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Why is EVERYONE Buying this Mic??

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips2M viewsAug 15, 202312:41
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YT
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2M
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16.8M
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Promos

Save 10% and Free Shipping at Ridge by using offer code LINUS at ridge.com It's the best selling mic on Amazon...but why? In this video we compare the Fifine A6T against other inexpensive USB microphones, as well as some XLR mics (like the RE20 we use on the WAN show) to find out if the A6T is as good a buy as it initially appears... Link to additional mic recording samples: drive.google.com Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Buy a FIFINE A6T PC USB Condenser Microphone: geni.us Buy a Blue Yeti Condenser Microphone: geni.us Buy a Razer Seiren Mini Condenser Microphone: geni.us Buy an Elgato Wave:3 Condenser Microphone: geni.us Buy a Sennheiser MKH 50 Condenser Microphone: lmg.gg Buy an Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone: lmg.gg Buy a Shure MV7 Dynamic Microphone: geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg ► EQUIPMENT WE USE TO FILM LTT: lmg.gg ► OUR WAN PODCAST GEAR: lmg.gg FOLLOW US --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech TikTok: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv MUSIC CREDIT --------------------------------------------------- Intro: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High Video Link: youtube.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi Artist Link: youtube.com Intro animation by MBarek Abdelwassaa @mbarek_abdel Monitor And Keyboard by vadimmihalkevich / CC BY 4.0 geni.us Mechanical RGB Keyboard by BigBrotherECE / CC BY 4.0 geni.us Mouse Gamer free Model By Oscar Creativo / CC BY 4.0 geni.us CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 1:14 Overview 2:00 how mics work 2:53 Why spend more? 3:42 XLR vs USB mics 4:16 Closer look at the mic 6:00 Microphone Tests 7:11 Measurements 9:57 Pickup Pattern 10:50 What Reviews say 13:35 outro

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The video opens by framing a common question in the streaming and gaming communities: why is the Fifine A6T USB microphone so popular on Amazon, especially given that it sits at a midrange price point? The host immediately sets up a comparative framework, noting that Fifine isn’t a household name yet managed to become a bestseller, and teases a deeper investigation into whether the $47 mic actually delivers value. He highlights that the package includes not just the mic but an entire starter kit with a boom arm, desk clamp, shock mount, and a pop filter, which could make it seem like a steal compared to buying components separately. The narrative then positions a broader question about budget versus upgrade paths, promising hands-on tests and measurements to separate hype from real performance. The opening segment also plugs a sponsor and audience engagement links, establishing the video as both a gear review and a value-focused shopping guide. Overall, the intro sets up a scenario where price, ease of setup, and real-world sound quality will be weighed against more expensive options. In the middle sections, the presenter delves into how microphones work at a high level, explaining the flow from air vibrations to mic level, then to line level, and finally to digital signals. He contrasts fully integrated USB mics with higher-end XLR setups, emphasizing the potential for upgradability when you choose models that support both USB and XLR, versus the simplicity of USB-only solutions. The Fifine A6T is examined up close, noting its lightweight feel, side-address design, and the practical realities of the included accessories. While the mic’s ease of use is praised, some drawbacks are flagged, such as the gain knob placement and lack of an companion app or customizable software. The segment then shifts to tangible testing, placing the mic in reaction-heavy scenarios to simulate desk vibrations, pops, and gamer chatter, and juxtaposing its performance with more expensive rivals like the Blue Yeti and the Electro-Voice RE20. The tone remains measured, showing that while the A6T is not state-of-the-art, it offers surprising value in the real world and remains a credible option for budget-minded users. The later parts of the video present more data-driven comparisons, including objective frequency response references and polar pattern analysis. The host explains that the A6T’s cardioid pickup is detectable but imperfect, with better rejection than some USB mics yet still not on par with premium models, especially at higher frequencies. Visuals compare the A6T against a calibrated Dayton EMM6 and other USB mics, highlighting that performance is relatively close within its price class, and that the biggest gains come with higher-end, more expensive gear. The discussion broadens to the practical implications: for Discord chats and casual content creation in typical rooms, the A6T remains a compelling value, whereas more demanding recording scenarios might justify investing in higher-quality equipment. The video concludes that the overall package, price, and ease of use make the Fifine A6T a noteworthy buy for many listeners, while acknowledging caveats around durability and customer service based on user reviews. The final takeaway ties back to the central question of whether the mic is as good a deal as it seems, leaving viewers with a balanced verdict and practical buying guidance.

Topics · technology · consumer_electronics · product_reviews · audio_gear · budget_equipment · gaming · streaming

Questions answered

Is the Fifine A6T a good value for its price?
Yes, the video shows that for roughly $47 the A6T includes a full starter kit and offers performance comparable to pricier USB mics within its class, making it a strong value for budget-conscious buyers.
What are the main drawbacks of the A6T?
The main drawbacks discussed are the lack of an accompanying app or drivers for advanced processing, limited gain knob usability, and questions about durability and customer service based on user reviews.
How does the A6T compare to higher-end mics?
In objective measurements and real-world tests, the A6T performs surprisingly well for its price but generally lags behind high-end mics in frequency response and noise rejection, though the gap is not as large as price differences might suggest.