Maono DM30RGB USB Gaming Microphone review - "Affordable beginner's mic that's as flashy as it's functional"

They lured me in with the RGB lights.

Yes, the folks at Maono have reached out once again with a more budget-friendly option than the previous PD200X and PD400X, and when I first saw that the pretty lights were all there, it was all I needed to say yes. The Dark Side may have cookies, but if the Light Side has RGB, I'm all for it.

Table of contents:

• Maono DM30RGB USB microphone design and hardware
• Gaming experience and connectivity
• What's the verdict?

MAONO DM30RGB USB MICROPHONE DESIGN AND HARDWARE

The Maono DM30RGB USB Gaming Microphone, at less than $50, still oozes professional-looking charm with its all-metal body and hefty weight. There are 4 colours to choose from (pink, purple, black, and white), with the white one looking especially classy thanks to the mic's minimalist look and sleek build. It's no wonder this model bagged the CES 2023 Innovation Awards and the Red Dot Design Award.

Controls are incredibly simple and all a beginner ever really needs in a gaming mic - there's the one knob in front to adjust the mic gain and headphones volume, while the rest of the clutter is underneath the mic (a button to toggle the lights, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm jack - that's it). The rest of the mic is dedicated to the actual, well, mic, which lights up with all these RGB colours that will have anyone ooh-ing and aah-ing after you've propped it up on your desk - and propping it up is easy with the mic's built-in stand and adhesive grips at the bottom.

GAMING EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTIVITY

Connectivity is a simple plug-and-play affair, and I particularly loved how the USB-C plug on one end is titled at a right angle. This makes all the difference when connecting to my Android phone, especially when my phone is on a stand and there's very limited space for any pesky cables to jut out in odd places.

As for the performance itself, I didn't have any glaring issues with the mic during gaming sessions, but at one point when I used it on an Instagram Live event, I could hear my voice echoing all over the place. It might be because the mic needs to be upright and in front of you rather than tilted with the top part in front of your mouth, which I did think was a bit of an odd choice especially since both the PD200X and PD400X needed to have the audio source positioned on top of the mic.

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Thankfully, there's the Maono Link mobile app where you can tinker around with the levels to suit your preferences best. It's not something you should be overly concerned about if you're a beginner, but it's nice to have that option if you're looking to level up your mobile streaming.

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

The mic is incredibly sensitive, mind you, as even just having the fan on in my room generated this whirring noise in the background when I checked my audio. It's also sensitive enough to pick up clicks and keyboard taps. It's not as heavy as the PD400X, and while the built-in stand makes it a bit of a bulkier accessory (you can unscrew the base, though!) when you're carrying it around outside, it's still small enough to fit in your bag should you choose to have it with you on remote assignments or on-the-go gaming sessions.

Compared to the PD200X, on the other hand, it's definitely flashier and more attention-grabbing - if that's something you're into, then I don't think you can get any flashier than this. But if you're more of a fan of the subtler things in life when it comes to your gaming aesthetics, this loud-and-proud device might not be your cup of tea.

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Overall, the Maono DM30RGB does a superb job of giving beginners the perfect tool to invest in a dedicated gaming mic without breaking the bank. At just a mere $49.99, it's a definite steal - plus, with its 4 colour options, it might even make the perfect gift for that aspiring mobile streamer in your life.

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