The Fifine K688 upgrade we needed. (ft. Fifine AM8, Fifine K688 Review)

[@BacktotheRetroReview]

I love how they upgraded this without a big press release, fifine listens to their consumers.

[@sinxzyn]

Just want to let everyone know that the black one also comes with all the upgrades! I just received a black copy and it's exactly like the white one I bought a few months ago.

[@theiammike123]

Thanks for this update. I actually bought two pieces of the K688 last year for me and my sis (right after your review convinced me to buy). One's diaphragm was closer to the grill, and the other was recessed. I assume it was a QC issue. I did contact Fifine about it. But it was not really that big of a deal. I didn't know until now that I actually bought 2022 and 2023 variants. Also, I replaced my mic's foam with Samson WS03 (just 5 bucks) last April at a music store. So for those who want to upgrade the foams, replacements are just few miles or clicks away. 👍

[@MagmaRen]

Out of curiosity, if you had to choose either this mic (k688) or the am8 to do voiceovers with, which would you prefer???

[@tigerrawrmeow]

am8 is better

[@normified]

@@tigerrawrmeow .. in a treated environment, and only in some areas is 'better'.

[@onlymine]

I bought this microphone because of your older reviews. I chose the white one because I liked it without knowing I was buying a new version, LOL. Great content, as always.

[@ghaushahinfinity4910]

I love the sound of talking in a pillow. It sounds soooooo smooth

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

You da man Dave!!! Love ya brother!!! 🫡 My wife uses the new K688 for our Coffee at the Cross Livestream!! She loves the look with a pink SM7B pop filter on it! 😂

[@DaveSoltura]

Love ya too bro!! Couldn’t have made this without you and your awesome vid!! Love what your wife is using it for!😀 Maybe I should try pink, too!

[@SciopioAfricanus]

Alot of the newly upgraded ones look like the new ones with the same colors. To find out, check if the mic is offset from the top of the cage

[@frazzleegg]

How can you tell of you are buying the new version or old?

[@GhosTigre]

He just said it lol

[@jdk.223]

buy the white one

[@JBC_cat]

They released a new pink one as well. I got it and it looks great and has all the upgrades that your white one has . It did not come with the tripod though.

[@thegreenelectricfan891]

Your videos just convinced me to get my own K688! I was able to get the new one and I love it so far 😍 It really comes with a tripod!

[@OppaLec]

That white finish looking fine though. Now I'm thinking to get a white one so I can have a "Yin and Yang" look for my studio 😂

[@DaveSoltura]

It will certainly make you look wiser. ☯️

[@ghaushahinfinity4910]

😂😂😂 nice. Good idea 👍

[@tamatayya]

Hey thanks for your video!! It did convinced me to go for the k688! How can I be sure Im buying the 2023 version?? Id like the black one but idk if its going to come with the updates or not

[@DaveSoltura]

Amplitank was on the top left of my old k688 box. New one had fifine on the top left. Can’t guarantee this works, though!

[@DaveSoltura]

Official 2023 (Updated) K688 link sent by Fifine: Amazon amzn.to/3XfW9mm Lazada www.lazada.com.ph/products/fifine-k688-amplitank-k688-microphone-usbxlr-dynamic-microphone-for-podcasts-streaming-recording-pc-microphone-with-shock-mounttouch-mutemonitor-headphone-jack-volume-control-i3327068382-s16908102114.html

[@tamatayya]

@@DaveSoltura thanks so much!!

[@wheatinthefieldministries]

From your reviews, it seems like this is the best dynamic mic all the way around for bass, warm sound, and won't pick up background noise, like an a/c unit. Would you agree, am I getting this right?

[@DaveSoltura]

@@wheatinthefieldministries at this price point, I would argue, yes. A step up would be the Maono PD400x.

[@kyeten]

Do you recommend AM8 or K688 for streaming and content creating?

[@DaveSoltura]

You really can't go wrong with either! But here's a vs video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6bUlnudmNmVeKM

[@fierybl4de400]

if xlr i think k688 slightly edges out the am8 but they have different sounds so make sure yk which type of audio you like more, if usbc am8 is better, otherwise the rest is aesthetics; which look do you like more? This imo should be considered the most when making ur decision. Also price, if u can get one cheaper just go for that one.

[@Levieuxde1837]

Thanks for the reviews, I have a 2nd generation k688 too. I noticed you were using Reaper. I'm a beginner in recording my voice, it would be really cool if you could make some beginner tutorials on recording voice with Reaper.

[@maddymuhat8079]

nice upgrade Still i like the black more but after watching this it make me think which to get. Do fifine will also upgrade the black color?

[@DaveSoltura]

As I mentioned at the start, they upgraded the black 2022 to black 2023 first, then they added the white 2023. So black ones are now upgraded!😀

[@DaveSoltura]

Official 2023 (Updated) K688 link sent by Fifine: Amazon amzn.to/3XfW9mm Lazada www.lazada.com.ph/products/fifine-k688-amplitank-k688-microphone-usbxlr-dynamic-microphone-for-podcasts-streaming-recording-pc-microphone-with-shock-mounttouch-mutemonitor-headphone-jack-volume-control-i3327068382-s16908102114.html

[@mercury-and-july]

based on your comments about this for singers, would you say the am8 is better for vocals? thanks!

[@DaveSoltura]

For tone, yes. For heavy metal screaming, K688!

[@milanurevic6142]

I got the mic because of your past reviews on it and for a good price also ($40). It's a awesome microphone, couldn't be more satisfied with it.

[@DaveSoltura]

@@milanurevic6142 Absolutely agree!

[@TR3LY.RYZ0]

i dont know if you said this in video cause i wasnt paying alot of attention but are these raw like no eq or anything cause im trying to decide between the am8 or k688

[@DaveSoltura]

@@TR3LY.RYZ0 Yes this was all raw

[@angelincireasa9121]

Are you aware if there is any way of telling if the unit that you receive is from a new batch or old one? I mean for the black coloured ones. Or it should be these upgrades (foam, wait of building, cables)

[@Cooley93]

Yes. You can tell by the foam being thicker and the diaphragm on the new one does not go all to the end of the capsule.

[@angelincireasa9121]

@@Cooley93 i thought maybe there are some hints on the packaging itself before you open the box. Thank you!

[@Cooley93]

@@angelincireasa9121 you're welcome and nope no hints lol

[@DaveSoltura]

My old unboxing has one with “AMPLITANK” on the top left. The new one has “Fifine”. Maybe that would work, but I don’t guarantee it. But all white versions are 2023, so the “white” label guarantees 2023!

[@DaveSoltura]

Official 2023 (Updated) K688 link sent by Fifine: Amazon amzn.to/3XfW9mm Lazada www.lazada.com.ph/products/fifine-k688-amplitank-k688-microphone-usbxlr-dynamic-microphone-for-podcasts-streaming-recording-pc-microphone-with-shock-mounttouch-mutemonitor-headphone-jack-volume-control-i3327068382-s16908102114.html

[@phucth91]

How heavy is K688 compared to AM8?

[@AutoVA86]

Would you recommend this microphone over other Fifine models for voice acting? If not, what other microphones would you suggest in a similar price range?

[@DaveSoltura]

For voice acting, this can get you started if you have no sound proofing/room treatment. But for more professional projects, a condenser mic /tends/ to be preferred by the industry. Consider the Blue Ember mic, which is currently 50% off: amzn.to/4dHdE4T But this will need a basic audio interface. Consider the Arturia MiniFuse. amzn.to/3T9ODXB These are recommendations tailored specifically for those who want to do voice acting primarily, and want to serve paying clients. The catch is, you want to gradually improve your room acoustics.

[@AutoVA86]

@@DaveSoltura Thank you very much! I do not have any soundproofing nor treatment in my room, so your advice was very useful. Thanks again!

[@Keenemon]

Where can I buy the new version in the blue/orange app?

[@DaveSoltura]

Not sure about blue and orange but… Official 2023 (Updated) K688 link sent by Fifine: Amazon amzn.to/3XfW9mm Lazada www.lazada.com.ph/products/fifine-k688-amplitank-k688-microphone-usbxlr-dynamic-microphone-for-podcasts-streaming-recording-pc-microphone-with-shock-mounttouch-mutemonitor-headphone-jack-volume-control-i3327068382-s16908102114.html

[@zxcjt]

Hey Dave! Have you released the AM8 vs. new K688 comparison test?

[@selw0nk]

I still have the 2022 version and thinking of buying the upgraded one. They include a little tripod now? I never got a tripod in the 2022 version.

[@DaveSoltura]

You’re right!! I suddenly remembered how underwhelmed I was at the absence of a tripod. Happy to report this is the heavy duty tripod that comes with the K669d!

[@Foulball2009]

I don't see a tripod being included in the Amazon listing or Fifine's site listing.

[@selw0nk]

@@DaveSoltura Do you know if I order a black one will it be the newer version or old?

[@DaveSoltura]

@@selw0nk I'm not sure. Some suppliers may have the old one in stock. What I've noticed is the old one has "AMLITANK" on the top left, and the new one has "Fifine" on the top left. But I make no guarantees.

[@akabu21]

Would you recommend this more than the am8??

[@DaveSoltura]

@@akabu21 If you need to scream a lot, it’s the better option with a higher max spl of 130db versus the Am8s 120db. If not, the AM8 is good enough for most content creation use cases!

[@akabu21]

@@DaveSoltura thank you was asking cuz i like the aesthetic looks of the k688 more than the am8 . this vid actually made me go for it more

[@Deeppurple03]

Will the Teyun Q12 interface work well with this new Fifine ?

[@DaveSoltura]

The Fifine K688 with the working cable will not benefit from the Teyun Q12. It could be a downgrade, with the added noise.

[@Deeppurple03]

@@DaveSoltura Oh okay

[@bjooowns]

sooo should I buy AM8 than K688?

[@Cooley93]

Either one. I have the k688 payed with a wave xlr and it sounds amazing!

[@theiammike123]

depends on what sound you're going for. i went for the k688 cuz it's basically Fifine's take on a budget SM7B style mic.

[@fierybl4de400]

if xlr i think k688 slightly edges out the am8 but they have different sounds so make sure yk which type of audio you like more, if usbc am8 is better, otherwise the rest is aesthetics; which look do you like more? This imo should be considered the most when making ur decision. Also price, if u can get one cheaper just go for that one.

[@LAdiez213]

Now I’m confused. So, which is better: the new K688 upgrade or the AM8? :D

[@victornguyen2480]

i'm using HyperX QuadCast S, is it a good idea to switch to this mic? can u give me your thought? thank you!

[@DaveSoltura]

@@victornguyen2480 That’s already a fantastic mic! It wouldn’t be an upgrade- more of a switch to a different mic type. The Quadcast S is versatile. The K688 is slightly better and rejecting background noise, but you have to bring your mouth much closer. I wouldn’t make the switch if I were in your place, unless noise is very much an issue.

[@PlaymakerTB]

Straight but my black k688 one is also more recessed for plosives. It’s exactly like the white one.

[@DaveSoltura]

Sounds like that's the 2023 variant! :) There are black 2023 variants.

[@apoorvvvv]

I have a question, the black version is still available and I am confused if thats the new version in black or is it the old version? I want the black one with grey pop filter but idk if its the new one like the white one showed in the video cuz I dont wanna buy the old version

[@Andrew-Guitar]

Same here

[@ethan8519]

does it definitely come with a mic stand? the listings that i see dont mention a stand

[@tokitouu3162]

it comes standard with the tripod stand

[@ethan8519]

@@tokitouu3162 mine is the new one and did not come with one

[@warrobots1warrobots135]

Please which one is better.. fifine AM8 or fifine K688 ?

[@fierybl4de400]

if xlr i think k688 slightly edges out the am8 but they have different sounds so make sure yk which type of audio you like more, if usbc am8 is better, otherwise the rest is aesthetics; which look do you like more? This imo should be considered the most when making ur decision. Also price, if u can get one cheaper just go for that one.

[@remedy84]

From today’s standpoint. How would you rate the Maono PD400X vs the updated K668?

[@DaveSoltura]

I don’t have a rating system, but the PD400x is still an obvious step above the updated K688! Larger sound, clearer highs.

[@vazyok1]

Hey Dave! I was wondering if I could get a link to a black, Fifine K688 2023 (upgraded version) please?

[@DaveSoltura]

@@vazyok1 I’ll ask Fifine!

[@vazyok1]

@@DaveSoltura Thank you so much! This will really help me as I'm starting to do content creation and streaming, and with this video you convinced me the new upgraded Fifine K688 is perfect, and the black would really go great with my aesthetic!

[@DaveSoltura]

Official 2023 K688 link sent by Fifine: Amazon amzn.to/3XfW9mm Lazada www.lazada.com.ph/products/fifine-k688-amplitank-k688-microphone-usbxlr-dynamic-microphone-for-podcasts-streaming-recording-pc-microphone-with-shock-mounttouch-mutemonitor-headphone-jack-volume-control-i3327068382-s16908102114.html

[@vazyok1]

@@DaveSoltura Thank you so much!

[@bggkjdjjdkr]

Hi :) I was wondering about the Fifine A9. I can’t seem to find a video on it anywhere? It’s being sold at my local tech store but i can’t seem to find any english videos about it. Do you happen to know anything about this model?

[@DaveSoltura]

Hi! It came out very quickly after the A8 plus. I never got to review it, but I’ll ask Fifine and see if they’re interested in me reviewing it. At first look though, seems like a reskin of the A8 plus, since it shares its page with the A9 on their website. You can check my A8 plus video to get a similar idea since features are the same: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpalp5mVbsZjkM0si=VZX0FxOvjf1KpjRA

[@bggkjdjjdkr]

@@DaveSoltura Thank you for your response :) In your opinion, do you think the A8 plus or the K688 is better?

[@fifineemily2844]

Thank you for your always helpful and professional review!💪

[@harishaikal3851]

which one i better betwenn fifine k688 and fifine am8

[@Enderworld]

You have a aliexpress link for new version of k688?? I mean, for no do any mistake when I buy it.

[@nzbob193]

I think they are still selling the old version. I got caught! ☹️

[@rafadesenhista]

How can I be SURE it is the newer version? Any model/product code difference?

[@DaveSoltura]

Nothing like that. But my old video had AMPLITANK on the top left of the box. New one has Fifine on the top left. That might help with black models. All white versions are new.

[@rafadesenhista]

@@DaveSoltura thanks for the quick response! ❤

[@fierybl4de400]

get the white model thats what i am doing especially since im ordering off aliexpress

[@DaveSoltura]

Official 2023 (Updated) K688 link sent by Fifine: Amazon amzn.to/3XfW9mm Lazada www.lazada.com.ph/products/fifine-k688-amplitank-k688-microphone-usbxlr-dynamic-microphone-for-podcasts-streaming-recording-pc-microphone-with-shock-mounttouch-mutemonitor-headphone-jack-volume-control-i3327068382-s16908102114.html

[@CaptainCardMagician]

Great Video! Looking for a usb mic for singing in this 50-70$ price range....Any suggestions?

[@Kleadsy]

I think it is better to get a professional mic because singing requires more quality sound.

[@CaptainCardMagician]

@@Kleadsy any suggestions for that in this budget?

[@oleakokaubeam9314]

Is this better than the Tank 3?

[@DaveSoltura]

Not objectively. You’ll be happy with either!

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I saw the new version on Amazon and wondered if they updated it. Im still going with the am8

[@motherscooking9740]

I have a goxlr but I don’t have a xlr mic I only have the quad cast s white mic and am to broke to get a mic I wanna get do you think it be good to get that mic pair with the goxlr? Or do you recommend something else

[@DaveSoltura]

This would be great with the goxlr.

[@Ulalayumyum]

This or tank3?

[@WOLF_ST0N3]

Is there a 2023 or 2024 am8 that has a more recessed capsule?

[@DaveSoltura]

No such thing!

[@ttvsavageking2381]

Could you do another 1v1 against the am8?

[@bananaman3997]

maono pd200x or the K688?

[@DaveSoltura]

Here’s a video on that! Fifine K688 vs Maono PD200x Fast Comparison (Maono PD200x vs Fifine K688, K688 vs PD200x) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJWwaHxverulqZI

[@bananaman3997]

@@DaveSoltura okay thank you so much

[@user_iOztnsBPrAA]

how do you tell the difference physically between a new and old black k688

[@DaveSoltura]

@@user_iOztnsBPrAA Old K688 capsule is closer to the top pf the grill. New one has a capsule that’s deeper

[@user_iOztnsBPrAA]

@@DaveSoltura thanks. btw would you recommend the new k688 over the tank3?

[@watch3r9]

am8 white is also upgraded.

[@watch3r9]

please compare the white am8 vs white k688

[@selw0nk]

Did they push the capsule back as well?

[@DaveSoltura]

Glad to know! My white AM8 just arrived, so I’ll be comparing it!

[@bahadr-lz8gn]

​@@DaveSoltura hey ✋ did you find any difference with the white version of am8 and black am8

[@fierybl4de400]

how do you know?

[@MrQuickieD]

Thank you! I will buy this mic!

[@evlincodm]

Bro a question is the new version just with white ?

[@DaveSoltura]

I'd appreciate it if you could watch the video when it comes out, but spoiler alert: I couldn't find any differences!

[@fierybl4de400]

no

[@Clark-hj6vz]

Do I need to power this mic or can I just plug and play with my iPad?

[@DaveSoltura]

Plug and play in USB-C. Tested on my iPad 10th gen. :)

[@Clark-hj6vz]

@@DaveSoltura I'm wondering if you have heard of ProAr mics? That's what I'm podcasting with now and I'm wondering if I should switch to the AM8. The ProAr is doing pretty good though

[@DaveSoltura]

@@Clark-hj6vz The ProArs seem fine in general. If you’re already on a budget mic, it might be smarter if your next purchase is pro quality. :)

[@Cooley93]

Glad you listened!!!

[@D7a69]

please can you talk about the maono g1 neo

[@DaveSoltura]

If Maono sends it, sure!

[@kjllvibes]

Im going to buy it on Aliexpress, how can i know if its the updated version?

[@xheg_]

you can buy the white one if you want to be sure. :)

[@kjllvibes]

@@xheg_ thanks for the tip but I don't know any cheap white stand.. they are over 15 bucks and I need it under 10 so.. I've found a black one that is pretty good but it would be horrible with a white Fifine

[@xheg_]

@@kjllvibes bro the MSRP of the K688 is 75 bucks how do you want it for 10??? I found it for 35 but 10??? what??

[@kjllvibes]

@@xheg_ on many other sites there are cheaper arm stand, ive found one for 9 dollar that works great but i cant find it white - im talking about arm stand, not the mic

[@frazzleegg]

Can someone give me a summary on what they added?

[@NowomujuniJoash-ql9in]

How much is am8

[@SimplyWisteria]

Is there any way to know if you have a 2023 version?

[@fierybl4de400]

white colour

[@DaveSoltura]

Official 2023 (Updated) K688 link sent by Fifine: Amazon amzn.to/3XfW9mm Lazada www.lazada.com.ph/products/fifine-k688-amplitank-k688-microphone-usbxlr-dynamic-microphone-for-podcasts-streaming-recording-pc-microphone-with-shock-mounttouch-mutemonitor-headphone-jack-volume-control-i3327068382-s16908102114.html

[@ghost13x59]

Does anyone know how good this mic is to block out keyboard clicking noise?

[@thevijayjangir]

Tank 3 vs k688, both are same priced in my country

[@kojirokayano8220]

I accidentally applied a phantom power using unbalance cable on my K688. Will it damage my mic?

[@DaveSoltura]

@@kojirokayano8220 I accidentally do that once in a while too, but I’ve never had any dynamic mics break on be because of it. I wouldn’t intentionally do it over a prolonged period, but an occasional slip now and then should be fine. Some insist 48v won’t do harm at all, but I err on the side of caution.

[@kojirokayano8220]

@@DaveSoltura got it! I was too worried since Im using a budget friendly Audio Interface, thank you for the swift response. Love your videos

[@PasserbyP]

Did you have to post this exactly 24 hours after i ordered the black one in the middle of the night last night lol

[@DaveSoltura]

That should still be the 2023 version! 😀

[@PasserbyP]

@@DaveSoltura i know but did you have to make the white one look so nice haha you made the black metal k688 sound so sxc in the other videos is why i got it lol

[@DaveSoltura]

@@PasserbyPblack still looks good! It’s just my studio theme is white 😂

[@_Weirdogaming]

wish i saw this video last week before buying the black version 😭

[@DaveSoltura]

@@_Weirdogaming try to see if the capsule is recessed. If it is, it’s the new one!

[@TheClayAlanReview2024]

Excellent video sir!!

[@DaveSoltura]

And thank you always for the support, Clay!!

[@gugunsandiardjo3031]

the best for me is Fifine K669D 🎉

[@asdasdf-s3p]

what we actually needed was a 24bit version -.-

[@DaveSoltura]

Still hoping!!

[@SandraOriana]

Tripod! I hope they sell it individually

[@itsayzo0]

bro can u fix the light its to briht

[@DaveSoltura]

Good call, will do!

[@kingpaco87]

I am looking for an audio interface that will help me set up the preset to improve the sound quality of my voice.

[@DaveSoltura]

Focusrite Vocaster 1 or 2 will do!

[@kingpaco87]

@@DaveSoltura Thank you very much the reason I'm getting that one because that one does the preset it helps me fix my voice quality

[@kingpaco87]

I know everyone told me not to go cheap on the mic stand or arm, but I did. So far, it's working. What camera arm do you have? I have an M50 mark 2.

[@thomasshelby5454]

Where do you buy this? I want the new one but i dont like white color i want the black one is it available?

[@DaveSoltura]

Official 2023 (Updated) K688 link sent by Fifine: Amazon amzn.to/3XfW9mm Lazada www.lazada.com.ph/products/fifine-k688-amplitank-k688-microphone-usbxlr-dynamic-microphone-for-podcasts-streaming-recording-pc-microphone-with-shock-mounttouch-mutemonitor-headphone-jack-volume-control-i3327068382-s16908102114.html

[@scooba789]

If the K688 didn't have such atrocious resonance and handling noise it would be one of the best deals in audio. But even moving the cable makes a noise. Just unusable for a streamer who needs to move their mic.

[@alien6034]

Bros saying "fine-fine" not "Fifine"

[@DaveSoltura]

It's the official pronunciation they gave. :)

[@alien6034]

@@DaveSoltura oh...

[@remedy84]

Same with Maono which is spoken Mano.

[@ahpisthebest]

i got not too long ago this mic, and the noise is SO BAD (on usb), idk if something is wrong with my mic. i just bought a good quality xlr cable and the fifine sc3 mixer, and i hope this solves it, because it is some REALLY bad noise edit: and i would like to know what do you make to have such a high quality audio with this mic, because mine is more like a 20 dollar mic quality. as i said, i hope with xlr it solves my problems, because i am really disappointed.

[@DaveSoltura]

@@ahpisthebest An audio interface/xlr mode, plus an acoustically treated room, and getting really close to the mic really helps.

[@ahpisthebest]

@@DaveSoltura i do talk really close, with not so high volume, the noise im talking about, is not like background noise... it's more like some noise u would expect from a bad mic... or something like that lol. and this noise happens even with the mic muted completely, like, 0% sound and mute button. it just has a really bad noise it sounds like an interference of some sort, idk how to explain it lol

[@DaveSoltura]

@@ahpisthebest we may have had a similar experience. This older video of mine talks about the broken usb sound. Is it like this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6nPe4WdZ7ygrq8si=8nDvHDmMYrYYdamJ

[@ahpisthebest]

@@DaveSoltura fortunately, it's not the same problem haha the noise im talking about is more like there is a fan directly pointed at the mic in the background noise (and believe me, when i equalize my mic, it becomes REALLY loud, kinda like a cheap mic). and i have a fifine a6v mic (condenser usb mic), and it doesn't have that same kind of background noise, which is strange, since a condenser mic should pickup MORE noise. im confused. edit: forgot to say it, but the background noise like cars and people talking in the background is not really loud, it's what u should expect from a dynamic mic, so it confuses me even more on why the hell there is this "fan noise" kinda thing edit 2: now that i searched for some static noise in yt, it does sound kinda like a VHS white noise sound effect lol (but like... in the background)

[@DaveSoltura]

@@ahpisthebest ah! That fan noise is what you would call preamp noise. So both the mic, and headphones, have some kind of noise, as you boost their gain. If you listen to the mic using the headphone port on the mic itself, you’re introducing even more noise to what you hear back. The headphone preamps aren’t that clean. If you listen via speakers or your monitors, you’ll only hear the mic’s “fan noise,” but through cleaner playback. It should be less than the noise of both combined.