This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan. FIFINE provided the K688 for this review; the opinions are my own.
Quick take
The FIFINE K688 is a dynamic microphone that works over USB or XLR. Plugged straight into a Mac over USB, it recorded remarkably clean audio with almost no noise, and it also worked plugged directly into an iPhone. With headphone monitoring, gain control and a touch mute built in, it covers what most beginners need without a separate audio interface.
What I tested
- FIFINE K688, over both XLR and USB (Mac and iPhone)
- Shure BETA58A, a classic vocal dynamic mic I have used for years
- Sennheiser MKE600, the shotgun mic I normally record with, as a reference
What I found
- The body is metal and feels well made. The mic sits in a shock mount, which helps with handling noise. The pickup pattern is cardioid (not supercardioid).
- The lower knob sets mic gain and the upper knob sets headphone volume. Over XLR the knobs did nothing; they work over USB.
- Played through a speaker, the BETA58A gave more bass. The K688 has a thick foam cover, so the capsule sits a little further from the source.
- Noise was very low even with the gain turned up. The BETA58A was slightly quieter still, but for game streaming or video the K688 is more than fine, and light noise reduction removes the rest.
- Recorded directly over USB at about 70% gain, the sound was very clear. I held it in my hand and moved a little, and no handling noise came through.
- It also worked plugged straight into an iPhone, so it can be used for live streaming from a phone.
- A light touch on the top toggles mute, with a green/red light.
- The included USB cable has an attached USB-A adapter, which I found handy.
The three mics
| FIFINE K688 | Shure BETA58A | Sennheiser MKE600 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price in Japan (at the time of recording) | ¥10,049 | more than twice the K688 | ¥31,185 |
| Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Condenser (shotgun) |
Who it’s for
- Anyone buying a first microphone for videos, streaming or calls
- People who want to plug a mic into a computer or iPhone without buying an audio interface
- Not ideal if you mainly record narration or vocals and want the more detailed sound of a condenser mic
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese, but the sound comparisons speak for themselves: 05:40 comparison through a speaker, 11:00 the K688 recorded directly over USB.
Limitations
These are listening tests in my own room, not lab measurements. The speaker comparison also depends on the speaker used. FIFINE provided the microphone. Prices are Amazon Japan’s at the time of recording.
Products
FIFINE K688 (USB/XLR dynamic microphone): on Amazon Japan
Shure BETA58A: on Amazon Japan
Sennheiser MKE600: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Earbuds, Speakers & Audio (35) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.