$99 Audio Interface for the Fifine K688, Fifine AM8 or Maono PD400x - Focusrite Vocaster Review

[@TechnoTaranOfficial]

Thanks for the detailed review. 👍

[@RetroBigCat75]

I got a Focusrite votecaster one this past year. But, haven't used it yet. I don't know which microphone I'll be getting: Samson q9u or Maono PD400X.

[@michaelmarcano9200]

I also got it from Mike's recommendation!

[@selw0nk]

Focusrite said they disabled direct monitoring in their forums. On Reddit they mentioned "In the system tray click on the "Focusrite" icon -> Click on "Expose/Hide Windows Channels" -> Make sure "Host Microphone + Aux" in the input section is ticked -> click okay -> Load up "Vocaster Hub" -> in the "Mix" section make sure that "Hosts" volume is off or adjusted to your preferences" We can still hear you in while you are recording Auto Gain it's just low volume. Will you do a review on the Maonocaster G1 NEO Audio Mixer?

[@DaveSoltura]

I'm really hoping to record a video on it soon! Maono's sending the PD100x first. Hopefully we can get to it after that.

[@JamesKahfey]

Finally! Sadly, the sale's long gone now. Also, what gain do you set your PD400X to when you tweak it on the Vocaster Hub? Hopefully, you can also do a tutorial on the maono link in USB-C mode 💪

[@DaveSoltura]

Hey, James! The sale for the Vocaster 2 alone might be gone, but the Vocaster 2 Studio set is out for $169! That’s an interface, headphones, and a mic! Link in the description for those who are interested. Gain largely depends on the speaker, because people have varying vocal loudness. As long as it’s not clipping, and you’re hitting the upper range of the bar, that’s good gain! Maybe I’ll make a tutorial on that. I really want to do a Maono link tutorial but they haven’t fixed a bug for MacOS yet. When they do, I certainly will!

[@TheClayAlanReview2024]

My favorite interface so far! I started with a Shure MVX2U, which I love, but wanted the ability to have a second mic plugged in for comparisons. I also have the Vocaster One as a back up. Couldn’t resist at a sale price of $49!! I am curious why these keep going up and down in pricing so much?? 🤔

[@DaveSoltura]

Hey Clay! I really do think it's supply and demand. I don't think these are marketed enough, and they may have missed the initial wave of demand following its launch, because they were relatively overpriced compared to competition. I still suspect they're trying to get rid of an old batch. But don't quote me on that!

[@TheClayAlanReview2024]

@@DaveSoltura Hey Dave!! Yeah I keep thinking there’s something like that to it. Either way, I’m happy to have purchased them and plan to use them as long as they’ll last!!

[@DaveSoltura]

@@TheClayAlanReview2024 Same!! They're Focusrite interfaces, so hopefully they will!

[@eighty.2]

Great video as always! Is there a huge audio difference between something like the Fifine SC3 (Mixer type) vs a dedicated Audio Interface (Focusrite Vocaster, Behringer U-Phoria UM2)?

[@DaveSoltura]

I have a whole video on that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX-ypmB4rMaUnKs

[@eighty.2]

@@DaveSolturaThanks, you're the best!

[@edwinmartin9660]

this is amazing

[@Cotictimmy]

Is syncing audio to video difficult. I'm a complete newbie to audio and I am syncing audio from my Zoom H4n pro with the camera video sound track in Capcut. I do fancy a Vocaster 2 though. 😀

[@DaveSoltura]

@@Cotictimmy Not difficult, but it is another step!

[@chadontheroad1]

I have the Vocaster 1 and love it! It's simple and works great. I also learned what the TRS stood for.. LOL So, does TRRS only connect phones or other electronic devices ?

[@DaveSoltura]

Not necessarily, but in most cases phone jacks are TRRS! Just know that the extra ring means it also enables mic input

[@DoxChanMusic]

I was unsure about buying this interface, but I ended up getting the Vocaster one for around $52 after tax from Amazon. The issue is that I have a lot of background noise when using the interface with my k688. Do you have software that can help with audio suppression? I am guessing I'm probably cooked and need to find a better place to record

[@DaveSoltura]

You already have an incredible combo there. 1. Have you tried getting closer to the mic? 2. The Vocaster Hub app lets you EQ some low rumble and highs out.

[@jeromalan7251]

What can you recommend a sound interface or mixer that has no to almost not noticeable hiss!/static sssss but has a feature of reverb? I had the e2 maono and the hiss is terrible 🥹 got pd400x too

[@DaveSoltura]

I don't know of an interface that does that at a lower price point, but the Shure MV7+ has reverb with their app!

[@PlaymakerTB]

Best timing, just got it 1 week ago! Can you make the perfect settings combo with the fifine k688? 🙏🏼

[@DaveSoltura]

Another great video idea! I could, but can't promise it'll come out super soon!

[@PlaymakerTB]

@@DaveSoltura i can’t wait, take your time, pls make sure how the windows settings should be too 😄

[@pascal574]

Is the pd400x with the Focusrite scarlet a good combo?

[@DaveSoltura]

@@pascal574 yes, that can work!

[@aloyzup7506]

can i use this for vocal recording (music)?

[@DaveSoltura]

Yes for vocals, but no instrument inputs

[@MSXL3FT]

Hello! I know It's a unfair comparision, but I've bought the Audio-Technica AT2020, and I wanted to know how it sounds compared to Ampligame A8 and Ampligame AM8, that's the two microphones that I have currently. It don't need to be a incredible video, I just wanted to know if the difference, and if it worth the price, thank you!

[@DaveSoltura]

Thanks for this idea! I can't promise a video since my AT2020 seems to have conked out on me, but from memory, they are similar in terms of their tone. What I can say the AT2020 has is its ridiculously high Max SPL of 144db, meaning it can handle the sound of a jet engine, from about 200 feet away (rough estimate), without distorting at an analogue level. You will never have trouble shouting into the mic. The Fifines have very low max SPLs and are more prone to that. But from memory, sound quality alone is very comparable. The A8 really reminds me of the AT2020!

[@MSXL3FT]

@@DaveSoltura Oh... I think this is a bit bad, I was expecting to have a way better microphone, that's why I bought at2020, I will use the XLR version, and I will use to sing. Do you think I will have better results? I'm testing by myself too, I 've recorded samples with AM8 and A8, and when my AT2020 arrives I will record a sample too, and I hope that at2020 is better

[@MSXL3FT]

​@@DaveSoltura But it's good that I'll not have problems with distortions, I really don't like to have to lower the volume of the mics to handle my voice sometimes(and my voice its not even so loud!)

[@DaveSoltura]

@@MSXL3FT I don't want to pre-empt your assessment. I suggest having a listen for yourself. :) The AT2020 is a classic mic, but many competitors have come out since, so it's beginning to show its age. But the great thing is, you have confidence that the AT2020 is a studio workhorse, and you likely won't get bashed for recording with it, especially if you have proper room acoustics. :) It already has an establish reputation.

[@exhaustor5983]

Just ordered Vocaster one for 40 euro...I hope it will be better than FIFINE SC1.

[@DaveSoltura]

Just by having EQ, it will be!

[@kuyagold9524]

Brother can you review sE Electronics Neom? Thank you bro!

[@DaveSoltura]

Brilliant idea. I don't have a budget to get my own yet, but if they send me one, I definitely will! It's an incredible mic for a usb mic.

[@DaveSoltura]

@@kuyagold9524 Ok, we’re reviewing the Neom!

[@kuyagold9524]

@@DaveSoltura OMG! Thank you Dave! You're the best!

[@evlincodm]

bro can u plz make very fast video comparing between the new k688 and am8 the both new versions of both plz am waiting to ur review of both new from days am really fast needing to go for one of them since am a broadcaster and a gamer

[@DaveSoltura]

I really wish I could make a quick video, but even quick videos need a lot of work... but let me sum it up: AM8 has all the sound quality you need, and is even clearer. They're just as good. The K688 is a bit "darker", which means your voice isn't as detailed for singing, but this is great for broadcast use. Main advantage of the AM8 is price, main advantage of the K688 is it can take screaming better, since it has a higher max SPL of 130db, versus the AM8's 120db. If screaming is a big factor, go with the K688. If price and clarity are more important, go with the AM8.

[@evlincodm]

@@DaveSolturathxfor reply actually what i look for is a more deep strong sound quality like i wanna feel like i have really a strong professional mic

[@DaveSoltura]

@@evlincodm if you really want to sound pro and “strong” consider the Maono PD400x. If it’s beyond budget, I’d go with the K688!

[@evlincodm]

@@DaveSoltura so k688 is stronger than am8

[@DvirAyelet]

I managed to grab the studio pack for 80 bucks

[@DaveSoltura]

Unbelievable! What a steal. Congratulations!

[@kirisuma2186]

Specifically designed for phones... Only that barely any phone still has a audio port lmao