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)

The Package

The box depicts the microphone, lists the supported platforms, goes over its contents, and expresses Movo's eagerness to offer great value products to content creators. The technical specifications of the microphone are nowhere to be seen, probably to keep the design of the box and purpose of this microphone as straightforward as possible.


Here's what you'll find inside the box. Aside from the microphone attached to its metal stand, there's a 2-meter USB-C to USB-C cable, 3-meter USB-C to USB Type-A cable, user manual, small call-to-action pamphlet encouraging you to write a positive review or contact Movo support in case you're not happy with the product, and Movo sticker. The contents of the box are protected with a thick layer of foam, so the microphone should survive usual shipping grievances with no issues.