FiFine K688 USB/XLR Mic Detailed Review: Pros, Cons & Comparison

[@ardnttt]

just got one for my twitch streams. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@WilliamNevius]

Niceee going be epic when you get it all setup for sure. 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@kesleyramsumair7559]

Great review! answered a lot of questions i had about this microphone, thank you for this video!!

[@WilliamNevius]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks for letting me know 😏👊🏽

[@hremiko]

Thank you for this thorough review. A quick feedback: When you switch between two modes (Like XLR to USB as in this video) Please add text to the video mentioning that as well. It will help with better understanding imo

[@WilliamNevius]

Thanks for the tips! Noted for next time. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts 🙌🏽

[@smokedragon8822]

Great review man, I've been trying to upgrade from my typical gaming headset and bought some Sennheiser HD560s so I needed a decent mic to pair with it without breaking the bank. Im glad you showed how it sounded using just usb-c, I was worried about having to spend that extra $40+ on an interface, and however much a boom arm or stand would cost. You review might have sold me on this mic

[@WilliamNevius]

Love to hear that! I’m happy I was able to help you out. Using this mic with usbc sounds great and when time comes you can upgrade to an interface if needed using the same microphone. 1 year later this is still my go to microphone for content creation if I need to do voice over. So it’s a great choice. Hope you enjoy the new mic

[@AbdlaAit]

How is it working?

[@smokedragon8822]

@@AbdlaAit it's excellent, sounds fantastic with little to no extra work, I just plug it in to my PC directly and use it

[@thePeakyDuck]

i love this piece. Have an Rode Podmic, which is super heavy and quality build. But the K688 on XLR is sooo beautiful warm in sound and sounds same quality, love it!

[@WilliamNevius]

Yes I agree. For its price it’s simply amazing for its price vs bigger brands

[@Mr-Dutchy-Dutch]

I just got this mic and like you in the post I've always perferred fifine mic's 😁great video 👍👍

[@WilliamNevius]

Nice and thank you. Great quality sound for an affordable price. Big win 💪🏽💪🏽

[@Retakezzz]

Great Review! definitely helped me come to a decision rather or not if i want to get this Microphone 🎉

[@WilliamNevius]

Great to hear. Happy I was able to help 💯

[@peentz]

this is my backup microphone now (my main is the sm7b) it sounds pretty much just as good.

[@WilliamNevius]

That’s awesome yes I agree. Especially comparing the prices sounds pretty good to me 😄

[@EduardoFaneite]

Man, i love your background!

[@WilliamNevius]

Thank you thank you 🙏🏽

[@BleepingWorld]

I left a thumbs up. I have the condenser version but I feel like I should be using the dynamic one for my videos.

[@WilliamNevius]

Thanks for the thumbs up. Either way Fifine makes good quality mics. To each their own as to which is the best fit them and situation. (:

[@sushiiwastak3n]

Idk how you only have 7K subs.. you deserve a lot more. 🙏 Great Video My Guy💪💪

[@WilliamNevius]

I appreciate that! ❤️🙌🏾 I’m happy you found this useful. Thank you for taking the time out to drop a comment Fam

[@sushiiwastak3n]

@@WilliamNevius No problem bro. From a Creator to a Creator.. Keep Grinding and don’t stop Grinding 💪🏼

[@WilliamNevius]

Let’s go !!

[@AdrianAntonio]

That mic sounds good with the xlr. I do need a new mic but I wanna go wireless cuz I have too much stuff taking space in my Alex drawer lol. Quality video bro! Keep ‘em coming!

[@WilliamNevius]

😂😂😂 I know the feeling. Wired xlr is good for voice overs. Wireless is awesome if you need to move around and get good quality audio. I’ll be reviewing a budget wireless set in a few videos to come. Thanks a lot for your support bro 👊🏽🥶

[@poivre.]

great review, got one myself a couple days ago.

[@WilliamNevius]

Thanks a lot. This mic is so clutch. Hope you get to enjoy yours

[@Cwade-rm8js]

Video quality of this video is crazy 🔥

[@WilliamNevius]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@timmer5198]

underrated channel for sure

[@WilliamNevius]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@josephguzman205]

a recent review right when i was looking at this mic... thank you so much

[@WilliamNevius]

thats great to hear. I am happy you came across this video and hope it was helpful to make a decision!

[@salconn]

Hey William Nevius, I bought this mic with high expectations in watching your video, it is great I must say, I even got the low-profile arm. I am a streamer and just wondering why my mic sounds a little muffled when I stream or record with this mic, I use OBS to record and stream, I set it up right I think, just seeing if you had any suggestions or if you would know how to fix this because I really do love this mic.

[@WilliamNevius]

How close are you speaking into the mic? Backing off can make it sound between..Are you talking directly into it or slighting angled off to the side? In obs you can add a high pass filter about 100hz -250hz to reduce the muffle. You can then add an eq and add in 1khz frequency 5khz and 10khz to dial in the sound you’re looking for. I hope this makes sense and you can consider these factors to enhance your audio. This mic does have a “podcast” sound meaning deeper bass in your voice so I’d recommend add the frequency slighting listed above to enhance your sound quality. Hope that makes sense and is helpful

[@salconn]

@@WilliamNevius I do know this is a dynamic microphone so i do speak directly into it, I stay about 2-4 inches back from the mic, I will look into these tips thank you so much

[@SirP3rcival]

great review! how much gain did you had to put on your scarlet interface? gain at 100%?

[@WilliamNevius]

thanks bro. It was about 5 or 6 o’clock on the scarlet interface so half way maybe even less. 50% or less. Then I played with the gain on the mic which was around the same.

[@SirP3rcival]

@@WilliamNevius isn't 6 o clock all the way up? Also, did you had to download the drivers for the scarlet? Thanks once again bro

[@WilliamNevius]

😂😂🤣 my bad I meant 12 o’clock. Right in the center straight up. Yes I did download the drivers for mac. No problem man. Anytime

[@cristianhaivaz]

would the K688 work if I use a USB C to USB C cable to connect it directly to my Mac? sorry for this stupid question but it would be my first mic :P

[@FIFINE]

Hi Cristian, yes, that will work, but just make sure the cable that you use is not just for powering.

[@MagicD9.]

do you think i can use the k688 to sing? or is it not recommended?

[@WilliamNevius]

This is a dynamic mic meant more for podcasting, voiceover streaming. For singing I’d recommend a condenser mic like the Fifine AM8

[@rodriguez7198]

Hello. Great video! ❤️ I am new to audio. What’s the purpose of using XLR? What does it do? Thank you 🙏

[@WilliamNevius]

Xlr gives you the option to use better preamps in audio interfaces. Basically you can customize the sound a little better with better preamps

[@rodriguez7198]

@@WilliamNevius thank you so much. you’re very helpful. What can I use to mute this mic.. you stated that with the XLR you cannot mute.

[@linkfain1]

Hey great review. Just ordered it last night and wanted to see a few more vids on it. However, nowhere on the site or reviews do i see mention of it needing phantom power or not. Any chance you could help clarify? Either way it won't be a problem for me but i just want to know ahead of time if i'll need to turn on phantom power on my soundblaster ae-9. Thanks

[@WilliamNevius]

No problem. Sorry it took me a few days to get a chance to test! You do not need phantom power with this mic using an Audio interface or usb modes!

[@linkfain1]

@@WilliamNevius awesome. Thanks for the reply

[@FIFINE]

Hi linkfain1, sorry for the confusion, no phantom power is needed for a dynamic mic, and that's why neither our site nor other reviews mentioned it.

[@jerickfamatiga3729]

can you plug the xlr cable directly to the pc? or do i need an audio interface

[@WilliamNevius]

You will need an audio interface. PCs do not have XLR inputs. But you can plug the USB cable directly into your PC for this to work without the audio interface

[@FIFINE]

Hi JERICK, there's XLR to USB cable out there to fulfill your need, but we definitely don't recommend doing so. If you don't want an interface, the better solution is just to use the included USB cable to hook up the mic to your PC.

[@dahacksjustbugunedahacksju737]

@@FIFINETHANK U ive been looking for this everywhere wondering if i should cancel my order or not i can keep it now thanks

[@barshhh7597]

Which application do you use? OBS, Audicity? I’ve listening the quality audio depends the software you use for the microphone

[@WilliamNevius]

In this video, I recorded the audio in premiere pro video editing software. If you use it on zoom, KZbin and a number of other apps the audio may become compressed. OBS and Audicity should be natural sounding and uncompressed unless you add enhancements. But other programs try to fix the audio unless you turn the feature off

[@barshhh7597]

@@WilliamNevius and which interface?

[@WilliamNevius]

scarlett 2i2 I don’t think that really matters as I also tested side by side with the usb port missing the 2i2 and sounded exactly the same

[@barshhh7597]

@@WilliamNevius thanks you man❤️

[@barshhh7597]

@@WilliamNevius and what setting’s did you use? I listened other videos with a big difference of audio quality (with the same micro) and your audio is awesome

[@souljuh8035]

could you link to where i can buy the adapter for the arm?

[@WilliamNevius]

Which adapter?

[@mogaimz8145]

awesome video def subbing

[@WilliamNevius]

Awesome thank you bro 👊🏽

[@orangejelly8396]

just ordered this mic for 43$, excited for it

[@WilliamNevius]

Niceeeee that’s a great deal 🙌🏽

[@orangejelly8396]

@@WilliamNevius received my mic today, and i noticed that the foam color is different, the box design and the packaging inside too. Mine comes with a free stand for the mic. Idk if it has different versions but I don't think it's fake cause i bought it from a legit store.

[@WilliamNevius]

@orangejelly8396 could be in updated version which is nice especially the free stand

[@tonynguyen4918]

Would it be more worth it to buy this mic or the Elgato Wave 3?

[@WilliamNevius]

If you need a mic strictly for streaming then the Wave 3 would be a better option since it’s easier to use with other elgato products. But if you want a mic that could do it all I think the Fifinek688 is a better option. I like that this mic has XLR so can be used in a audio interface. If you ever wanted to start a podcast Fifine would be better. Fifine also has gain knob on the mic and headphone level plus a good shock mount and pop filter for more “professional” applications. But if you want something easy plug in play just to stream with a sleeker design elgato wave 3 all the way.

[@tonynguyen4918]

@@WilliamNevius I actually dont mind the connectivity or the plug in play I just want the better sound

[@cooganwong8562]

Can the microphone be removed from the default shock mount and be replaced by a 3rd party shock mount?

[@WilliamNevius]

there are 4 phillips head screws so yes you should be able to remove but the design is meant to be built into the shock mount. The shock mount looks pretty fancy in my opinion and is compatible with every boom arm. Hope that helps

[@speedrynr4209]

what is the name of that stand

[@WilliamNevius]

InnoGear Microphone Arm amzn.to/3UQbndl

[@familyhenneberry597]

Can you hook the aux output straight into a camera and record audio that way?

[@WilliamNevius]

You can not use this in that way.it’ll have to be a computer with Usb-C

[@guapshonen]

What do you think about the fifine xlr for music recording?

[@WilliamNevius]

It can be used for that application but depending on what type of music you’re recording vocals? If so, Cardioid Condenser mics work good for vocals. This is basically a Shure sm7b alternative at a lower price and most professional have the Shure sm7b in there top best mics to recording vocals due to the “flat” sound it provides straight from the mic. Keep in mind that you’d still adjust vocals with EQ & compression in the mix to enhance the sound quality. Hopes this is helpful

[@guapshonen]

@@WilliamNevius very, thanks so much

[@WilliamNevius]

Just watched a YT video of a guy making a full song with this mic and it was amazing. KZbin search Fifine K688 for vocals and it’s a video of someone producing an entire track with this mic named Johnny

[@guapshonen]

@@WilliamNevius just checked it out. Thanks for the help. Subscribed... Do you have any suggestions on audio interfaces? Just heard about the return q12 but there's no much info online to make a solid decision. Might to go ahead with the m audio

[@WilliamNevius]

@@guapshonen thanks for your support 🙌🏾 I had the M audio one for years and that one works great. Loved the big volume knob on top. I recently switched to the focusrite Scarlett's 2i2. I honestly didn’t notice a difference in sound quality. They both have pretty good preamps for a starter setup on a budget. I switched because the focusrite fit better on my shelf in my desk setup lol so either will get you going recording. Most producers I know use the focusrite and I believe its “industry standard” I think everyone loves the compact size for traveling with it. Either would be great choices tho for an audio interface

[@blackjohnny0]

I think, if you pull out XLR cable when using USB, it will be much quieter. Mine was very quiet. :(

[@WilliamNevius]

Great info. Thanks for sharing this

[@FIFINE]

Sorry about the quiet issue. But that's not about the connection, USB output of the K688 in the normal case is capable of reproducing pretty clear sounding.

[@DylanFn777]

compatibale with xbox if worked around ?

[@WilliamNevius]

Yes. If you search “how to use a usb mic on Xbox on KZbin there’s a video explaining how to. But yes this mic is compatible for that application.

[@md278x]

Looking Good!

[@WilliamNevius]

Thanks lot bro 🙌🏾💯💯

[@UR_AL_SHOOK_UP]

Just picked one up today

[@WilliamNevius]

Nice!! I know you’re pumped. It’s going to be great 🔥🔥

[@evefifine7291]

Definitely a quality review video! 👍💯 Thank you for the very informative and helpful content!!

[@WilliamNevius]

Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@evefifine7291]

@@WilliamNevius My pleasure! Hope to work with you again soon :)

[@UsernameWasGodDamnStolen]

wait so does it not mute if using usb?

[@WilliamNevius]

Yes, using the mute function work XLR, mute function does not work

[@coltyoung1292]

Can i use this on console

[@WilliamNevius]

Yes you can…PS4/ps5 yes. Xbox no 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@chronicmayhem]

Why was there static in usb mode?

[@WilliamNevius]

At what time? I think it produced it when I twisted the gain knob?

[@chronicmayhem]

@@WilliamNevius right before you started twisting it

[@WilliamNevius]

@@chronicmayhem it was distortion I got closer and spoke louder so the sound started clipping. I was too loud in the mic vs where the gain was set so static!

[@civilfieldengineer]

Sir I am full beginner. I want to record my written poetry professionally. Suggest me audio interface and dynamic mic. Which gives me professional level quality. Because my room is not sound proof. My total budget is 300 dollars. Tell me such a setup that I will not regret buying.

[@WilliamNevius]

For a setup that will last and give your poetry professional quality I’d recommend the scarlett 2i2 3rd gen paired with this microphone Fifine K688. This setup cost about 200 bucks. You will need to buy a microphone boom arm separate for an additional 20-30 bucks. I believe this is the right choice for what you want to accomplish 😏 hope this is helpful and good luck with your poetry ❤️

[@civilfieldengineer]

@@WilliamNevius Thanks

[@LucasKafka439]

Hey man this is the level of review I hope to reach someday. It is so well structured. I made a review on my channel in case anyone needs more reference or information about this microphone!

[@MissToxicAF]

Not the self promo 💀

[@WilliamNevius]

😩😩😩😩😩😩😩

[@ardnttt]

6:01 why would you leave all the microphones on the desk? The cables tho :|

[@WilliamNevius]

I was being lazy as I was testing them one by one. Didn’t feel like removing the other not in use just to set them back up. I did it a few times but that last time I was nah let’s get it done ahaha I would never leave all those cables just chilling on the desk. Not a good look 😂😂

[@zachmulholland8779]

the k688 doesn’t come with a boom arm? so i would have to buy one separately, right?

[@WilliamNevius]

Yes, you would need to buy a 29 dollar one separately

[@zachmulholland8779]

@@WilliamNevius thank you so much, this is really good to know

[@WilliamNevius]

@@zachmulholland8779 this is the one I have here InnoGear Microphone Arm amzn.to/3UQbndl

[@FIFINE]

Yes Zach, no stand comes with the K688 package. But any standard boom arm or podcast stand will work well with it.

[@shoko9502]

thank you so much goat

[@WilliamNevius]

😁😁 happy to assist homie

[@dgillies5420]

You can't do smooth edit-cuts with the Ampligame A6R mic! Or, you'd have to wait until the color recycles back to exactly where it was before trying for a 2nd take getting a piece of content! Otherwise the colors jump around after every cut, a distraction! In blind tests (other youtube videos), I think the Amplitank 688 is just a little more 'pro' full-bass sounding than the Ampligame but the price/performance of Ampligame is amazing! P.S. I bought an Amplitank k688 yesterday and its coming tomorrow!

[@WilliamNevius]

Yes the Ampligame color cycle mode is automatic and unable to choose a color which is a bummer. I agree, Amplitank looks and sounds more "Pro" RGB effects are cool for streamers i'd say but for edited content can be a distractions. Do n't forget you can always adjust the EQ, Compressor etc.. to add to the sound quality to get a better sound. And indeed, price/performance of Ampligame is a no brainer. Congrats, you're going to love the Amplitank. Really great choice! I know you're going to love it!!!

[@KabukiStarship]

The mic sounds great. There isn't too much bass. I think the SM7b sounds muddy. Some people think it sounds meaty, but it's just mud bruh.

[@WilliamNevius]

😂😂🤣🤣 I feel that. I know we’re all lazy, but you can always clean it up and post production with the EQ and some effects like compression. My rule of thumb is that the SM 7B cost 400. The K688 cost 3 times less. The SM7B in my opinion is not giving you four times better audio quality.

[@KabukiStarship]

@@WilliamNeviusThe Audio Technica AT2005USB is way less muddy and only costs $60 new. once you hear the mud of the SM7B you can't unhear it, it doesn't actually sound good, it sounds bassy. If you want more bass in your mic, you can turn up the bass, but if the EQ is not flat to begin with and you're not speaking at the right distance to get that flat EQ, then you're just getting mud.

[@benstevenson6872]

What hs youf main microphone

[@WilliamNevius]

My main microphone is the rode video micro. It’s the one you dont see on camera when I’m talking if that’s the one you’re asking about 😏

[@benstevenson6872]

@@WilliamNevius ok thanks

[@markockwell]

Hi Will - I like B best ( the space rocket ) sounds a lot clearer to me.... 👍👍

[@WilliamNevius]

Fair enough! It is a different type of sound compared to a condenser sounds more broadcasty to me. It's awesome that we have options for looks and sound quality!

[@morphonomical217]

Will it work on ps5??

[@WilliamNevius]

Yes it will work on ps5 but not Xbox one

[@morphonomical217]

@@WilliamNevius Sweet thanks bro!

[@FIFINE]

Yes, it does. But there are quite a lot of USB-only microphones with a lower price tag to use with a PlayStation console, and while this mic is mainly for PC recording, you can consider the K658 or K651 bundle instead.

[@speedrynr4209]

so i can go get it for my new fifine

[@WilliamNevius]

Left on your previous comment. Hope you enjoy 😉

[@gillianvillanueva6979]

Which would you recommend k658 or k688?

[@WilliamNevius]

Depending on what you’re using it for? I don’t have the k658 but that one seems more gamer/streamer ish. The K688 looks more professional in my opinion and the sound quality is great. Based on this video going over 3 Fifine microphones I can tell you that they all have a very similar sound. You can also adjust the sound quality a bit with EQ or compression in software to get it to sound how you want it to. It’ll all really come down to which one do you prefer the look of? That’s the one I’d recommend.

[@FIFINE]

Hi Gillian, if there's any upgrade is needed in the future, it's definitely better to go for the K688 to keep the possibility of upgrading.

[@bp7yt]

@@FIFINE I was wondering which one sounds better between the k688 and am8? Also, which one has better background noise reduction?

[@The420Jamaican]

Yeyyyy 3:23

[@WilliamNevius]

😂😂😌😏

[@bobkabala8407]

the main thing is that he doesn't say anything about the microphone, which means that he doesn't understand anything about microphones or is cheating for money from the Chinese, what's good is that the sound from the microphone is not bad, it makes little noise and is enough, the sound is very close to the head and is not enough, the sound from afar is for recording in bad conditions, this is good, and the rest is terrible, it is impossible to touch the microphone and the wire, it's a bomb in the ears, no isolation of the head from the body, USB recording 16 bit 44 kilohertz and the sound is much worse than through the wire, a very weak signal comes through the headphone output and is distorted, good luck to everyone

[@WilliamNevius]

lol bro did you watch the video? I literally say all of that and more

[@Erick726]

Uh.. RGB cool? Can't see shit. Gamer aesthetics isn't something you want unless you're a 12 year old.

[@WilliamNevius]

If you like it, I love it!

[@grim_reaper0513]

Yeah, no shit doesn’t come with a boom arm most mics don’t good example sure ShureSM7B 400 dollar doesn’t come with a boom arm that normal

[@WilliamNevius]

Word I know but I know someone would ask that question so I had to make sure it was understand lol