Introduction

I was introduced to Movo earlier this year after they sent me their UM700 USB microphone (reviewed here), which I found shockingly good for the asking price of $80. In this review, we'll focus on the even less expensive Movo UM300. We're again dealing with a USB condenser microphone. Noticeably smaller in size compared to the UM700 and lighter on features, but also $20 cheaper, it's an even more interesting proposition for anyone after a no-nonsense USB microphone without a lot of money to spend.



Movo promotes the UM300 as a tool for creating content on the go by emphasizing its compact size and seamless connectivity to Android smartphones, computers running Windows and macOS, and most other USB-C recorders. The microphone is equipped with a USB-C port and requires no additional drivers to work properly. Movo bundles it with a USB-C to USB Type-A, as well as a USB-C to USB-C cable, so there are no additional expenses regardless of the platform it is connect to. The UM300 also has a 3.5-millimeter microphone monitoring port, cardioid/omnidirectional polar pattern switch, and microphone/headphone volume dial, which can be used to quickly mute the microphone. On paper, things look very promising, so let's find out how it all holds up in practice.

Specifications

• Diaphragm: 14 mm electret condenser
• Polar Patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional
• Frequency Response (specified by the manufacturer): 20–20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: -36 dB
• Sample Rate/Resolution: 16-bit/48 kHz
• SnR/SPL: 80 dB / 110 dB
• Ports: USB-C, 3.5-mm headphone out (direct monitoring)
• Cables: 2 m USB-C to USB-C, 3 m USB-C to USB Type-A
• Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Android
• Size: 100x84x226.7 mm
• Weight: 703 g (microphone and stand)