By: Ronald Chow (Guest Editor)
September 27, 2024
Over the past few months, I found myself diving headfirst into the Chinese high fidelity audio products once again. The first time I did so was many years ago when I was looking for some budget earphones. Prior to the prevalence and convenience of Internet shopping, I was only able to access major brands that big box stores carried. On the off chance I traveled to a different country, I could explore some region-exclusive products. The major brands I was exposed to were typically good enough to satisfy my needs for a decent portable audio experience without breaking the bank. Fast forward a couple of years, many Chinese brands have since sprouted up, delivering incredible in-ear monitors on paper at prices that make you double take. Their products are often a fraction of the price of what a major-brand IEM would go for, while claiming features and sound quality that might knock my socks off. Although I did have some prior misses, my recent purchases of these Chi-Fi products have left me with a good impression. I was quite satisfied with the sound quality delivered, ranging from low-budget ones that were under ten dollars to mid-range IEMs at the hundred-dollar range. Today, we have the K688 XLR/USB dynamic microphone from FIFINE. Similar to the earphones I have tried, FIFINE is a brand from China. They started in 2015 by producing budget friendly microphones that sought to exceed the performance of its price point. Let us dive in to see if the K688 can also deliver an experience beyond what the price might suggest.
Our review unit was sent out through Amazon’s courier services in a recyclable, brown paper mailer. Despite the minimal packaging protection, it arrived at our APH Network offices in Calgary, Alberta in very good condition. The red and black box for the FIFINE microphone only sustained a small bruise on one of its corners that might not even have been from this shipment. The excellent box condition could be more greatly attributed to the care of the delivery driver.
The front of the box prominently displays the microphone. On the top left is the FIFINE logo, and bottom right has a stylized font indicating it is the K688 XLR/USB dynamic podcast microphone. On the left, three icons with text highlight “better voice reproduction” and the USB-C and XLR connections the K688 offers. Around the sides of the box, there is a list of the package contents, more key features, and manufacturer information.
Below are the detailed product specifications from FIFINE’s website:
Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Output Connection: USB type-C (mic end) to type-A 2.0 (computer end)/XLR
USB Power Consumption: Voltage: 5±0.25 V
Current: 86 mA
Bit Depth/Sample Rate: 16-bit/44.1k-48k Hz
Frequency Response: 70-15k Hz
S/N Ratio: ＞75 dB
Max. SPL: 130 dB
Sensitivity: -58±3dB
Adjustable Gain Range: 0 to +12 dB
Shipping Weight: 1.0 kg
Out of the box, the microphone is packaged in a closed-cell foam cushioning. The shock mount is pre-installed on the microphone. There is a 2.5m USB Type-C to USB Type-A Cable, 3/8” to 5/8” aluminum threaded adapter, and a simple user manual. To use this microphone properly, you will need to provide your own mount or stand. An XLR cable is not included either.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware
3. Recording Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
