Gotta love Fifine's willingness to listen to reviewers and implementing the changes they suggest. I can't think of any other mic manufacturer that goes as far as they do in that regard.
FiFine has always been my go to recommendation for affordable USB mics, but this budget XLR offering really impresses me. I just took at Elgato Wave DX and I have to say this FiFine mic sounds a bit "smoother", and not as bright out of the box. great review!
😂Our brand name does pronounced "Fine Fine"!! But maybe you are right, the discussion of the pronunciation may drive your video.😆 Anyways, I am very grateful for your recognition of our job! Thank you so much for your profeesional and thorough review on the K688 mic. I had a fun with your blind comparison! Lastly, always love your cutie kitty🥰
Results of the blind comparison for me mic1 - missing high end - okay, quiet - maona pdx400 mic2 - missing high end - muffled - soft - samson q9u mic3 - good - good - good - shure mv7 mic4 - good - good - good - fifine k688 mic5 - missing low end - muffled - fduce sl40 mic6 - missing low end - hissy - high - fifine k658
so glad you made the review!!! i ended up getting this mic after you recommended to me and so glad i did you were vary right about how it handles deeper voices its perfect!
I was previously using their K690 condenser mic and immediately went for the K688 once it got released. Very impressed with the audio quality for its price range.
Really appreciate the blind comparison, and where you re-shuffled them around a few times. I had numbers 3 and 4 tied for first for my ear, so was pleasantly surprised that the k688 was up there with the Shure. I just broke my H2n, which sounded bad on stream anyways anyway, so I think I'll pick one up! (unfortunately, your affiliate link seems only to work for people in the US, sorry)
Hi, because of your review. I will buy this mic. You really explained what the products about. I like the way it sounds better than the pd200x so I will order mine.
Lets gooo!! I was hoping you'd make a video on this one! Recently upgraded from the K678 to the K688, using it in XLR with an Arturia MiniFuse 1 and I love it so far! Can't wait to hear what you think...
That’s a good upgrade! The MiniFuse 1 is something I have been keeping my eye on. Definitely have considered reviewing it, the USB-A hub is a really interesting and cool addition on that interface. Thanks for watching!!
@@AudioHotline No problem! If you do get a MiniFuse 1, let me know if you experience driver issues... I'm on W11 and when it first installed the drivers, something bugged out and the MiniFuse wouldnt initialize from sleep after the system went idle (just the screen turning off, not Sleep). I had to reinstall them using admin rights, you can find an .exe for the driver only in the MiniFuse Control Center directory. Since then its been working great. I feel like the only downside to this interface is the volume levels next to the big knob is for the Main output only, which you could change that. Had to order a stereo 6.35mm to 3.5mm jack splitter from Aliexpress ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Love your videos, keep up the good work!
It will work with the Elgato lp boom arm. The shock mount is permanently attached to this mic, but the shock mount isn’t permanently attached to a stand/boom arm.
I LOVE THAT YOU CHANGE THE WAY YOU RATE THE MICROPHONE. for me it really doesn't matter using Alphabet or Number. However, NUMBER IS BETTER AND Easy to understand hehehe keep up the good work your forever fan ehehehe
Funnily number 3 was my favourite out of the box sound for not processing as much… number 4 was the best sound for processing funnily enough, and is this microphone. Being able to use either XLR or USB makes this microphone so adaptable and useful for years to come. Not just because of the XLR, it’s also a simple travel mic due to the USB interface also. Making bringing a mic with you as portable as possible with a sound you can depend on. Through the USB, not so editable, more like number 3, but hey, that’s the sound of a much more expensive microphone… FiFine have done a amazing job!!! 🙌
#3 was unmistakable to me, the MV7 has a certain smoothness to its quality, it always just stands out to me a bit more compared to most dynamics. The K668 certainly held its own to me.
My wife and I each bought one of these and we love them. We have a nice selection of pro mics but we prefer this one. One tip is if you get plosives more than you want just pull the windscreen out 1/2" to create some space between the end of the screen and the end of the mic. You can also cut a little circle of open cell foam or something and put it inside. Another tip is if you use XLR with a preamp that doesn't sound as good near max gain you can use a booster with this mic and solve the problem. You can use a cloud lifter or on a budget the Klark Teknik CT 1 is much cheaper and works great.
Nice recommendation, tell us more too! What makes you preferring this one over the bigger names? Any other factors besides the convenience of plug&play?
@@RaySiow_MD It sounds natural and clear like an SM7b and doesn't add that sizzle on the high end like a condenser. It also picks up far less room noise. The XLR output with a decent preamp is the best but with the booster even a cheap preamp sounds good. Some soft breathy songs like Billie Eilish - Bad Guy still sound better on the condenser but on most songs where we sing loud we get better results with the FiFine.
Do you have a link? I'm wondering if you're referring to the original SM7B one with the plastic ring at the bottom or the imitation ones on Amazon that don't have the plastic ring.
@@shortanimationz the ones that dont have the plastic ring, i used some generic one that came in a plastic baggy. it was a little misshapen at first but i soaked in steaming hot water and it went back to original shape
you are the only person mentionning the mute button doesnt work with xlr, i thought i was stupid because i thought my mute was broken... this is the only downside of the mic with xlr. but i love the mic
K658 is more raspy, I can hear almost a crinkling sound at the start/end of your vocals. K688 sounds clearer and more soft, but that could be simply due to XLR. That brings me to my next important question... WHAT MICROPHONE SHOULD SOMEONE BUY IF THEY WANT SOMETHING THAT WILL LAST 5+ YEARS AND REALLY GOOD QUALITY? thanks for reply.
Fifine has definitely a harsher tone compared to sm7b but I think a simple equaliser or compressor could do the job, it's insane though how overall close the comparsion was and I think on speakers it's very hard to tell the differenece.
I guess it just depends on how you plan to use it. For podcasting and rejecting room noise, the FiFine is a good upgrade, but for music I would say the Ember is a better choice.
Blue ember is an XLR condenser mic, and the sound is different from K688, Blue ember focuses on high frequency while the K688 focuses on low frequency. So it’s not an upgrade, but it can add more variety to his recording style: use Blue ember if you want a clear and suitable sound, and consider using K688 to relieve sharp high frequencies when recording electric guitars. But if it is mainly used for vocal recording, and his own voice is relatively deep, it is suitable to continue to use Blue ember without considering K688.
@@FIFINE lol I wish I seen this before buying, but I received my k688 yesterday and honestly it’s a GREAT mic out of the box and my voice is very deep lol, also, thanks for the response!
My rating from best to worst after the blind test 4 - Fifine K688 3 - Shure MV7 2 - Samson Q9U (the one I got for $99) 1 - Maono PDX400 5 - FDuce SL40 6 - Fifine K658 Honestly I was sure 4 was the Shure and 3 was the Samson lol
Similar conclusions. Blind test, Sennheiser HD650 headset, listening to the 6 microphones without pauses. Conclusion, 3 and 4 were the best sounds, they were very similar. Oh, surprise when I found out what they were. I couldn't choose between 3 and 4, both sound incredible.
Given all the new additions to the audio market, I’d still rate the K658 a 7. It’s still good and worth buying, but I would recommend getting the K688 over it.
@@AudioHotline Thanks for the reply. Honestly I'd buy the K658 if not for the goofy RGB and UFO shock mount. I'm just glad that the K688 was released before I bought other similar alternatives.
This thing sounds shockingly good for the price. Up there with a q2u but much better looking. Funnily enough, my least favorite in the lineup was the q9u.
hi i saw all ur videos about the 'FiFine K688 and FDuce SL40" , i have one question which of them would work better with lower gain? i have a loud noise outside of my room this is why im looking to buy a new mic that could work better with lower gain ,, would u recommend one for me around that price range and thank u so much great vid
Hi. Question. Have you encountered problem connecting this via USBC port? I just bought this and I had problems with its USCB port. When plugged in, it buzzes and choppy, but XLR works fine. Saw one video from another channel who experiences the same as mine but he didn't bother asking Fifine regarding it. I've already sent Fifine a message but they are still not responding.
Have you tried using a different USBC cable? Another comment actually tried it and worked. Mine is still on the way so if you’ve fixed the issue by changing the USBC cable, please let me know :D
Looking for the best mic for conference calls and phone calls (via Microsoft Phone Link) at max 100 usd. Looked into FiFine K678 but I am not sure I made the right choice. Maybe K688 is a better choice for clear phone calls?
Hi Konstantinos, between the K678 and the K688, the former one is sufficient enough for picking up clear sound. While the K688 is a bit on the muddly side for being a dynamic mic. Thus, if your phone call environment is not that noisy, K678 is a suited choice to go for.
Hey Audio Hotline, I love your showcasing and review vids alot, I bought the fifine k688 on sunday and ever since Ive been using it for my stream and youtube its been good, but most of the time it can sound a good amount of muffled and I just want to know how I can fix this. I use this mic at 16 bit 48000 kbps and I use the cord it comes with, I just want to know if I can get this mic sounding like it does in your video instead of how it sounds after I record audio in OBS. 🤙🤙
In this case, it sounds like the Tank 3 fits you better. But for now, since you have got the K688, it's better to make an improvement on it. First off, check if you have added any vst plugins to change the frequency response. If not, try adding a low-cut filter to get rid of some low-frequency energy. But the most straightforward way is to take off the pop filter to get more mid-and-high sound. But if the plosive sound becomes quite noticeable without the pop filter, try turning the mic off-axis.
For a streamer, i "think" obs caps out at 48khz, so 96kz i dont think would be used. I've been looking at the K688, FDuce, and the deity 7u. Would you say K688 is the best option?
I agree, my understanding is also that it caps out at 48kHz. I am not big on 96kHz anyway. I personally use 24 bit 48kHz all the time. That’s what I was hoping they would do, but it’s maxed out at 16 bit 48kHz… which is still good. When it comes to USB sound, I’d pick the FIFine. The FDuce is a little too boomy in USB mode in my opinion. I do love the Deity… but the FiFine is such a good deal, and it has the XLR jack in case you ever want to use it. I’d go FiFine in this case.
Awesome thanks! So the 24bit just allows for more data and thus more sound correct? And the boomyness of the fduce probably can't be fixed in eq...not that i have any eq experience anyway
Yeah, it allows for more potential amplitude values. I personally like it more when it comes to editing, but for streaming 16 bit is really all you need. It can be fixed in EQ. Just most people don’t want to mess with it, especially when it comes to streaming. If you decide to go with the FDuce I could send you a photo of what I would do in EQ to correct it.
Does the dual output (USB & XLR) of K688 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 AM8? Can the USB & XLR be used simultaneously? I appreciate your assistance.
Yes, from 0:49 - 2:45 I swap back and forth between USB and XLR mode, I was recording them at the same time. I can't speak to whether the AM8 has that or not, I haven't tested it.
how was the noise floor/self noise with this mic in an untreated environment in usb mode (if that's something you paid attetion to lol)? and also would this mic be adaquate for someone with a quieter voice
How to set this microphone? When windows setting 100% and gain tuned to +12db current sound is very big.How should I set it up if I use usb connection？
It really shouldn't be hard to make a mute button that could be powered by the Phantom Power of an audio interface/mixer. Also, if supplying Phantom Power to the mic anyways, might as well add a booster to it powered by the same thing. Now THAT would be the perfect dynamic broadcast mic for streamers and content creators.
This is the type of review I hope to reach someday. It is well structured and informative. I''ve also made a review on my channel in case anyone needs more reference about this microphone.
We think that the minimal changes that we made on the K688 every time don't have much impact on the sound quality itself. You can still take this video as the reference.
So it looks like this microphone is mostly for use where you're up close and personal. Would there be a better option for when you don't want your microphone in the shot?
Hey boss!! Thank you so much for this review. I like the k688 but have the opportunity to buy the q9u for 99$. Would you still recommend the k688 at 80$ over the q9u? Thank you!!
Yeah, I used the mv7 in the sound comparison but my MV7x in its spot so all the mics would be black… 😂 I have the silver mv7 and it was throwing my video exposure off.
Sadly I can’t really help ya with that one. It’s a permanent mount and you’d probably have to 3D print a custom yoke mount to make this even remotely possible. It would be challenging. If you need it to look like an SM7b, you may just want to sell the K688 and buy a different mic. Maybe like the FDuce SL40, or the newer Tonor TD-510.
You can use a preamp like I do and makes a big differences . had one laying around. the Turnstile Audio Platform Series Tap100mp Microphone Preamplifier. Think I paid $25 at the time for mine.
Ugh the FDuce sounds so good I can’t decide if I want to get the fduce or the zdm1 😩 they are both $49.99. And that’s for the xlr only for the fduce. I like the fifine too and have it on my list but the price is just not in my budget. I’m looking to buy 6 microphones for my podcast that I will be using with the Podtrak P8.
Um maybe the K669D dynamic mic, which is the newly-released one would fit in your budget category. If you need six mics, choosing the K688 with its price well over $50 is not an ideal choice.
Is there a link to where I can purchase this mic with the black foam/pop filter? I'm seriously considering purchasing this but the amazon link takes me to a page that has a gray pop filter.
@@Laterverse yep, the gain knob doesn’t do anything unless it’s being used as a USB mic. If you are using it as an XLR mic then most people will have it plugged into an audio interface, and that has its own gain knob. How are you trying to use it?
@Audio Hotline so fifine also sent me the product, right now I've been only mics connected to my iPad with ferrite. They did mentioned, that you don't need to explicitly test the XLR if I don't have the step. Looking at cheap options. But my angle for my review is for people just getting started or need it for daily use
Most people who are just getting started are usually going to use a USB mic anyway (or the usb connection on a mic like this) so focusing on it as a usb mic is not a bad idea. There are some things you can do to use the XLR output without an interface, like an xlr to 3.5mm cable… but none of the alternative options to an audio interface are that great. So I would just focus on the USB side of it. Welcome to the world of audio reviews!
I just put out a video about the Maono PD200x. It’s REALLY similar to this mic so I did a comparison in that video between the two. I’d check that out and see which one you like more! I lean slightly toward the Maono because it does come with DSP and software that you can use to change the tone a bit as well as enable a limiter.
Do you feel like anything is really lost with the lower bit depth/sample rate, or is it not that big a deal? What I'm hearing sounds pretty good, but I'm not an expert.
It wouldn’t be my first choice… I usually recommend a dedicated interface and an XLR mic for musicians/ singers. There is just a lot more versatility and capabilities in that set up. Yes, the FiFine k688 is also XLR, but for singing I think there are better options. If you are looking for a dynamic mic set up around a similar price for an untreated room, I would probably just go with the FiFine SC1 interface, or the CAD CX1 plus the Behringer XM8500 or maybe the SE V2. Really high quality singing vocals are often in a treated room with a condenser mic… but that’s the nice thing about getting a separate audio interface, you can always keep it and use it with a new mic, or keep the mic and use it with a new audio interface… or keep both and get more gear! lol with a USB or USB/XLR mic with NO interface, you’re kind of stuck with one thing and not much versatility.
Hi, how would you grade the maono pd400x on your newer system? Also, my voice could have a little more bass and unfortunately I have to use the mic a little farther so it doesn't show on the cam. Do you think the maono would serve me better than the fifine from an audio quality perspective?
It does not. The smaller sm7b windscreen has a plastic part on the bottom, so it doesn’t fit on this because it doesn’t have anywhere for that plastic part to latch onto.
Question...on the Amazon listing, the windscreen looks like a dark gray color, but in this video it looks like it's black. Can you please help me figure out which one it is?
When they sent me this mic, the windscreen was black. Since then they switched it to a gray windscreen that apparently rejects plosives better. So all the new ones do have a gray windscreen on them. However, there is a windscreen you can buy on Amazon that fits this perfectly if you want a black one. Here it is: amzn.to/3Or7oCw
is it safe to have both usb c and xlr plugged in? i wanna be able to switch between both on the fly but i dont know if its safe to have both cables plugged in.
Gotta love Fifine's willingness to listen to reviewers and implementing the changes they suggest. I can't think of any other mic manufacturer that goes as far as they do in that regard.
Thank you🥰
FiFine has always been my go to recommendation for affordable USB mics, but this budget XLR offering really impresses me. I just took at Elgato Wave DX and I have to say this FiFine mic sounds a bit "smoother", and not as bright out of the box. great review!
This is exactly how every review should be! Thanks man I‘m so happy I found your video! Gonna get the fifine k688 so excited :)
😂Our brand name does pronounced "Fine Fine"!! But maybe you are right, the discussion of the pronunciation may drive your video.😆 Anyways, I am very grateful for your recognition of our job! Thank you so much for your profeesional and thorough review on the K688 mic. I had a fun with your blind comparison! Lastly, always love your cutie kitty🥰
holy cow! First comment. Honestly shook! I did the blind comparison and ended up choosing Mic 1 and Mic 4. And those aren't even mainstream mics.
Results of the blind comparison for me
mic1 - missing high end - okay, quiet - maona pdx400
mic2 - missing high end - muffled - soft - samson q9u
mic3 - good - good - good - shure mv7
mic4 - good - good - good - fifine k688
mic5 - missing low end - muffled - fduce sl40
mic6 - missing low end - hissy - high - fifine k658
so glad you made the review!!! i ended up getting this mic after you recommended to me and so glad i did you were vary right about how it handles deeper voices its perfect!
How has it been for you? Do you use xlr or usb?
I do vocals and Narration what you recommend fduce sl40 or fifine k688 ?
Solid review and exactly what I was looking for. That blind test sealed it for me, that K688 sounds great!
Bro, you had me at "kitty purr test". You've earned my subscription today 🐈
I like how the sound from the untreated room is better. Meaning its more natural rather than the unreal "studio sound".
I was previously using their K690 condenser mic and immediately went for the K688 once it got released. Very impressed with the audio quality for its price range.
Thank you for your support😊
@@FIFINE Thank you! I'm a big fan of your products and you were right on time when I was looking for a mic upgrade.
Do you recommend buying it I have a t669 and I want to upgrade it give me an opinion pls thank you
@@01Q highly recommended if you want more noise rejection since the K688 is a dynamic mic
@@FIFINE Did you raise the price on black friday? On Amazon it went up instead of down, I got confused lol.
I just got the FineFine k688 (it arrives on friday) AND I AM SOO HYPED
so, it arrived a while ago AND IT IS INSANE for around 80$ or in my case 80€ it's the best!!! I even think, it sounds better, than the shure sm7b!
@@voidmobile094what audio interface you use?
Really appreciate it!! Glad to hear the product has not let you down!
Yess I've been waiting for this review. I always thought it was fi-fine . Fi like in hifi
This is the best comparison video I have ever seen. Great job and appreciate the hard work you put into this one.
Really appreciate the blind comparison, and where you re-shuffled them around a few times. I had numbers 3 and 4 tied for first for my ear, so was pleasantly surprised that the k688 was up there with the Shure.
I just broke my H2n, which sounded bad on stream anyways anyway, so I think I'll pick one up! (unfortunately, your affiliate link seems only to work for people in the US, sorry)
So glad I bought this mic. I found 4 to be the best sounding during the mic tests, and sure enough it was the k668.
Hi, because of your review. I will buy this mic. You really explained what the products about. I like the way it sounds better than the pd200x so I will order mine.
Lets gooo!! I was hoping you'd make a video on this one! Recently upgraded from the K678 to the K688, using it in XLR with an Arturia MiniFuse 1 and I love it so far! Can't wait to hear what you think...
That’s a good upgrade! The MiniFuse 1 is something I have been keeping my eye on. Definitely have considered reviewing it, the USB-A hub is a really interesting and cool addition on that interface.
Thanks for watching!!
@@AudioHotline No problem! If you do get a MiniFuse 1, let me know if you experience driver issues... I'm on W11 and when it first installed the drivers, something bugged out and the MiniFuse wouldnt initialize from sleep after the system went idle (just the screen turning off, not Sleep). I had to reinstall them using admin rights, you can find an .exe for the driver only in the MiniFuse Control Center directory. Since then its been working great. I feel like the only downside to this interface is the volume levels next to the big knob is for the Main output only, which you could change that. Had to order a stereo 6.35mm to 3.5mm jack splitter from Aliexpress ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Love your videos, keep up the good work!
@@AudioHotline does fifine work with elgato lp mic arm? Or s it permanently attached to its original boom arm?
It will work with the Elgato lp boom arm. The shock mount is permanently attached to this mic, but the shock mount isn’t permanently attached to a stand/boom arm.
I LOVE THAT YOU CHANGE THE WAY YOU RATE THE MICROPHONE.
for me it really doesn't matter using Alphabet or Number.
However, NUMBER IS BETTER AND Easy to understand hehehe
keep up the good work
your forever fan ehehehe
Thank you! I appreciate that!
For some reason, this sent me into asmr bliss on top of being informative.
Funnily number 3 was my favourite out of the box sound for not processing as much… number 4 was the best sound for processing funnily enough, and is this microphone.
Being able to use either XLR or USB makes this microphone so adaptable and useful for years to come.
Not just because of the XLR, it’s also a simple travel mic due to the USB interface also.
Making bringing a mic with you as portable as possible with a sound you can depend on.
Through the USB, not so editable, more like number 3, but hey, that’s the sound of a much more expensive microphone… FiFine have done a amazing job!!! 🙌
#3 was unmistakable to me, the MV7 has a certain smoothness to its quality, it always just stands out to me a bit more compared to most dynamics. The K668 certainly held its own to me.
great sound for such a low price. Def gonna be my next mic!
Thanks for great and detailed review!
My wife and I each bought one of these and we love them. We have a nice selection of pro mics but we prefer this one. One tip is if you get plosives more than you want just pull the windscreen out 1/2" to create some space between the end of the screen and the end of the mic. You can also cut a little circle of open cell foam or something and put it inside. Another tip is if you use XLR with a preamp that doesn't sound as good near max gain you can use a booster with this mic and solve the problem. You can use a cloud lifter or on a budget the Klark Teknik CT 1 is much cheaper and works great.
Nice recommendation, tell us more too! What makes you preferring this one over the bigger names? Any other factors besides the convenience of plug&play?
@@RaySiow_MD It sounds natural and clear like an SM7b and doesn't add that sizzle on the high end like a condenser. It also picks up far less room noise. The XLR output with a decent preamp is the best but with the booster even a cheap preamp sounds good. Some soft breathy songs like Billie Eilish - Bad Guy still sound better on the condenser but on most songs where we sing loud we get better results with the FiFine.
I just wanna say thank you you’ve helped me narrow down the choices to replace my podmic as it does not work with my go XLR mini.
Amazing review. Thanks!
i put a normal sm7b replacement foam on mine and it works wayy better than the original pop filter, makes it look super sleek too
Do you have a link? I'm wondering if you're referring to the original SM7B one with the plastic ring at the bottom or the imitation ones on Amazon that don't have the plastic ring.
@@shortanimationz the ones that dont have the plastic ring, i used some generic one that came in a plastic baggy. it was a little misshapen at first but i soaked in steaming hot water and it went back to original shape
Great Review Bro 👍🏽
Holy shit! This was such a top notch review that bugs me only 6k views and 232 likes. May the Algorithm be with you 💚
"kitty purr test"
10/10 subscribed
you are the only person mentionning the mute button doesnt work with xlr, i thought i was stupid because i thought my mute was broken... this is the only downside of the mic with xlr. but i love the mic
You got me at Kitty Purr test, gotta subscribe!!
Soooo coooll! I've been here since your fifine k678. More reviews to comeeeeee. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ Can you review the BOYA BY MM1?
Saaaaame!!!
Nice video, I want to get one for recording vocals, music, I like the k688 what's your advice?
Love your review!
K658 is more raspy, I can hear almost a crinkling sound at the start/end of your vocals. K688 sounds clearer and more soft, but that could be simply due to XLR.
That brings me to my next important question...
WHAT MICROPHONE SHOULD SOMEONE BUY IF THEY WANT SOMETHING THAT WILL LAST 5+ YEARS AND REALLY GOOD QUALITY?
thanks for reply.
Hi I wanted to ask how does this hold up against the Samson Q9U From the USB connection since I dont have an Audio Interface, Thank you!
Definitely prefer the K688 over the K658. The latter sounds a little too bright.
Fifine has definitely a harsher tone compared to sm7b but I think a simple equaliser or compressor could do the job, it's insane though how overall close the comparsion was and I think on speakers it's very hard to tell the differenece.
For the Price/Quality ratio I give to FiFine K688 USB / XLR 10 of 10, or, even 99 of 10. Superb mic...
OGM, Excited to hear that!!!!❤
I have a blue ember condenser microphone which I’ve had for a year now, is this mic a good upgrade?
I guess it just depends on how you plan to use it. For podcasting and rejecting room noise, the FiFine is a good upgrade, but for music I would say the Ember is a better choice.
Blue ember is an XLR condenser mic, and the sound is different from K688, Blue ember focuses on high frequency while the K688 focuses on low frequency. So it’s not an upgrade, but it can add more variety to his recording style: use Blue ember if you want a clear and suitable sound, and consider using K688 to relieve sharp high frequencies when recording electric guitars. But if it is mainly used for vocal recording, and his own voice is relatively deep, it is suitable to continue to use Blue ember without considering K688.
@@FIFINE lol I wish I seen this before buying, but I received my k688 yesterday and honestly it’s a GREAT mic out of the box and my voice is very deep lol, also, thanks for the response!
@@FIFINE and also i like more of a podcast sound and can always use eq to make the mic sound even better for my voice!
@@Cravoo We are glad you like it. The two mics are both good mics so you are definitely not wasting your money
At least you’re not saying “fee fine” like half the other reviewers
My rating from best to worst after the blind test
4 - Fifine K688
3 - Shure MV7
2 - Samson Q9U (the one I got for $99)
1 - Maono PDX400
5 - FDuce SL40
6 - Fifine K658
Honestly I was sure 4 was the Shure and 3 was the Samson lol
Same!!! Exactly same I rated all of mics. 3 and 4 are really similar. I will put it to same line.
X3 😊
Similar conclusions. Blind test, Sennheiser HD650 headset, listening to the 6 microphones without pauses. Conclusion, 3 and 4 were the best sounds, they were very similar. Oh, surprise when I found out what they were. I couldn't choose between 3 and 4, both sound incredible.
So basing off your new rating system, where would the older K658 lie on that new scale? Love your review videos btw! (and your playful humor lmao)
Given all the new additions to the audio market, I’d still rate the K658 a 7. It’s still good and worth buying, but I would recommend getting the K688 over it.
@@AudioHotline Thanks for the reply. Honestly I'd buy the K658 if not for the goofy RGB and UFO shock mount. I'm just glad that the K688 was released before I bought other similar alternatives.
which configuration has on your audio interface for the mics? they sound awesome!
This thing sounds shockingly good for the price. Up there with a q2u but much better looking. Funnily enough, my least favorite in the lineup was the q9u.
hi i saw all ur videos about the 'FiFine K688 and FDuce SL40" , i have one question which of them would work better with lower gain? i have a loud noise outside of my room this is why im looking to buy a new mic that could work better with lower gain ,, would u recommend one for me around that price range and thank u so much great vid
Thanks for the great review! What is the length of the K688 pop filter please?
great review!
Hi. Question. Have you encountered problem connecting this via USBC port? I just bought this and I had problems with its USCB port. When plugged in, it buzzes and choppy, but XLR works fine. Saw one video from another channel who experiences the same as mine but he didn't bother asking Fifine regarding it. I've already sent Fifine a message but they are still not responding.
Have you tried using a different USBC cable? Another comment actually tried it and worked. Mine is still on the way so if you’ve fixed the issue by changing the USBC cable, please let me know :D
Hi, how's your experience been with USB C?
Looks ok and sounds ok. The plosives were interesting CNC with a bone conduction headset on. 😳
Looking for the best mic for conference calls and phone calls (via Microsoft Phone Link) at max 100 usd. Looked into FiFine K678 but I am not sure I made the right choice. Maybe K688 is a better choice for clear phone calls?
Hi Konstantinos, between the K678 and the K688, the former one is sufficient enough for picking up clear sound. While the K688 is a bit on the muddly side for being a dynamic mic. Thus, if your phone call environment is not that noisy, K678 is a suited choice to go for.
Great Video!
Hey Audio Hotline, I love your showcasing and review vids alot, I bought the fifine k688 on sunday and ever since Ive been using it for my stream and youtube its been good, but most of the time it can sound a good amount of muffled and I just want to know how I can fix this. I use this mic at 16 bit 48000 kbps and I use the cord it comes with, I just want to know if I can get this mic sounding like it does in your video instead of how it sounds after I record audio in OBS. 🤙🤙
In this case, it sounds like the Tank 3 fits you better. But for now, since you have got the K688, it's better to make an improvement on it. First off, check if you have added any vst plugins to change the frequency response. If not, try adding a low-cut filter to get rid of some low-frequency energy. But the most straightforward way is to take off the pop filter to get more mid-and-high sound. But if the plosive sound becomes quite noticeable without the pop filter, try turning the mic off-axis.
Does FiFine have associated software? Does it stores settings in the microphone? Thank you.
Nope! Sadly it does not have associated software. The only way you’ll have your setting be the exact same is if you don’t touch any of the dials!
Can you compare it to the Elgato Wave DX or just tell me which one of them is better
For a streamer, i "think" obs caps out at 48khz, so 96kz i dont think would be used. I've been looking at the K688, FDuce, and the deity 7u. Would you say K688 is the best option?
I agree, my understanding is also that it caps out at 48kHz. I am not big on 96kHz anyway. I personally use 24 bit 48kHz all the time. That’s what I was hoping they would do, but it’s maxed out at 16 bit 48kHz… which is still good. When it comes to USB sound, I’d pick the FIFine. The FDuce is a little too boomy in USB mode in my opinion.
I do love the Deity… but the FiFine is such a good deal, and it has the XLR jack in case you ever want to use it. I’d go FiFine in this case.
Awesome thanks! So the 24bit just allows for more data and thus more sound correct?
And the boomyness of the fduce probably can't be fixed in eq...not that i have any eq experience anyway
Yeah, it allows for more potential amplitude values. I personally like it more when it comes to editing, but for streaming 16 bit is really all you need.
It can be fixed in EQ. Just most people don’t want to mess with it, especially when it comes to streaming. If you decide to go with the FDuce I could send you a photo of what I would do in EQ to correct it.
@@AudioHotline ya that would be awesome for reference so I can start learning about eq'ing. Thanks!
@@AudioHotline what's EQ sorry i'm a dummy to this stuff
Does the dual output (USB & XLR) of K688 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 AM8? Can the USB & XLR be used simultaneously? I appreciate your assistance.
Yes, from 0:49 - 2:45 I swap back and forth between USB and XLR mode, I was recording them at the same time. I can't speak to whether the AM8 has that or not, I haven't tested it.
how was the noise floor/self noise with this mic in an untreated environment in usb mode (if that's something you paid attetion to lol)? and also would this mic be adaquate for someone with a quieter voice
As Always great Video.i mean the Test are awesome.I wish you could compare this too the trust gxt 255 + onyx mic.that would be a Race
How to set this microphone?
When windows setting 100% and gain tuned to +12db current sound is very big.How should I set it up if I use usb connection？
Your good with the guitars
good afternoon , I wanted to ask you , which would be better for a wind instrument , trumpet , to record , thank you very much
It really shouldn't be hard to make a mute button that could be powered by the Phantom Power of an audio interface/mixer. Also, if supplying Phantom Power to the mic anyways, might as well add a booster to it powered by the same thing. Now THAT would be the perfect dynamic broadcast mic for streamers and content creators.
This is the type of review I hope to reach someday. It is well structured and informative. I''ve also made a review on my channel in case anyone needs more reference about this microphone.
Hello. What is better fifine k688 or FDuce SL40? Price is not important, the sound on usb
Can you try the updated K688?
We think that the minimal changes that we made on the K688 every time don't have much impact on the sound quality itself. You can still take this video as the reference.
Awesome video
So it looks like this microphone is mostly for use where you're up close and personal. Would there be a better option for when you don't want your microphone in the shot?
It might be a choice to go for a shotgun mic, any desktop microphone performs its best when the use distance is within 5 inches.
What is better q2u or Amplitank K688?
Should I get the fifine k668 or the fduce sl40
I loved the #1 very soft sound, 5/6 sounded cheap robotic like. 2-4 worse than #1
did you try already the maono pd200x? do you think it is better on fifine k688(k658)?
Cat! I must Like this video lol You put a beautiful fluffy cat in it. Oh! And I really dig this mic lol
Hey boss!! Thank you so much for this review. I like the k688 but have the opportunity to buy the q9u for 99$. Would you still recommend the k688 at 80$ over the q9u?
Thank you!!
Yes, I would still take the FiFine. The Q9U is just too muffled compared to the new usb + XLR offerings.
Did you ask for a black filter yourself? Because now this model comes with a gray filter. Which one looks better?
Ya the new ones come with gray which is really annoying
@@chronicmayhem Do you have this microphone?
@@rikmortiy no i asked the question on the Amazon link and a fifine rep answered it
@@chronicmayhem What did he reply? Did he say why they changed the color of the filter? And what are its benefits?
@@rikmortiy he just said its the same but the new ones are gray
@15:40 That's not MV7, it's MV7X.
Yeah, I used the mv7 in the sound comparison but my MV7x in its spot so all the mics would be black… 😂 I have the silver mv7 and it was throwing my video exposure off.
@@AudioHotline That's fine. Thank you. 🙂
Please review the donnor Dc 20 microphone.
what settings do you use for the k658? I have one and am struggling to make it sound good
how to make my fifine k688 look like exactly as sm7b?
i hate the shock mount that comes with k688
I'd like to change the mount with sm7b
Sadly I can’t really help ya with that one. It’s a permanent mount and you’d probably have to 3D print a custom yoke mount to make this even remotely possible. It would be challenging. If you need it to look like an SM7b, you may just want to sell the K688 and buy a different mic. Maybe like the FDuce SL40, or the newer Tonor TD-510.
@@AudioHotline the usage is fine.
i just want to see it with anchor mount. 😂 like the mv7 and sm7b.
You can use a preamp like I do and makes a big differences . had one laying around. the Turnstile Audio Platform Series Tap100mp Microphone Preamplifier. Think I paid $25 at the time for mine.
Ugh the FDuce sounds so good I can’t decide if I want to get the fduce or the zdm1 😩 they are both $49.99. And that’s for the xlr only for the fduce. I like the fifine too and have it on my list but the price is just not in my budget. I’m looking to buy 6 microphones for my podcast that I will be using with the Podtrak P8.
Um maybe the K669D dynamic mic, which is the newly-released one would fit in your budget category. If you need six mics, choosing the K688 with its price well over $50 is not an ideal choice.
Is there a link to where I can purchase this mic with the black foam/pop filter? I'm seriously considering purchasing this but the amazon link takes me to a page that has a gray pop filter.
would this be better than a blue yeti nano?
typing this during microphone blind test... guessing 5 is smv, 1 and 2 for fifine. 6 should be maono. samson # 3 shure mv #4.
okay i didn't get anything right lmao. btw Fduce SL40 got the best sound for me.
I want to ask what your microphone level is on the gain knob and your volume in the windows sound settings
Will the sm7b's pop filter fit with that mic? Been searching a lot for it, I can't find a solid answer for it.
Hi question do the knobs work when using XLR output or like mute, only works when in USB output
Those only work in USB mode
@@AudioHotlineeven the gain knob?
@@Laterverse yep, the gain knob doesn’t do anything unless it’s being used as a USB mic.
If you are using it as an XLR mic then most people will have it plugged into an audio interface, and that has its own gain knob.
How are you trying to use it?
@Audio Hotline so fifine also sent me the product, right now I've been only mics connected to my iPad with ferrite. They did mentioned, that you don't need to explicitly test the XLR if I don't have the step. Looking at cheap options. But my angle for my review is for people just getting started or need it for daily use
Most people who are just getting started are usually going to use a USB mic anyway (or the usb connection on a mic like this) so focusing on it as a usb mic is not a bad idea. There are some things you can do to use the XLR output without an interface, like an xlr to 3.5mm cable… but none of the alternative options to an audio interface are that great. So I would just focus on the USB side of it.
Welcome to the world of audio reviews!
pd400x or fifine k688? looking for voiceover microphone
How does it compare to the maono Pd200x?
One Last question sorry I've asked 3 should I buy a Shure SM7B windscreen or leave the fifine one.
I want to buy a microphone today. is this microphone still the best up to $/€100? need it for UA-cam gameplay records, thx you
I just put out a video about the Maono PD200x. It’s REALLY similar to this mic so I did a comparison in that video between the two. I’d check that out and see which one you like more! I lean slightly toward the Maono because it does come with DSP and software that you can use to change the tone a bit as well as enable a limiter.
Do you feel like anything is really lost with the lower bit depth/sample rate, or is it not that big a deal? What I'm hearing sounds pretty good, but I'm not an expert.
0 difference in sound quality its only useful for editing audio
Is it good for singing ? Or recording vocal?
It wouldn’t be my first choice… I usually recommend a dedicated interface and an XLR mic for musicians/ singers. There is just a lot more versatility and capabilities in that set up. Yes, the FiFine k688 is also XLR, but for singing I think there are better options.
If you are looking for a dynamic mic set up around a similar price for an untreated room, I would probably just go with the FiFine SC1 interface, or the CAD CX1 plus the Behringer XM8500 or maybe the SE V2.
Really high quality singing vocals are often in a treated room with a condenser mic… but that’s the nice thing about getting a separate audio interface, you can always keep it and use it with a new mic, or keep the mic and use it with a new audio interface… or keep both and get more gear! lol with a USB or USB/XLR mic with NO interface, you’re kind of stuck with one thing and not much versatility.
Hi, how would you grade the maono pd400x on your newer system?
Also, my voice could have a little more bass and unfortunately I have to use the mic a little farther so it doesn't show on the cam. Do you think the maono would serve me better than the fifine from an audio quality perspective?
Haha! Literally noticed the exact same thing with the gain and headphone knobs and was like "Who messed that up!?" 🤦♂
Can you confirm if a normal (not huge) sm7b windscreen fits on it well?
It does not. The smaller sm7b windscreen has a plastic part on the bottom, so it doesn’t fit on this because it doesn’t have anywhere for that plastic part to latch onto.
@@AudioHotline obscure mics found that 3rd party sm7b windscreens without the plastic ring fit this perfectly. He made a YT short about it
Is it possible to test the fifine am8 and compare it to the k688?
Question...on the Amazon listing, the windscreen looks like a dark gray color, but in this video it looks like it's black. Can you please help me figure out which one it is?
It now comes in gray, it used to come in black.
When they sent me this mic, the windscreen was black. Since then they switched it to a gray windscreen that apparently rejects plosives better. So all the new ones do have a gray windscreen on them. However, there is a windscreen you can buy on Amazon that fits this perfectly if you want a black one.
Here it is: amzn.to/3Or7oCw
is it safe to have both usb c and xlr plugged in? i wanna be able to switch between both on the fly but i dont know if its safe to have both cables plugged in.
Yep, no problem at all.