button, and the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring.

Compare MAONO AU-PM420 with other products in the Microphones category

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