Fifine we kind enough to send me their Audio Mixer, the Apligame SC3, for review a few weeks ago. I’ve been using this for about a month now, and I have a lot to say about this little gem!
With streaming and content creation being such a massive past time/side hustle for people these days, it’s really important to have as much control over our audio as possible. Doing this on-the-fly instead of having to swap between windows and adjust levels, is a must.
At its core, that’s exactly what you get with the Apligame SC3.
The FiFine AmpliGame SC3 is designed to be a space-efficient and functional audio mixer for desktop use.
Measuring 6.5 x 4.5 x 1.75 inches and weighing just 10.5 ounces, it occupies minimal desk space while providing a range of features for audio management. The device has a black or white plastic body with gray branding and includes that gamer-must, RGB lighting.
FiFine have given me a couple of opportunities to review their gear, and after the excellent K688 microphone, I’ve been really keen to get stuck-in here.
Design and Build Quality
Despite its lightweight nature, the SC3 is sturdily built. The design includes eight rubber buttons and four audio sliders, with additional buttons for quick muting of inputs and outputs. These buttons are illuminated for visibility. The top of the SC3 features branding and LED indicator bars that display active levels for inputs and outputs, which light up when adjustments are made.
Functionality
Left Side Buttons:
- 48V Button: Controls phantom power for XLR condenser microphones such as the FiFine K669C
- Electric Button: Surrounded by 12 LEDs, it cycles through 12 tone adjustments for the microphone input, similar to that of autotune pitching.
- Custom A and C Buttons: Allow for recording and playback of audio files up to 15 seconds in length, with all input options available for recording.
Right Side Buttons:
- Lighting Control Button: Cycles through five lighting modes (rainbow, breathing, marquee, colour-changing, and single static colour). A long press turns the lighting off and on.
- Change Voice Button: Offers six voice mutations (Male, Female, Robot, Monster, Baby, Elder). This feature is more of a novelty. The Ampligame SC3 has given me the opportunity to alter my voice in a group chat, on the go. It’s a novelty, for sure. But it is definitely fun
- Custom B and D Buttons: Similar to Custom A and C, for recording and playback.
Sliders and Additional Buttons:
- The four sliders correspond to Mic In, Line In, Headphone Monitor, and Line Out. Standard mixing desk controls here. Classic and effective.
- The bottom section includes four buttons, three for muting inputs and outputs, and one for muting audio to the microphone monitor output.
Connectivity
The Ampligame SC3 provides multiple connection options on the back:
- USB Type-C Interface: For connecting to a PC, Mac, or Android device, also providing power to the mixer. Absolutely a must in 2024, and it comes packaged with a USB-C cable that has a USB-A and USB-C adapter on the end, so you can connect however you need!
- Line Out and Line In Ports: For connecting to other devices or external speakers. I’ve been getting more use out of my 3.1 speaker set than ever before. The Ampligame SC3 has opened-up my options and given me flexibility here.
- Headphone Jack: For live monitoring of input audio.
- 3.5mm Jack and XLR Option: For connecting microphones or headsets, with a switch for dynamic and condenser microphones.
Performance
The Ampligame SC3 is a professional audio-engineer tool, and to expect that at the price point would be ridiculous. What I’ve found though, is that it’s a little work horse.
Adjusting audio on-the-fly, between playing a game, in a voice chat and streaming. Managing my audio has never been easier, and being able to monitor it all at the same time is great. It never skips a beat, and handles everything deftly.
Pricing and Value
Priced at £45, the FiFine AmpliGame SC3 is a budget-friendly option for those needing basic mixing capabilities with a physical control surface. It is easy to set up with plug-and-play functionality, requiring no additional software. This makes it a suitable entry-level mixer for users seeking flexibility with their audio inputs and controls.
Conclusion
The FIFINE AmpliGame SC3 provides a good entry-level audio mixing solution with a range of features and connectivity options.
It is odd that there’s no software to control it, giving more use of the 4 custom buttons. But it’s hardly a deal breaker. After all, another software package vying for resource isn’t high on my list of priorities.
Plugging in an XLR mic (thank you for the XLR cable, also, Fifine), pumping that phantom power and getting stuck into Elden Ring or Sea of Thieves in a voice chat, has never felt so easy.
This is a Highly Recommended from Ninja Refinery.
