Maono GamerWave USB Microphone

Details: Category: Hardware; By Cheryl Gress; 19.Jun; Hits: 1647

Hardware Info:

Maono GamerWave USB Microphone
Developed by: Maono
Release date: March 13, 2023
Pickup type: Condenser
Polar pattern: Cardioid
Sampling Rate: 48kHz/24Bit
Frequency Response: 50Hz – 20kHz
S/N: 73dB
MSRP: $34.99
(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you Maono for sending us a review sample!

We have been blessed with the opportunity to review many Maono microphones. The most recent being the DM30 which retails for $49.99. The GamerWave sells for $34.99 and has many of the same great features.

The GamerWave has a built-in pop-filter which provides audio clarity. Additionally, the microphone is in a shock mount to protect it from vibrations. On the top of the microphone are touch-sensitive buttons to adjust the RGB lighting, noise canceling, and mute control. If the microphone is muted, a red LED will illuminate. A green LED indicates that the microphone is ready to record.

Like many gaming peripherals, the GamerWave has nine different RGB color modes ranging from solid color to gradient offerings. You can disable the RGB completely if you want a more professional look for video conferencing/interviews.

Highlights:

Strong Points: Adjustable volume/gain knob is fun to fidget with; many RGB options including the ability to disable it; noise canceling; nice USB cable with a USB A/C adapter
Weak Points: The specifications are different from the manual and the website; sounds better when noise canceling is disabled

As a cardioid microphone, the Gamerwave picks up most of the audio above the volume knob. The closer to the microphone you are, the louder it will be. Noises behind and to the side of the microphone won’t be picked up as clearly.

When plugging in the GamerWave, Windows will set it as your default sound and microphone device. If you don’t wish to plug in your headset directly into this microphone, you’ll have to change your default sound device after plugging this microphone in. The GamerWave is plug and play and does not require any software to use it. Firmware updates are available and you’ll need the flashing software to update it.

The sound specs are pretty good on this microphone. Especially for its price point. We used it on our stream of Etrian Odyssey HD which you can watch here. He preferred having the noise canceling disabled for the stream.

The build quality is nice despite being all plastic. I especially like the gain/volume knob on the underside as it feels nice to use/fidget with. Under the pop filter, you’ll find the 3.5mm audio jack. The USB-C connector is on the opposite side. The included USB cable has a USB C/A adapter which is convenient. A hinged joint is also bundled in which I’m assuming would be used to mount the microphone to a boom arm instead of the stand it currently resides in.

If you’re in the market for a nice sounding microphone under $40, the Maono GamerWave is worth looking into. Maono stands behind their products with a 1 year warranty. The GamerWave is available in multiple colors, including black, white, and pink.