FIFINE AM8 Review: A Great Mic for Gamers and Podcasters

Having used the Fifine AM8 RGB microphone for an extended period, I felt compelled to provide a comprehensive review to help others determine whether this budget-friendly mic is worth their consideration. As someone searching for a suitable replacement for the microphone that accompanied my wireless headset, I stumbled upon the Fifine AM8 RGB and decided to try it.

Throughout my gaming sessions with friends on Discord, I had often noticed their superior audio quality and couldn’t help but yearn for a similar upgrade. However, I hesitated to invest significant money in an excessively expensive “professional-grade” studio microphone. Thus, the Fifine AM8 RGB seemed like an ideal compromise, offering both affordability and potential performance.

After extensively testing this microphone, I have been pleasantly surprised by several aspects, which have motivated me to provide a thorough evaluation and share my findings with all of you. In the following review, I will delve into the features, performance, and overall user experience of the Fifine AM8 RGB microphone, shedding light on its strengths and potential drawbacks.

Unboxing of FIFINE AM8

The Fifine AM8, a versatile and high-quality microphone, arrives packaged in a traditional retail box that immediately catches your attention with its striking design. Additionally, the package provides essential information about the microphone’s cutting-edge dual audio interfaces – USB Type-C and XLR – which further amplifies its appeal.

As you turn the box around, you’ll find yourself greeted by two more captivating photographs of the AM8 microphone, offering different angles and perspectives to admire its sleek and stylish design. Delving into the box’s contents, you’ll be pleased to find a USB Type-A to Type-C connection cable thoughtfully included by Fifine. It’s important to note that the box does not include an XLR cable alongside the microphone.

Design and Build

To begin with, one aspect that truly stood out to me about the AM8 microphone is its exceptional build quality. The careful attention to detail is evident in every aspect of its design. The bottom part of the microphone, which is made of plastic, contributes to its lightweight nature right out of the box. This thoughtful choice of materials ensures that the microphone is easy to handle and enhances its overall durability.

What impresses me the most about the design is the absence of any cheap or flimsy feel. When I held the microphone and gently squeezed it, it remained firm and sturdy without any flex or squeaking noises. The only exception to the all-black design is the frosted light ring at the bottom, which adds a touch of visual appeal while maintaining the microphone’s versatility to blend seamlessly into any environment.

Moreover, the AM8’s stands and base plate are constructed from robust metal, ensuring long-lasting stability. The metal threads on the included base instill confidence as they feel secure and unlikely to strip quickly. The side arches of the microphone, where you can adjust the angle to suit your preference, are made of a heavier metal that imparts a sense of reliability and durability.

One notable feature is the detachable base plate, which needs to be connected before use. Once the base plate is securely attached, the microphone gains a satisfying weight that provides stability on your desk. This added weight significantly reduces the chances of accidentally knocking it over, allowing you to focus on your work without distractions.

Controls

The control knobs for gain and headset level, located on the 3.5mm microphone connector, are perhaps the most noticeable aspects hinting a lower-quality experience. These adjustment knobs have a fragile and cheap feel and can be a little loose. However, once I have set the ideal level of mic gain, I don’t often find myself tinkering with these knobs. It’s worth mentioning that the level of quality in this aspect may not be the most impressive.

On the bright side, the compromise made in the quality of the knobs likely contributes to achieving a lower price point for the microphone. Additionally, a button just above the bottom lights allows you to change their colors. By pressing the symbol, you can toggle between RGB and single-color modes, and if you hold it down, the lights can be turned off altogether.

Moreover, the mute button is touch-sensitive, which has become increasingly popular recently. A quick and smooth press feels more satisfying than a toggleable button. The simplicity of use and the elimination of audio interruptions provided by this touch-sensitive mute option are considerably superior to a physical button that may introduce unwanted noises when pressed. The tactile experience of tapping the mute button and the ability to control the RGB lighting using the same touch button adds to the high-end feel of the microphone.

However, I do find the placement of the mute button somewhat peculiar. When the knob side of the microphone faces you, it becomes difficult to tell whether you are muted. This issue is compounded by the fact that the microphone cannot be easily rotated with the mounting solution. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your settings are correctly adjusted before using the microphone, as accessing either side of the microphone can be challenging.

Compatibility

As for using this microphone with a boom arm, it has already instilled a sense of confidence in me. I have no worries whatsoever about its weight being too burdensome for any boom arm I decided to pair it with. The universal thread sizes of 3/8″ and 5/8″ ensure compatibility with a wide range of mounts and stands. This versatility means I can use it seamlessly with practically any boom arm. Moreover, the base of the microphone effortlessly screws and unscrews to facilitate its attachment to a boom arm, making the setup process a breeze.

What I find particularly noteworthy about this microphone is its ability to be positioned at different angles simply by adjusting the side arms, regardless of whether I’m using the provided stand or a boom arm. This flexibility lets me fine-tune its positioning to suit my needs, ensuring optimal audio capture. While the recommended distance for the best sound quality is typically between 2 and 6 inches away from the microphone, it’s worth mentioning that this microphone possesses impressive sensitivity. Likely, people will still be able to hear me even from just a few inches away, depending on how I adjust the gain and sound levels, particularly if I tend to speak more softly.

Connectivity

The ability to connect to two different sources simultaneously greatly enhances the Fifine AM8’s adaptability. For example, you can send one signal to a streaming PC for handling audio streaming tasks while simultaneously using the other for podcasts or similar applications. This feature allows you more flexibility in utilizing the microphone, catering to various audio production needs. The USB Type-C connection also makes the AM8 compatible with PS4 and PS5, a great advantage for gamers. However, it is essential to note that the microphone is incompatible with the Xbox. While the focus is primarily on using the AM8 with a PC, it’s crucial to highlight this limitation before assuming its compatibility with any platform.

Currently, I am connecting the microphone using a Type-C to USB 3.0 cable to one of the USB ports on the top side of my PC case. The accompanying 6.5-foot Fifine-branded Type-C cable provided with the microphone is of sufficient length and quality to be used with the microphone stand. However, I have been considering getting a boom arm to enhance my setup.

Although I do not have any immediate plans or reasons to use professional recording equipment with this microphone, I find it intriguing to explore the possibilities of incorporating an audio mixer into my setup. It would be interesting to see how the AM8 performs in conjunction with an audio mixer, although it is not necessary for my current needs. However, if you want to upgrade from a standard microphone or the microphone that came with your headset, the Type-C connection offered by the AM8 is all you need. Once you place the microphone in its desired position, it will start working seamlessly, providing high-quality audio for your recordings or communications.

In-Game Communications

Regarding microphones, the design and build are undoubtedly essential factors to consider. However, what truly matters the most is the sound quality they deliver. Fortunately, this microphone excels in its features and functionality, making it a perfect choice for my regular usage. It is equipped with all the necessary attributes and offers the flexibility to be easily modified on the go, providing added convenience during use.

My voice came through loud and clear, ensuring my messages were conveyed without distortion or interference. While there was some background noise, it was not overpowering, especially when typing on my mechanical keyboard or playing games using a controller. Surprisingly, I didn’t have to adjust the microphone input settings for others to hear me. It’s worth noting, however, that the clarity of my voice transmission also depends on the microphone settings other players have configured in their respective games. Most games offer options to change volume levels and similar locations, but the microphone I used seamlessly captured my speech from the get-go without any difficulties.

Furthermore, all in-game conversations were audibly transmitted without the need for me to adjust my seating position relative to the microphone constantly. This was initially a concern, as I dreaded having to continually readjust my job to ensure my voice was picked up properly. Nevertheless, as long as the microphone settings we were correctly adjusted, and I took the time to ensure it captured my voice accurately, the microphone worked flawlessly.

Verdict of FIFINE AM8

Overall, I must commend Fifine for its exceptional manufacturing of the AM8 microphone. The FIFINE AM8 stands out as a great audio equipment, boasting many impressive features at an affordable price point. Equipped with an XLR connector, this microphone is incredibly easy to install, ensuring a hassle-free setup process. Furthermore, the stand offers several mounting options, allowing users to utilize third-party arms or brackets for added convenience and flexibility. Priced at $60.35, the Fifine AM8 microphone is undeniably a steal when considering its remarkable capabilities, surpassing many other microphones available in the market.

Its quick and straightforward plug-and-play functionality ensures seamless integration into any setup, complemented by its sleek and stylish design. The AM8’s aesthetics make it perfect for arrangements featuring an all-black theme with captivating RGB lighting. The only minor challenge is finding an appropriate location, as users may need to position themselves closer to the microphone for optimal sound capture.

The Fifine AM8 impresses with its touchless sensors, which seamlessly collaborate with the tap buttons and lighting adjustments, resulting in a truly user-friendly experience despite the materials not exhibiting a high-end feel. For individuals just embarking on their audio recording journey, the Fifine AmpliGame AM8 is a fantastic option, mainly if compatibility is a priority. Including both USB and XLR connectors provide a pathway to more professional audio interfaces. At the same time, the microphone’s straightforward design and controls ensure that users are not overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity. Ultimately, you cannot go wrong with the AmpliGame AM8, considering its remarkable value at its price point.

Read Also: Fifine K688 Dynamic Microphone $78.92 Price Deal.