MAONO PD100XS Black Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone with RGB Boom Arm

With a metal-and-plastic enclosure and a flexible boom arm, the MAONO PD100XS Black is a dynamic microphone built for desk-based streaming, podcasting, and voice recording. Its USB and XLR connections give you a choice between a straightforward computer setup and a separate audio interface or mixer.

For a creator starting with a PC, USB plug-and-play operation keeps the setup simple. The XLR output offers a different route for a studio-style rig, but the XLR cable is not included. The microphone is also listed for laptop and PS4/PS5 use over USB.

Technical overview

• Type: Dynamic desktop microphone
• Connectivity: USB-C and XLR
• Pickup pattern: Unidirectional
• Frequency range: 40Hz–16KHz
• Sampling rate: 24-bit/48kHz
• Included controls: One-touch mute, gain and monitoring volume knob, 3.5mm headphone monitor jack
• Lighting: Three RGB modes and nine color options
• Dimensions: 17.13 x 7.09 x 3.35 inches

The main buying distinction is how you plan to connect it. USB is the more direct choice for a computer-based setup, while XLR lets the mic connect to a sound card, mixer, or audio interface. The listing says its software noise reduction, RGB adjustments, and control functions are available only over USB, those features should not be assumed to carry over to XLR. Noise reduction is intended to limit ambient sound, but it is not a substitute for choosing a suitable recording environment.

Usage tips

Position the microphone toward the speaker and use the unidirectional pickup pattern for voice-focused recording, streaming, or game chat. The 3.5mm monitoring jack supports real-time headphone monitoring, while the knob switches between mic gain and monitoring volume. The one-touch mute is useful when you need to pause your mic during a call or stream.

If you connect by USB, MAONO Link can adjust noise reduction and RGB settings. The product details specify that these software features work in USB mode only. For an XLR setup, plan on using the appropriate audio interface or mixer, and source an XLR cable separately.

What’s included

The package lists the PD100X microphone, a flexible boom arm, a USB-C audio cable, a USB-C-to-USB-A cable, and a user manual. An XLR cable is not listed, so the included accessories are better suited to getting started with USB than completing an XLR connection.

Buyer feedback commonly highlights clear-sounding voice audio, ease of setup, and the choice of USB or XLR. Experiences with noise are mixed, and some buyers raise durability concerns. Those reports are worth weighing alongside the listed features rather than treating noise reduction or long-term durability as guaranteed outcomes.

Questions before you buy

Can it connect to a computer without an audio interface? Yes. The microphone supports USB, which the listing describes as plug-and-play for desktop and laptop use.

Does the package include an XLR cable? No XLR cable appears in the included-items list, so you will need one for an XLR connection.

Do the mute and volume controls work in XLR mode? The product information says its control functions are available only in USB mode.

When it makes sense

It’s a great fit if you want one dynamic mic for voice-focused gaming, streaming, or podcasting and value having both a simple USB connection and an XLR path for a mixer or interface. The supplied boom arm and USB cables support a desk setup without requiring you to assemble an XLR chain first. Not the best choice if you need the listed software lighting, noise-reduction, and control features while connected over XLR, or expect an XLR cable to be included.