It’s been a little while since my first Fifine microphone review, and I’m really happy to have been asked to look at a more premium model now with the K688. Designed to be more for the podcaster/content creator market, than it is for the gamer on team comms.
The K688 more premium, but somehow still a solid budget option for budding creators. So, how does it stack-up?
Here’s the ninjarefinery.com review
Unboxing and Setup
The K688 arrives in a standard cardboard box with everything you need to get started: the microphone itself, a shock mount, a 5/8″ to 3/8″ adapter, and a 2.5m USB-C cable. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to provide your own boom arm or stand, and an XLR cable if you plan on using that connection.
I get that the K688 is for the budding creator, but missing a desktop stand might be an issue for those just starting out. Not the end of the world, but certainly worth being mindful of.
Built to Last
The K688 cuts a sleek figure with its all-metal construction (I was sent the version in white and it looks fantastic!). The shock mount effectively isolates the microphone from vibrations, ensuring smooth, professional-sounding recordings. A metal mesh grille protects the microphone capsule, while a removable pop filter helps tame plosives and sibilance.
For added convenience, the K688 features a touch-sensitive mute button and two volume knobs for microphone gain and headphone output (USB connection only). The knobs offer a satisfying resistance for precise adjustments.
Feature Set
The K688 boasts a frequency response of 70 Hz to 15 kHz, perfectly suited for capturing vocals. While it won’t pick up sub-bass frequencies, that makes it ideal for voice recording. It records at 16-bit depth, which is standard for many USB microphones but may be outshined by some competitors offering 24-bit recording.
One of the K688’s biggest strengths is its versatility. It works flawlessly on all major operating systems, including Linux, and even boasts PS5 compatibility. The option to use either USB or XLR connections makes it adaptable to various setups, whether you prefer a simple plug-and-play USB connection or the flexibility of an XLR interface.
The K688 features a cardioid pickup pattern, focusing on sound directly in front of the microphone while minimizing noise from the sides and rear. This ensures your voice takes centre stage, even in less-than-ideal recording environments.
Sound Quality
The K688 delivers impressive audio quality. Fifine acknowledges the microphone’s slight emphasis on the 2 kHz range, which could potentially enhance plosives and sibilance. However, in our testing, these elements remained under control, resulting in clear, crisp vocals.
The microphone effectively isolates your voice from background noise, even in noisy environments. In our test with music playing in the background, the K688 kept background noise to a minimum, ensuring your voice remains the star of the show.
The Verdict: A Great Value for Creators
The Fifine K688 is a fantastic microphone for gamers, streamers, content creators. Its combination of premium build quality, versatile connection options, and clear, rich sound makes it a compelling choice. Whether you’re just starting or looking for a reliable upgrade, the Fifine K688 is definitely worth considering.
We love gear here at ninjarefinery.com and I’ve got to say, despite various microphone reviews over the years, I think Fifine have cracked the code on quality vs cost. The K688 is my daily driver now and I really do love it.
