It really is!

sounds uncharacteristically light? You have something with your ears wtf

what xlr would you recommend. I want to use it for streaming.

Love this comment. I haven’t directly compared them, but having used both now for an extended period of time I have to say I LOVE the software of the Maono, but the K688 sounds better out of box in my opinion. I use the Wave software, so it isn’t a big problem for software, but I wish it had it as well. I plan to do a big review video with all of the budget mics I have soon. I also have the new Fifine mic to review. Will reference this comment in that review!

@@DarkenedCyrus EXACTLY my thoughts! That's how I felt. The sound of the K688 is great. However, I miss the software and build of the Maono. A mix of the two would be stellar! Lol. Been using the Ginger Audio Caster software with the K688. I'm really liking that. I get to add my 3rd party plugins to help adjust the sound of the mic to my liking (Highpass, EQ, Compressor, Limiter, etc... Whatever you want). Definitely works pretty cool. A great option with the FiFine. They really need to just build an update with some DSP.

Haven’t heard of that software. Need to look into it

@@DarkenedCyrus add the Maono pd100u and put it up against the K688 aswell to go very bottom end. :)

did you end up getting it? if so how is it

FIFINE HAS NO SOFTWARE SO GO FOR MAONO PD400X

I agree, but that isn’t how XLR mics work most of the time. The controls are used with an onboard controller. Only way to have this work is to process the audio on mic before sending it on the XLR, which essentially is a wasted step and should just use USB at that point. Using XLR gives you more control over the sound and a better sound profile to work with. That’s the benefit

@@DarkenedCyrus amen brother... cool gadgets, but the real work is in the audio interface and the DAW, or video software. Been on the fence between the SE DCM8 and that astounding K688 for a bit now... that price point is so easy to just say yay

​@@DarkenedCyrus BETWEEN MAONO PD400X VS SHURE MV7 WHICH ONE ONE SHOULD I GO FOR? THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY

@@acumen1 maono is the choice. Dont get me wrong thou shure mv7 is pretty good mic and u wont be disappointed if u get it. But... I dunno. Maono give you all cards in hand. Buying a mice u have a working mic with all cabels and in-build compressor+limiter. U can get the same voice as in shure mv77, hell even as in shure sm7b on a streaming thing. So shure mv7 is more old and kinda have more reputation. Maono on the other hand has a lot of features, rich complect with mic and insane software. And u didnt need an audio interface for it. So for me Maono is the best choice. Also I get one around 85$ in my country while mv7 cost over 100$ so...

also want to know @@acumen1

Thank you! As both are VERY similar in shape, I don't see why not!

How was it?! I was thinking of getting that one or the "3D printed Pop filter for the Rode PodMic" from Etsy cause it looks a little more built to last and easily modifiable The B&H one looks more flimsy like it can easily snap

The desk stand? It’s a cheap extending base from Bilione. Was like $12 on amazon

@@DarkenedCyrus thanks!

can you link the mic stand @@DarkenedCyrus

No, i would reather buy this than the MV7, the MV7 got the most wonky and swabbly sound i have ever heared

@@CoViot thats literally what he said?

The 400x is amazing, but I still have the K688 in my setup if that means anything

You made a great choice! And yes, no pop filter for me

@@DarkenedCyrus honestly sounds right on par with my MV7. Is there a setting you use or favor most for the usb or is this mic not in use for you? It’s also so heavy! Its awesome. All the mics I’ve ever bought have been very light and that doesn’t work too well with all my blue compass boom arms that only thrive with weight.

@CRYPTKREEPER I love this microphone, but I never keep a microphone in my setup for longer than a few weeks as I test so many. I personally loved the EQ and Compression settings from the software and used both the bass boost and clarity options.

I love the software, but I do like the k688. I have another comparison video coming out tomorrow, so maybe check that out before making a purchase.

Just a little bit further in the video I talk about my headset bleeding through. Nothing against the mics

0 EQ or adjustments. Any microphone can be made to sound good in post. Most people looking to buy a microphone for streaming and content creation barely have an idea of how to adjust their EQ, so out of box experience is how I judge microphones.

@@DarkenedCyrus The preamp makes a difference also. What are you using it with. Sorry if you say it in the video but I just went on it.

Wave XLR

@@DarkenedCyrus To be fair, if your spending 400$ on a mic and the equipment needed $$$ you should probably learn to EQ it to get the most out of it.

Maybe that should say how good it is!

@@DarkenedCyrus Or you're just in the habit of saying WOW. Sort of like Uhm, or right? Nice review otherwise.

Yes

If both XLR and USB are plugged in… if you adjust the EQ and filters via the software, does it translate out thru XLR? Same question for the onboard mute button, will it mute the XLR output as well?

It won’t. They will be 2 different sound I puts

@@DarkenedCyrus well that’s a bummer. I run my 688 thru my synido 100 but it doesn’t have a mute function via XLR so I was hoping this would be different.

Um. You didn’t watch the whole video, did you? You should go look at my streams. I don’t use the SM7B. It’s in my a roll for videos though. I also have nothing to prove to you lol. This comment has me 💀

@@DarkenedCyrus I did. But you will still prefer SM7B for most of your recordings. If only the other microphone makers didn't try so hard to imitate or emulate SM7B... What's the point of using knock-offs when you have the real thing?

Actually, I don’t prefer the SM7B. For my voice at least. Why do I use it? Because people see the SM7B as a status piece. I bought the microphone used to do a review of it and kept it merely for those purposes. Do I use it in videos? Yes. Do I have to EQ it more than any other microphone I’ve used? Yes. It’s a piece of equipment. Why do I recommend other options? Because spending 400$ plus the cost of a sound interface is ludicrous for an small streamer or creator. You gain 0 subs or follows, 0 views or purpose other than saying you have one. The SM57 is a MUCH more compelling offering from Shure for a name brand microphone, and yet it still requires an interface. Why do I recommend budget equipment? Because people give the wrong advice to people. Growing your stream 99% of the time has nothing to do with the gear you use. I’ve reviewed the $25 maono mic that sounds AMAZING for its cost and yet, people will still waste money on equipment that won’t improve their content. I’ll say it again. Do I have the microphone? Yes. Do I use it in my KZfaq videos from time to time? Yes. Did my channel find success with the microphone. Definitely not. If you believe for one minute that the SM7B will change the trajectory of a channel, then your mistake. For the cost of a SM7B and a Wave XLR, I could get you and ENTIRE streaming setup including a computer, camera, microphone, lighting, capture card, etc. while you have a microphone that doesn’t work unless you have the equipment to use it.

@@DarkenedCyrus It's not impossible to buy products that are cheaper. It's the desire to get and use the tools that have rightfully developed a reputation that makes a lot of people waste money on cheap setups first and them get professional gear later - in that case it's just a waste of money - why not get the good stuff right away? It's cheaper in the long run. As for a computer for video processing done correctly and in an efficient amount of time - with the budget for a SM7B and a WAVE XLR - you've got to be kidding to think that you would get a decent and reliable computer, even as a second hand item, not to mention the rest of the required tools and hardware. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for attention or to irritate you: you are allowed to think, say and do on your channel as you please. But claiming that some elcheapo mics sound better that well established branded mics is funny and only YOUR point of view. And if you ask us in your video to comment and say what we think, you must accept our opinions as well. Use whatever mic makes you happy. If a beginner user asks me what gear to get I'd present both options - the cheaper and the good stuff - but if you ask me, $350-400 + whatever the price for a WAVE XLR is not such an impossible purchase - especially since one would make such a purchase ONCE, not multiple times, over the years.

I must accept comments? You’re laughable. What if someone commented harm to me? I must accept that? Give it a little over a week. That video will come out and it will be baffling. As far as your deep love for the SM7B, I wish you two well on your marriage. I guess the industry standard SM57 and 58 don’t matter in your reputable brand discussion coming in at 1/4 the price? You’re not angering me, your giving this video engagement and promoting it, so thank you. And giving me content ideas. I’ll be sure to reference your I’ll informed and elitist comment in an upcoming video. Have fun :)

Clickbait?