Best BUDGET Mic Tier List 2024! (Fifine A8, Fifine Tank 3, Fifine K688, Fifine AM8, Maono PD200x)

Summary

In this budget microphone tier list, the creator reviews a range of affordable mics, from USB to XLR, dynamic to condenser, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. The list is categorized from S-tier to D-tier, with standout mics like the Fine Fine K688 and Mayo PD400x offering excellent sound and value. The Fine Fine A6V, Mayo DGM 20, and Behringer XM8500 also receive high praise for their features and performance. Meanwhile, mics like the BM800 and Fine Fine A8 Plus fall short due to sound issues or lack of value. The video provides a detailed guide for those seeking the best microphones on a budget.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Fine Fine K669B was once a top contender in the budget mic category but has now dropped to C-tier due to higher standards and competition in the market.
• 😀 The Fine Fine K658 was Fine Fine's first dynamic mic, but its grainy sound and USB-only connectivity put it in the C-tier.
• 😀 The Mayo DM30 is praised for its active noise cancellation and solid features, earning it a spot in the A-tier, though the sound quality isn't the best.
• 😀 The Behringer XM8500 offers great value with its broadcast sound but suffers from noticeable handling noise and a muddy sound, placing it in the B-tier.
• 😀 The Mayo BM800 has a brittle, thin sound quality, even with high-end interfaces, which results in it being placed in the D-tier.
• 😀 The Fine Fine A6V is an excellent successor to the K669B, offering better signal-to-noise ratio and solid overall performance for its price, securing an A-tier spot.
• 😀 The Fine Fine A8 offers improved sound and build over the A6V, making it a worthy option in the A-tier, though the price jump is noted.
• 😀 The Fine Fine AM8 is highly recommended for gamers and podcasters, providing solid sound, great looks, and value, earning it a top spot in the A-tier.
• 😀 The Mayo PD100, despite being priced at $40-$50, offers a professional look and decent sound, but its rejection of explosive sounds is average, placing it in the A-tier.
• 😀 The Mayo PD400x is the most expensive mic in the roundup, priced at $149, but its exceptional sound and broadcast-style quality make it a strong contender for those seeking professional-grade mics.

Q & A

What is the general theme of the video script?

The video script is focused on reviewing and ranking various budget microphones based on their performance, build quality, and price-to-value ratio.

What makes the Fine Fine K669B significant in the context of budget microphones?

The Fine Fine K669B was revolutionary when it first came out, starting the budget microphone trend at a very affordable price point. It was considered a top contender when released but has since been surpassed as microphone standards have evolved.

Why was the Fine Fine K669B downgraded to the C tier?

The Fine Fine K669B was downgraded to the C tier because, although still offering good sound for a low price, it no longer meets current standards due to the rise of higher-quality microphones after the pandemic.

What were some issues with the Fine Fine K658?

The Fine Fine K658 had a grainy sound and was USB-only, which limited its appeal. Additionally, the microphone's RGB lighting was excessive, which the reviewer found unnecessary.

How does the Mayo DM30 compare to other budget microphones in terms of functionality?

The Mayo DM30 introduced useful features like USB-C/USB-A adapters and came with Mayo Link software, which added versatility. However, it struggled with distortion unless careful mic technique and post-processing were used.

Why is the Behringer XM8500 considered one of the best deals in audio?

The Behringer XM8500 provides a broadcast-quality sound at an incredibly low price (around $20–$29). However, it has a significant amount of handling noise, which may affect some users.

What is the reviewer's opinion of the BM800 microphone?

The BM800 is criticized for having a brittle and thin sound, even when used with higher-end audio interfaces. The reviewer finds it subpar compared to other budget options, placing it in the D tier.

What sets the Mayo PD100 apart from other budget microphones?

The Mayo PD100 stood out by offering professional-looking design and good sound quality for its price. It was a solid entry in the budget XLR microphone market and offered great value with included accessories like a stand and cable.

What features make the Fine Fine K688 microphone stand out?

The Fine Fine K688 stands out with its improved build quality, USB-C compatibility, and better sound quality compared to its predecessors. Despite initial issues with USB-C cables, it has since become a top contender in the budget mic market.

How does the Mayo PD400X compare to other microphones in terms of sound quality?

The Mayo PD400X is praised for its broadcast-quality sound and ease of use, offering a near SM7B-like performance at a fraction of the price. It is considered one of the best microphones in this roundup for achieving a professional broadcast sound out of the box.