FIFINE AM8 - Budget XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone

Our analysis

It follows the same recipe as the Shure MV7+: a dynamic capsule, both USB and XLR, and a headphone jack for monitoring. The difference shows over XLR, where the AM8's mute button, gain knob, RGB and headphone jack switch off, and in the body, plastic where the Shure is metal. It is the budget microphone we point new streamers to: USB now, XLR for when you buy an audio interface.

What stands out

• Dynamic capsule, cardioid pattern. A dynamic capsule is less sensitive than a condenser and works close to your mouth, so a running fan, a loud keyboard or people talking nearby reach it less.
• USB and XLR. Plug it straight into the PC now and move to an interface later without buying a new mic, though over XLR the mute button, gain knob, RGB and headphone jack switch off.
• Zero-latency monitoring over USB. A headphone jack on the mic lets you hear yourself in real time and catch problems before your audience does.
• Tap-to-mute, gain knob and RGB. The controls you reach for mid-stream are on the mic itself, and it has standard 3/8" and 5/8" threads for stands and arms.

Where it falls short

• Its bundled stand leaves the capsule far from your mouth, so budget for a boom arm right away.
• The build is plastic where the Shure MV7+ is metal.

Look elsewhere if

• Your room is quiet and you want software help: the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 adds Clipguard and the Wave Link mixer, though as a condenser it picks up more of the room. Either way, pair the AM8 with an arm like the InnoGear boom arm.

It is our budget pick in the best streaming microphones guide, and our headset mic or USB mic guide explains when it beats the mic on your headset.