MAONO PM422 Review | 76 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price: ~£70
  • Connection type: USB
  • Transducer type: electret condenser
  • Max SPL: 125 dB SPL
  • Supported sample rates: 192 kHz
  • Output connector type: USB-b

MAONO PM422 review. Compare 76 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among microphones and if it is worth buying.

7.7

Overall score

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 components:

75.0%

7.1

Technical Score

25.0%

9.4

User score

Very good
7.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the microphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sound quality, sensitivity, pickup pattern, connectivity, onboard controls, accessories, compatibility, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

20.0%

7.2

Audio Performance

20.0%

6.8

Recording

16.0%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16.0%

7.5

Controls & Features

10.0%

10

Power

7.0%

10

Compatibility

5.0%

6.6

Connectivity

3.0%

7.9

Design

3.0%

9.7

Accessories

Very good
9.4

User score

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 components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(1349)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(1442)
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(141)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Exceptional
  • 8.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    25.0%

    10

    Zero-latency monitoring

    25.0%

    10

    Onboard gain control

    20.0%

    10

    Mute function

    20.0%

    5.5

    Volume control levels

    10.0%

    4.0

    RGB lighting

  • 10
    Podcasting

    Score components:

    25.0%

    10

    Cardioid pattern

    20.0%

    10

    Zero-latency monitoring

    20.0%

    10

    Onboard gain control

    20.0%

    10

    Audio interface bit depth

    15.0%

    10

    Audio interface sample rate

  • 8.6
    Vocal recording

    Score components:

    40.0%

    6.4

    Max SPL

    20.0%

    10

    Highest frequency

    20.0%

    10

    Lowest frequency

    20.0%

    10

    Cardioid pattern

  • 7.8
    Streaming

    Score components:

    25.0%

    4.0

    Loopback support

    25.0%

    10

    Zero-latency monitoring

    20.0%

    10

    Onboard gain control

    15.0%

    10

    Mute function

    15.0%

    5.5

    Volume control levels

  • 9.2
    Camera use

    Score components:

    30.0%

    ?

    Weight

    25.0%

    10

    Windscreen included

    25.0%

    10

    Shock mount included

    10.0%

    8.4

    Height

    10.0%

    9.6

    Width

  • maono-pm422
  • maono-pm422
  • maono-pm422
  • maono-pm422
  • maono-pm422
  • maono-pm422
  • maono-pm422
  • maono-pm422
maono-pm422
maono-pm422
maono-pm422
maono-pm422
maono-pm422
maono-pm422
maono-pm422
maono-pm422

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Maono PM422 is a professional USB condenser microphone featuring a 16mm electret transducer and a high-resolution sound chipset capable of 192kHz/24-bit sampling. It utilizes a cardioid polar pattern for focused audio capture and offers a flat 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, making it suitable for podcasting, streaming, and home recording. Key pros include its plug-and-play USB-B connectivity, a touch-sensitive mute button with LED indicators, an onboard gain control knob, and a 3.5mm jack for zero-latency monitoring. Common cons noted by users include its limitation to USB-only connectivity (lacking XLR), low output gain that may introduce noise when cranked to maximum, and a boom arm that some find flimsy when fully extended.

Technical Specifications of MAONO PM422

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the microphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sound quality, sensitivity, pickup pattern, connectivity, onboard controls, accessories, compatibility, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

20.0%

7.2

Audio Performance

20.0%

6.8

Recording

16.0%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16.0%

7.5

Controls & Features

10.0%

10

Power

7.0%

10

Compatibility

5.0%

6.6

Connectivity

3.0%

7.9

Design

3.0%

9.7

Accessories

7.1
MAONO PM422 has a technical score of 7.06 points, which is higher than 58.8% of microphones.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(1349)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(1442)
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(141)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

9.4
MAONO PM422 has a user score of 9.43 points, which is higher than 85.4% of microphones.
Popularity
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.
10
MAONO PM422 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 69.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

7.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

8.4
MAONO PM422 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.4 points, which is higher than 77.4% of products in this category.
Microphone type
What it is: The overall microphone class intended for uses such as studio work, lavalier recording, handheld speech, or instrument capture.
When it matters: When you are choosing the right microphone style for studio work, interviews, streaming, or instruments.

Importance: LOW

studio
Transducer type
What it is: The transducer technology used to convert sound into an electrical signal.
When it matters: When you are choosing between condenser, dynamic, or ribbon behavior for your room and voice.

Importance: LOW

electret condenser
Diaphragm size
What it is: The diameter of the microphone diaphragm that reacts to incoming sound pressure.
When it matters: When you compare small and large diaphragm microphones for vocal detail, room tone, or transient response.

Importance: LOW

16 inch / mm
Capsule type
What it is: The capsule construction used inside the microphone to capture sound.
When it matters: When you compare different capsule designs for tone, detail, or recording style.

Importance: LOW

single
Sensitivity
What it is: The output level produced by the microphone for a given sound pressure reference.
When it matters: When you need enough output level without driving your preamp too hard.

Importance: LOW

?
Show more
Connection type
What it is: The connection standard used to link the microphone with recorders, mixers, phones, or computers.
When it matters: When you need the microphone to plug directly into the device you actually record with.

Importance: LOW

USB
Output connector type
What it is: The type of output connector used by the microphone for sending its audio signal.
When it matters: When you need the microphone to connect to a specific kind of input on your gear.

Importance: LOW

USB-b
Headphone output
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has a headphone output for direct monitoring.
When it matters: When you want to hear your own voice directly while recording or streaming.

Importance: LOW

yes
MAONO PM422 includes a headphone output. 62.9% of microphones include this output.
3.5 mm audio jack
What it is: Indicates whether a 3.5 mm audio jack is available for monitoring or direct connection.
When it matters: When you want to plug headphones or a cable directly into a standard 3.5 mm socket.

Importance: LOW

yes
MAONO PM422 includes a 3.5 mm jack. 62.8% of microphones include this connector.
6.35 mm audio jack connector
What it is: Indicates whether a 6.35 mm audio jack connector is present on the microphone or included interface.
When it matters: When your headphones, mixer, or instrument chain relies on a 6.35 mm jack connection.

Importance: LOW

no
MAONO PM422 does not include a 6.35 mm jack. 2% of microphones include this connector.
Show more
Supported sample rates
What it is: The digital sample rates supported by the microphone for recording or monitoring.
When it matters: When you need the microphone to support the sample rates used in your recording workflow.

Importance: LOW

192 kHz
Supported bit depths
What it is: The digital bit depth values supported by the microphone for audio capture.
When it matters: When you want more digital recording resolution for editing or processing later.

Importance: LOW

24 bit
Audio interface sample rate
What it is: The audio interface sample rates supported by the microphone for digital capture or monitoring.
When it matters: When you need the microphone interface to support the sample rate used by your recording or streaming setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

192 kHz
MAONO PM422 supports an interface sample rate of 192 kHz which is higher than that of 82.9% of microphones and equal to that of 17.1% of microphones.
Audio interface bit depth
What it is: The audio interface bit depths supported by the microphone for digital recording quality.
When it matters: When you want the microphone interface to support the bit depth used in your recording chain.

Importance: LOW

24 bit
MAONO PM422 supports an interface bit depth of 24 bit which is higher than that of 41.8% of microphones and equal to that of 57.1% of microphones.
Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
What it is: The signal to noise ratio of the integrated DAC or headphone interface stage.
When it matters: When you monitor through the microphone headphone output and want that digital path to stay quiet.

Importance: MEDIUM

74 dB
MAONO PM422 has a DAC SNR of 74 dB which is lower than that of 82.5% of microphones.
Show more
N. of polar patterns
What it is: The number of selectable pickup patterns available for different recording situations.
When it matters: When one microphone has to cover solo voice, room sound, and interview style setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

1
The number of selectable polar patterns offered by MAONO PM422 is 1, which is equal to that of 75.4% of microphones.
Cardioid pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a cardioid pickup pattern for front focused capture.
When it matters: When you want to isolate one speaker in front of the microphone for podcasts, calls, or streaming.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MAONO PM422 supports a cardioid pickup pattern. 91% of microphones support this pattern.
Omnidirectional pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers an omnidirectional pickup pattern for 360 degree capture.
When it matters: When you want to capture everyone around the microphone instead of one voice from the front.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MAONO PM422 does not support an omnidirectional pickup pattern. 26.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Hypercardioid pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a hypercardioid pickup pattern with narrower front focus.
When it matters: When you want stronger rejection of sounds coming from the sides in a noisy room.

Importance: LOW

no
MAONO PM422 does not support a hypercardioid pickup pattern. 1.5% of microphones support this pattern.
Bidirectional pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a bidirectional pickup pattern for front and rear capture.
When it matters: When you record two people facing each other with one microphone between them.

Importance: LOW

no
MAONO PM422 does not support a bidirectional pickup pattern. 17.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Mute function
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has a built in mute control for quickly silencing the signal.
When it matters: When you need to silence the microphone instantly during live calls, streams, or meetings.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MAONO PM422 includes a mute function. 67.8% of microphones include this control.
Onboard gain control
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone provides a built in control for adjusting input gain.
When it matters: When different speakers or scenes need fast gain changes without touching the interface.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MAONO PM422 includes onboard gain control. 51% of microphones include this control.
Volume control levels
What it is: The available volume level or volume adjustment provided directly on the microphone or its interface.
When it matters: When you want direct volume adjustment on the microphone or its built in interface.

Importance: LOW

1
MAONO PM422 offers volume output of 1 which is higher than that of 35.4% of microphones and equal to that of 48.7% of microphones.
Flat DSP mode
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone provides a flat DSP mode without tonal processing.
When it matters: When you want a neutral sound profile before adding your own EQ or processing.

Importance: LOW

no
MAONO PM422 does not support a flat DSP mode. 25.5% of microphones offer this processing option.
DSP presets
What it is: The number of built in DSP preset modes available for different sound profiles.
When it matters: When you want quick tone changes for voice, streaming, or different recording scenes.

Importance: LOW

0
MAONO PM422 offers 0 DSP presets, which is equal to 83.4% of microphones.
Show more
Phantom power required
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone needs external phantom power to operate normally.
When it matters: When you use the microphone with an interface or mixer that may not provide phantom power.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MAONO PM422 requires phantom power. 90.4% of microphones also require phantom power.
Phantom power voltage
What it is: The phantom power voltage required by the microphone for proper operation.
When it matters: When you must confirm that your power supply matches what the microphone actually expects.

Importance: LOW

N/A
USB bus-powered
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can be powered directly through its USB connection.
When it matters: When you want the microphone to run from a laptop or phone without a separate power supply.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MAONO PM422 supports USB bus power. 85.9% of microphones support USB-powered operation.
Battery life
What it is: The expected operating time on battery power during portable or wireless use.
When it matters: When you use the microphone away from wall power for events, field work, or mobile video.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Height
What it is: The overall height of the microphone body, stand, or supplied desktop structure.
When it matters: When the microphone has to fit under a monitor, inside a booth, or into a limited desk space.

Importance: LOW

170 mm
MAONO PM422 is 170 mm tall, which is shorter than 61% of microphones and equal in height to 3.1% of microphones.
Width
What it is: The overall width of the microphone body or its integrated base.
When it matters: When the microphone must fit between monitors, on a narrow desk, or inside a compact rig.

Importance: LOW

52 mm
MAONO PM422 is 52 mm wide, which is narrower than 65.3% of microphones and equal in width to 6.1% of microphones.
Thickness
What it is: The overall depth or front to back thickness of the microphone unit.
When it matters: When front to back depth decides whether the microphone clears your screen or keyboard area.

Importance: LOW

52 mm
MAONO PM422 is 52 mm thick, which is thinner than 62.1% of microphones and equal in thickness to 6.8% of microphones.
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the microphone with its included or attached parts.
When it matters: When you mount the microphone on a small arm, pack it for travel, or hold it for long sessions.

Importance: LOW

?
Body material
What it is: The main material used for the microphone body or housing.
When it matters: When you care about how sturdy, premium, or lightweight the microphone body feels over time.

Importance: LOW

aluminum
Show more
Included accessories
What it is: The accessories supplied in the box with the microphone for mounting, protection, or immediate use.
When it matters: When you want the box to include the accessories needed to set up and use the microphone right away.

Importance: LOW

boom arm; desk clamp; shock mount; pop filter; windscreen; cable
Shock mount included
What it is: Indicates whether a shock mount is included to reduce vibration and handling noise.
When it matters: When desk vibrations or boom arm movement would otherwise travel into the recording.

Importance: LOW

yes
MAONO PM422 includes a shock mount. 49.5% of microphones include this accessory.
Pop filter included
What it is: Indicates whether a pop filter is included to reduce plosive sounds during speech recording.
When it matters: When you record speech up close and want to reduce strong p and b bursts.

Importance: LOW

yes
MAONO PM422 includes a pop filter. 60.9% of microphones include this accessory.
Windscreen included
What it is: Indicates whether a windscreen is included to reduce wind and breath noise.
When it matters: When you record outdoors or close to the mouth and want less wind or breath noise.

Importance: LOW

yes
MAONO PM422 includes a windscreen. 31.3% of microphones include this accessory.
Cable length
What it is: The length of the included or attached audio cable supplied with the microphone.
When it matters: When the microphone has to reach your desk, camera rig, or interface without extension cables.

Importance: LOW

2.5 m
MAONO PM422 has a cable length of 2.5 m which is longer than that of 62.6% of microphones and equal to that of 15.5% of microphones.
Android compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with Android phones or tablets.
When it matters: When you plan to use the microphone with an Android phone or tablet without trial and error.

Importance: LOW

yes
MAONO PM422 is compatible with Android. 65.8% of microphones are compatible with Android.
Requires OTG adapter.
iOS compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with iPhone or iPad devices.
When it matters: When you want the microphone to work properly with an iPhone or iPad setup.

Importance: LOW

yes
MAONO PM422 is compatible with iOS. 61.3% of microphones are compatible with iOS.
Windows compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with Windows computers.
When it matters: When your recording or streaming setup runs on a Windows computer.

Importance: LOW

yes
MAONO PM422 is compatible with Windows. 100% of microphones are compatible with Windows.
macOS compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with macOS computers.
When it matters: When your audio setup depends on a Mac or MacBook as the main recording machine.

Importance: LOW

yes
MAONO PM422 is compatible with macOS. 99.5% of microphones are compatible with macOS.
Xbox compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone is explicitly compatible with Xbox consoles or controllers.
When it matters: When you want to connect and use the microphone with an Xbox console or controller.

Importance: LOW

no
MAONO PM422 is not compatible with Xbox. 2.3% of microphones are compatible with Xbox.
Reported as not compatible with Xbox.
Show more

MAONO PM422 vs the average microphone

  • 144 kHz higher interface sample rate
    MAONO PM422 supports a higher audio interface sample rate than the average microphone (192 kHz vs 48 kHz). The average microphone audio interface supports 48 kHz.
    What it is: The audio interface sample rates supported by the microphone for digital capture or monitoring.
    When it matters: When you need the microphone interface to support the sample rate used by your recording or streaming setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MAONO PM422 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
    MAONO PM422 includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
    What it is: Indicates whether a shock mount is included to reduce vibration and handling noise.
    When it matters: When desk vibrations or boom arm movement would otherwise travel into the recording.

    Importance: LOW

    MAONO PM422 includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes windscreen
    MAONO PM422 includes a windscreen, the average microphone does not.
    What it is: Indicates whether a windscreen is included to reduce wind and breath noise.
    When it matters: When you record outdoors or close to the mouth and want less wind or breath noise.

    Importance: LOW

    MAONO PM422 includes a windscreen, the average microphone does not.
  • 17.8% higher user score
    MAONO PM422 has a higher user score than the average microphone (9.43 vs 8.000).
    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.
    MAONO PM422 has a higher user score than the average microphone (9.43 vs 8.000).9.43 vs 8
  • 144 kHz higher interface sample rate
    MAONO PM422 supports a higher audio interface sample rate than the average microphone (192 kHz vs 48 kHz). The average microphone audio interface supports 48 kHz.
  • Includes shock mount
    MAONO PM422 includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes windscreen
    MAONO PM422 includes a windscreen, the average microphone does not.
  • 4 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    MAONO PM422 has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (74 dB vs 78 dB). The average microphone has a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB.
  • 16 dB lower DAC signal-to-noise ratio
    MAONO PM422 has a lower DAC signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (74 dB vs 90 dB). The average microphone DAC has a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB.
  • 16 dB lower DAC signal-to-noise ratio
    MAONO PM422 has a lower DAC signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (74 dB vs 90 dB). The average microphone DAC has a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB.
    What it is: The signal to noise ratio of the integrated DAC or headphone interface stage.
    When it matters: When you monitor through the microphone headphone output and want that digital path to stay quiet.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MAONO PM422 has a lower DAC signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (74 dB vs 90 dB). The average microphone DAC has a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB.74 dB vs 90 dB
  • 4 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    MAONO PM422 has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (74 dB vs 78 dB). The average microphone has a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB.
    What it is: The ratio between the useful audio signal and background noise produced by the microphone path.
    When it matters: When you record in untreated rooms and want the voice to stay cleaner than the background noise.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MAONO PM422 has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (74 dB vs 78 dB). The average microphone has a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB.74 dB vs 78 dB

Graphic comparison of MAONO PM422 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about MAONO PM422?

  • Excellent value for money, often described as one of the best budget kits under $100
  • High-resolution audio quality (192kHz/24bit) that is clear and crisp for vocals
  • Complete 'all-in-one' bundle includes a boom arm, shock mount, pop filter, and windscreen
  • Convenient on-body controls like the touch-sensitive mute button with LED indicator and a gain knob
  • Zero-latency monitoring via a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Sturdy metal build for the microphone body itself
  • Easy plug-and-play setup for Windows, Mac, and Linux without needing extra drivers

What customers dislike about MAONO PM422?

  • The included boom arm can feel flimsy or unstable, with some users reporting it struggles to hold the mic's weight
  • Low output gain may require turning the gain dial to near maximum, which can introduce background noise or hissing
  • The desk clamp and shock mount are sometimes cited as being made of cheaper plastic or having questionable durability
  • No dedicated volume control for the headphone monitoring jack
  • Lacks XLR connectivity, limiting its use to USB setups and making it less future-proof for professional interfaces

Expert reviews

C
christcenteredgamer.com
11/07/2022

The Christ Centered Gamer review highlights the Maono PM422 USB Microphone as a well-built, user-friendly audio solution with a straightforward plug-and-play setup, offering great audio clarity, a sturdy design, and convenient features like a touch-activated mute button and a 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring. The kit also features a handy physical gain knob. However,...Read more

S
soundorp.com
09/12/2025

The Maono microphone lineup provides high-value, budget-friendly audio solutions tailored for streamers, podcasters, and musicians alike. Entry-level models like the AU-A04 and AU-PM422 feature simple, plug-and-play USB connectivity and helpful built-in controls (like touch-mute and gain knobs), making them incredibly accessible for beginners working in untreated rooms. For creators...Read more

Z
zonammorpg.com
10/08/2022

The Maono PM422 is a highly capable, budget-friendly USB condenser microphone kit that offers exceptional audio quality for gaming, streaming, and podcasting. Operating on a plug-and-play system, it requires no external drivers or soundcards, and features a high-resolution professional sound chipset delivering up to 192KHz/24bit sampling rates. The microphone utilizes a cardioid...Read more

Video reviews

Compare MAONO PM422 with

VS
VS

Compare