@DaveSoltura I love how technical you are and also there aren't that many people out there creating content on budget mics. I respect that. Love as always dave.
I am perplexed as to why you have not yet reached at least one million subscribers. Your videos are truly exceptional, some of the best I have encountered. Excellent video, I have now subscribed.
I still have FiFine AM8 (got it on Amazon website while for sale) & it's a excellent microphone. It's for anyone who can't afford to buy premium/budget microphones like Samson Q9U, Shure MV7+, Rode PodMic USB, Maono PD400x. Excellent video, D.S.
really can't decide which mic to get, i only stream and games so i don't record anything, but i don't want the people i'm playing with or the audience hear my keyboard, dogs, etc in the background, which do you recommend ?
How do I know if I have a defective microphone? My voice can barely be heard if I’m more than 2 inches away from it and taping on my boom arm or base of the mic causes a lot of noise
What interfaces do you recommend for AM8? I own this mic but find in USB mode the gain to be too low for my needs. I don't have any experience with interfaces. Furthermore, I want to improve the sound quality if possible by using XLR, but without having to use any additional software or playing around with settings. I only ever use the mic for meetings.
Hey @Davesoltura Subbed btw , Do you still the the AM8 in your opinion is better then k688? I seen your video comparing them but then I noticed that the K688 was upgraded. Is this Am8 still the go to choice? OR what is your opinion on this?
I’m wondering if this is a good upgrade from the a8 that I have. The a8 has a lot of background noise with fans and stuff that I have but maybe this will solve that?
hello ! ive been watching a lot of your comparrison videos, and i was wondering if you had the amazon link for the fifine k688 white mic that youre using in the video ! ive been looking to purchase it but i dont want to accidentally buy the 2022 version instead of the 2023 version that works better with usb-c which is what i will primarily be using
Dynamic mics never did have noise cancellation. It's their nature because of the pickup pattern and low sensitivity to be able to reject too much background noise and just to focus on your voice. Hence, noise rejection and not cancellation (difference is there is noise still but very very minimal compared to condenser mics). Don't be confused with this one brother
I bought this mic recently after watching your reviews but unfortunately it’s picking up some interference and I can’t tell where it’s from . I tried changing the usb cable and moved it around in my desk and it was of no help . Is there anything you suggest ? Also I’ve raised it with fifine and got no response.
@@DhineshBabu89 Sorry you’re dealing with that static issue on your Fifine AM8! Since you’ve already swapped cables and reached out to Fifine with no luck, here are a few other things you can try: 1) Double-check connections - Even with new cables, make sure everything’s plugged in tight. A loose connection can still cause static. 2) Switch USB ports - Sometimes the port itself can be the problem. Try using a different one just to rule it out. 3) Move devices away - Phones, routers, or anything wireless could be interfering with the signal, so keep those away from the mic and cables. 4) Test on another device - If you can, plug the mic into another computer or setup. It’ll help figure out if it’s the mic or something else in your setup. Since you haven’t heard back from Fifine yet, hopefully, one of these works! All the best!
@@DhineshBabu89 led lights can cause RF noise due to how they're powered. try moving the lights away from the mic or turn them off and see if there's still noise in your signal
Hello! Great video as always 🎉 I just got the Am8 and for some reason it does work but there's these weird noises that it does when I record, im using usb connection btw, i think it's somehow connected to what you mentioned abt their usb cable. How do i fix this? Or are there any alternatives? Thank you!
1. If included cable doesn’t work, try a higher res usb 3.0 cable. Most smartphones come with them. 2. Could be static from nearby devices like phones. 3. Try plugging it into a different port. 4. Note that the noise in your environment may be a factor.
Planning on buying the AM8 for the bf, I got the k688 watching your videos and was so bothered by the dodgy USB cable T^T oddly enough, I went to a thrift store and found a fifine A6V microphone and took the USB cable from that (I bought the microphone, don't worry, not just stealing USB cables lol). Like magic the sound quality shot up, not by much but definitely a notable difference to me. Hoping the Am8 treats him well with a perfect USB on the first try~!
love the video comparison. I have a question regarding the headphone jack. How good would you say the amp for the headphone is? I'm using a pair of iems, and is currently using a 10 dollars apple usb c dongle with them
Hey, Naomi! They reached out to me because I was reviewing microphones. I had a couple of in-depth mic and audio interface reviews before they reached out. You've got an incredible message, content, music, and dedicated following. I think you could do a product review, or maybe a product-review segment in one of your videos. This way, sponsors get an idea of how you might showcase their product. It's also easier to get sponsored for something you would actually use and genuinely endorse. All the best, and God bless you!
More expensive = better quality , ngl the tank 3 is crystal clear its hella good but the am8 is good for its price you don’t find a good mic with that price the am8 is clear too but not like the tank 3
hey i just recently got my new fifine AM8 black, using it with the included USB cable, everything in windows system is set to 100%, i do not sound like robot tho, my gain on microphone is set to 50-60% but i feel like im still quiet? should i use another better quality USB-C to USB 3.2 cable? or how much % my gain should be?
@@DaveSoltura im about 10-15 centimeters away from microphone, maybe i have quiet voice but when speaking it peaks about to -20dB in OBS when on 100% gain, i literally have to touch the microphone with my lips to get it to -6dB I will get an audio interface tho thanks for the tip, one of the main reasons i bought fifine is because of USB and XLR, with the XLR upgrade to the future, my question is if it is normal to have really high (above ~60%) gain on USB mode
@@DaveSoltura Alright thank you very much, i have set it to about 75%, and it is not a bad idea to set it to 100% gain from time to time right? i dont feel and hear like its distorting my voice or its clipping, peaking at very high I will be looking into getting an Audio Interface and will check other videos, thank you
Mauno PD 200X Kit is at a heavy Discount of $20 than Fifine AM8 Price right now (06th October 2024). I think PD200X will be a Better Option. I Didn't Find Any Major Differences Between these Two Mic.
I have serious problems with the gain on the Am8 fifine microphone, even at 100% it is low, at 50% it is not enough. I have read many comments about the same thing. I have ordered 3 different ones and it happens to me with all 3, so it is not a question of defective units. I don't understand what could happen, but not even being 3 centimeters away. What could be the problem? AMD processor? something about windows? possibilities to try to fix it?
It’s a dynamic mic, so it’s generally less sensitive than condensers. This is also how the Shure SM7b behaves. It needs a lot of gain. Generally, you could speak louder, or speak closer. There is a big difference in perceived volume if your distance is 1 cm or 3 cm. If you really need to speak far, an interface like the Presonus Quantum ES2, Focusrite Vocaster 2, or Lewitt Connect 2 would be great for boosting gain by a lot.
@@DaveSoltura But the instructions say that a gain of 30% is recommended and up to a maximum of 15 centimeters, if you set that gain and speak at 10 centimeters, nothing is heard, a thread of voice, at 5 centimeters almost nothing. The microphone only starts to work at 50% and placing you at a maximum of 5 centimeters, and that for a very very low voice volume, the minimum almost perceptible. I have tried all the basic configurations that are recommended as a solution in Windows and nothing. I would like to know if the same thing really happens to everyone with this microphone, but I doubt that putting a gain of 50-60% at less than 5 centimeters from the microphone will sound low. Is this normal you say? Thx for the answer anyway.
@@truefootball_esp Those are the instructions, and perhaps they want the noise floor to be low, while you're audible. But from a real-world experience standpoint, really boosting the gain to up to 100% and finding a sweet spot with distance will be enough. The AM8, in reality, still has plenty of gain for most people, even in USB mode. Check out this video: th-cam.com/video/ONOu-BwaafI/w-d-xo.html
@@DaveSoltura Idk I just got one of these today, I literally have to put it on max gain, and scream into it whilst basically eating it to hit -5db..? at 5 inches whilst talking loudly with the gain knob to max i have to really force my voice to even hit orange in OBS, I can't sit here screaming in my apartment... In the windows 11 test, I can speak at 5 inches and it tells me I'm using 5-10% volume. I feel like we've been had by all these glowing reviews.
@@48deej I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. This shouldn’t be the case. In my mic booster video, the gain was left “as is” and seemed more than sufficient. While it’s possible that a current batch has sub-standard units, I recommend reaching out to them for support. You could also try raising the input levels on Windows itself.
I don't like how it's sounds. Kind of muffled and congested. and sensitivity is not so best. It's so tough to be careful if I am talking very close or moving bit left or right while sitting on my desk. As I plan to make tutorial this is no good for me. I will buy fifine k678. It sounds much clearer. I know these 2 different things. but k678 has sn ratio of 85 dB sold me.
The quality of the videos doesnt match up with the subscriber count, you deserve so much more, subscribed instantly!
@@smartjunayd Thank you!
Get this man to 100k subs he deserves it. Great vid as always
@@BudgetTechBandit Thank you for the support!🙏🏻
@DaveSoltura I love how technical you are and also there aren't that many people out there creating content on budget mics. I respect that. Love as always dave.
True, such an underrated channel .
Agree. I'm very new to this and doing some research before buying my very first mic. Have learned quite a bit from just a few of his videos.
For real 🎉
How does bro only have 4.73k this content is literally so good
Right. I just subscribed
WAIT I thought u had 603 K subs! not 6.03k as of now after reading some comments. Very high quality videos! More deserved!
I am perplexed as to why you have not yet reached at least one million subscribers. Your videos are truly exceptional, some of the best I have encountered. Excellent video, I have now subscribed.
Thank you for the kind words, and for the sub!🙏🏼
A super star review as always man. Keep up the fantastic work.
@@BacktotheRetroReview Thank you so much, Kevin!🙏🏻
@DaveSoltura Dave since you are in a different country are you able to get your hands on the fifine tank 1 and/or the fifine k726?
@@BacktotheRetroReview I still have some pending videos for Fifine, so I'll ask them once I've published those videos! The Tank 1 looks amazing!
@DaveSoltura it really does.... I need that to come to the states so bad.
Sounds awesome. Mine should arrive soon.
Is it necessary to do a VS between the White K688 and the White AM8?
Nice, and what about AM8 vs Maono PD100X? The Maono link software and the noise reduction feature seems nice. What do you think?
For Zoom, Google Meet, etc
I think it might, since they have both been upgraded, and you did a comparison between the older ones
Yes! Stormtrooper battle.
I think you should as well as maybe compare both plugged into different audio interfaces including theirs.
the video quality of this guy is very great. really good content too.
why bro is so underrated.
Great review!! I LOVE the sound of this mic. Wish it had a smaller form factor, but still sounds great right out of the box!
Sounding great out of the box seems to be Fifine’s thing!
@@DaveSoltura
Indeed!
Did not know how desperately a shaver test was needed for these, now I know that they are essential. You remind me a lot of Jeff Goldblum.
Hi dave just bought that white version of am8 because of your suggestion. Thank you! Just waiting for lazada to book it. Haha
@@JemGarcia24 Congrats!! I think you’ll dig it!
Do you have any extra filters added onto the mic?
I still have FiFine AM8 (got it on Amazon website while for sale) & it's a excellent microphone. It's for anyone who can't afford to buy premium/budget microphones like Samson Q9U, Shure MV7+, Rode PodMic USB, Maono PD400x. Excellent video, D.S.
@@RetroBigCat75 It really is that good!
Hi Dave, does your AM8 have the headphone knob loose? Mine works ok but it feels like is broken.
A shock mount would be nice for this to reduce Vibrations.
i guess you would have to 3d print it since no shock mount fits
really can't decide which mic to get, i only stream and games so i don't record anything, but i don't want the people i'm playing with or the audience hear my keyboard, dogs, etc in the background, which do you recommend ?
now, i am confused whether to buy the AM8 white or the Maono DM30
I will basically use it for online meetings, slight gaming and sometimes singing.
Does the black am8 still come with the old USB C?
good question. wanna know that too!
How do I know if I have a defective microphone? My voice can barely be heard if I’m more than 2 inches away from it and taping on my boom arm or base of the mic causes a lot of noise
When I say it causes it to make a lot of noise, I mean the tapes are louder than my voice, xlr and usb c mode won’t change it
how come my AM8 mic kinda has "noise cancellation" when it should not... how can I configure this? ( it noise cancels my guitar while i sing )
Have you tried turning up the mic gain?
I have a question about how you can improve the audio with an application so that it sounds on the entire PC and not just in obs.
What interfaces do you recommend for AM8? I own this mic but find in USB mode the gain to be too low for my needs. I don't have any experience with interfaces. Furthermore, I want to improve the sound quality if possible by using XLR, but without having to use any additional software or playing around with settings. I only ever use the mic for meetings.
Hey @Davesoltura Subbed btw , Do you still the the AM8 in your opinion is better then k688? I seen your video comparing them but then I noticed that the K688 was upgraded. Is this Am8 still the go to choice? OR what is your opinion on this?
I’m wondering if this is a good upgrade from the a8 that I have. The a8 has a lot of background noise with fans and stuff that I have but maybe this will solve that?
Not an "upgrade' but a cross-grade. The A8 sounds nice. But yes, this will help with fans. They'll likely still be a audible, but less distracting.
@ hm ok. Make sense I guess. I might get it not 100% sure yet. Sounds great
Updated K688 vs Updated AM8?
hello ! ive been watching a lot of your comparrison videos, and i was wondering if you had the amazon link for the fifine k688 white mic that youre using in the video ! ive been looking to purchase it but i dont want to accidentally buy the 2022 version instead of the 2023 version that works better with usb-c which is what i will primarily be using
Maono PD100X or FIFINE AM8??
Do you think AM8 is the best USB option overall?
so it doesn't have a noise cancellation?
Dynamic mics never did have noise cancellation. It's their nature because of the pickup pattern and low sensitivity to be able to reject too much background noise and just to focus on your voice. Hence, noise rejection and not cancellation (difference is there is noise still but very very minimal compared to condenser mics). Don't be confused with this one brother
Hi, does the k688 come with any stand?
(edit) For the newer box i think it is not include tri pod anymore.
I bought this mic recently after watching your reviews but unfortunately it’s picking up some interference and I can’t tell where it’s from . I tried changing the usb cable and moved it around in my desk and it was of no help . Is there anything you suggest ? Also I’ve raised it with fifine and got no response.
@@DhineshBabu89 Sorry you’re dealing with that static issue on your Fifine AM8! Since you’ve already swapped cables and reached out to Fifine with no luck, here are a few other things you can try:
1) Double-check connections - Even with new cables, make sure everything’s plugged in tight. A loose connection can still cause static.
2) Switch USB ports - Sometimes the port itself can be the problem. Try using a different one just to rule it out.
3) Move devices away - Phones, routers, or anything wireless could be interfering with the signal, so keep those away from the mic and cables.
4) Test on another device - If you can, plug the mic into another computer or setup. It’ll help figure out if it’s the mic or something else in your setup.
Since you haven’t heard back from Fifine yet, hopefully, one of these works! All the best!
I've had this issue before with led lights near a mic. Might be worth checking
@@-despair I'm not sure what I'm looking for in the LED can you tell me what I should do ?
@@DhineshBabu89 led lights can cause RF noise due to how they're powered. try moving the lights away from the mic or turn them off and see if there's still noise in your signal
Hello! Great video as always 🎉
I just got the Am8 and for some reason it does work but there's these weird noises that it does when I record, im using usb connection btw, i think it's somehow connected to what you mentioned abt their usb cable.
How do i fix this? Or are there any alternatives?
Thank you!
1. If included cable doesn’t work, try a higher res usb 3.0 cable. Most smartphones come with them.
2. Could be static from nearby devices like phones.
3. Try plugging it into a different port.
4. Note that the noise in your environment may be a factor.
@DaveSoltura thank u so much! I'll try these suggestions out. :))
I prefer the white color, but I think in a stream the black one looks better and doesnt reflect as much light into the camera
Choose which you like!
so it's the same except color?
Planning on buying the AM8 for the bf, I got the k688 watching your videos and was so bothered by the dodgy USB cable T^T oddly enough, I went to a thrift store and found a fifine A6V microphone and took the USB cable from that (I bought the microphone, don't worry, not just stealing USB cables lol). Like magic the sound quality shot up, not by much but definitely a notable difference to me. Hoping the Am8 treats him well with a perfect USB on the first try~!
Now I know why my mic vol sound so low. I set the gain so low :')
This or Fifine Tank 3?
love the video comparison. I have a question regarding the headphone jack. How good would you say the amp for the headphone is? I'm using a pair of iems, and is currently using a 10 dollars apple usb c dongle with them
Thank you! I’d say they get the job done for monitoring. Should be good enough for low impedance iems, just to hear yourself loudly.
Hey, I reached out to see about sponsorship with fifine and maono. How did you originally get in contact with them for sponsorship? Any tips?
Hey, Naomi! They reached out to me because I was reviewing microphones. I had a couple of in-depth mic and audio interface reviews before they reached out. You've got an incredible message, content, music, and dedicated following. I think you could do a product review, or maybe a product-review segment in one of your videos. This way, sponsors get an idea of how you might showcase their product. It's also easier to get sponsored for something you would actually use and genuinely endorse. All the best, and God bless you!
Where is your boom arm from?
Fifine BM88
hey dave, would you say this is better than the "new" k668? or do they just differ in sound signature?
@@asddfjkkl they just differ :)
@@DaveSoltura man these 2 sure make me undecisive as hell 😂 now i want a "new" VS video of these two... 👀
idk but i feel like the old version is more deeper in tone
Hey Dave Soltura can you make a video about the FIFINE T669 PRO 2 microphone pls
Is this better than the Tank 3?
More expensive = better quality , ngl the tank 3 is crystal clear its hella good but the am8 is good for its price you don’t find a good mic with that price the am8 is clear too but not like the tank 3
Dave is there a chance for you to review the Fifine AM8 with a Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen with air mode feature?
I'm not sure I'd do that, but the AM8 already sounds pretty good out of the box. Air mode would only be a preference. :)
Bro there are brown boxes and purple boxes of fifine products. Are those fake?
hey i just recently got my new fifine AM8 black, using it with the included USB cable, everything in windows system is set to 100%, i do not sound like robot tho, my gain on microphone is set to 50-60% but i feel like im still quiet? should i use another better quality USB-C to USB 3.2 cable? or how much % my gain should be?
Get really close to the mic! If you really need more gain, check out my “LOUDEST audio interface” video. :)
@@DaveSoltura im about 10-15 centimeters away from microphone, maybe i have quiet voice but when speaking it peaks about to -20dB in OBS when on 100% gain, i literally have to touch the microphone with my lips to get it to -6dB
I will get an audio interface tho thanks for the tip, one of the main reasons i bought fifine is because of USB and XLR, with the XLR upgrade to the future, my question is if it is normal to have really high (above ~60%) gain on USB mode
@@kocicky8 Yes, it’s normal. The preamps aren’t very loud.
@@DaveSoltura Alright thank you very much, i have set it to about 75%, and it is not a bad idea to set it to 100% gain from time to time right? i dont feel and hear like its distorting my voice or its clipping, peaking at very high
I will be looking into getting an Audio Interface and will check other videos, thank you
Mauno PD 200X Kit is at a heavy Discount of $20 than Fifine AM8 Price right now (06th October 2024). I think PD200X will be a Better Option. I Didn't Find Any Major Differences Between these Two Mic.
I have serious problems with the gain on the Am8 fifine microphone, even at 100% it is low, at 50% it is not enough.
I have read many comments about the same thing. I have ordered 3 different ones and it happens to me with all 3, so it is not a question of defective units.
I don't understand what could happen, but not even being 3 centimeters away. What could be the problem? AMD processor? something about windows? possibilities to try to fix it?
It’s a dynamic mic, so it’s generally less sensitive than condensers. This is also how the Shure SM7b behaves. It needs a lot of gain. Generally, you could speak louder, or speak closer. There is a big difference in perceived volume if your distance is 1 cm or 3 cm.
If you really need to speak far, an interface like the Presonus Quantum ES2, Focusrite Vocaster 2, or Lewitt Connect 2 would be great for boosting gain by a lot.
@@DaveSoltura But the instructions say that a gain of 30% is recommended and up to a maximum of 15 centimeters, if you set that gain and speak at 10 centimeters, nothing is heard, a thread of voice, at 5 centimeters almost nothing.
The microphone only starts to work at 50% and placing you at a maximum of 5 centimeters, and that for a very very low voice volume, the minimum almost perceptible.
I have tried all the basic configurations that are recommended as a solution in Windows and nothing.
I would like to know if the same thing really happens to everyone with this microphone, but I doubt that putting a gain of 50-60% at less than 5 centimeters from the microphone will sound low. Is this normal you say?
Thx for the answer anyway.
@@truefootball_esp Those are the instructions, and perhaps they want the noise floor to be low, while you're audible.
But from a real-world experience standpoint, really boosting the gain to up to 100% and finding a sweet spot with distance will be enough.
The AM8, in reality, still has plenty of gain for most people, even in USB mode. Check out this video:
th-cam.com/video/ONOu-BwaafI/w-d-xo.html
@@DaveSoltura Idk I just got one of these today, I literally have to put it on max gain, and scream into it whilst basically eating it to hit -5db..? at 5 inches whilst talking loudly with the gain knob to max i have to really force my voice to even hit orange in OBS, I can't sit here screaming in my apartment... In the windows 11 test, I can speak at 5 inches and it tells me I'm using 5-10% volume. I feel like we've been had by all these glowing reviews.
@@48deej I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. This shouldn’t be the case. In my mic booster video, the gain was left “as is” and seemed more than sufficient. While it’s possible that a current batch has sub-standard units, I recommend reaching out to them for support. You could also try raising the input levels on Windows itself.
U got so many mics can i get one of the old ones :(
What microphone's kind/model do you recommend for a space with a lot of resonance ? A just need for meetings.
Your videos are amazing. Thanks
The AM8 is great for that! But you have to bring it close to your mouth to minimize room resonance.
8:32 thats asmr
we do not even have AM8 in our country, the thing we have is TAM8 and it's like 110$ (what the hack), I'm in Europe btw.
This one includes the BM88 microphone arm that's why it is 110. The arm is worth it though
@@xDesultoryAE that doesn't seem to be mentioned there but yeah that would be a decent price in that case!
@@kukysgod Yes, I ordered the AM8 with the BM88 arm online and the packaging is called TAM8 when I received it.
optimum of microphones
I don't like how it's sounds. Kind of muffled and congested. and sensitivity is not so best. It's so tough to be careful if I am talking very close or moving bit left or right while sitting on my desk. As I plan to make tutorial this is no good for me.
I will buy fifine k678. It sounds much clearer. I know these 2 different things. but k678 has sn ratio of 85 dB sold me.
@@IrtezaMasud That’s valid! Make sure to have a bit of acoustic treatment
wait its not FEE FINE?
@@hennwei Nope!
@@DaveSoltura mind blownnnn
Finefine 😂
I know, right? They told me it’s the official pronunciation. 😀
he keeps saying FINEFINE on all his videos
@@gentidauti01 Thanks! They advised it’s the official pronunciation. :)
@@DaveSoltura they are .. then
He keeps saying finefine 😂
bro its FIfine not finefine
I have also got Fifine AM8 in white 🤍 it looks great.
hoping the cord that comes with my unit works fine, if not would any cord that supports data transfer work?