Is this the BEST Budget Microphone? | FiFine K688 USB / XLR Mic Review vs Shure SM7B

FiFine K688 USB / XLR Mic Review vs Shure SM7B
Buying microphones, especially as beginner creator can often be overwhelming and difficult..
There's so many options out there and Far too many people encourage you to buy the "pro" level gear right away because its the "BEST"...
but if you're a beginner you often cant afford the expensive professional equipment, you just want a microphone that works, is easy to set up and will get you started creating content..
and that's where the FiFine K688 USB microphone comes in..
its a budget friendly microphone that is easy to set up, has good audio quality for the price and because it also had an XLR port it means that it'll grow as you do!
The K688 is a fantastic option for anyone just starting out in content creation and live streaming...
FiFine K688 Mic - amzn.to/3HJlhJT
Budget Mic arm - amzn.to/3BoVVNZ
Budget Mic arm + Pop Filter etc - amzn.to/3MpVGbK
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[@Audible484MUSIC]

best review/comparison i've seen so far good stuff

[@ajsarsfield]

Appreciate the kind words!! It was a ton of fun to make. I'm just a little sad I didn't have the right cable to get it to work with my phone 🙃

[@thehonestdude1067]

Amazing video, thank you

[@TheRandallArgo]

The video was very informative! I am sitting here as I type this messing with my K688 and I have paired it with the FIFINE SC3 audio mixer for a budget friendly XLR connection. I am just starting out and it's a very budget friendly option for XLR sound. My question is more for streaming on twitch through streamlabs OBS. Will the streamlabs audio mixer filters such as noise suppression work while it's connected via XLR? I have messed with it for a little while now and can't tell a difference myself and my next question is what is a good software that is MacBook compatible to use with the K688 to get the best sound possible, and after watching your video I definitely want to upgrade the wind screen on the K688, what would you recommend as a replacement windscreen to cut down on the Plosive sounds? Again, awesome video and thanks in advance!

[@ColinHorn]

Fantastic video dude! I got Paulina the K678. And it's just SO good as for bang for buck!

[@ajsarsfield]

They really are! FiFine are honestly KILLING it with budget Mic options! I recommend them to anyone who has less than £100 budget

[@TheDroneVoyager]

This is a great mic.i got mine for $55 with a lightning deal from Amazon. And I'm glad I did.

[@ajsarsfield]

Its suprisngly good for the price, Right?? Gotta be careful not to knock it too much, but with a few filters added it's a solid budget option 🔥

[@reraz]

So which microphone around that price do you think is the best and better than that one ? Thank you.

[@tonymollengarden]

For the price, it is a pretty impressive microphone! Especially that it can be via USB-C or XLR! Great video as always!

[@ajsarsfield]

Thanks as always!! Exactly! Its FAR from a perfect microphone.. but for a beginner £$80 is a good deal for a microphone that sounds this good.. i've heard far worse in this price range

[@tonymollengarden]

@@ajsarsfield I completely agree! You really cannot go wrong picking this up for that price.

[@ghost-user559]

@@ajsarsfield As far as your phone, it’s probably trying to draw more power than your phone will allow. You can always use any powered audio interface that is compatible with your phone.

[@ajsarsfield]

@@ghost-user559 I assumed that might be the issue 🤔 Or the specific cable I was using couldn't transfer enough power/data at the same time.. I'll have to try others or an interface like you said!

[@ghost-user559]

@@ajsarsfield It’s probably the microphone itself, because the previous model k658 which I own is usb only, and one of Fifines demos was someone plugging it directly into an iPad Pro to record a podcast. But I would imagine this model draws more power than the port by itself can provide. So an audio interface with power would definitely allow you to record into your phone. Probably the cable is totally fine.

[@shockzthegoat]

Its been awhile since you uploaded this. But, is it possible to get a filters suggestions! I've been using this for awhile now and can never seen to get the filters 100%. Good video btw!

[@potatogod3882]

Filters, do you mean audio effect Presets? Because i probably will need ones to

[@SayOlee]

This is the first authentic review I’ve watched. Thank you very much ! What equipments would be required for the XLR? Is an amp or cloud lifter required ? Thank you !

[@ajsarsfield]

Glad it was useful! 🔥 Personally I'm using a GOXLR but even a cheaper setup like a focusrite etc would be able to power this via XLR My SM7B needs 55db of gain on my GOXLR But the FiFine only needed about 35db to get the same level output.. Cloudlifter isn't necessary especially as buying one would cost more than the actual microphone 🤭

[@RawloftheDead]

I noticed that popping as well so move the mic away from myself more. What pop filter do you recommend to replace it?

[@Code_nameX]

Can you attach your EQ setups pls...i want to use it via usb for TW streaming....so if you can add EQ please sir... Thx

[@hwthinker]

Does the dual output (USB & XLR) of AM8 operate alternately or can they be used simultaneously? If they can be used simultaneously, is it possible as a backup in case one of them encounters an issue? How about K688? Can the USB & XLR be used simultaneously? I appreciate your help.

[@reznified8624]

For me it was either this or the Maono pd200x and so I chose the maono because of the audio

[@ajsarsfield]

TBH i think you made the right choice.. The PD200X is a fantastic Mic for the price and handles Plosives/ "Treble" Frequencies better than the k688

[@noelgourdin81]

Hey Owl, when you compared the Shure and the K688 did you have the USB running on the fifine or the XLR? Couldn’t quite make out what you had connected? I would think that you’d get the better results out of the K688 with the XLR no?

[@ajsarsfield]

I believe it was the USB... All microphones had 0 filters on them, I Wanted to show what the "worst" sound you'd get out of it would be like.. but obviously if you connected it via XLR and added some filters etc it could sound much better than the comparison tests... XLR would have WAY better preamps etc

[@live2389i]

09:00 How can I buy this microphone covers foam? I searched for SMB7 and only found the original thin microphone covers foam, thank you!

[@ajsarsfield]

amzn.to/456J6pd Here's a link to the Official Shure Sm7b one

[@SisonTheFourth]

Do you share your eqs setup for the k688 I'd like try it out as a base line

[@ajsarsfield]

When i added filters and EQs etc i was doing it through a GOXLR... i have a whole video on my specific GoXLR settings that I use with my main mic... however for the K688 i kept most of the settings the same BUT didn't increase the High frequencies as much because its quite a harsh sounding mic up that high... So increase bass.. (60-150hz) scoop out a bit from the Mids (250-1k) and add a TINY bit of high end (4-8k) Every voice is obviously going to be different though...

[@greedo7206]

If i want to use the xlr what would be a good pair of mixer for that like something that isn't expensive

[@ajsarsfield]

The ideal one is the Elgato wave XLR...(you'd never have to upgrade that) But thats $150 and probably too expensive.. However FiFine just released the SC3.. Which is a budget mixer/interface designed specifically for their microphones (Hoping to get my hands on one soon) fifinemicrophone.com/products/fifine-ampligame-sc3 But theyre only about $55 and are an audio interface + sound board so you can do effects n play sounds etc.. Looks decent for the price

[@BhatJi12345]

Plese make comparisons of Maono PD200X vs Fifine K688

[@ajsarsfield]

Haha ironically they actually messaged me today to potentially send me one of those!! It might take a bit but I'll defo do a comparison when I get my hands on it 🤞🔥

[@MellonSage]

For moments that I scream in fear how do I stop my mic cutting that out

[@thedrumsarecalling]

bro left you on read 😭😭

[@shiji5060]

What eq your using for that mic?? it sound really good.

[@ajsarsfield]

Honestly not that much... Pretty basic setup Rolled off everything below 80hz boosted the bass around 125hz scooped out (lowered) some mids 500-1k and finally added a tiny bit of clarity around 4kh-8kh I think the compressor makes the biggest difference though 4:1 At -20db threshold..

[@shiji5060]

Thanks for the tip. Can i ask what's the best Eq software that i can edit for my mic?? cause i'm using this focusrite and my voice i didn't really like it that much.. but when i'm watching any reviews about the k688, they sound pretty good. I like the way when you speak on the mic. 10:38 @@ajsarsfield

[@ajsarsfield]

@@shiji5060 in this specific video im using my GoXLR to do the effects... BUT it depends on what youre using the microphone for... If its just for live streaming you'd be able to do all the filters using something like OBS studio or Streamlabs etc.. They have all of that built in.. but if you're wanting the microphone to sound good in game or discord etc.. then you'll have to do the audio through something else maybe like "Voice meeter Banana" That software is perfect for adding effects and sending that audio out to other programs to use.. You'd have to watch some tutorials on how to use it ( i havent made on yet) vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter/banana.htm but heres the link to the software ^^^

[@shiji5060]

Okay i'll try and go for that Voice meeter thank you so much!!@@ajsarsfield

[@danbridges1784]

Have you used the FiFine M8 or have any thoughts on that vs the K688?

[@ajsarsfield]

If I remember Correctly, both the AM8 and the K688 have the Same audio capsule.. so sound wise they should be very similar ( some people say the k688 sounds a little bit better) The K688 has a better Shock mount so you'll in theory get better handling noise with that mic. but the AM8 has a slightly better "pop" filter out of the box.. (As well as an included "Base" so you don't need an arm to get started) so there's always those things to consider. Both mics will be fine for that price range. and the AM8 has RGB when using it via USB haha

[@MrFrosteeGaming]

First off - great video! Second - can you plug this in to the GoXLR as the main microphone (set up through stream pc), and then plug in the USB-C to your gaming computer for game voice chat on that? Is that how this would work?

[@ajsarsfield]

I unfortunately only have a 1 PC setup... but I was able to record USB-C and XLR at the same time on that 1 pc.. (Also using a GOXLR) So I assume it should work the same you're just plugging the USB into a different computer 🤔

[@danbridges1784]

@@ajsarsfield would console be an option 🤔

[@ajsarsfield]

@@danbridges1784 This mic works with Playstation. I don't believe it works with Xbox though... i think they need different hardware

[@kairosragasa]

I've noticed there's 2 types of the k688 or maybe it's the same thing, there's the regular k688 and then there's the Amplitank. are they different? or Is it just a second name?

[@ajsarsfield]

I think that's just another "title" alongside K688 Same as the AM8 is the "ampligame" AM8.. No idea what that means but I guess thats how they distinguish between the 2 haha 😆

[@kairosragasa]

@@ajsarsfield thank you thank you so much for answering.

[@noelgourdin81]

You’re right! I believe the Amplitank is the first released iteration of the mic, i just got one without the Amplitank name on the box and the capsule is recessed. The Amplitank’s capsule is NOT recessed at all. So I Belvedere you’re absolutely right.

[@lunaticmode638]

For your phone problem: ive read that the microphone only works from usb c (on the mic) to usb a (device) to a usb c (on the mic) to usb c (device) doesnt work

[@Zefiro_futurista]

Eu testei as duas possibilidades e funcionou. - Cabo original UBS + Adaptador USB-C genérico ✅️ - Cabo USB-C para USB-C da UGREEN✅️ Usei S23 plus e o S20 FE para realizar os testes.

[@truthwinseverytime8805]

I wonder if the type of USB C cable is making the difference. Some are for high speed data and don't work like the other variant of USB C cables. NightOw1 did not mention the type of USB C cable he was using.

[@Kargahnet]

Does this mic need fontom power?

[@ajsarsfield]

Its a Dynamic Microphone so no.. No 48v Phantom power required..

[@Deeadeye]

Would I be able to connect it to my xbox

[@ajsarsfield]

Unfortunately not.. Microsoft are VERY picky with what mics work on Xbox etc.. so this would work on playstation & PC but not Xbox..

[@toolanddie9789]

How does it compare to the elgato wave 3?

[@ajsarsfield]

Wave 3 is so much better..🔥 Its a condenser mic so it'll let in a little bit more background noise (not by a lot though) BUT the wave 3 comes with the wavelink software and if you stream or create content the software is worth the extra price alone.. Its like a more user friendly "voicemeeter" So you can control all your audio sources separately and have effects n filters on your mic even in discord etc I've actually just got one, so I'll hopefully be making a review/demo video like this soon! 🥰

[@toolanddie9789]

@@ajsarsfield thank you

[@freshbeats2745]

would the quadcast s be good for recording music and streaming?

[@ajsarsfield]

They're a good mic!! I know a few people who use them..🔥 I normally suggest the elgato USB mics just becsuse of the software that comes with them.. But the quadcast sounds great and is easy to use if you can get a good price for one!

[@freshbeats2745]

@@ajsarsfield alright because i wanted to buy the quadcast s start making music with an actual microphone instead of my phone and because it looks aesthetically pleasing but i wasn’t sure if the sound quality would be as good as something like a fifine k688, a shure, maono or a ride mic even cause it is a streaming mic and i don’t wanna buy it, then have it just there cause it’s not decent enough for my recording vocals if that makes sense

[@ajsarsfield]

2 different styles of mics.. And will depend on the space you're recording in The hyper X is a condenser so will have more audio detail but will pick up EVERYTHING.. so if your room is a bit echoey or you have loud neighbors etc you'll probably hear that too.. But mics like the Shure (sm7b) or the podmic even the K688 or maono are all "dynamic" mics which don't have as much detail but will pick up less of the background n room sound so can sound cleaner in less than ideal situations.. . That's why a lot of streams also use these mics..

[@freshbeats2745]

@@ajsarsfield ohhh okay i have a quiet room and it’s kinda small it’s not that noisy so i’ll go with the quadcast if not i’ll just get the k688

[@WhippyWhipGaming]

The usb seems to have noisy preamps

[@ajsarsfield]

Agreed! Thr XLR is far better with this mic. I pretty much had to max out the gain for the USB input so it had a lot of noise n hiss etc. Theres better USB options IMO

[@JSwaggyLive]

Can this mic pair with a go xlr mini ?

[@ajsarsfield]

Yeah! of course it can! 🔥 K688 has an XLR connector same as the Goxlr mini!

[@JSwaggyLive]

@@ajsarsfield & it’s just plug and use you don’t need no cloud lifter ?

[@ajsarsfield]

Nah! The K688 doesn't need too much gain.. I Think I had mine at around 35db or so when I made this.. Only high end mics like an SM7B etc would benefit from a cloud lifter

[@kcyroh]

FiFine K688 or FiFine AM8?

[@noelgourdin81]

From my research, I believe they have the same capsule. But the AM8 sounds really good on USB as it does on XLR and its slightly cheaper then the K688. Personally I like the look of the K688 and the RGB on the AM8, but I hope this helps.

[@ajsarsfield]

Personally I'd go AM8.. They both sound very similar, so I'd choose the one you think looks best /can afford

[@kcyroh]

Thanks! It's been hard for me to choose between these two. I'd go for AM8 now. Thank you very much!

[@iagher]

The comparison is not even gain matched is it?

[@iagher]

You didn't even used the xlr input... This is not a fair comparison at all. Are you intentionally misleading your viewers or just dumb?

[@AcerbicerbaLL]

Sorry. Too much compression

[@ajsarsfield]

Okay... Thank you

[@AlbertRyanstein]

lose the bandana and double your views

[@AlbertRyanstein]

...great setup though

[@heykastrah]

The fact that it didn’t work with your phone is worrisome to me because I’d most likely be recording on phone. Did you try it with an OTG? 🥲

[@ajsarsfield]

I didnt have one handy so i sadly couldn't test! All the other USB mics I've used have worked straight away though Elgato wave Maono pd400x Maono pd200x AM8 Hell.. even the Fifine Mixer (SC3) worked with my phone so I'm just hoping the K688 I had was just being weird or the cable I was using was dodgy 🤷🏼‍♂️ but for some reason it didn't work during the recording of the video..

[@heykastrah]

@@ajsarsfield Yeah, I noticed that. Watched the two Maono reviews, but I like this more. Thanks for your reviews!