Of course it has its issues, but darn, this is one of the first “buy a mic to see if you even wanna podcast for more than a month but want your audio to sound perfectly passable” mics I think of currently. Perhaps more importantly, with mics like this existing, it drives home the point that remote meetings and lectures or anything like that should no longer feature a bunch of dangling headphone and AirPod mics. Audio matters and it’s not so hard to attain it.
Exactly. We're living in an amazing time for content creation and audio video tech. It's more affordable than ever to create something that sounds and looks good.
A tip for all K688 owners, that are not satisfied with the effectiveness of the shock mount: Put a lot of hot glue into the hollow body of the K688. When typing on my mechanical Keyboard, my t.bone BC 500 captures only the sound of the key pressing, but not the deep bass from desk vibration. The K688 on the other hand comes with a shock mount, but captures a lot off bass from desk vibrations on my setup, when typing. The K688 has a thin metal body which is mostly hollow inside (that's why it's very light and the thick rubber bands from the shock mount are not very effective on such low weight). I opened my K688 (remove just two screws) and filled it with a lot of hot glue. While filling it, try to hold the mic-body in a way, that the hot glue does not run into the potentiometers and headphone jack on the back. After doing that, the mic is now much heavier (obviously) and the resonance from the hollow metal frame should have improved. Who would have guessed: Now my K688 is not capturing those desk virbation anymore (when typing). This simple trick has improved the shockmount/resonance behavior a lot.
I think there's a company who may sue me if I tried to claim the title of Mr. Microphone. But perhaps I could do a brand deal collaboration endorsement deal where we release the Mr Microphone again with my ugly mug on the box. Then I come onto RU-vid and shlll it and promote it! IT'S A MILLION DOLLAR IDEA!
This mic was genuinely good. Sounded better than every mic that was cheaper than it and I even preferred it to both of the Samson Mics. Handling noise is terrible but for voice calls and such, this would be well worth getting. Probably good enough for more professional utilisations as well. I honestly didn't hate it for electric or acoustic guitars though they aren't my favourite. I didn't like them for singing. Overall a very solid microphone and possibly my new recommendation for people looking for USB mics under £75 (as long as they don't plan on using headphones with it)
Superb review as always, Podcastage. This Fifine K688 sounds shockingly good for the price. As for the Tonor TD510, it sounds REALLY dark in USB mode but sounds far less dark in XLR mode. Try both modes separately and you might notice it, too.
Thank you kindly. That's great information to have because listening to the TD510, I hated it so much. I'll make sure to include that comparison in the 510 video and maybe not even use the USB for long because it sounds so bad.
@@Podcastage it's my pleasure! just being honest. USB mode on the TD510 with no EQ tweaking is straight garbage. But for some reason, XLR mode removes a lot of that heavy dark tone USB mode is plagued with on the TD510.
I don’t know how I found you but hot damn I’m glad this told me everything I wanted and as a postman the way you throw the box every time warms my heart
Thank you so much for watching and for commenting, it means a lot. And the boxes just need to get away from me as fast as possible. I hope you don't treat packages the way that I treat boxes.
You can connect most USB microphones to IOS and Android devices. If your device has USB-C but the mic is USB-A, a simple USB adapter allows it to connect to your phone.
such a newb when it comes to AV (and pop punk hehe, music section scratches my brain so good i asked my discord friends for recs beyond the basics) aiming to build my first desktop setup... literally hyperfixating SO BAD on these videos, this is probably my 6th or 7th review in a row (but can honestly say i subbed during the first). came for the mic reviews, stayed for the sillies hehe
This is the best review of a mic that I've ever watched, every detail or scenario I wanted to know is in this video. (As a music producer, Thank you man!)
I got one a few months ago to replace an ATR2100 that stopped working, I'm glad it wasn't a terrible buy when it comes to sound. Prices for tech stuff in brazil are awful so this seemed like a good budget option at the time. I keep mine on a mic arm that I don't really move and cables tied with velcro straps to avoid noise. Nice to finally see it reviewed by you!
Glad you were able to find a mic that suited your needs and it's serving you well. Thank you for sharing the tip on velcroing the cables down. Great idea.
thanks for reviewing this. just heard of this brand and wanted to know if its any good. those sponsored reviewers that just say that everything is super amazing and don't do nearly as thorough testing as you aren't the most helpful
It makes it even more suspicious if we say that we don't use sponsorship to ask content creators on any platform to say something favorable to our products. But we promise that we really don't. We do admit that we pay some creators for their excellent work or because of their remarkable affiliate sales, but no payment is done for just talking good things about the mics, those quality review videos are still done on the basis of honesty and unbiasedness. Anyway, it might be better not to be too one-sided, not every video is all about goodness, not every product-praised video is fake or paid, and not every creator can be bought.
The best review out of all others on RU-vid. I need a new usb mic that doesn't pick up a whole lot of background noise and I have a budget of 100$ so I was thinking of buying this or the FiFine AmpliGame Am8. Do you have any other recommendations in this budget? Again, thanks for the awesome review!
@@siontheodorus1501 He also did it in the end by touching the wires & you could hear him doing so in the audio, so I wonder how it would soung if you had in on a mic arm & then moved it around during recording...
If a headphone cable is connected and the cable moves at all or bumps the USB cable that will make it into the recording. You can hear this throughout the video.
@@Podcastage i see thanks for the explanation, i thought that the resonance will be heard even if you just talk to the mic without touching the cable or the mic
@@siontheodorus1501 Understand that, the places a mic resonates at will be over-represented in a recording, and, if it rings in the wrong places for a given source, it can really cause unfixable issues. This is a big reason that nicer mics are made of heavier materials, often alloys, because they don't resonate in a meaningful way. Not a huge deal for a zoom call, but at least can be a dealbreaker in many other situations.
I have this microphone, I love it and yes the cons you mentioned are there. At the same time I think it is a great microphone. I love your reviews all my youtube channels are subscribed to you. Have you reviewed the Amplitank 3 from them if not maybe that should be your next fifine microphone. Also they have two interfaces I would love to see you review. I stream mostly in case the username didn't give it away lol. Keep doing what your doing bro! I love your content and your personality!
Question: there is a mic level adjustment control on Fifine. Does it have any impact if we use XLR interface and connect to audio mixer ( like Focusrite or Rodecaster). Should we use preamp on audio mixer or the mic volume knob of the Fifine mic.
Great work as always. I will now go like the video of the latest Bandrew Says Podcast - I listened to the audio version yesterday and haven't got around to clicking that like button! I am highly satisfied by this video - that's what RU-vid measures, right?
Your satisfaction has been noted in my ledgers. RU-vid algorithm, please notate the satisfaction that Matt is feeling. He is not simply satisfied, he is HIGHLY satisfied. Thank you.
Glad you like it, too! :) Cool point with the resonance. I personally wouldn't consider that a dealbreaker, though! Worked as a passable vlog mic for me. (Although it's clearly not intended for that.)
Very interesting. The shouckmount is fairly effective, but if the cables dangling off get bumped or moved it's goin in the recording which I think should have been resolved before release. But I'm amazed you were able to use it as a vlog mic.
Around 10:50 I thought you were going to call it "Resonant Evil" or something :D Sounds good to me. I'd say the Maono sounded better (for less money) but if you don7t want to mess around with XLR then the Fifine seems like a solid choice.
Which microphone would you use for Twitch streaming, the TD510 or FIFINE K688, both are controlled via USB. another question: which software do you recommend for setting the microphone
@@Podcastage It took a long and hard fall from the top of my bookcase and no longer works. I need a mic only for voice chat, so it was overkill anyway.
I think it sounds pretty good, but this is the first video from you that I have noticed mouth noises. Not bad mouth noises, but definitely noticeable. Awesome review though! 👍
Same here. And the mouthy part of it wasn't only on the k688. Was that the experiment? Or was it the affiliate promotion? Or the sometimes barely hearable staticky (electro "peeks") noises?
Interesting. Maybe I was a bit dehydrated or something. That's too bad that mouth noises are becoming more prominent. The experiment is trying to get people to click the like button to see how it impacts distribution.
@@Podcastage If you want the cheat sheet to that kinda thing, user interactions are all worth 1 point, so, a like, a comment, or a subscribe are all weighted evenly. Basically, if a video gets a viewer to interact with the site in some way, it's a point. More points, more better because it gives youtube good metrics to share with advertiser prospects. Combine that with good upload timing for your target demographic, good title/thumbnail, and you're basically maxxing the algo juice, and he algo juice is all about maximizing how many ad impressions youtube gets (not how relevant/enjoyable/etc the content is sadly).
Just picked one up for 51.99 on a Lightning 🌩 Deal on Amazon 🥳 and my Roommate still Hates when I watch these videos because he Hates listening to your Voice 😂 Great Review 👍
I've been really on the fence on perhaps purchasing this mic for starting out, but then I have seen that Elgato recently released the Wave Neo. Will you be checking that out as well?
I bought this and holy hell, you weren't kidding about the handling noise. If you're a streamer with this on a boom arm that you need to move frequently, fuhgeddaboudit. The slightest touch of the mic body, or the slightest movement of the cable, will cause an awful noise. It's a shame, because the actual mic has one of the most natural and pleasant tones for spoken word that I've heard in any price bracket.
@@Podcastage As far as the entry-level "gaming/streaming" mics go I'd say it a great deal indeed... Shame for the resonance but... can't have it all I guess:P
@@DailyTechNews.mp4 Who knows, maybe the resonance is helping. It’s got a nice, mildly warm low mid. A little “no touch the mic” note at each place on the table.
the difference between the k688 and the tonor TD510 is wild. both have their own unique sounds, both sound pretty nice but the styles couldnt be any different. i went with the k688
First thank you so much for your efforts, secondly i want your advice about wich one to get fifinek688 or fduce sl40 or podmic usb , if i only want to blug it directly to my Samsung s22 ultra phone
I know this is a completely different mics with different use cases, but they fall under similar price point, so I have to ask, would you pick this mic or the Samson C01U Pro?
As you say they are completely different mics. It depends on what YOU want. Both are limited in the conversion rate. This has more control over headphone volume and mic volume but this is also a lot more resonant than the C01u pro. So my question to you is, which one do YOU like the sound of more?
@@Podcastage Got it! I think bcs of the resonance and handling noise I'd still pick the C01U Pro, because I plan on adjusting my mic position a lot. Thanks Bandrew, superb review as always!
Q2u is an option but it is a physical on/off button. Also for the ~$80 I paid for this, you could get a Behringer UM2 or M-Audio M-Track solo on sale for $40-50, then a Behringer XM8500 for $20-$25 and then a stand for $12 and a cable for $10. Then you'd be right around the same price and I think you'd be in a better position. But I discuss when this mic may work for you in the video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bZQ0NiQnlrk.htmlsi=RnOVzjS053KcRqeQ&t=823
Thanks for the review. Man what is your workout routine, it has been a while since I have been on your channel, and looks like you've gotten into great shape! good for you!
I love the fact that there are so many options for quality-sounding mics for people who don't have a few hundred dollars to spare. Thanks as always, Bandrew ✌
Thanks for revisiting the channel, and for the kind words, it really means a lot. I hope you find a mic that suits your needs and get you the sound you want. Happy recording.
Which one do YOU like the sound of best, that's the real question and that's what should determine the mic you go with. If you want that brighter condenser sound go for the Quadcast. If you want that more mid focussed darker sound, go for the K688.
Great video! Would love to see a review on the Mackie EM-99B! Currently thinking about getting a Rode Procaster, or maybe a more "broadcast-y" microphone
Hello, how is the volume on the monitoring output ? I used another fifine combo dynamic mic and had to return as I found the monitoring output to be low. My use case is that I connect the monitoring output to my iPad for recording. Thanks for the great review!
Hi Manik Desilva, it should be the AmpliGame AM8 then, is it the microphone audio or the computer playback through the headphone jack too low, or is the situation being hard to find the balance between them as Bandrew mentioned in the video?
I think this mic sounds very good for its price range. Totally passable as a "this is pretty decent audio" microphone. Would have liked to see a sm7b comparison as its the "standard" xlr dynamic sound. Personally, I think the q2u sounds a bit to "bitey" in the upper range, and is a little bit grating to listen to.
I just a shopper. These reviews really help! Honest, i've seen this for 50. I get it it's probably not perfect for music, i'm just saying it's not bad. I' not recording so this is good.
Hi, I used this with an XLR cable connecting to a MacBook Pro running waveform free. Sounded really quiet the whole broadcast. Anything I should do about this / any setting suggestions and if so how to set that up?
Can anyone tell me if the audio is good for video calls? (Zoom or Google Meet) I've 50-50 use case, Zoom meetings and video narrations. This sounds good for narrations etc but since meeting app use native noise cancellation does it affect the quality?
I actually bought this mic back in November, and I really like it, and luckily enough haven't had any issues, I have better xlr mics but this thing is so easy to use and move, I only use the USB with it as well, it's been a go to, I guess I've just not smacked it enough, but I will say the mute button does always work but I don't use it much anyway. Could just be my finger too.
If you don't have cables dangling off that you move around and if you don't move the mic around a lot and if you don't bump the stand/desk it's on, then it should be fine. Glad to know it's been working for you for over 6 months. That's great news.
Thanks for the review! I was wondering about the gain settings you used for this mic. Wouldn't it be better to crank up the mic gain to about 4 - 5 o'clock and set the input level in your OS to something like 70 - 80% instead of 100%?
The way that I understand how these usb mics work is that the computer's level is like a mixer fade and 100% should be unity gain. Whenever you set your gain you make sure that the fader is at unity gain and you are not boosting or cutting the volume. That's why the level is at 100%. Then I set my actual gain (the dial on the mic) to get the appropriate level.
@@Podcastage I see, thanks for the response. I've always thought that unity gain is at 50% and 100% is +12db (at least that's what "Audio midi setup" on a mac shows). I could be wrong though.
I have all the reviews so that you're able to determine the sound that you want and the feature set you need. It's hard to just say "Here's the mic to buy if you're a gamer" because it's so subjective. Here's my thought: for gaming and streaming, if you want all in one, the Elgato Wave stuff is pretty decent. You could go with something like this if the cons don't bother you, the Samson Q2u is a good option too. XLR route, you're not going to have many options for a full kit, Behringer XM8500 + M Audio M Track Solo + XLR to XLR cable + Pop Filter + Mic Stand.
@@Podcastage thank you for replying I really appreciate it. This was really helpful. the only cons I care about is if I hit the desk and you would get feedback because of shock. i dont really touch the mic and i use a blue yeti now but i used to use a shure sm7b until i gave it to one of my friends. he already had an interface so i kept the one i had and all of the wires. This actually really helps me. Thank you again!
you know what i wanna know. its now 2023 and I want to know after every single mic you have ever tested through these many years. what is your all time number one microphone. I guess you could do categories like usb mic and XLR mic and whats best for podcast and whats best for music and maybe what is best for both of those combined.
My all time number one would probably be the U67. It is balanced and natural but still clear. It just works so well on my voice. My other favorite is obvious, the SM7b. This is all personal preference regarding what I like on my voice for my use case.
Hi! now i'm temporary live in an apartments w untreated room. I need to record voiceovers etc what seems impossible w Behringer condenser mic. Could you advice a few *XLR dynamics* mics up to 90$ that fits to following requirements: 1. catches as less room reverb as possible; 2. good at low frequencies and mid. for example this fifine from vid really suck at low freq(
Sub $100 my main recommendation are Behringer XM8500, Samson Q2u. there's also the Mackie EM89D which is pretty good, and then some that I'm personally less of a fan of but plenty of people enjoy Shure SM48, Sterling P20. I have videos covering all of these mics and you'll need to decide which one you prefer the sound of in regards to the low frequencies. The videos should all also have some kind of background noise test to give you an idea of how it sounds for that, I don't think the older videos have an untreated room test though. Behringer XM8500: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zrKKjGXyHg4.html Samson Q2u: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-o42-oX6BPYU.html Mackie EM89D: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cN9wNcjyFwE.html Shure SM48: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZtW_5EXgR-I.html Sterline P20: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ITjIiAnyxOk.html
If you're talking about connect your 3.5mm headphones to the 3.5mm headphone port on this microphone, yes it does allow you to hear the computer. You just need to set your computer output to this microphone.
I don't have the AM8 and hadn't heard of it until now. It's not on the schedule at this moment and I have a lot of other mics to get through. Maybe if it's still around in a year or so I'll check it out.
if you show to us in the reviews how you will eq the mic for your taste that will not only make you the best review channel but also the best educational and entertainment channel
I regret to inform myself that I bought and own the SL40 and apparently from what I've been told it's the same mic as the Tonor TD510, so I'm not looking forward to ever making a video on it.
I'm not aware of any first party fifine software that allows any kind of adjustment. So if you're using windows, it would be handled through windows settings. There's also no listing for software or download on this page: fifinemicrophone.com/products/fifine-k688
You have most likely been asked this before so I do apologize , Do you have any plans to check out the FiFine k669D / K669C ? Their newest released Dynamic & condenser mic w/ excellent build quality.
@@Podcastage I wish I worked for them, I wouldn't be so damn broke 😂 But no I'm not an employee. Just a subscriber who values your opinion. Also, I own 2 of the K669D's.
Hi, I see that this model has iF 2023 award for design. I bought it on Amazon italy new for 40€ because it was in special offer with their arm and headphones, in totale i pay 115€, not bad for a full kit. The problems that I see are just body resonance, plosive rejction and a bit more open high frequency. Anyway it is better than Tonor but cannot be a competitor of Shure MV7. What do you think about the electrical noise floor of itself in usb or xlr mode?
That seems like a fair list of cons there. During my testing, I don't recall encountering a glaring issue with an electrical noise floor like a hum or anything. If you're experiencing that it's likely to due to lax quality assurance and inconsistent manufacturing.
@@Podcastage Many thanks for the answer. I think i need to modify my question. Regarding the electrical noise floor of it pre-amplifier built-in, do you think that it is working good setting up the gain over a limit? It remains quite like a Marantz MPM-2000U or is there any audible noise raising up the gain? Thanks.
Check the comparison section of this video and the most recent Tonor TD510 review. There are plenty of mics around the same price that offer decent value.
It depends on the external interface that you're going to use the K688. In most cases, it should outperform the USB mode, unless you get a defective or pretty crappy interface for it.
@@LeKeksLP OK, then it might be better to spend less on a USB-only mic if you have no use of the XLR port. But tbh, it's quite hard to expect the audio quality of the USB connection to be compared to the one from the XLR setup. So to reply to your first question, the quality will shrink in USB mode.
Have ever tried to put rubber bands on the cable and the mike to reduce the vibrations in the cable and on the mike / please try it and tell me if it reduces the noises
I have not tried that. Do you mean rubber banding the cables together? Do you mean wrapping one rubber band around the ends of the cable near the mic? Do you mean rubber banding the cables to the mic or the stand? I'm not sure what kind of method you're suggesting.
@@Podcastage rubber bands around cables before the mike and absorb vibrations same work on mike stands / its just an idea it has worked on other things for me
I like the software that comes with the Elgato so I'd go with the Elgato, but if you don't want or need that software it would depend on which mic you prefer the sound of? Which one do YOU like the sound of more?
