AME2 ( MAONOCASTER E2 ) - Who's It REALLY For? Budget Buster or a Deal Breaker? You Decide!!!
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
- Maono's new entry into the Audio mixer market. We take a look at the Pros, the Cons that make this a great choice for some, and maybe not for others. Is this a great solution for what YOU need? Let's take a look!
AME2/Maonocaster E2 Mixer - amzn.to/46GLJPr
Maono PD100 - amzn.to/44J0KOU
This video is NOT sponsored, I am not Paid to make this video. Maono did provide the Maonocaster E2 (AME2) for me to give you my honest opinion on this mixer for my viewers. The opinions expressed in this review are mine and mine alone!
other gear used in this video:
Maono PD400X: amzn.to/42ZQfp0
Maono PD200x - amzn.to/46u1pFD
Vocaster One Interface: amzn.to/3rgXo7l
Camera used in the video:
Sony ZV-E10 - amzn.to/3MSHSHm
Lenses Used to make this video:
Sigma 16mm F1.4 Sony E-Mount Lens - amzn.to/3V1rJSh
Sigma 30mm F1.4 Sony E-Mount Lens - amzn.to/3L7IW99
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:20 AME2 + Maono PD100 audio
1:15 Friendly 3 band equalizer knobs
1:56 My cons - Deal Breakers???
6:48 AME2 + PD400X
8:04 What comes in the box
9:43 The inputs on the back
11:34 The Features
20:41 Final Thoughts - Jak na to + styl
It’s so nice to see reviews of the different audio interfaces. I’m just getting into streaming and the audio is the most confusing part and everyone is only reviewing the high end devices!
Thanks!!! That’s the main reason I started this channel. Everybody reviews the big guns, but no high end quality videos with good audio to review the budget stuff I was curious about.
You deserve a subscribe! Great Review! I really need this one, keep it going! God Bless
Thank you very much! I appreciate the sub! Welcome to the family!!! Even if it’s gear you’re not interested in, I try to make the video fun anyway and entertaining anyway, chance for y’all to get to know before I start live-streaming chat sessions about their favorite gear, livestream or CZcams video stories, etc…!
Thank you so much for the tutorial! I wanted to share a suggestion that might enhance it further. In my experience, many tutorial viewers tend to prefer quicker and more concise information, which aligns with our exposure to shorter content on social media. Your video is wonderful, and it could become even more appealing by incorporating bullet points and minimizing repetition and filler words. These adjustments could potentially attract an even larger audience. Sending warm and positive vibes your way!
The segment with PD400X really going to help me, because I just won Moano's giveaway/photography contest for 2023 earlier this morning. And their grand prize includes PD400X and AME2 and a white case!? (idk). I have been using PD100U since December 14th, 2023, loved it for its quality, people in my discord said my voice sounds crystal clear and natural, I can't wait to use the PD400X to blow them away hahaha. Very excited. Can't wait for these three items to knock on my door. And I like your honesty and transparency, you are a good content creator. Appreciate that. 👌👌💖
The PD400x is a great mic. Brighter than most mics, and very clear. Built like a tank too. Gonna love it!
Always enjoy and appreciate your reviews. I interview guests in person for my podcast. So far I have just used my Audient interface to record multitrack in Adobe Audition. But I've been hoping that Maono would come out with their version of the Rodecaster at a friendlier price point. That way I could use a little EQ or pads for various effects. But only one XLR input is a deal breaker for me, so I'll just make do with what I'm using and wait to see if they come out with something I could use.
I Would love a second xlr input as well. 👍🏻 I just love the Maono line-up of products, can’t wait for that as well if they roll it out!
Hey guys I just bought the mono caster e2 last night I said it up but it doesn't have any software do you guys know how I go about downloading the software to record for it or do I just use it on any other recording software like acid pro in cubase? Or do I have to download specifically its own drivers and stuff for this device
Ita a awesome review and excellent..im enjoying watching it..thank you for sharing 🙏👏🏻
Thank you so much 👍 I appreciate the kind words my friend!!!
Excellent thanks Mike!
I like your style brotha, will check this thing out using your link. Unfortunately I also want to get something for music so im stuck between this and other things that are music oriented.
Budget is only $160 though lol.
Any suggestions?
I appreciate your review so much on this! Love the humour as well lol! I’ve had this AI for about a week now with the pd400x and me being a complete newbie I’ve been kind of lost with it. I love the mic however for some reason obs isn’t picking up my mic. I have the caster set in audio settings. But can’t record with it. Could be a # of reasons ik but for 2 days have tried everything. Audacity same thing 🤷♀️ Love the sound when connected with xlr and how you can fine tune. I paid 300+ for this combo Canadian but ya unable to use the E2 rn.. update! Sorry haha I figured it out! It’s working! Thanks again for this video I’m super happy now!
My AME2 did not show up in OBS when plugged into on of my 3.0 usb hubs, but it did with different 3.0 USB hub. I connected directly into my M1 Mac mini to make sure I knew exactly what was the interface, and no hardware in between to eliminate performance issues
@@levelupwithmikenewman oh okay good to know. That’s what worked, when I plugged it into a different port it suddenly started working so have no idea what port it was originally plugged into but that was the issue, so happy with the sound. Esp how you showed how to set it to sound like the smb7 that’s what I was going for. I do hope they fix the reverb as well but listening back I’m pretty happy, way better than my last mic the quad Hyper x although it’s a good mic as well but this setup is a nice upgrade!
Very good review. I was thinking buying an interface.
The only thing that is missing on that mixer, is a "mute" button, like fifine SC3 mixer has. I would like that more manufacturers include that feature instead of playing on the levels knobs. Great reaview as usual!
Thank you for mentioning that. That was in my video, I must have accidentally cut out during my edit! 👍🏻 no mute button. You will have to depend on the fader, which having a shorter distance to cover with these faders is nice for a quick slide to zero, a mute button is still something I would have loved as well.
@@levelupwithmikenewman I just saw AMC100 model has those mute buttons, but the recen version hasn't. It's so curious.
I have this mixer for my CZcams channel. The reverb issue is a non-issue for me. I simply keep the reverb knob turned all the way to the left and move on. The only annoyance for me, is there is not any easy software to load sound effects. You have to manually record the sound effects.
Thank you
The way you describe the reverb as well as the latency when using the pitch variations, I'm thinking this interface may be internally incredibly similar to the Comica ADCaster C2, probably using a lot of the same circuitry. I noticed the same exact issues you described and I actually think that the reverb you hear in your headphones only is actually a very slight delay in the monitoring that makes it sound like a reverb effect. That's my theory at least based on the increased delay when applying the pitch effects.
My laptop just croaked on me. Right now I have to do the pot mobile since I travel a lot. Would you advise this for using on a mobile device in the short-term?
15:00 #About #REVERB #PRESETS
When you eliminate reverb, the sound can appear more direct and closer to the listener. This can be useful to achieve a tighter sound, especially in certain music styles or audio recordings where a drier sound is desired. Orthodox hermits cannot (therefore*) use this product, as we must only tolerate the tighter narrative.
*This product could not turn off reverb, therefore this product became useless.
Really enjoyed this video! can you please make a video on the Fifine KSH1? I can't find any reviews for it online that have clean audio, It's a 40$ in my country and comes with an XLR Mic and Headset along with a soundcard (Different from the one you've already reviewed)
Thank you my friend! The KSH1 is not available in the US I guess. Not on the FiFine website or Amazon over here in the US. 🤷🏻♂️😞
@@levelupwithmikenewman Aww that sucks, but thank you for trying!
I'm looking to buy a soundpad around this price range, do you still recommend it or are there any better alternatives in your opinion? thanks for the review.
At this price, it gives you great audio everywhere except in your headphone monitor. I have the new maonocaster C2 for $60 that they sent me, working on them at review this week. Curious to see how it stacks up
I like the SC3 as well but not really in- love with anything yet in this price range yet that has the sound pads on it yet. They are are REALLY GREAT at certain things, and a flaw in others. Question then comes down to what flaw doesn’t bother you.
As a voiceover artist which kit would you advise me to buy, because you mention it's not advisable for podcaster and spoken word to buy it , I need audio interface that has it all
I got this the other day with the Mic bundle. I went on singing for HOURS because how good it sounds like. I wasn't even recording.
That’s where this mixer shines, for recording vocals. That’s when the reverb in the headphone monitor isn’t an issue, because you’re actually using reverb. Glad you’re able to enjoy it!!
hi what camera or webcam are you using in this video?it very clear.
I use the Sony zv -e10 with a sigma lens 30mm for when I am in front of the pallet wall, and 16mm when I’m up close. I use the OBSBot tiny 2 for my Picture-in-Picture smaller box so it will follow me if I move around to keep me in the small box.
Thanks for the speedy response Mike, like a dumbass after I made that comment, I watched your video again and saw you covered that issue LOL. One last thing buddy, why is my Mic level meter just blinking green and does not move when I speak into my XLR Audio Technica AT2040? The output meter moves when I speak but not the mic meter. I can't find an answer anywhere on the web and It's driving me luney toons. Got any idea?
Mike Newman can this Maonocaster AME2 filter out vocals in a song that played through Bluetooth from a mobile phone device?
Not that I know of. It can filter out music you are playing in input from you media in another input, but not from within the same media input
I have a question about the PD100
Is it ok if I use a 3.5mm to XLR cable with the PD100 on the maonocaster e2
Because I want to get two PD100 for my podcast and Maonocaster e2 only has one XLR port
So I was thinking if I could just get the cable separately to use it with the PD100 on the maonocaster e2.
Hey, thank you if you can reply! I have the same question and I haven't been able to come up with a reply from anyone. Did you manage to find a way? Would I be able to use a Yeri nano as an XLR with some sort of daptor? Or any microphone as a matter of fact? I want to start a "2 person" podcast and it seems really impossible. Also, was thinking about the Roadmaster pro 2. You can get one fairly cheap second hand but this brand seems to do the work. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I hope you have a lovely day and can provide a reply! ✨
@@bianca13lgtbfamily what I did is I had to get a condenser microphone for the 3.5mm port because when I tried a dynamic microphone with the 3.5mm port it’s not as loud as the condenser mic
Tha k you so much for taking your time for your kind reply and info. It saved me a lot of further research!! Have a lovely day!!
I gotta say...the mics sound great on it, at least on my PC speakers. I am more excited to do my video now. Another great review Mike! Not sure if you can call the headphone issue "reverb" per se'....I am guessing its like other soundcards of its kind that are not truly latency free
Thanks Bark! I personally really struggled to get used to the slight reverb headphone monitors, but I did get used to it, and it definitely still did the job really well of capturing good audio for people who don’t mind it.
@@levelupwithmikenewman I do admittedly DESPISE that reverb sound
Ok, question: you mentioned that the reverb can be heard in the headset... but is that only the case if you have mic monitoring on?
Correct. It only shows up in your headphones, it does not show up in your recorded audio, or where you send it
Hi bro,
Thanks for the review, it helps buying the same setup ame2+pd100 🙂
My only concern and question mark is how you are not using the 48v active!! For my case, the PD100 only work when i activate it 🤔
That’s odd. I do not know why since the PD100 does not require phantom power as a dynamic mic. Curious!
Hi. Do you have any issue when listening to music through headphone lineout? At volume 5 - 10%, can you hear any noise or electronic sound?
@@nd69 I honestly cannot remember. I gave this away right after this review so unfortunately I am unable to verify this for ya.
Is the reverb crazy at zero for podcast only? And is it also an issue on the maonocaster lite? I need one for me and my buddy’s first podcast. Thanks for your reviews 🤙🏽
It is an electronic/type sound, but not so bad that it throws you off as you try to speak like it did to me when used the voice changer in the review. it will take some getting used to, but I was able to get used to it after a few hours using it.
It didn’t bother some people, and others couldn’t get passed it. I got used to it, but I personally prefer less going on in my headphones. It truly depends on you. I would definitely order from somebody who allows for returns so you can try it and send it back if you’re unable to get used to it like I did.
@@levelupwithmikenewman Thank you yet again for the quick response man, I'll take all that into consideration :-D
sounds more like latency in the monitoring to me @@levelupwithmikenewman
I have a question sir
Is it possible to use two dynamic microphones with this audio interface for podcasting
Because the reason why I'm asking this question is because it only has one XLR port and one 3.5mm port for a condenser microphone and I do not want to get a condenser microphone.
I want to get two dynamic microphones
So I was thinking if I should get a XLR splitter cable for the XLR port then plug in the two dynamic microphones in the XLR port.
Please let me know if this is a good idea
You can with an xlr to 3.5mm cable to plug into the second output. The audio quality may not be the same if you are using two of the same mics, but many will never notice
@@levelupwithmikenewman oh really thank you so much for this
I was thinking about getting a XLR splitter which is female-to-female XLR then I plug it to the XLR port and the two mics goes into one channel
But I better get the 3.5mm to XLR cable
Did they updated the firmware? ❤😊
Hi, is it okay to connect type c to pc while charging in 5v port?
I had both plugged in when using it. I actually never used it while plugged into my pc without the 5v power cord plugged in to the wall.
Question.. if you ran an xlr to 3.5mm cable to the 3.5 mic input will it run a dynamic mic or does it lack phantom power on that input? For that matter would a splitter cable (2x xlr to 3.5mm) be bad? Would like to add one more mic than what the maono imputs offer
It will work but the audio quality of your mic takes a hit though. The sound card is a bargain budget sound card.
@levelupwithmikenewman how big of a hit. A percentage example would be nice. Im trying to build a budget setup for some casual podcasting with some customers and employees. Im debating on the ame2 that comes with dual mics one xlr and one 3.5mm and not sure how the quality of the 3.5mm mic is going to be. Ultimately I would like to have 3 mics setup preferable the pd100 mics on all three as the base ame2 is 95 and the mic is would be 3x40$ putting me 32$ over the dual mic package once i buy the dual xlr to 3.5mm cable.I dont want to do that though if audio is going to come out jank.
@@Mwellmac not as full, a bit thinner.
@levelupwithmikenewman would you say the pd100 taking a hit in quality would be better vs using the 3.5 condensor the maono comes with?
@@Mwellmac the PD100 has more low end, and would probably do better in 3.5 than any of the other budget mics 👍🏻
So what audio mixer do you mainly use?
I use 2 primarily, my Podtrak P8 for streaming and production projects, and Vocaster One interface for my mic comparison videos. Although I am switching from the Podtrak P8 to the Rodecaster Duo.
it's okay if i use it for home professional music recording ?
If you prefer to have reverb, or don’t mind a little in your headphones, the headphone monitor issue will not bother you at all for vocals and instruments.
Does this work with the Maono PD200 mic?
Yes, it works with the maono pD200x mic as an xlr.
Can I use a Hypercast X mic wit this device?
From my understanding this is an XLR mic audio interface only. I did not see a way for a usb mic to be connected directly to it
Will you consider this as a mini rodecaster?
I honestly would only consider this if you don’t use headphones during your podcast or livestream. It gives great audio for the viewer and listener, but the latency in the headphones is so bad it is as if the reverb is stuck being on 👍🏻
Mike... I had the AME2 drivers installed... That's the problem... There are AME2 Pro drivers!... Solved everything!... Now you know :)
Wow, never would have thought of that. Thanks for letting me know. 👍🏻
can you share the link
Good for music recording/production?
if reverb in your headphones doesn't bother you. I feel its better for podcasting. it will be tough to hear the fine details of your keys when singing and instruments as well
I need it for gaming will it be okay?
Your viewers will get great audio, it all comes down to how much reverb you can tolerate in your own headphones. The reverb only stays in your headphones, not your outgoing audio. 👍🏻
@@levelupwithmikenewman i thank you for the review i am wanting to be a gamer
@@DaRealBigQ that’s awesome! Have some fun! We definitely need some fresh content creators to watch!!!
I can't seem to get phone calls to operate properly though the 2 outputs!!
What am I doing wrong??😂
Not sure as to your exact situation. Some have issues when trying to connect Apple mobile devices without using a tRRS and not TRS cables.
Is it working in the “pass through “ but not in the recording device (computer, recorder?)
help mine just stopped charging ransdomly and i didnt even do anything. HELP ME I NEED IT.
Maono is getting really good with their customer service. I would reach out to them and let them know, they may have you send it back and they’ll fix it or send you a new one.
Worth a try!!
did they fixed the monitoring delay?
Not that I know of. I believe it it more of a hardware issue with the sound card inside it. Seems to be after this amount of time that it is a love it or leave it deal
The delay is a major deal breaker, it was the main reason I had to return mine when I owned it
@@josephro6367it’s a real shame. What it does for the listeners and viewers is great, but can be such a distraction for the content creator
Seriously! It had everything I needed and wanted, but that one crux was hard to overcome when you could hear yourself even if just milliseconds off.
I payed 40$ for the mano caster e2 came with two mics and everything brand new just got it yesterday
From Where?
I got mine for $8 in a discount store
do have line in and line out
Yeah that reverb thing is a deal breaker, having to have the hi mids and lows turned all the way down too kinda kills the whole point for podcasters looking to find tune their audio. Too bad I would have loved to have picked this up. Anyone have any good alternatives???
This is very strange. You are showing the E2, yet, in this video (czcams.com/video/CB0omTZiYWQ/video.html) you can see the E2 as well, but the location of the knobs, the text under the kbobs, and the buttons, as well as the back of the device, all different than what you show. What gives? I want to get this device, but how can I tell which one is which?
There are two versions, one that comes in a kit with the condenser mic, and that version has different reverb buttons/knobs on the bottom right hand corner (decay time/etc) that is a variation of the same mixer., has the same sound card and internals, just different reverb features.
Like the Rodecaster interfaces
Rodecaster Pro
Rodecaster Pro 2
Rodecaster Duo
These are the Maonocaster E2’s
The one I’m reviewed is the Maonocaster E2 (AME2) the “A” signifies a variation of this interface
@@levelupwithmikenewman Thank you very much for the prompt reply and update.
Daul Connect with a ps5 and pc
that reverb thing is the worst design decision i have ever seen
You dont like singing but actually dont sound too bad, now me and my wife, we should definitely not sing!
Thanks! 😂 I just say I’m a professional yodle-artist! 🤪
Very bad presentation.... first speak its basic features..... discuss its every button.