PC & Console Peripherals

FiFine K678 microphone in test: The cheaper Yeti?

FiFine’s K678 is a compact, high-quality USB microphone that looks a lot like the popular Yeti Nano from Blue Microphone (our review), but is only half the price. What the differences are and what the mic has up its sleeve, clarifies our FiFine K678 test.

Technical data

Model: K678
Microphone type: Dynamic
Sampling Rate: 16bit; 48kHz
Frequency: 40 Hz – 20,000 Hz
Characteristic: Cardioid (cardioid characteristic)
Connectors: Micro USB; 3.5mm jack
Sensitivity: -45 dB ± 3 dB at 1KHz (1V/Pa)
Size (diameter x length): 58 mm x 207 mm
Weight: 708g (without cable) including stand;
420g (without cable) without stand
Color: Black
Scope of delivery: K678; Micro USB to USB-A cable; 5/8 inch to 3/8 inch adapter; manual
Price: € 14.90 *

Scope of delivery

The FiFine K678 comes in a fairly compact square box. The simple, white and red packaging design is a testament to the fact that the manufacturer has focused on the essentials when it comes to the USB microphone. The packaging weighs more than a decent amount, and we are curious to see what awaits us inside.

When we open the box, we are immediately greeted by the user manual, underneath which is a foam cover that holds the three components of the scope of delivery securely in place. On the top left, the manufacturer includes a 5/8 inch to 3/8 inch adapter. First downer: Since it, like the other components, rests in a huge foam cover, but only turns out to be relatively short, it slips down deeply. In our case, we had to help the adapter out of its protective sleeve with a pair of pliers. Not too bad.

Next to it is a small box that houses the long micro-USB to USB-A cable. However, we are excited to see the microphone itself, which takes up most of the box with its metal stand.

Design and workmanship

After our initial annoyance with the wedged adapter, we begin our examination of the hardware. Visually, the FiFine K678 strongly resembles the popular Blue Yeti microphone and turns out quite compact. It is about 20.7 cm high in combination with the stand and about 12 cm deep. This means that the microphone can easily fit even on small desks.

The said stand is triangular, but relies on rounded edges. Praiseworthy: There are a total of five rubber feet on the bottom, thanks to which the K678 finds a secure hold even on slippery surfaces. The detachable stand is connected to the actual microphone via two screws. The stand and microphone are made of high-quality metal and combined weigh a whopping 708 grams.

We really liked the build quality. Despite the comparatively low price, everything on the FiFine K678 looks like it was cast from a single mold; fortunately, we didn’t find any gaps or sharp edges.

On the front, below the manufacturer’s logo, there is an LED indicator that glows green when the microphone is activated and red when it is muted. A mute button is positioned underneath. On the back are two knobs that allow us to separately adjust the volume of the microphone (gain), or the volume of a connected headphone or headset.

On the bottom is the connector for the USB cable, which is necessary for operation. In the middle we find a 3/8 inch threaded connector for connection to an optional microphone boom, as well as a 3.5 mm jack connector for use with headphones that can serve as a microphone monitor.

The honeycomb pattern of the microphone head, which takes up the upper third of the K678, also leaves an excellent and valuable impression. Unfortunately, manufacturer FiFine does not include an integrated pop filter. We also liked the adjustment screws, which allow for optimal positioning of the microphone without the device wobbling. All in all, the FiFine K678 feels much higher quality than we would have expected for the price. Outstanding!

Practical test and audio quality

Thanks to plug and play connectivity, the FiFine K678 is ready to go in seconds. Simply connect the included cable to your PC or notebook and the microphone is recognized and set up. Under Windows 10, the volume level is directly set to 91 percent, as well as the maximum possible quality of 16-bit and 48kHz preset, so you can theoretically get started right away without fine-tuning.

The K678 relies on a cardioid recording pattern and therefore picks up the voice well especially when you are directly in front of the microphone. According to the manufacturer, the ideal distance is around 15-20 centimeters, although 50 cm and more were also easily possible in our test without causing unsightly reverberation effects.

FiFine K678

Covering a frequency range of 40 Hz – 20,000 Hz and with a microphone sensitivity of -45d ± 3dB. This means that, at least in theory, it is not only capable of recording one’s own voice with a high dynamic range, but also of reproducing musical instruments in detail – which we unfortunately couldn’t test due to a lack of talent.

However, we could test the audio quality of the voice recording, which also leaves a really good impression on the FiFine K678. The user’s own voice is recorded relatively warm and with a high dynamic range. Due to the lack of pop protection, however, plosives and sharp S tones are not completely rounded off, but the K678 does a much better job here than, for example, the AverMedia Live Streamer MIC 330 (our review).

However, it is noticeable that the K678 is relatively susceptible to ambient noise. Typing on a keyboard or playing music picks up the microphone even when the devices are behind the mic. But this circumstance can definitely be gotten over due to the really strong sound quality.

Ultimately, the FiFine K678 does not have to hide behind much more expensive microphones in terms of sound quality. Especially since you can get even more out of it with a little fine-tuning in the practical test, even though the manufacturer does not provide any accompanying software. You can hear how the microphone sounds in the following video.

Click here to display content from youtu.be

Conclusion

What an excellent overall package! The FiFine K678 can, measured by the price, convince all along the line and easily puts even significantly more expensive microphones in the bag. This starts with the excellent build quality and high-quality choice of materials, extends to the simple connection, which even laymen should be able to do in just a few seconds, and extends to the really good audio quality.

Of course, there are microphones that sound better or offer more setting options. However, these cost considerably more. In any case, the FiFine K678 is very suitable for podcast recordings or streaming, but also for recording music. For around 60 Euros, the USB microphone does not have any notable flaws. Only a pop protection or a higher audio resolution would have been nice, but that is complaining on a very high level. If you are looking for a good USB microphone at an attractive price, you can buy the FiFine K678 without hesitation.

FiFine K678 Gold Award

FiFine K678

Workmanship
Recording quality
Features
Value for money

90/100

Convincing USB microphone that scores with high-quality workmanship and good audio quality despite its low price.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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FiFine’s K678 is a compact, high-quality USB microphone that looks a lot like the popular Yeti Nano from Blue Microphone (our review), but is only half the price. What the differences are and what the mic has up its sleeve, clarifies our FiFine K678 test. Technical data Model: K678 Microphone type: Dynamic Sampling Rate: 16bit; … (Weiterlesen...)

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