FiFine are no strangers to bringing excellent microphones at interestingly competive prices, and the new AM8T is no different - coming in at £76.99, the AM8T is at a pretty enticing price point if you're looking at getting a dynamic microphone, especially a duel USB/XLR combination one.
But the question as always - is it any good?
**The AmpliGame AM8T was reviewed using hardware provided and sent to us by FiFine, but in no way influenced the review.
NOTE: Our exported video was incredibly quiet, but this is a result of our exported video from Davinci Resolve NOT the AM8T Microphone. We'll be looking at re-uploading the review, but please be assured that this is in no reflection of the microphone itself, but a mess up on our part!
Design wise, the AM8T sports a rather boxy shape and this more rectangular approach let's it stand out from the more typical cylinder style microphones, and whilst I prefer the more 'classy' look of FiFine's own K688, the AM8T is still a great looking microphone, and the added RGB ring means gamers will be happy - whilst those that prefer their mic's with less flare are able to turn the lights off (when connected via USB-C, the XLR connection has no RGB).
The AM8T was also given the 2023 Red Dot Design award, so I'm clearly not the only one that thinks it looks great!
The AM8T comes bundled with a boom arm - a much more welcome addition compared to the usual desktop stand that is included with most microphones, and whilst it isn't revolutionary, it's more than capable of getting you up and running straight from the box - providing you're either using the included USB-C cable, or you have your own XLR cable ready (no XLR is included).
One thing I am waiting on FiFine bringing to the table, particularly as a number of their mic's have RGB, is some dedicated software. Companies like Elgato, RØDE, and Maono to name a few, all have their own dedicated software for controlling their devices, ranging from audio control through to RGB, and I think this would be a great addition to FiFine's ever growing gallery of devices.
Back to the mic however, we have dedicated control dials on the body for gain and headphone volume, with an RGB light control button all on one side, as well a touch-to-mute button over on the other.
The AM8T itself is plastic whilst the yolk (the band that allows the mic to move freely) is made of metal and feels robust, and gives easy connection to the boom arm. The plastic feel makes the AM8T feel a little less premium than it's older brother, the K688,, but it's also cheaper, so that is to be expected.
Speaking of it's siblings, AM8T shares the same capsule as the K688, and as a very big fan of that microphone, it's something I'm happy has made it's way over to the AM8T - whilst it's still not as recessed as I'd like, it is very well made. The pop filter isn't the same absolute glorious texture either, and whilst very soft, doesn't have the same velvety feel to it - it doesn't feel bad at all, but the K688's just feels nicer.
The AM8T has the same minor drawbacks though, with its capsule not being fully recessed from the grille, it doesn't reject plosives quite as well at times, but with proper microphone technique and position, this can be rectified - you could also tug the pop filter up a little more to create more of a distance, but this may also effect vocals.
Overall, I really like the AM8T, and is a great USB/XLR combo microphone, it sounds great - although plosive rejection is an issue with the capsule not being recessed enough, but it's still a solid mic, and if you are looking to upgrade from a USB microphone, or even if you're after another XLR mic, this is definitely worth checking out.
Another fantastic entry into the audio game from FiFine, the AM8T is a great upgrade or new addition to your audio lineup.