Introduction
Hey there, I'm Brandon from the Darkened Cyrus YouTube channel, and today, we're diving into the FIFINE K669C, a condenser microphone that's been turning heads with its budget-friendly price and XLR-only connectivity. In this blog post, I'll walk you through my experience with the K669C, compare it to other microphones, and help you decide if it's the right choice for your podcast or content creation setup.
Getting to Know the FIFINE K669C
First things first, let's talk about what you get in the box. The FIFINE K669C keeps it simple, containing just two components: the microphone itself and its stand. It's worth noting that this microphone operates solely through an XLR connection, which means you'll need an audio interface to use it. Now, what's got everyone talking is the price – an astonishingly low $36.
Comparing the Contenders
To truly gauge the K669C's performance, I decided to pit it against two other microphones: the Mayono USB microphone and the FIFINE K690, a higher-end USB condenser microphone boasting multiple polar patterns. All three microphones were plugged into the FIFINE SC3 amplifier for a fair comparison.
The Sound Test: Reading "The Art of War"
For consistency, I conducted sound tests by reading an excerpt from Sun Tzu's "The Art of War." I placed all three microphones on their respective stands on a table and ran the tests one after the other. You can get the raw files to listen for yourself here. (Google Drive Link)
Sound Test Results
After carefully listening to the recorded samples, here are my thoughts on how each microphone performed:
Shure SM7B: The SM7B, a dynamic microphone, is in a league of its own. Its unique sound profile sets it apart from condenser microphones due to its dynamic nature.
Maono PM461: Despite its modest $20 price tag, the Maono microphone delivered pleasant sound quality with well-balanced audio. However, I did notice that the highs were slightly pronounced, and the bass had a somewhat unusual quality.
FIFINE K690 (USB): The K690, a USB condenser microphone, offers versatility with its multiple polar patterns. However, I felt that the sound was somewhat compressed, lacking the same high-end presence as XLR microphones.
FIFINE K669C (XLR): The K669C, priced at just $36, left a strong impression with its out-of-the-box EQ settings. It struck a good balance with the highs, avoiding excessive bass, making it a versatile choice for various speakers.
Conclusion
In my review, the FIFINE K669C proves to be a standout choice for those seeking an affordable XLR condenser microphone. Despite its budget-friendly price, it delivered impressive audio quality that even outshone some USB microphones in the same price bracket. If you're a content creator on a budget with access to an audio interface, the K669C could be a fantastic addition to your setup.
Remember, microphone choice can be subjective, depending on your specific needs and preferences. If you're considering the K669C, I highly recommend checking out the raw audio files on my website. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether this microphone aligns with your requirements.
Ultimately, the FIFINE K669C demonstrates that quality audio doesn't have to break the bank, making it an enticing option for budget-conscious podcasters and content creators.