OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Microphones Methodology v1.0
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MAONO PM461 Review | 76 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Connection type:USBTransducer type:electret condenserMax SPL:93.5 dB SPLSupported sample rates:192 kHzOutput connector type:USB-b

MAONO PM461 Review: Compare 76 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Microphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.4

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 69% of models
Score components

75%

7.0

Technical score

25%

8.7

User score

▲Better than 69% of microphones
7.0

Technical score

Technical score
7.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 59% of models
Score components

20%

7.1

Audio Performance

20%

7.0

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

7.5

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

5.3

Connectivity

3%

8.1

Design

3%

9.1

Accessories

▲Better than 59% of microphones
8.7

User score

User score
8.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 71% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

9.2

Number of reviews

Based on 3,762 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
▲Better than 71% of microphones
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Best prices

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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 PM461

Technical score
Technical score
7.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 59% of models
Score components:

20%

7.1

Audio Performance

20%

7.0

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

7.5

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

5.3

Connectivity

3%

8.1

Design

3%

9.1

Accessories

7.0
User score
User score
8.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 71% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

9.2

Number of reviews

Based on 3,762 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.7
Popularity
Popularity
9.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 84% of models
Popularity:
MAONO PM461 has a popularity score of 9.2 points, which is higher than 84.4% of microphones.
9.2
Value for money
Value for money
8.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components:

60%

7.4

Overall score

40%

10

Price

8.2
Microphone type
studio
Transducer type
electret condenser
Diaphragm size
14 mm
Capsule type
single
Sensitivity
?
Show more
Connection type
USB
Output connector type
USB-b
Headphone output
yes
Headphone output
yes
▲ Better than 38% of models
This microphone includes a headphone output. 62.3% of microphones include this output.
3.5 mm audio jack
no
3.5 mm audio jack
no
▼ 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
▼ 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
▲ 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
▲ 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
▼ 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
▲ Better than 9% of models
This microphone supports a cardioid pickup pattern. 91% of microphones support this pattern.
Omnidirectional pattern
no
Omnidirectional pattern
no
▼ 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
▼ 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
▼ 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
▲ 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
▲ Better than 49% of models
This microphone includes onboard gain control. 50.8% of microphones include this control.
Volume control levels
1
Volume control levels
1
▲ Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This microphone offers volume output of 1 which is higher than that of 34.9% of microphones and equal to that of 49.5% of microphones.
Flat DSP mode
no
Flat DSP mode
no
▼ 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
▼ 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
▲ 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
▲ Better than 14% of models
This microphone supports USB bus power. 85.9% of microphones support USB-powered operation.
Battery life
N/A
Height
170 mm
Height
170 mm
▲ Better than 61% of models
Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
This microphone is 170 mm tall, which is shorter than 61% of microphones and equal in height to 3.1% of microphones.
Width
52 mm
Width
52 mm
▲ Better than 66% of models
Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
This microphone is 52 mm wide, which is narrower than 65.6% of microphones and equal in width to 6.2% of microphones.
Thickness
52 mm
Thickness
52 mm
▲ Better than 62% of models
Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
This microphone is 52 mm thick, which is thinner than 62.1% of microphones and equal in thickness to 6.8% of microphones.
Weight
450 g
Weight
450 g
▲ Better than 69% of models
Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
This microphone weighs 450 g, which is lighter than 68.8% of microphones and equal in weight to 0.8% of microphones.
Microphone only.
Body material
plastic
Show more
Included accessories
stand; windscreen; cable
Shock mount included
yes
Shock mount included
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This microphone includes a shock mount. 49.3% of microphones include this accessory.
Included in PM461S/TR bundle versions.
Pop filter included
yes
Pop filter included
yes
▲ Better than 40% of models
This microphone includes a pop filter. 60.3% of microphones include this accessory.
Windscreen included
yes
Windscreen included
yes
▲ Better than 69% of models
This microphone includes a windscreen. 31.3% of microphones include this accessory.
Foam windscreen included.
Cable length
1.5 m
Cable length
1.5 m
▼ Worse than 83% of models
Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
This microphone has a cable length of 1.5 m which is shorter than that of 82.5% of microphones and equal to that of 6.9% of microphones.
Android compatibility
yes
Android compatibility
yes
▲ 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
▲ 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.
Requires audio interface.
macOS compatibility
yes
macOS compatibility
yes
▲ 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
▼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone is not compatible with Xbox. 1.5% of microphones are compatible with Xbox.
Show more

MAONO PM461 vs the average microphone

246810TotalAudio PerformanceConnectivityRecordingPickup PatternsControls & FeaturesPowerDesignAccessoriesCompatibility
  • 144 kHz higher interface sample rate
    Audio interface sample rate
    192 kHz
    ▲ 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
  • Supports loopback audio
    Loopback support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 67% of models
    This microphone supports loopback audio, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes shock mount
    Shock mount included
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This microphone includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
    Included in PM461S/TR bundle versions.
  • Includes windscreen
    Windscreen included
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This microphone includes a windscreen, the average microphone does not.
    Foam windscreen included.
  • Includes RGB lighting
    RGB lighting
    yes
    ▲ Better than 72% of models
    This microphone includes RGB lighting, the average microphone does not.
  • 18.6% lighter
    Weight
    450 g
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
    This microphone is lighter than the average microphone (450 g vs 553 g). The average microphone weighs 553 g.
    Microphone only.
    450 g vs 553 g
  • 2x cheaper
    MAONO PM461 is cheaper than the average microphone (£35 vs £70).
    £35 vs £70
  • 47.2% more popular
    MAONO PM461 has a higher popularity than the average microphone (9.16 vs 6.2).
    9.16 vs 6.22
  • 2x cheaper
    MAONO PM461 is cheaper than the average microphone (£35 vs £70).
    £35 vs £70
  • 47.2% more popular
    MAONO PM461 has a higher popularity than the average microphone (9.16 vs 6.2).
    9.16 vs 6.22
  • 144 kHz higher interface sample rate
    Audio interface sample rate
    192 kHz
    ▲ 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
  • Supports loopback audio
    Loopback support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 67% of models
    This microphone supports loopback audio, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes RGB lighting
    RGB lighting
    yes
    ▲ Better than 72% of models
    This microphone includes RGB lighting, the average microphone does not.
  • 18.6% lighter
    Weight
    450 g
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
    This microphone is lighter than the average microphone (450 g vs 553 g). The average microphone weighs 553 g.
    Microphone only.
    450 g vs 553 g
  • Includes shock mount
    Shock mount included
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This microphone includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
    Included in PM461S/TR bundle versions.
  • Includes windscreen
    Windscreen included
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This microphone includes a windscreen, the average microphone does not.
    Foam windscreen included.
  • No zero-latency monitoring
    Zero-latency monitoring
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This microphone does not support zero-latency monitoring, the average microphone does.
  • 27.5 dB SPL lower limit
    Max SPL
    93.5 dB SPL
    ▼ Worse than 100% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a lower max SPL than the average microphone (93.5 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    93.5 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    no
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a 3.5 mm jack, the average microphone does.
  • 0.5 m shorter cable length
    Cable length
    1.5 m
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
    This microphone has a shorter cable than the average microphone (1.5 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    1.5 m vs 2 m
  • 27.5 dB SPL lower limit
    Max SPL
    93.5 dB SPL
    ▼ Worse than 100% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a lower max SPL than the average microphone (93.5 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    93.5 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    no
    ▼ 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
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This microphone does not support zero-latency monitoring, the average microphone does.
  • 0.5 m shorter cable length
    Cable length
    1.5 m
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
    This microphone has a shorter cable than the average microphone (1.5 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    1.5 m vs 2 m

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

C
christcenteredgamer.com
02/11/2020
Summary of the review
Maono AU-PM461TR USB MicrophoneGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. - Christ Centered Gamer
M
mictests.com
04/10/2022
Summary of the review
Review #22174 about “Maono AU-PM461TR” - Mic Test
M
mictests.com
04/10/2022
Summary of the review
Review #22174 on the "Maono AU-PM461TR"
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 3,762 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about MAONO PM461

  • High value for a budget-friendly price point
  • Clear sound quality with a clean signal and balanced highs
  • Simple plug-and-play setup for PC, Mac, and PS4
  • Convenient physical gain knob for quick sensitivity adjustments
  • Effective cardioid pattern that captures clear audio while minimizing some background noise
  • Compact and lightweight design suitable for small desks or travel

What we don't like about MAONO PM461

  • Cheap, plasticky build quality that feels hollow
  • Lacks an onboard mute button and a headphone jack for real-time monitoring
  • RGB lighting on some models cannot be turned off or customized
  • Sensitive to room noise and desk vibrations if not used with a shock mount
  • Short included USB cable may require a replacement for certain setups
  • Included tripod stand is basic and can be unstable compared to a boom arm

Verdict

The Maono PM461 is a budget-friendly USB condenser microphone featuring a 14mm electret transducer and a cardioid polar pattern designed to minimize background noise. It supports high-resolution audio with a sampling rate up to 192kHz/24-bit and a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, making it versatile for gaming, streaming, and podcasting. Key advantages include its plug-and-play USB 2.0 connectivity, a dedicated gain knob for real-time sensitivity adjustment, and a portable, lightweight design that often includes a stable tripod. However, common drawbacks include a lack of a headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, an absence of an onboard mute button, and a primarily plastic build that may feel less premium.

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