MAONOGaming Audio Mixer, Audio Interface with Pro-preamp, RGB, Bluetooth, 48V Phantom Power for Live Streaming, Podcasting, Content Create, Gaming MaonoCaster G1 NEO (White)

This is a great budget and beginner friendly USB audio mixer, 5/5 in the sub-$100 audio mixer category.I have been testing this unit for just under a month and have not encountered any bugs or lost audio (input & output). I own and am a huge fan of the Maono mic (PD200x) and wanted to try this interface as my work/gaming unit.Setups used for testing:1) PC w/ Mic (Maono PD200x), Headphones (ATH-R70x, 470ohm imped.), IEM (Letshouer S12)2) Apple iPhone w/ 10000mah power bank plugged into the interface), IEM, Mic (Shure PGA48)For full disclosure I currently use the Minifuse 1 for instrument and MIDI controller inputs but due to the limited controls on the unit I wanted to try a interface with better accessibility and controls.The volume and and mixing sliders feel good out of the box but the knobs felt a bit light, the buttons are soft rubber with slight feedback (like an oversized remote control button). Overall the unit feels good and heavy enough to stay in place but is by no means compact.For audio quality, I found that the unit drives my IEMs just fine but it definitely could not handle my high impedance headphones, with loses at both high and low ends. By comparison I run the headphones on the MF1 at the 11oc position while I needed to run the Maono mixer at the 3oc position for the same volume. As for the IEMs, the volume runs very similar with audio quality loss below 8oc and above 3oc as compared to the MF1.The voice changer was incredibly fun to test and worked on Teams and Zoom. I don't think this is a feature I would ever need but it worked flawlessly.For the portability test I was able to connect this unit to my iPhone with a power bank supplying the unit. Was able to record and listen to playback without any issues.Overall I highly recommend this unit if you are in the market for a budget audio interface for simple recording, work calls, or gaming.

This mixer is straightforward to set up—it's literally plug and play. Its controls are intuitive and highly responsive, allowing me to make quick adjustments during streams/or in voice chats without distractions. In addition to the microphone, you can also independently control the audio output volume, and it offers four voice effects that add a nice touch to your stream/voice calls.In my case, the feature I use the most is noise reduction, which practically eliminates 90% of background noise—excellent for voice-over recordings in untreated environments. Another aspect I like about this device is its size. It’s not very large, making it easy to move around, and it has a 1/4-inch adapter on the bottom, which is convenient for mounting it on a tripod or arm.Also if you enjoy RGB lighting, this mixer has different lighting effects you can apply, and you can also turn them off if you prefer. This makes it a perfect fit for any setup or workspace due to its size and design.There are some drawbacks I’ve found with this mixer such as its construction material, which is entirely plastic and doesn’t feel very premium. However, I believe it makes up for this with its price and features, which, in my opinion, are more important .In conclusion, if you’re a content creator, streamer, or simply looking to improve your audio quality with your XLR mic, I think this mixer is an excellent value-for-money option. So, if you want to enhance your audio without spending too much, I recommend it.

Pros:The MaonoCaster G1 NEO is great for who it's for! In my opinion, it's definitely for Gamers or Streamers. -The amount of features you get for this price point is a good buy. -You can stream in audio from a Bluetooth device, and it works well. -You have voice changer features to add some fun into your streams. -The programmable sound pads are a sweet option for adding in recordings and sound effects. -The RGB lighting adds in nice aesthetics. -The Noise Reducer does a good job rejecting unwanted noise. -It has both the ability to power dynamic and condenser microphones. -Mic gain, reverb and headphone volume knobs all work as expected. Great option for all the above without breaking the bank.Cons:The headphone monitoring does carry the slightest bit of latency. As a gamer, this is probably no problem, but as a podcaster or a person reviewing microphones, you will want something with zero latency. The mute button, while a GREAT feature to have (Thanks Maono for adding that!) but when you press the mute button, it slowly fades into a mute rather than immediately muting.Other than those couple of cons, this would be a 5 for what you get and for use with the appropriate level in which it was created for! Honestly wish Amazon had half star additions to the star rating because this would be 4.5 stars!