FIFINE - AmpliTank K688

Another thumbs up for Fifine. I went with the K688 and haven't looked back. Great sounding audio, no issues.

Nope! Working great and still very happy with my purchase. I get compliments on my mic quality all the time

I believe I have the exact same one. It works great

I use a simple Fifine and it isn't bad right out of the box and it is only $50.

Its a really good Budget mic i also use it with some eq software

Gonna recommend the Fifine K688 It's a budget Dynamic Mic and, at least to me, is better value compared to other mics suggested here. A bit of an older short, and pricing is in Philippine Peso, but here's a link that compares the sound quality of the Shure MV7 and Fifine K688: https://youtube.com/shorts/y4VYoJzOMCc

Have a look at FiFine AM8 or FiFine K688. On sale they are usually available around $50 USD, sometimes even cheaper. They are plug and play USB dynamic microphones that's pretty good out of the box. Tweak them with a compressor and EQ and they are even better. New price on them are around $70 USD. Both also have a XLR connection if you want to use a different sound interface, but it is not necessary. Personally I use a FiFine K688 and are really happy with it. For the price it's not much better than it or the AM8. You will need a stand or boom. I reccomend a boom arm. Since it is a dynamic mic, your mouth need to be close to it for the best result.

Honestly if you're not using your phone as a camera you could just record your voice on there and line it up in post for free, just clap and line up the initial big audio spikes. If you want a USB mic $50 mics like Fifine or the Blue Snowball will get you decent audio and I'm sure there are a bunch of comparisons to those on YouTube.

Eu tenho e é bom, gosto da mesinha da Fifine, não muda muito a qualidade do áudio, mas os efeitos são divertidos

It's hit and miss. With budget gear, consistency in quality is not assured. Expensive gear has duds as well, but they seem to be less often. Customer support & replacement policies for more expensive gear are often better. You can get a budget USB mic that will last years, but the odds aren't that great. The only Fifine mic I recommend is an XLR mic, and that's for bargain basement budgets. When it comes to most audio gear, the adage "buy once, cry once" is the best way to approach things. With low-quality equipment you can end up spending more in the long run, due to multiple replacements.

I use this exact mic and it is great. Once you get some EQ and filters set up, it sounds amazing. You can check my profile for my twitch link if you want to hear how it sounds for me.

If you don't get an xlr mic just get a seiren mini v3 because all usb mics sound the same and you are wasting your money. Otherwise go with the sm7b or with a fifine k688 (amazing choice for the price)

There's no settings to make it sound better. Make sure it's close to your mouth. Like 2-6" from your mouth, not your body, but your mouth. This means getting it off your desk. Make sure you're talking into the front of the mic and not the top of it. Last, here are the two biggest secrets to getting the best sound from a Yeti. First, treat your acoustics. Condenser mics like the Yeti magnify every sonic imperfection in your space. Reverb, noise, loud sounds will all be magnified. Improve the sound of your space and your recordings will sound better. If that's not possible, sell the Yeti and use those funds towards a dynamic mic. Something like a Samson Q2U or a FiFine K688 will be a good place to start. Dynamic mics need to be even closer to your mouth (2-4"), but are more forgiving of imperfect recording spaces.

in 2025 i would recommend to grab a fifine am8 or k688 + any cheap low profile mic arm mount (no, not the 100 bucks elgato or the rode psa1). low profile will move the mic from bellow monitors and can be stored back while not in use. this works a lot better when you also are using a iPhone/ webcam for facetracking than the more common scissor mechanism. both those mics are usb/ xlr combo. meaning you can start with usb only and down the Road upgrade the quality adding an xlr cable + audio interface. the best deal nowadays (in features for a streamer) that has clean mic gain of 70 db, is the vocaster one/two. it has features like plug a phone to send audio, like a voice call or play music/ sound effects from your phone. last time i saw them at 50 / 70 bucks on discount. rn the vocaster two is going for 100 bucks.

Wired headphones with a standalone dynamic mic that has a USB/XLR output is the way to go if you want phenomenal quality, comfort, and longevity for the lowest price. The drawback of headsets is that *typically* you cannot replace the foam cushion or earpads. Nor do they often allow you to replace the cords. Basically, if something goes wrong with one component.. you're stuck replacing the entire thing and thus hit with a double whammy. I switched over about a decade ago with HD650s and they're still going strong. I've replaced the foam a few times (including ear pads for about $5, headband for $7, and inner ear foam for $5) and with that model, it's a 5 minute job without any screws. Usually older model HD 599 SEs and HD560s are considered to be entry-level budget kings. Those models do have third-party band/cup replacement, albeit they wouldn't be considered as modular & versatile for replaceability (still should take 5-10 minutes). There are other phenomenal models out there at a similar price/performance, but I stick to those recommendations as I've owned similar headphones. If you go with either model, I do recommend pairing it with the $9 Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter that's highly regarded in the audiophile community for price/performance (it's also an amp). Honestly, it's darn near impossible to beat it on price/quality, but you'll need the US version of the $9 model. A step above are HD6XX/HD650. Realistically, you can often find them on sale for under $200 and for the comfort alone they're worth every penny. The only drawback to those models is that they have a 300 ohm driver (HD 599 SEs are 50 ohms and HD560s are 120 ohms). The drawback is that 300ohm impedance headphones are fairly hard to drive (they need more power) and that can cost about $110-$130 to solve. While it's possible that you have a motherboard audio chip that's capable of 300-600ohm ranges, it's still often recommended to go with a DAC+AMP combo as internal conversion of the digital to analog signal (DAC) can be susceptible to EMI (electromagnetic interference, which distorts the audio quality and can make it down crackley). For the DAC, you can still stick to that amazing $9 Apple Dongle if you can get a US version if your motherboard has USB-C capabilities. For the amp, the JDS Atom Amp+ or Schiit Magni should get you where you need to go. Keep in mind that the models I recommended are *open back headphones,* which are basically a speaker that sits near your head. You'll both be able to hear anything happening in the room that you're in and people will be able to hear your headphones. It's not too bad, but at non-damaging listening volumes I can definitely make out a song playing an arm length away. Regarding microphone: Yetis are typically condenser microphones which pick up all the noise in the room. If you do not currently have one, you may wish to instead opt for a dynamic microphone. There are tradeoffs. A condenser microphone can sit on your desk without any need for a mic arm, but its drawback is that it will pick up darn near everything in the room without fairly advanced configuration (voicemeeter banana; see noise suppressor and noise gate). The mortal enemy of condenser microphones are mechanical keyboards, box fans, noisy roads outside of your window, and a large shared spaces. By all means, you can learn to configure a noise gate and get *incredible results,* but properly configuring a noise gate is probably on-part with the effort it takes to undervolt or finely tuning RAM. On the other hand, a dynamic mic's trade off is that you need it about 1"-3" away from your mouth. If you have an nVidia GPU, you can get super far with just nVidia Broadcast's borderline one-click noisegate (albeit, this does use AI so it's a bit of a GPU performance hit vs. Voicemeeter Banana) This usually requires a boom arm or low-profile mic arm, which will clutter up your desk (I rotate and fold mine away when not in use, but it also leaves a 1' horizontal, 2' pole just chilling there all the time). Low-profile requires a very specific space (you need clearance over the keyboard and a bit of verticality - like a 2-tiered computer desk where the monitor sits a bit higher). I grabbed my Aokeo AK-55 for about $35 and the build quality was phenomenal for the price. For the mic itself: for budget you'll want a USB option. For expandability, I recommend a model that has both USB/XLR outputs. A $60 Fifine K688 is a great option with both. I personally use the Samson Q2U with both which is a bit of an older model that still has new stock. Usually you can find open box/used Q2Us for $32 which is just insane value and they're built like tanks so I'd have no issue with used. If you want other options, look for these two highly regarded models as they should included in most videos worth their weight in salt. For professional recordings, both models *are* only 16-bit depth, but for gaming/discord it should be more than phenomenal for most purposes. As for XLR vs. USB outputs? XLR is almost always the better quality output, but you'll need an XLR interface to power it (a $100 Scarlett is usually considered fairly end-game, but <$50 budget options like the UMC22/UM2 should drive the K688/Q2U just fine). USB was good enough for me, so I never bothered - albeit without something like Banana for software gain it is on the quiet end. Having an XLR interface *does* open the floodgates for XLR-only microphones, which typically run cheaper for equal quality as they don't need a USB controller. Honestly, you can get some $15 XLR-only mics. As for cable management? It's not too bad. Mic arms usually have a built in channel with rubber clips. Any of the headphones that I mentioned should have lengthier cables. The amp plugs into a 3' to 7'+ USB cable, so it'll help you get your amp where you want it (having access to the volume knob is nice). The mic usually lets you change out USB cables. To sum the recommended setups up price wise: Microphone: Q2U $32, AK-55/boom arm $35-50. Total = $67, with the option to add XLR. Entry-level end-game headphones: 6XX $179, Schiit/JDS Atom Amp+ $100-110, US version of the Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter $9 (or ~$100 for a true dedicated DAC). Total: $279 Entry-level budget headphones: HD599/HD 599 SE (Usually comes on sale around $100 Black Friday, $130 for open box), Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter $9 Total: $109-139. That gives you a full setup for at a $178 tier and $355 tier and should easily beat almost all headsets in those ranges. I own different revisions of both suggested headphones and I'd be happy with either (but happier with the comfort of the HD6xx)

There is no world where a Maono mic is the best mic under $120. The FiFine K688 is an absurd deal for under $80. As a podcast editor, it's hands down the best usb/xlr mic I've heard under $100. I would also take the Samson Q2U and ATR2100x over Maono. I've not had good experiences with guests using Maono equipment. Similar to my experiences with people using FiFine's Yeti knockoffs. I'd also question recommending condenser mics to beginner podcasters like the FiFine K669 and Rode NT-USB. Condensers cause so much more work for any podcaster recording in typical podcaster environments. I'm curious why there's so much focus on sample rate and commentary that would lead someone new to podcasting to think that higher sample rate = better mic.

Dynamic is king here. There is a reason why every podcast with mutiple people in the same room use dynamic mics is because they are really good at only picking up what is close to the sensor and directed at the sensor. Its also why streamers that use keyboards almost always have better time with dynamic mics. Cheap options will be Samsung Q2U and the Fifine k688. The industry standard which is only slightly better then the cheap options would be the Shure SM7B + Mixer. I recommend not getting the Shure until you are very established as the difference between the cheap options and the expensive one is like a 5% difference especially after YT or twitch compression.

I would probably advise you to go with the Samson Q2U. I have 3 mics: Rode NT-1 5th Generation, Fifine K688, and the Samson. I believe the Samson is the best sounding for my setup, or let's say the easiest to deal with in terms of noise and clarity - I record in a room with some basic sound treatment.

tenho o exato modelo da foto, comprei e usei por alguns meses com braço articulado, chegou num ponto que cansei um pouco, aí só fico no microfone do headset, não vendi ele pq uso pra alguns projetos e coisas específicas pq o áudio é ótimo, vai de cada um normalmente é ruim usar ele na mesa, especialmente pela distância que é recomendada falar dele

The fifine k688 best budget mic out there that will 99% of the time be exactly what anyone needs for streaming. The k688 is both usb and xlr so there is upgradability in the setup there. I know someone that has sent blind tests to thousands of people and barely anyone can pickup the difference. Especially when you have audio compression from streaming on twitch. The sm7b is a good mic, but extremely overkill for 99% of streamers. Plus you need a ln interface, and the mic arm, so you are in for what could be close to a grand, just on audio for the mic. It's just that everyone sees the big streamers with an sm7b and think they need to get it to be like them, and you don't need to waste money on that mic.

Are you looking for a standalone microphone? If so, I've been loving this one. It's USB-C/XLR, so if you ever decide to invest in some XLR equipment, it'll work. [https://a.co/d/4NShPMV](https://a.co/d/4NShPMV) If you're looking for a headset with a nice mic, I love my Logitech G Pro X SE. The USB DAC that comes with it is honestly amazing. [https://a.co/d/4RWIdGm](https://a.co/d/4RWIdGm)

Hi all, My channel is SpitireSpud Gaming [https://www.youtube.com/@SpitfireSpud](https://www.youtube.com/@SpitfireSpud) currently at 1,127 Subscribers at the moment, but it bounces around at times. My views are okay, with about 40-100 each video, shorts are alway 1k-2k views. My highest videos were my tutorial ones which were 10k-15k or so. I am in the gaming genre were I play all types of games where possible and I capture moments, whether silly, funny and anything in between. I did some controller tutorials thrown in where possible, I done for non-controller support PC games, and some reviews the odd time. I try to have fun and laugh with others in game. I think my biggest hang up is my voice, I just hate it :) haha! Even though a few people thinks I should keep at it. I just find it slightly awkward talking to myself when I am capturing games. :D I'm just an idiot from Ireland basically, trying to find my way around this whole "Content Creator" platform, even though I don't consider myself a CC right now. My equipment I use: I use OBS to capture gameplay and voiceovers. I was using my headset, but I am now using a proper mic (FIFINE XLR Streaming Microphone) My custom PC System Specs: CPU: RYZEN 9 7950X COOLER: Corsair iCUE H150i Elite RGB Liquid CPU Cooler MB: ROG STRIX X670E E-GAMING WIFI(AM5) RAM: 64GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5 6200Mhz GPU: ZOTAC Trinity OC RTX 4090 24GB NVME: Western Digital Black SN850X 4TB CASE: Corsair 5000X Airflow RGB Gaming Case OS: Windows 11 MONITOR/TV: LG C2 77" OLED Wish all fellow New YouTubers the best on their journey. Sorry for the long babbling message :)

The best setting will be to treat the acoustics in your space or you're going to sound like you're in a small cave. The next best setting is to return the Yeti for a dynamic mic like a Samson Q2U or FiFine K688. Either of those will perform better in the typical places podcasters record. Either way, the best advice is to get the mic close to your mouth. 1-4" for a dynamic, 2-6" for the Yeti.

Tenho o exato microfone do post e é um excelente aparelho. Migrei de um headset também da Fifine então não senti muita diferença quanto a qualidade do áudio (essa marca manda muito bem nos mics) porém continou sendo diferencial em construção, funcionalidades e portabilidade. Uso ele com o apoio padrão na mesa numa distância de uns 20cm de mim e sem o ganho no máximo ele cumpre muito bem a captação, isso que você ainda pode usar um braço articulado.

Do you know if there'd prefer an XLR or USB mic? Either way my recommendation would be the [Fifine K688](https://a.co/d/gKVtmzx). It has both hook ups and is pretty solid for $80 and she could always upgrade with an audio mixer for the XLR connection later.

Fifine amp is solid, especially for the price. Yeti's \*can\* be good but they're more sensitive to background noise and not as good a value anymore imo. Plus with refurbished, you never know what you're gonna get. I'd go Fifine.

Don't get a condenser. Dynamic mics are far better for spoken word and untreated audio environments. Fine 688, Rhode podmic, shure MV7 are a few of my recommendations. Blue yeti, quadcast all that should be avoided.

If you are gaming, then get a dynamic mic as it is far better at not picking up typing noise or a washing machine. There is a reason basically all streamers and podcasters use a dynamic mic instead of a condenser one. Good budget ones are the audio technical ATR 2100x, Samsung Q2U, and Fifine K688 or AM8. I recommend listening to a youtube video to see what one you like the best.

The connector type really has no impact on the audio quality. There are some killer usb mics and some really bad XLR mics. I've done blind tests and no one can conclusively pick out whether a mic is usb or XLR. Since podcasts are generally rendered as mp3s, any subtle differences are mostly lost. My advice is to keep your set up as simple as possible. If you aren't recording in person with others, go with a good usb/XLR mic. The Shure MV7 is my #1 pick. In the budget range, you can my go wrong with the Samson Q2U or the FiFine K688.

That is insane. Try the Fifine k688. It is usb and xlr, dynamic mic, sounds great right out of the box, and is $60. Be smart, don't spend $800 on equipment for something that you don't even know if you like doing. It's just irrational and financially irresponsible.

I second this! I myself have also a fifine mic and the audio quality is so good it captures my voice perfectly! plus they're like 34 bucks with some discount rn on amazon but I got mine at around 20 bucks. At first, the cable it came with started to fail a month or so into getting the mic but it was no problem since i could just use another usb c to usb (or usb c to usb c) cable. It also comes with the plus of tapping the top of the mic to mute your mic and it shows you if you're unmuted or not with the rgb colors.

I use a Logitech C920 and the Fifine K688 for my mic. Any webcam can look great with proper lighting. Any mic can sound great with proper filters. You do NOT need to buy a shure like one try hard mentioned. In fact, do NOT go out buying super expensive things. You don't know yet if you're going to enjoy it. Some people try and find they aren't a fan and others stream and love it. Stream consistently for a year and then think about if you love it or not. Most people quit before hitting a year. 100%, down the road if you're loving it, spend the money on more expensive gear. But in the beginning, don't go spending too much. Best of luck on your streaming journey, I hope you succeed!

You're better off spending that money on a dynamic mic. A budget choice would be the FiFine K688. If you have the budget, the Shure MV7 is the best sounding usb mic I've heard. And as a podcast editor, I've heard most of them. Here's video where I compare those two against a Shure SM7B. https://youtu.be/8Y3nWLmwqNw Here's a video showing why condenser mics are not great choices for most podcasters. It compares a condenser to a dynamic mic. https://youtu.be/8h2LUw4_c-0

I second this. Started using it recently and have had friends mention my mic quality sounds so much better on and off stream

i second fifine. i have the K688 and it's great. you can get it bundled with the arm for around $60

I bought the Fifine AM8 quite a while back and still use it till this day. After watching multiple videos comparing microphones, I found the AM8 being the most faithful in reproducing a person's voice. Something like the Fifine K688 makes your voice sound deeper than it should.

Fifine k688 hands down. It's what I use, got it for $55 with a boom arm and I got it to sound fantastic!

If you want something more budget friendly, and have the ability to modify the sound a bit with a mixer of some sort. The Fifine K688 has been amazing IMO for like 60 bucks, you get an amazing mic that IMO sounds just as good as a Shure SM7B. Probably going to ruffle some feathers, but sound sample to sound sample. Someone that's just listening to the podcast wouldn't be able to tell the difference. An audiophile would 100% but just the normal listener, is never going to know.

The K688 is superior to any gaming headset mic and a good sounding mic for streaming. Tweak it with EQ, Expander, Limiter and more importantly, a Noise Gate so it doesn't pick up unwanted noise from your mechanical keyboard or when you tap/move the mic arm, which some people see as the K688's major downfall together with the USB connection hiss (use XLR). Edit: Audio test here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBCcN9n-oT0&t=308s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBCcN9n-oT0&t=308s)

I would recommend the Fifine K688. It's very affordable, sounds great, it's dynamic and cardioid so it's good at not picking up unwanted sounds, and it is usb/XLR. I have it and it works/sounds great. Cost me $60 on amazon

I think the Q2U is probably very slightly better. But the K688 is a smaller cone direction for the sensor so if you are kind of close, choose that one.

Yeah sure. You want to look for some USB ones since the XLR ones would require interface which adds more costs. Something like Audio Technica AT2020 USB ver. would be pretty good, but it may be above your budget. I personally just use a random Fifine set and it works pretty good. They are pretty affordable and sound great for how much they cost. Most of the time.

Happy to help there's several reviews on YouTube about it. I personally picked one up about 6 months ago and I've been really happy with it.

Upgraded to a fifine k688 from my headset mic. Cheep and it feels that way, but it's a great starter mic and beats out some expensive studio mics. Picked up mine with an arm for $85. I don't expect a lot from this starter, but at least I don't sound like I'm talking through a mic into a mic now