{"id":3719,"date":"2022-02-04T07:54:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T07:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/?p=3719"},"modified":"2022-02-04T15:14:42","modified_gmt":"2022-02-04T15:14:42","slug":"best-mic-under-150","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/best-mic-under-150\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Mic Under $150? Maono AU-PM500T Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"666\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-mic-1024x666.jpg\" alt=\"best vocal mic under $150\" class=\"wp-image-3722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-mic-1024x666.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-mic-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-mic-768x500.jpg 768w, https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-mic.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Best Vocal Mic Under $150? | Maono AU-PM500 Microphone Review\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zDFTFF_ESfs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/PM500\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get This Maono Mic On Amazon Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for a great microphone for recording vocals, voiceovers, and more that won&#8217;t break the bank?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well look no further than Maono&#8217;s AU-PM500T large diaphragm condenser microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By the way, I received this microphone for free from Maono in exchange for an honest review. They did not pay me to write this review. I only recommend products that I use and love, have used, or have researched thoroughly from authoritative sources. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maono AU-PM500T Specs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-specs-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Maono PM500 mic frequency response and polar pattern\" class=\"wp-image-3727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-specs-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-specs-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-specs-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-specs.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Stats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Cardioid polar pattern<\/li><li>Large diaphragm condenser microphone<\/li><li>Mostly linear frequency response with a slight boost between 5KHz and 10KHz and roll-offs at 10KHz and 40Hz<\/li><li>Dynamic range of 20Hz &#8211; 20KHz<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros Of The Maono <meta charset=\"utf-8\">AU-PM500T<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s cover the pros of the Maono AU-PM500T. What is it good at?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Studio-Quality Sound<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>PM500T XLR microphone offers a wide dynamic range of 20Hz &#8211; 20KHz, which you don&#8217;t always find for mics in this price range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was also impressed with the clarity and precise quality of the mic. It was able to pick up fine details which is what you want from a condenser mic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, the quality of the sound  offered a detailed, rich, smooth, and pleasing sound, which is excellent for both studio and home recordings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is now my go-to mic for both vocal recordings and recording YouTube videos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Well-Built<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The mic feels well-built and solid, and contains a custom-designed 34mm gold spluttered condenser capsule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The circuit design utilizes premium components from top-tier manufacturers and a tailor-made permalloy audio signal transformer to provide low self-noise and exceptional sound capturing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I found this to be the case in my testing, as I couldn&#8217;t detect any noise floor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a professional studio-grade XLR large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for vocalists, music instrument performers, podcasters, live streamers, and audio professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The body of this XLR condenser microphone is made with zinc alloy and treated with multi-layer coatings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is sturdy, durable, and functions as an electromagnetic shield to give a purer audio signal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The included metal pop filter, shock mount and desktop stand can protect the microphone all-around, it isolates the mic from physical vibration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All The Accessories You Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the microphone itself, Maono doesn&#8217;t leave you high and dry when it comes to the other accessories and equipment you&#8217;ll need to record professional vocals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Included in your package are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1 XLR condenser microphone<\/li><li>1 metal desktop mic stand<\/li><li>1 shock mount<\/li><li>1 metal pop-filter<\/li><li>1 XLR to XLR cable<\/li><li>1 user manual<\/li><li>1 Maono 12 month warranty service<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With most other mics, you&#8217;ll be required to buy, at the very least, a mic stand, shock mount, and XLR cable separately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With this product, you get everything included, which is very nice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I especially like the metal pop-filter, which easily clips on to any portion of the shock mount, and is much easier to clean than a cloth pop-filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the Maono condenser mic good for singing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-mic-1.jpg\" alt=\"Maono AU-PM500T condenser microphone review\" class=\"wp-image-3733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-mic-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-mic-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Maono-mic-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><strong>The Maono AU-PM500T condenser microphone is excellent for recording vocals and singing. It gives vocals a rich and clear sound while also providing a slight boost in presence to help the vocal performance cut through a busy mix.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Maono first reached out to me about reviewing their microphone, and I checked it out on their website, I was a tad skeptical that it would be good for recording singers and vocalists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is because Maono positions their microphone as being designed for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Professional dubbing<\/li><li>Live streaming<\/li><li>Live game explanation<\/li><li>Network audio production<\/li><li>And personal recording<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>I was thinking that a microphone designed for content creators might not stand up as well when it comes to vocal recording. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But I was proven wrong!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Maono AU-PM500T condenser microphone is excellent for recording vocals and singing, and I was very pleased with the recordings I produced with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Maono condenser mic is now my microphone of choice when it comes to recording vocals (and YouTube videos) in my home studio. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons Of The Maono <meta charset=\"utf-8\">AU-PM500T<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now for the cons. Does the Maono AU-PM500T have any? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not Really Any Cons&#8230;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For this price range, I couldn&#8217;t really detect any cons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, your high-end studio microphones which can set you back thousands of dollars will have more bells and whistles (pads and built-in EQ switches), and perhaps slightly more detail and clarity, but this isn&#8217;t even necessarily true. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If I had to nit-pick, I would say, depending on your vocal and your track, you&#8217;ll probably have add some EQ in certain sections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With it&#8217;s built-in boost in the 5KHz-10KHz range, you&#8217;re not lacking for presence, although you do have a roll-off above 10KHz, so if you&#8217;re wanting some top-end shimmer on your vocals, you&#8217;ll want to give it a high-end shelf boost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve heard other people say that mic can sound a little thin, and perhaps this is true for stand alone voiceover performances or podcasting where a deep vocal sound is desired, but I don&#8217;t find this an issue at all for recording vocals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I actually find the Maono condenser mic quite rich in the low-mids, which is a range you typically cut on vocals anyway to reduce mud in your mix. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Top-to-bottom, I&#8217;m very happy with this mic and plan on using it as my primary mic for all my recording needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How You Can Make Your Maono Mic Sound Better<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s not a whole lot you need to do to make your Maono AU-PM500T condenser microphone sound better. I was pleasantly surprised by how good the raw recordings sound with this mic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, if you are looking for upfront vocals that cut through your mix, you might want to use EQ to shelf-boost a couple of dbs above 10KHz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/vocals-sit-upfront\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/vocals-sit-upfront\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Speaking of upfront vocals, check out my article here for a compression hack to ensure your vocals sound professional and cut your your mix every time. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, depending on your vocal performance, the high-mid boost built-in to the microphone will likely require you to perform some DeEssing, but this is common even when recording on the most expensive of microphones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, if you&#8217;re recording in a less than ideal environment that isn&#8217;t acoustically treated, and you have a lot of noise going on around you&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may pick up some undesirable sounds, as this is just the nature of condenser microphones. They are very sensitive so they can pick up great detail&#8230;but they can also pick up stuff you don&#8217;t want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is that the undesirable sounds can be removed using a tool like iZotope&#8217;s RX. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Easily Fix A Bad Vocal Recording With iZotope RX\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A4mlxLRf4_Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t want to get iZotope RX, then just be sure it&#8217;s quiet around you when you record, and throw up some acoustic treatment or blankets and couch cushions in your room before recording. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should You Get The Maono <meta charset=\"utf-8\">AU-PM500T?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t have a condenser microphone, or don&#8217;t have an XLR microphone of any kind, and you&#8217;re looking to record vocals or voiceovers, then the Maono condenser mic is an excellent option for you that I highly recommend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, even if you already have a condenser microphone (like I did) but it&#8217;s cheap\/entry-level, the Maono AU-PM500T is definitely a step-up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/PM500\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/PM500\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">If you&#8217;re ready to get this great microphone for yourself, then just click here. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/PM500\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get This Maono Mic On Amazon Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for a great microphone for recording vocals, voiceovers, and more that won&#8217;t break the bank? Well look no further than Maono&#8217;s AU-PM500T large diaphragm condenser microphone. By the way, I received this microphone for free from Maono in exchange for an honest review. They did not pay me to write this review. I only [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3722,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[222,152],"class_list":["post-3719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gear","tag-microphone","tag-recording","post-wrapper","thrv_wrapper"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3719","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3719"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3734,"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3719\/revisions\/3734"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}