MAONO A04 Gen2 USB/XLR Condenser Microphone Kit, 192kHz/24-Bit

The MAONO A04 Gen2 gives you a choice of USB or XLR connection, so you can plug into a computer for straightforward recording or use an audio interface or mixer for a studio setup.

Its cardioid pattern and 16mm condenser capsule are designed to capture sound from the front. The included pop filter, foam windscreen, and shock mount support a more controlled recording setup for spoken audio and content creation.

Use MAONO Link in USB mode to adjust gain, choose noise-reduction strength, and access scene EQ presets, a compressor, and a limiter. This lets you tailor the microphone settings to different recording situations.

What you’ll notice day to day

For podcasts, voiceovers, streaming, online teaching, or gaming, the adjustable boom arm helps position the microphone where you need it. The shock mount helps minimize the effect of external vibrations, while the pop filter and foam windscreen help manage pops and wind noise during close speech. The cardioid pickup pattern focuses on sound from the front and reduces off-axis sound, making microphone placement part of the recording setup.

Customer feedback often highlights clear sound, easy setup, and usefulness for podcasting and gaming. Experiences with construction and background-noise handling are mixed, so results can depend on the recording environment and setup.

The essentials

• Type: Studio condenser microphone
• Connections: USB and XLR
• Audio: Up to 192kHz/24-bit sampling, 16mm capsule, cardioid pattern
• Included: Adjustable boom arm, shock mount, pop filter, foam windscreen, desk clamp, and USB cable
• Software: MAONO Link controls are available in USB mode

The kit supports a flexible choice between a direct USB connection and an XLR-based setup. The XLR cable is not included. Connecting a phone, tablet, iOS device, or Windows device through XLR requires phantom power. The microphone is listed as compatible with computers, Mac OS, PS4/PS5, smartphones, audio interfaces, and mixers, it does not support Xbox.

Practical tips

For a desk setup, attach the clamp to a flat surface up to 2.1 inches thick, then position the boom arm and microphone toward your voice. The manufacturer describes a best recording range of 2–6 inches. In USB mode, use MAONO Link to set the gain and adjust noise reduction or other available audio controls for your intended use. For an XLR setup, connect through an audio interface or mixer, use phantom power when connecting the listed phones, tablets, iOS devices, or Windows devices by XLR.

What to clarify

Can I choose between USB and XLR? Yes. USB offers a direct connection for compatible devices, while XLR is suited to an audio interface or mixer. MAONO Link software controls work in USB mode only.

What is included for mounting and speech recording? The kit includes an adjustable boom arm, shock mount, pop filter, foam windscreen, desk clamp, and USB cable, along with the microphone. An XLR cable is not included.

Will the clamp fit my desk? It can mount to a desk up to 2.1 inches thick. The clamp needs a flat surface, rounded or overhanging edges are not suitable mounting surfaces.

When it makes sense

Choose the A04 Gen2 if you want one microphone kit for spoken content and the flexibility to start with USB or build an XLR setup around an interface or mixer. Compared with a USB-only approach, its XLR connection gives you another way to integrate the mic into a recording chain, while USB keeps computer recording direct. The included arm and speech-recording accessories make it a practical fit for a home desk used for podcasts, streaming, voiceovers, or online lessons.