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Maonocaster E2 Gen2 FAQs

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E2 GEN2 FAQ and Troubleshooting Guide

This document applies to the MAONO E2 GEN2.
For faster troubleshooting, first verify the connection method, port selection, knob and fader positions, and the audio settings in your recording or streaming software.

Table of Contents

Power and Charging

Why will my E2 GEN2 not power on?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure the E2 GEN2 has sufficient battery power. You can estimate the remaining battery level by checking the power indicators in the upper-right corner of the control panel.
    • If only one green power indicator is illuminated, the battery is usually low.
    • Connect the E2 GEN2 to a power source and charge it continuously for 3–5 hours before attempting to power it on again.
  2. Press and hold the power button for at least 3 seconds. A short press will not turn on the device.
  3. Try a different USB charging cable or 5 V USB power adapter to rule out a cable or power-supply issue.
  4. If the device has not been used for an extended period, the battery may have entered low-voltage protection. Charge it for approximately 30 minutes before attempting to power it on again.

Note: Connect the charging cable to the port labeled DC-5V. This port is for power and charging only and does not transmit audio data.

Why does my computer stop recognizing the E2 GEN2 after external power is connected?

When external power is connected, the total operating current of the E2 GEN2 may increase. Some computer USB ports have overcurrent protection and may incorrectly identify the device as drawing abnormal current, causing the USB connection to be disconnected automatically.

Try the following:

  1. Disconnect external power from the E2 GEN2 and connect it to the computer using only the USB data cable. Check whether the computer recognizes it normally.
  2. If external power must be connected at the same time, place a stable, data-capable powered USB hub or docking station between the E2 GEN2 and the computer.
  3. Try another USB port on the computer.
  4. Try another USB cable that supports data transmission.
  5. Restart the computer and reconnect the device.

Tip: Some USB cables support charging only. The E2 GEN2 may power on while the computer still fails to recognize it as an audio device.

Music and Background Audio

Why is there no sound from music or background audio?

Please check the following:

  1. When playing background audio through a 3.5 mm cable, make sure the external audio source is connected to the AUX-IN port on the E2 GEN2.
  2. Make sure the AUX level knob on the left side is turned up to an appropriate position.
  3. Check the media volume on the phone, computer, or other playback device. We recommend setting the external device to 80%–100% first, then adjusting the listening level with the AUX knob on the E2 GEN2.
  4. If the background audio is coming from a computer or a phone connected through USB-C, enable Loopback so that system audio is included in the stream or recording.
  5. If you are using Bluetooth, confirm that the Bluetooth connection is active and that the phone’s media volume is not muted.
  6. Try another audio cable, playback device, or audio file to rule out a source or cable fault.

Tip: First confirm through the headphones that the background audio is reaching the E2 GEN2. Then check whether the streaming or recording device is receiving it.

How do I connect a smartphone to the E2 GEN2?

The correct connection depends on how you plan to use the phone:

  • For live streaming, recording, or podcasting with the phone, connect it to a Stream Out port or to the USB-C data port.
  • To use the phone as a background-music source, connect it to AUX-IN.
  • You can also send music from the phone to the E2 GEN2 over Bluetooth.

Note: Bluetooth is used only to receive audio from a phone or computer. It cannot send the E2 GEN2 mix back to the phone or computer.

My phone or computer is connected to the E2 GEN2 by Bluetooth. Why is there no audio in my recording?

The Bluetooth connection on the E2 GEN2 is a one-way audio input. It only allows a phone, tablet, or computer to send music to the E2 GEN2.

Bluetooth does not support:

  • Sending microphone audio from the E2 GEN2 to a phone or computer;
  • Sending the E2 GEN2 master mix to a recording device;
  • Connecting Bluetooth headphones for monitoring.

For streaming or recording, connect the recording device using a USB data cable, a 3.5 mm audio cable, or the appropriate adapter.

Headphone Monitoring

Why is there no sound in my headphones?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure the headphones are fully inserted into either of the two 3.5 mm headphone outputs on the bottom of the E2 GEN2.
  2. Make sure the Monitor level knob is turned up. Turn it clockwise to increase the headphone volume.
  3. Check whether microphone monitoring has been turned off accidentally. The E2 GEN2 has a dedicated Monitor button next to the Bluetooth button. Press it to enable or disable microphone monitoring.
  4. Unplug and reconnect the headphones, making sure the plug is fully seated.
  5. Test with another pair of headphones to rule out a headphone or cable fault.
  6. To monitor the microphone, make sure the microphone is connected correctly to the E2 GEN2.
  7. If you are using an XLR condenser microphone, enable 48V phantom power when required by the microphone.
  8. Make sure the MIC level fader on the left side is raised to an appropriate position.
  9. Check the dedicated MIC Gain knob:
    • For a higher-sensitivity condenser microphone, begin around the 11 o’clock position and fine-tune as needed.
    • A dynamic microphone generally requires more gain. Begin around the 3 o’clock position and adjust according to the microphone’s sensitivity.

Note: The Monitor knob controls headphone listening volume. The level sent to the recording or streaming device is controlled mainly by the OUTPUT knob and software settings. These are separate signal levels.

I do not want to hear my own voice in the headphones. How do I turn microphone monitoring off?

The E2 GEN2 has a dedicated microphone-monitoring switch.

Press the Monitor button next to the Bluetooth button to enable or disable microphone monitoring.

Note: This button only controls whether the microphone is heard in the headphones. It does not mute the microphone input and does not affect the signal sent to a stream or recording.

The headphone volume sounds normal, but viewers say my voice is too quiet. Why?

Headphone monitoring level and streaming output level are independent. A comfortable headphone level does not necessarily mean that the signal sent to the streaming device is loud enough.

Please check the following:

  1. Increase the OUTPUT knob on the E2 GEN2 as needed.
  2. Check whether the microphone input level in the streaming software is too low.
  3. Make sure MAONO E2 GEN2 is selected as the input device on the streaming device.
  4. Check whether the streaming platform has enabled automatic volume control, noise suppression, or automatic gain control. These features may reduce the input level.
  5. Make a short local recording or private stream test, then adjust MIC, MIC Gain, and OUTPUT while watching the input meter.

I can hear my own voice in the headphones, but the audience cannot hear me. Why?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure the OUTPUT knob on the E2 GEN2 is turned up.
  2. Verify that the streaming or recording device is connected correctly to the E2 GEN2.
  3. When using a computer, connect the E2 GEN2 directly with a USB cable that supports data transmission. During troubleshooting, temporarily remove adapters and unpowered USB hubs.
  4. When using a USB-C Android phone, iPhone 15, or newer iPhone, use a USB cable that supports both audio and data transmission.
  5. When using an iPhone with a Lightning port, connect the phone to a Stream Out port using a 3.5 mm audio cable and a compatible 3.5 mm-to-Lightning adapter.
  6. Check the audio input settings on the phone, computer, and streaming software. Select the E2 GEN2 or the corresponding external audio device.
  7. Make sure the streaming application has microphone permission.
  8. Make a local test recording to determine whether the issue is caused by the physical connection or by the streaming platform.

Microphone Input

Why is there no sound from the microphone?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure the microphone is securely connected to the E2 GEN2 microphone input.
  2. Disconnect and reconnect the microphone cable to eliminate a loose or intermittent connection.
  3. Make sure the MIC level fader on the left side is raised to an appropriate position.
  4. Check the dedicated MIC Gain knob.
    • For a condenser microphone, begin around the 11 o’clock position.
    • A dynamic microphone usually requires more gain. Begin around the 3 o’clock position.
    • The final setting should be adjusted according to microphone sensitivity, speaking distance, and the actual input meter level.
  5. If the XLR condenser microphone requires phantom power, enable 48V.
  6. Make sure microphone monitoring is enabled so that you can verify the input through the headphones.
  7. Try another microphone cable or another microphone to rule out a microphone or cable fault.
  8. Confirm that the microphone is compatible. The E2 GEN2 accepts microphones through its XLR input only. It does not support USB microphones and does not provide a 3.5 mm microphone input.

Note: A USB microphone contains its own USB audio electronics. It cannot be converted into an XLR microphone simply by changing the cable or using a passive adapter.

Which microphones are compatible with the E2 GEN2?

The E2 GEN2 supports:

  • XLR dynamic microphones;
  • XLR condenser microphones.

The E2 GEN2 does not provide a 3.5 mm microphone input and does not support direct connection of a USB microphone.

Please note:

  1. Enable 48V when using an XLR condenser microphone that requires phantom power.
  2. Dynamic microphones generally require a higher MIC Gain setting.
  3. A USB microphone cannot be converted into an XLR microphone simply by replacing its cable.
  4. If you are unsure whether a microphone is compatible, provide its brand, model, and connector type to MAONO Technical Support.

Why is the microphone volume too low?

Please check the following:

  1. Increase the dedicated MIC Gain knob as needed.
  2. Raise the MIC level fader to an appropriate position.
  3. Enable 48V if you are using a condenser microphone that requires phantom power.
  4. Keep the microphone approximately 5–15 cm from your mouth and speak toward the correct pickup side.
  5. Check whether the microphone is a low-sensitivity dynamic model. Some broadcast-style dynamic microphones require relatively high gain.
  6. Check whether the input level in the streaming or recording software is too low.
  7. Check whether the operating system has enabled automatic gain control, communication noise reduction, or another feature that changes microphone level.

Tip: More gain is not always better. Excessive gain also amplifies room noise and may cause clipping or distortion.

Live Streaming and Podcast Recording

Why is there no sound during live streaming or podcast recording?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure the OUTPUT knob on the E2 GEN2 is turned up to an appropriate level.
  2. Verify that the recording or streaming device is connected correctly.
  3. In the computer or phone system audio settings, select MAONO E2 GEN2, or the corresponding external audio device, as the input device.
  4. If you also want to monitor computer audio through the E2 GEN2, select it as the system output device.
  5. In OBS, TikTok Live Studio, Zoom, Discord, Teams, a DAW, or another recording application, verify the input device again. The system default device and the device selected inside the application may be different.
  6. Make sure the application has microphone permission.
  7. If computer or phone playback must also be included in the recording or stream, enable Loopback.
  8. Try another USB cable that supports data transmission.
  9. Try another USB port, or temporarily disconnect the dock and connect the device directly.
  10. Use the operating system’s built-in recorder to make a local test recording. This helps determine whether the issue is caused by the hardware connection or by the streaming software.

Note: When using an iPhone 14 or earlier model with a Lightning port, do not connect the E2 GEN2 with a standard USB-C-to-Lightning charging cable. This type of cable generally does not support the required bidirectional digital-audio connection.

Why is music playing on the computer not included in the stream or recording?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure the background music is playing on the computer or phone connected to the E2 GEN2.
  2. Enable Loopback on the E2 GEN2.
  3. Confirm that MAONO E2 GEN2 is selected as the input device in the software.
  4. Check the computer system volume and the volume in the media player.
  5. If the music is connected through AUX-IN, make sure the AUX knob is turned up.
  6. Avoid adding the same audio source more than once in the software, as this may cause echo or phase problems.

Why does the stream sound different from what I hear in the headphones?

The headphone-monitoring path and the actual output path use different level controls and may also pass through different software processing.

Please check the following:

  1. The Monitor knob affects only headphone volume.
  2. The OUTPUT knob affects the level sent to the recording or streaming device.
  3. The streaming software may have compression, noise suppression, automatic gain, reverb, or EQ enabled.
  4. The operating system may also have audio enhancement features enabled.
  5. The platform may apply automatic loudness processing.
  6. First test with software effects disabled, then enable only the processing you need one item at a time.

Effects and Feature Descriptions

Why does my voice have echo or obvious reverb? How do I turn it off?

Please check the following:

  1. Switch Reverb Presets on the E2 GEN2 to the yellow setting. You will normally hear an “Original” voice prompt in the headphones.
  2. Turn the Reverb knob fully counterclockwise until the reverb effect is disabled.
  3. Check whether reverb, spatial audio, voice enhancement, or a similar effect is enabled in the streaming, recording, or communication software.
  4. Check whether software input monitoring is enabled at the same time as hardware monitoring. The delayed software signal may sound like an echo.
  5. If you are using speakers, test with headphones to prevent speaker audio from being picked up by the microphone.

Tip: When both hardware monitoring and software monitoring are enabled, software latency may sound like echo even when Reverb is turned off.

What does “SIDE CHAIN” do?

Side Chain automatically lowers background-music volume during live streaming, podcasting, voice-over work, and recording.

When Side Chain is enabled:

  • The E2 GEN2 automatically lowers the background-music level while you speak into the microphone, making the voice clearer.
  • When you stop speaking, the background-music level gradually returns.
  • This is useful for hosting, live commerce, podcast conversations, narration, and online teaching.

Note: Side Chain performance depends on the microphone level and the background-music level. If the microphone signal is too low, the function may not trigger consistently.

Why does “SIDE CHAIN” not work on my E2 GEN2?

Side Chain is intended mainly for live streaming, podcasting, and recording. It is not designed for ordinary voice calls.

Please check the following:

  1. Confirm that the microphone has a normal input signal.
  2. Confirm that background music is entering the E2 GEN2 through AUX-IN, Bluetooth, or USB/Loopback.
  3. Make sure the microphone level is high enough to trigger Side Chain.
  4. Make sure the background music is not so quiet that the level reduction is difficult to hear.
  5. Confirm that you are using a streaming or recording application rather than a standard system voice-call mode.

What does “SING ALONG” do?

Sing Along provides two operating modes.

Sing Along Mode

  • Press the button once to enter Sing Along mode.
  • The E2 GEN2 attempts to reduce or remove the original lead vocal from the USB-C or 3.5 mm output.
  • The original vocal remains audible in the headphones, allowing the performer to follow the melody.

Music Only Mode

  • Press the button again to enter Music Only mode.
  • The E2 GEN2 attempts to reduce or remove the original lead vocal from the USB-C output, 3.5 mm output, and headphone monitoring.

Note:

  • Vocal-removal performance depends on the mix, channel layout, genre, reverb, and mastering of the source track.
  • The original vocal cannot be completely removed from every song.
  • Backing vocals, reverb tails, or vocals positioned outside the center of the stereo image may remain audible.
  • This feature is intended for entertainment and live-streaming use. It is not equivalent to professional stem separation or mastering-grade vocal isolation.

How do I adjust the volume of custom sound effects?

Use the PAD VOL knob to adjust the playback level of custom sound effects or sound-pad buttons:

  • Turn counterclockwise to reduce the sound-effect level.
  • Turn clockwise to increase the sound-effect level.

Start at a low level and increase it gradually to prevent a sound effect from being unexpectedly loud during a stream or recording.

Noise and Audio Quality

Why is there so much noise in my recording?

Microphones can pick up room noise, device noise floor, and electrical interference. A certain amount of ambient sound is normal.

Try the following:

  1. Record in a quiet environment with suitable acoustic absorption whenever possible.
  2. Turn off or move away from fans, air conditioners, mechanical keyboards, computer towers, and other continuous noise sources.
  3. Reduce the distance between the microphone and your mouth. A distance of approximately 5–15 cm is recommended.
  4. Reduce MIC Gain as needed to avoid excessively amplifying room noise.
  5. Keep the microphone cable away from power adapters, power strips, and high-power electrical equipment.
  6. Try another microphone cable to rule out poor shielding or an intermittent connection.
  7. Enable the E2 GEN2 Denoise function:
    • Use Level 1 when the surrounding noise is relatively low.
    • Try Level 2 when the surrounding noise is more noticeable.
  8. Check whether another noise-reduction system is enabled in the computer or streaming software. Stacking multiple noise-reduction algorithms may make the voice sound unnatural.

Note: Denoise cannot completely remove complex and rapidly changing sounds such as children shouting, keyboard typing, dogs barking, or other people speaking. A quiet environment remains the most important factor in achieving good recording quality.

Why does the sound clip, crackle, or distort?

Please check the following:

  1. Reduce the dedicated MIC Gain knob.
  2. Lower the MIC level fader as needed.
  3. Avoid speaking very loudly directly into the microphone diaphragm or placing the microphone too close to your mouth.
  4. Check the input meter in the streaming or recording software. Avoid levels that remain at the maximum or enter the red zone.
  5. Check whether hardware gain, system gain, and software gain are all being applied at the same time.
  6. If you are using a condenser microphone, make sure the 48V setting matches the microphone’s requirements.
  7. Test with another microphone cable or USB data cable.
  8. Disable unnecessary effects, compressors, and automatic gain processing, then test the clean signal again.

Tip: Leave sufficient headroom while recording. The level should not continuously reach the maximum.

Why does the recorded audio cut in and out?

Possible causes include an unstable USB connection, insufficient power, excessive system load, or incorrect software settings.

Try the following:

  1. Replace the USB cable with one that supports data transmission.
  2. Try another USB port on the computer.
  3. Temporarily remove an unpowered USB hub and connect the E2 GEN2 directly.
  4. Close applications that are using significant system resources.
  5. Increase the audio buffer size in the recording software.
  6. Make sure the sample-rate settings match. For example, set both the operating system and recording software to 48 kHz.
  7. Restart the E2 GEN2, computer, and recording software.
  8. Test on another device to determine whether the issue is caused by the E2 GEN2 or the original recording device.

Why is there noticeable recording latency?

Latency is commonly caused by software monitoring, Bluetooth transmission, a large audio buffer, or system processing.

We recommend:

  1. Use E2 GEN2 hardware monitoring whenever possible.
  2. Disable software monitoring in OBS, a DAW, or streaming software so that hardware and software monitoring are not active at the same time.
  3. Do not use Bluetooth headphones for real-time monitoring.
  4. Reduce the audio buffer size in the recording software as appropriate.
  5. Disable unnecessary real-time audio plug-ins.
  6. Connect through USB directly and avoid multiple hubs or adapters.

Connecting an iPhone, Android Phone, or Computer

How do I connect an iPhone to the E2 GEN2 for recording?

The connection method depends on the iPhone port.

iPhone 14 or Earlier Models with a Lightning Port

Use one of the following methods:

Method 1: Connect through Stream Out

  1. Use the 3.5 mm audio cable supplied with the E2 GEN2.
  2. Connect it to a compatible 3.5 mm-to-Lightning adapter.
  3. Connect the iPhone to either Stream Out port on the E2 GEN2.

Method 2: Connect through a USB Adapter

  1. Use the USB data cable supplied with the E2 GEN2.
  2. Use a Lightning-to-USB adapter that explicitly supports USB audio devices.
  3. Connect the iPhone to the USB-C data port on the E2 GEN2.

Note:

  • A standard USB-C-to-Lightning charging cable generally cannot connect the E2 GEN2 directly.
  • We recommend an Apple adapter or a certified adapter that explicitly supports USB audio devices.
  • Third-party adapters may cause recognition problems, insufficient power, or an unstable connection.

iPhone 15 or Newer Models with a USB-C Port

  1. Use a USB-C cable that supports data and audio transmission.
  2. Connect the iPhone directly to the E2 GEN2 port labeled USB-C.
  3. Open the recording or streaming application and make sure it has microphone permission.

Important: The port labeled DC-5V on the E2 GEN2 is for power and charging only. Use the port labeled USB-C for phone or computer audio connections.

Why does my Android phone not work correctly with the E2 GEN2?

Please check the following:

  1. Confirm that the Android phone supports USB OTG and USB Audio.
  2. Enable OTG in the phone settings. Some phones disable OTG automatically after a period of inactivity.
  3. Connect the E2 GEN2 using a USB cable that supports data transmission.
  4. Make sure the cable is connected to the USB-C data port, not the DC-5V charging port.
  5. Open the recording or streaming application and make sure it has microphone permission.
  6. If the phone recognizes the device but records no sound, make sure the OUTPUT knob is turned up.
  7. Close and reopen the recording application.
  8. Restart both the phone and the E2 GEN2.
  9. Some Android applications do not support external USB audio devices. Test with the phone’s built-in recorder or another application.

How do I connect a computer to the E2 GEN2?

Follow these steps:

  1. Use a USB cable that supports data transmission to connect the E2 GEN2 port labeled USB-C to a USB port on the computer.
  2. Avoid sharply bending or pulling the cable during use.
  3. In the computer’s sound settings, select MAONO E2 GEN2 as the input device.
  4. To monitor computer audio through the E2 GEN2, also select MAONO E2 GEN2 as the output device.
  5. Select MAONO E2 GEN2 again inside OBS, Zoom, Discord, a DAW, or other software.
  6. To include computer background music in a stream or podcast recording, enable Loopback.
  7. If the computer does not recognize the device, replace the USB cable, try another USB port, or restart the computer.
  8. During troubleshooting, connect the E2 GEN2 directly to the computer rather than through an unpowered hub.

Windows Settings

Open:

Settings → System → Sound

Select MAONO E2 GEN2 under both Input and Output as required.

macOS Settings

Open:

System Settings → Sound

Select MAONO E2 GEN2 under Input and Output as required.

Compatibility and Device Support

Is the E2 GEN2 compatible with Xbox?

No. The E2 GEN2 is not compatible with Xbox.

Xbox uses specific requirements for USB audio devices and certified accessories. A standard USB audio interface generally cannot be used directly as an Xbox input and output device.

Does the E2 GEN2 support multitrack recording?

No. The E2 GEN2 does not support multitrack or isolated-track USB output.

The E2 GEN2 combines the microphone, background music, Bluetooth audio, sound effects, and other inputs into a master mix before sending the signal to the computer or phone.

As a result:

  • Recording software normally receives one mixed stereo or two-channel signal.
  • Individual microphones, background music, and sound effects cannot be adjusted separately after recording.
  • True multitrack recording requires an audio interface or digital mixer that provides independent USB output channels.

Why can I not use the E2 GEN2 with MAONO software?

The E2 GEN2 is currently not compatible with MAONO software.

Its main functions are controlled directly using the physical knobs, buttons, and faders on the device and cannot be adjusted through MAONO software.

Can I connect a guitar to the E2 GEN2?

Yes. The E2 GEN2 has a dedicated 6.35 mm instrument input intended mainly for high-impedance signals such as an electric guitar.

Follow these steps:

  1. Connect the electric guitar to the instrument input using a 6.35 mm instrument cable.
  2. Adjust the instrument input level using the Gain ② knob.
  3. When connecting an electric guitar, enable the Hi-Z switch on the rear panel to match the high-impedance guitar pickup signal.
  4. Begin with a low gain setting and increase it gradually to avoid overload or distortion.
  5. Confirm the level and sound quality through the headphones.

Note: Hi-Z is most commonly used for electric guitars and similar high-impedance instruments. Most keyboards, synthesizers, electronic drums, and other line-level devices do not require Hi-Z. Select the connection method according to the actual output type of the source device.

Other Common Questions

The computer recognizes the E2 GEN2, but there is no sound. Why?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure MAONO E2 GEN2 is selected correctly as the computer’s input and output device.
  2. Check the OUTPUT knob on the E2 GEN2.
  3. Check the Monitor level knob.
  4. Check the audio-device settings in the recording or playback software.
  5. Make sure neither the system nor the application is muted.
  6. Make sure the application has microphone permission.
  7. Close and reopen the application.
  8. Reconnect the USB cable or try another USB port.
  9. Test input and output separately using the system recorder and media player.

Why does my phone not recognize the E2 GEN2?

Please check the following:

  1. Confirm that the phone supports an external USB audio device.
  2. On Android, make sure OTG is enabled.
  3. Make sure the cable supports data transmission.
  4. Make sure the cable is connected to the correct USB-C data port.
  5. On a Lightning iPhone, make sure the adapter supports USB audio.
  6. Check whether the phone port or adapter is providing insufficient power.
  7. Confirm that the recording or streaming application supports an external audio device.
  8. Make sure the application has microphone permission.

Why does the E2 GEN2 begin charging when it is connected by USB?

This is normal.

When connected to a computer, phone, or USB power source, the E2 GEN2 may receive power or charge at the same time. This does not affect streaming, recording, or monitoring as long as the device is operating normally.

Bluetooth is connected, but there is no sound. Why?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure media volume is enabled on the phone or computer.
  2. Make sure the AUX/background-audio level on the E2 GEN2 is turned up.
  3. Confirm that the Bluetooth connection is still active.
  4. Make sure the playback application is using the correct Bluetooth output device.
  5. Disconnect and reconnect Bluetooth.
  6. Delete the pairing record on the phone and pair the devices again.

Note: Bluetooth is only used to play audio into the E2 GEN2. It cannot send microphone audio or the master mix back to a phone or computer.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

The following 10 common questions have been added to the original FAQ.

1. Why does my computer not recognize the E2 GEN2?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure the cable is connected to the port labeled USB-C, not the DC-5V charging port.
  2. Use a USB cable that supports data transmission.
  3. Try another USB port on the computer.
  4. Temporarily remove the dock, USB hub, or adapter and connect the device directly.
  5. Restart both the computer and the E2 GEN2.
  6. In Windows Device Manager or macOS Audio MIDI Setup, check whether the device appears.
  7. Test the E2 GEN2 on another computer to determine whether the issue is caused by the device or the original computer.

2. Why does the microphone level rise and fall by itself?

The operating system or application may have automatic gain control enabled.

Please check the following:

  1. Disable automatic gain, automatic volume, and voice enhancement in streaming, meeting, or recording software.
  2. In Windows sound settings, check whether software is changing the microphone level automatically.
  3. Close other applications that are using the microphone at the same time.
  4. Maintain a consistent distance between the microphone and your mouth.
  5. Check the microphone cable for an intermittent connection.
  6. Disable Side Chain temporarily to make sure changes in background-music level are not being mistaken for microphone-level changes.

3. Why is the sound heard only in the left or right channel?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure the microphone, instrument cable, or 3.5 mm cable is fully inserted.
  2. Confirm whether the 3.5 mm cable is TRS or TRRS and whether its wiring is compatible with the connected device.
  3. Check whether the recording software is incorrectly placing a mono input on only one side of a stereo track.
  4. Set the recording track to mono or select the correct input channel.
  5. Test with another pair of headphones, audio cable, or adapter.
  6. Check whether the system channel-balance control has been moved to one side.

4. Why is there electrical hum or buzzing in the recording?

Try the following:

  1. Connect the E2 GEN2, computer, and external devices to the same power strip or power source.
  2. Temporarily disconnect the laptop charger and test while the computer is running on battery power.
  3. Replace the XLR, 3.5 mm, or USB cable with one that has better shielding.
  4. Keep audio cables away from power cables and avoid running them parallel over long distances.
  5. Disconnect unnecessary external devices and reconnect them one at a time to identify the interference source.
  6. When using a phone connection through 3.5 mm, try an audio isolator or another adapter.
  7. Enable 48V only when the connected microphone requires it.

5. Why is there still no sound after I enable 48V?

Please check the following:

  1. Confirm that the microphone is an XLR condenser microphone that requires phantom power.
  2. Make sure it is connected with a complete balanced XLR-to-XLR cable.
  3. Test the XLR cable.
  4. Raise the MIC fader and the dedicated MIC Gain knob.
  5. Confirm that the 48V indicator is illuminated.
  6. Turn off the device, reconnect the microphone, power the device on, and then enable 48V.
  7. Test with another known-working condenser microphone.

Note: The E2 GEN2 does not provide a 3.5 mm microphone input. USB microphones also cannot use the E2 GEN2 48V phantom-power supply.

6. Why do I hear duplicated audio or echo after enabling Loopback?

The same signal is usually being sent into the software more than once.

Please check the following:

  1. Disable desktop-audio capture in the streaming software or disable Loopback. Keep only one of the two methods active.
  2. Do not add multiple copies of the same audio input source.
  3. Disable software monitoring and use only E2 GEN2 hardware monitoring.
  4. Check whether communication software is routing speaker audio back into the microphone.
  5. Use headphones instead of speakers to prevent the microphone from picking up the playback signal.
  6. Mute audio sources in the software one at a time to identify the duplicated signal.

7. Why is there no sound from a custom sound-pad button?

Please check the following:

  1. Make sure PAD VOL is not set too low.
  2. Confirm that the custom sound has been recorded or saved correctly.
  3. Verify that headphone monitoring and OUTPUT are working normally.
  4. Check whether the current sound-pad slot has been cleared.
  5. Record a short test sound into the pad again.
  6. Confirm that the recording or streaming software is receiving the E2 GEN2 master output.

8. Why do the speakers produce feedback or howling?

Feedback occurs when sound from the speakers is picked up by the microphone and amplified again.

We recommend:

  1. Use headphones for monitoring whenever possible.
  2. Reduce the speaker volume.
  3. Move the speakers away from the microphone and do not point them toward the microphone pickup area.
  4. Reduce MIC Gain.
  5. Use a microphone with a more directional pickup pattern.
  6. Disable unnecessary reverb.
  7. Reposition the microphone and speakers to increase the physical distance between them.

9. Why is the volume significantly different after I switch to another computer or phone?

Different devices may use different USB audio implementations, system gain levels, application processing, and power-delivery behavior.

Check the following again:

  1. System input volume.
  2. Microphone gain inside the application.
  3. The E2 GEN2 MIC Gain, MIC, and OUTPUT settings.
  4. Automatic gain, noise reduction, and compression in the software.
  5. Whether the USB port or adapter provides stable power.
  6. Compare the devices using the same test recording and the same speaking distance.

10. How can I quickly determine whether the problem is caused by the E2 GEN2, a cable, or the recording device?

Perform a minimum-system test in the following order:

  1. Disconnect all unnecessary devices. Keep only one microphone, one pair of headphones, and the E2 GEN2 connected.
  2. Use the headphones to confirm whether the microphone can be monitored locally.
  3. Replace the microphone cable.
  4. Replace the USB data cable.
  5. Try another USB port on the computer or phone.
  6. Test with the operating system’s built-in recorder.
  7. Test on another computer or phone.
  8. If local monitoring works but the recording device receives no audio, the problem is usually related to the connection, system permissions, or software settings.
  9. If local monitoring also does not work, first check the microphone, cable, 48V, MIC Gain, MIC fader, and Monitor button.
  10. If the problem remains after replacing the microphone, cables, and recording device, contact MAONO Technical Support and provide the product serial number, a connection diagram, the microphone model, and a video showing the issue.

Information to Prepare Before Contacting Technical Support

To help Technical Support identify the issue more efficiently, prepare the following information:

  • E2 GEN2 product version or serial number;
  • Microphone brand, model, and connector type;
  • Phone or computer model and operating-system version;
  • Name of the streaming or recording software;
  • Actual connection method and adapter model;
  • Current indicator-light, knob, fader, and button states;
  • A short video or audio recording demonstrating the issue;
  • Troubleshooting steps already attempted.

Providing complete information can significantly improve troubleshooting efficiency.

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Last modified: 2026-07-14