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Marantz Professional introduces the new MPM-4000U: a condenser microphone with a USB port, designed to meet the needs of podcasters and streamers. But the USB microphones also wants to serve well for recording and voice chats.
The “successor” of the MPM-200U relies on a 14 mm capsule with an aluminum coating. The 370-gram condenser microphone still has a cardioid polar pattern.
With the other features, however, a lot has happened. The connection is now available as USB-C. Two controls on the front control the gain and volume of the headphones, which are connected via a socket for a 3.5 mm jack on the underside next to the USB port. According to the manufacturer, this enables direct monitoring – an important feature! In addition to the two controls mentioned, you will also find a mute switch on the front.
The frequency range is from 30 Hz to 18 kHz , the manufacturer specifies the sensitivity as -32 dB (0 dB = 1 VPa @ 1 kHz). And another technical value: the maximum sound pressure is 130 dB (@ 1 kHz = 1% THD). The converters work with 16 bit and 48 kHz – actually standard for these microphones.
With the best podcast microphone, users expect fast and uncomplicated operation. The MPM-4000U is also a plug-and-play USB device. According to the manufacturer, the microphone podcast works with Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. The scope of delivery includes a table stand, the associated microphone clamp, USB cable (USB-C to USB-A), and the MPC Beats software.
The MPM-4000U certainly doesn’t offer much that is new, but it should be sufficient for many applications. In any case, the selection of USB microphones is growing continuously, with comparable features the price is becoming more and more the decisive criterion. The MPM-4000U is still in the lower price segment.
Price and availability
Marantz Pro MPM-4000U is available to buy on Amazon.com and Bhphotovideo.com websites, the price is $99 only.
Today, Sony Electronics has also announced two new wireless microphones: the ECM-W2BT Wireless Mic, which can be plugged into the Multi Interface Shoe, and the ECM-LV1 compact stereo lavalier microphone.
