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MAONO A04 Gen2 White XLR/USB Condenser Microphone for PC Podcast Recording | 192kHz/24Bit Plug & Play Computer Cardioid Metal Mic with Software, Pro Sound Chipset for Content Creation, Stream, YouTube
MAONO

MAONO A04 Gen2 White XLR/USB Condenser Microphone for PC Podcast Recording

Bottom line: The MAONO A04 Gen2 White XLR/USB Condenser Microphone ($79.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Dual XLR and USB output works with interfaces, mixers, PCs, and phones; main trade-off: not compatible with Xbox, unlike its PS4/PS5 and PC support.

$79.99

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Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Dual XLR and USB output works with interfaces, mixers, PCs, and phones
  • ✓ 192kHz/24bit sampling with a 30Hz-16kHz flat frequency response
  • ✓ MAONO Link software adds gain, EQ presets, compressor, and limiter in USB mode
  • ✓ Ships complete: boom arm, shock mount, pop filter, foam windscreen, and base

Cons

  • ✗ Not compatible with Xbox, unlike its PS4/PS5 and PC support
  • ✗ XLR mode needs your own phantom power source, sold separately
  • ✗ No XLR cable in the box despite the XLR connector
  • ✗ MAONO Link software features are locked to USB mode only

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored MAONO A04 Gen2 White XLR/USB Condenser Microphone using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. MAONO's streaming gear lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • USB/XLR Connectivity: The A04 Gen2 is a super versatile condenser microphone for capturing rich. Thanks to its dual XLR & USB connections, it's just at home in the studio as it is plugged straight into audio interface or mixer. And connected to PC or phone for plug-and-play recording. If you want to connect Windows, iOS, PAD, phone by XLR mode, please make sure you have phantom power ready. This is perfect if you want one flexible mic that will make your content creation sound amazing in any context(NOT COMPATIBLE WITH XBOX)
  • Studio-quality Sound: This condenser microphone has been designed with professional sound chipset, which let the USB mic hold high resolution sampling rate. SAMPLING RATE: 192kHz/24bit Smooth, flat frequency response of 30Hz-16kHz--Extended frequency response is excellent for podcasting, singing and voiceover, Performed perfectly in reproduces sound, high quality mic ensure your exquisite sound reproduces on the internet
  • Advanced Software Control: MAONO Link software takes your audio customization to the next level, allowing you to adjust various parameters and optimize your sound effortlessly setting the perfect vocal tone. You can adjust the microphone gain, turn on/off the noise reduction switch and select different noise reduction strengths through the software, also supports a variety of scene EQ presets, compressor and limiter, bringing an immersive experience(Only in USB Mode)
  • Double Noise Reduction: microphone has cardioid polar pattern, eliminating unwanted off-axis noise. Comes with pop filter and windscreen foam that doesn't block the sound recording and also reduces noise. MAONO LINK software noise reduction can freely adjust the noise reduction level to adapt various usage environments to minimize the impact of ambient noise, whether you're a streaming, music production(Only in USB Mode)
  • 16mm Large-Diaphragm Capsule: With the 16mm electret condenser transducer, can effectively pick up the sound coming from the front(Best Rang: 2"-6"). Cardioid mic can give you a strong bass response, Picks up crystal clear audio,captures distortion-free loud sources for acoustic reproduction. A04 Gen2 is a new go-to studio condenser microphone with warm, silky character, ideal in a wide range of home recording applications
  • Sturdy Boom Arm Set: Mic with pop filter and foam windscreen, can efficacious records your clear voice. The shock mount holds the microphone steadily with damping function, minimizing the effects of external vibrations. Arm stand offers flexibility and adjustable, giving you freedom to position your mic at a suitable angle. Particularly good for video voiceovers, YouTube videos, Skype conferences and so on

Full Specifications

BrandMAONO
ColorWhite
Model NameA04 Gen2
Unit Count1 Count
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberA04 Gen2
CompatibilityPC, PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, iOS
Built-In MediaXLR/USB Condenser Mic*1, Adjustable Scissor Arm Stand*1, Shock Mount*1, Pop Filter*1, Mic Windscreen Foam*1, Boom Arm Base*1, USB Cable*1, User Manual*1 (XLR Cable Not Included)
Connector TypeXLR, USB, USB Type-C
Item Dimensions16.93 x 3.54 x 7.87 inches
Mfr Part NumberA04 Gen2
Special FeatureUSB/XLR Condenser Mic, 192kHz/24Bit, Maono Link Software, Double Noise Reduction, Professional Sound Chipset, Cardioid Polar Pattern, Plug and Play, 16mm capsule, Premium All-Metal Kit
Antenna LocationPodcasting, Streaming, Recording, Gaming, Content Creation, Music Production, Studio, Voice Over, Singing, Chatting, Audiobooks, Youtube, Tiktok, Online Teaching
Hardware PlatformLaptop, PS4/PS5, Audio Interface, Audio Mixer, PC, PAD, Computer, MAC OS, Smartphone
Compatible DevicesLaptop, PS4/PS5, Audio Interface, Audio Mixer, PC, PAD, Computer, MAC OS, Smartphone
Enclosure MaterialMetal
Frequency Response30 hertz
Number of Channels1
Included ComponentsXLR/USB Condenser Mic*1, Adjustable Scissor Arm Stand*1, Shock Mount*1, Pop Filter*1, Mic Windscreen Foam*1, Boom Arm Base*1, USB Cable*1, User Manual*1 (XLR Cable Not Included)
Number of Batteries1 9V batteries required.
Full listing titleMAONO A04 Gen2 White XLR/USB Condenser Microphone for PC Podcast Recording | 192kHz/24Bit Plug & Play Computer Cardioid Metal Mic with Software, Pro Sound Chipset for Content Creation, Stream, YouTube

Ready to buy?

MAONO A04 Gen2 White XLR/USB Condenser Microphone for PC Podcast Recording | 192kHz/24Bit Plug & Play Computer Cardioid Metal Mic with Software, Pro Sound Chipset for Content Creation, Stream, YouTube is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $79.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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