The days when high-quality, good-sounding microphones had to be expensive are long gone. Manufacturers such as Maono have impressively demonstrated what is possible at this price with the PD300X USB/XLR microphone (our test), which costs just under 110 euros. The new FDUCE D20 costs significantly less with an RRP of around 60 euros and comes with attractive RGB lighting. But can the microphone also convince in terms of sound? Our test report will tell you.
Technical data
| Product: | D20 |
| Connection: | USB Type-C; XLR |
| Microphone diaphragm: | unknown (condenser) |
| Frequency response: | 50 Hz – 16,000 Hz |
| Sampling rate: | 192 kHz / 24 bit |
| Polar pattern: | Cardioid |
| SNR: | 97 dB |
| Dimensions: | 165 mm x 60 mm (height x diameter) |
| Weight: | 251 grams |
| Connections: | USB-C; 3.5 mm jack; XLR |
| Special features: | RGB lighting; Mute button; Multifunctional control button |
| Price: | € 59.99 * |
FDUCE D20 Review: Compact lightweight
“Holy cow,” were my first thoughts when I held the FDUCE D20 in my hand after unpacking it. The handy USB and XLR microphone weighs just 251 grams and therefore looks more like a toy than a professional audio device.
The weight is easy to explain, as the microphone is made almost entirely of plastic. No wonder, you have to make sacrifices somewhere for the price. The build quality is okay, but the mic doesn’t look really high-quality.
The plastic swivel wheels that connect the microphone to the metal arm are not very robust and have too much play. They also come loose too easily, which means you run the risk of noticeably changing the position of the microphone (and therefore the sound quality) during a recording.
The rotary control on the top is also very wobbly and lacks a precise pressure point, while the capacitive mute button should also provide more noticeable feedback. Apart from that, the build quality is absolutely fine. You will look in vain for gaps or unclean weld seams.
With the metal stand included in the scope of delivery, onto which the FDUCE D20 is simply screwed, the weight increases to 446 grams. Thanks to the rubberized underside, the composite does not slip on the desk. With a length of 16.5 cm and a diameter of around 6 cm, the microphone is also pleasantly compact.
If you prefer, you can also screw the microphone into a microphone boom. If you don’t have one, the FDUCE D20+ is a simple arm for just 10 euros more.
RGB lighting, operation and connections
- Harmonious RGB lighting
- No companion app
- simple, intuitive operation
One highlight of the FDUCE D20 is undoubtedly the RGB lighting, which quickly explains the white body of the microphone. When connected via USB-C, it shines completely in bright colors.
Adjusting the lighting is also simple. This is where the rotary control on the front is used to switch between different effects. In addition to static colors, there are various breathing effects and dynamic multicolor gradient effects. If you hold down the button on the rotary control, you can quickly and easily deactivate the lighting completely.
Too bad: FDUCE does not offer a companion app. So you can’t make any settings on the microphone or customize the lighting.
Operation is self-explanatory and quickly internalized. The mute button mutes the microphone. If you hold it down, you can switch between microphone and headphone mode, which is indicated by a green or blue LED display above it.
You can also use the rotary control to adjust the microphone gain (i.e. the volume) or the volume of connected headphones. The total of five LEDs represent levels of 10 points. Unfortunately, precise adjustment of the microphone gain is not possible.
The connections at the rear are of course also self-explanatory. USB-C or XLR are used for the microphone, whereby the integrated digital chip naturally takes over the processing via USB and you are dependent on an audio interface via XLR. Headphones can be connected via a 3.5 mm jack to monitor the microphone directly. That’s it.
Sound quality and practical test of the FDUCE D20
A major advantage of the FDUCE D20 is of course its plug-and-play connectivity. Connect the USB cable and get started straight away. And not just on a PC or notebook, but also on a smartphone or games console.
There is even no need for setup or customization via a companion app. This is both a blessing and a curse, because without an audio interface you have to live with what FDUCE offers in terms of sound. There are no options for making adjustments.
The microphone relies on a fairly large capsule with a cardioid polar pattern, which primarily records sounds from the front, but largely suppresses background noise behind the microphone. The capsule sits under a very high-quality and thick pop screen, which does a pretty good job of softening sharp S and plosive sounds.
Recordings with the F20 are possible at a maximum of 192 kHz at 24 bit, which corresponds to studio quality. Outstanding. The frequency response from 50 Hz to 16,000 Hz is also impressive, although it doesn’t go quite as far down as the Maono PD300X.
But how does the microphone sound now? Before I get to that, I have to criticize it once again. Even at maximum gain, the volume in USB mode is far too low. Or the stand is simply too short.
Only when you hold the F20 directly in front of your mouth can you achieve usable results. However, if it is placed on the table and even directly in front of you, the recordings are far too quiet. According to the manufacturer, the microphone should be between 5 cm and 10 cm in front of your mouth for successful recordings – that’s pretty close. And rather impractical, in my opinion.
FDUCE D20 test recording in USB mode:
Test recording Maono PD300X in USB mode:
This is remedied by a microphone boom, which, however, also needs to be positioned very close to the mouth. The integrated preamplifier therefore has noticeable problems achieving an acceptable volume here.
However, the sound coming out of the capsule is absolutely remarkable. Even if the basic tone is relatively treble-heavy and is noticeably less pronounced in the bass segment, which makes for a rather cool sound. Depending on your own vocal range, however, this doesn’t necessarily have to be a (major) disadvantage. For me personally, however, the sound lacks a little airiness and liveliness.
FDUCE D20 microphone test recording in XLR mode:
In XLR mode, the microphone benefits from a good audio interface and can also be used on the supplied stand without any problems. However, this is only possible if the gain is set to 100 percent – which, of course, records a lot of background noise. In addition, there are also greater problems with sharp S-sounds.
FDUCE D20 Review: Conclusion
I don’t really know what to make of the FDUCE D20. For a price of 60 euros, you get a good overall package here. The compact microphone offers appealing RGB lighting and excellent plug-and-play connectivity.
It is handy, very light and can therefore also be used on the go. On the other hand, the cheap-looking plastic finish has a bland aftertaste. In terms of sound, the mic delivers quite clean acoustics with an audible focus on the treble. However, the resolution and level of detail of the recordings are very good.
In my opinion, the USB mode is almost unusable without a dedicated microphone boom, as you almost have to eat the FDUCE D20 to be able to hear it at all. Things look much better via XLR, although the maximum gain is also too low here, which brings additional ambient noise into the recordings.
If you are looking for an inexpensive microphone, you can definitely give the FDUCE D20 a chance. However, I would rather invest 40-50 euros more, because for that you get some of the best USB microphones.
- Compact design
- Chic RGB lighting
- Decent sound
- Cheap processing
- Too little gain
- No companion app
FDUCE D20
Workmanship
Recording quality
Features
Value For Money
79/100
Inexpensive microphone with USB-C and XLR connection and customizable RGB lighting. The sound is okay, but unfortunately far too quiet to be used properly without accessories.
