How much money do you need to spend to get a good sounding microphone? The Fifine AM8 is an inexpensive USB/XLR mic that was specifically listed for streaming and podcasting, so let’s see how it sounds.

Even though this video focuses specifically on the AM8, I think it's a good representation of the options available at or around the $50 price point. With so many people not only creating content but also working and going to school from home, the need for decent audio is higher than ever.

•Fifine AM8: https://geni.us/sU86 (Amazon)

And of course, this video is not sponsored. Unless you count it as being sponsored by me because I paid for everything. Then yes, this video is sponsored...by me.

I edited this video (and all my videos) with Final Cut Pro. If you want to learn how I edit, check out my online course: https://learnfinalcutpro.com

And if you're interested in podcasting, I've also got a DIY podcast production course: https://podcasterplaybook.com

⏱Chapter Markers:
0:00 Context
1:07 Design & Build Quality
6:52 Handling Noise
8:23 USB Functionality
10:35 Sound Quality
13:05 XLR Performance
14:37 vs. Samson Q2U
16:16 vs. Lewitt LCT 240 Pro
18:04 vs. Rode PodMic
19:13 vs. Sennheiser Profile
20:35 vs. Neewer NW800
21:28 Overall Thoughts
22:27 Law of Diminishing Returns
23:22 Conclusion

———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.

—————————— SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ——————————
Patreon:   / tombuck  
Become a Channel Member: https://geni.us/joinchannel
Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/tombuck

——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Subscribe! http://bit.ly/TEPsub
Instagram: @sodarntom
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Podcasts: https://himynameistom.com/podcasts

——————————— MUSIC ———————————
•Artlist.io (2 Extra Months Free): https://geni.us/ArtlistTom
•Epidemic Sound (30 Day Free Trial): http://share.epidemicsound.com/enthus...

——————————— VIDEO GEAR ———————————
•Ecamm Live for Streaming: https://geni.us/ecammtom
•Sony FX3: https://bhpho.to/3EJuBde (B&H)
•Sony a7SIII: https://bhpho.to/3f8mMlS (B&H)
•Sony a7IV: https://bhpho.to/33mOGZo (B&H)
•Sony 24 1.4 (Main Lens): https://geni.us/sony24 (Amazon)
•Tamron 2040 2.8: https://bhpho.to/3sTzIDy (B&H)
•Zeiss 85 1.8: https://geni.us/zeissbatis (Amazon)
•Sirui Anamorphic Lens: https://bhpho.to/309H0rV (B&H)
•GoPro Hero 12: https://geni.us/zXnTsh (Amazon)
•DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone : https://geni.us/I2e0AB (Amazon)
•ATEM Mini Video Switcher: https://bhpho.to/2RVGI42 (B&H)
•Elgato CamLink: https://geni.us/vddHN (Amazon)
•YoloBox for Mobile Streams: https://bhpho.to/3pc8qHU (B&H)

——————————— MAIN AUDIO GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Pro II: https://bhpho.to/3wCwaqI (B&H)
•Earthworks Ethos: https://bhpho.to/3CthFs4 (B&H)
•Shure SM7B: https://geni.us/tepsm7b (Amazon)
•Sennheiser MKH 50: https://geni.us/mkh50 (Amazon)
•Sony Video Mic: https://bhpho.to/3ztb6Vb (B&H)
•Rode VideoMic NTG: https://amzn.to/2ZKrHTh (Amazon)
•Sennheiser Profile (USB Mic): https://bhpho.to/3JDWGrh (B&H)
•Rode Boom Arm: https://geni.us/shr0 (Amazon)
•Sennheiser Wireless System: https://bhpho.to/43JgqkL (B&H)
•Rode Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•Blue XLR Cable: https://geni.us/bluexlr (B&H)

—————————— LIGHTS & SUPPORTS ——————————
•Nanlite Forza 200 (Key Light): https://geni.us/9Ofr (Amazon)
•Aputure Light Dome Mini: https://geni.us/vf5O (B&H)
•Small Nanlite RGB Tube Lights: https://geni.us/nanlite (Amazon)
•Big Nanlite RGB Tube Lights: https://geni.us/pavotubes (Amazon)
•Aputure MC RGB Light: https://geni.us/IuE4 (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (B&H)
•Rolling Camera Stand: https://bhpho.to/3PbJGg3 (B&H)
•Big Tripod: https://bhpho.to/3lRoTyz (B&H)
•Small Tripod: https://geni.us/oQOh3Az (Amazon)
•Travel Tripod: https://geni.us/nlUBm (Amazon)
•Motorized Slider: https://bhpho.to/3ztKMJA (B&H)
•Camera Backpack: https://geni.us/aEH2 (Amazon)

———————————————————————
Check out my full gear list here:https://himynameistom.com/gear
———————————————————————
– Who Am I? –

Hi! My name is Tom Buck, a lifelong A/V nerd and former high school Digital Media teacher. I started this channel in 2017 as a project to share my enthusiasm for everything related to audio and video production.

It's my goal for each video to be interesting/helpful/atleastmildlyentertaining, but I'm an enthusiast and not an expert. You can take a look at my About page to know more about my background, both personally and professionally: https://himynameistom.com/about

•My channel is open and welcoming to people of all races, ages, genders, and orientations. I’m glad you’re here.

•Read my Ethics Statement about objective reviews, sponsorships, and brand partnerships: https://himynameistom.com/ethics

———————————————————————
Episode 397: How Good Are Budget Mics? Fifine AM8