Fifine K683A User's Guide

What's in the Box?

• 1 x Microphone
• 1 x Desk Stand
• 1 x 6.56' Type A to Type B USB Cable
• 1 x User's Manual

Contact Us

Get Social: Facebook page: http://bit.ly/FifinePage

Contact Info: Email: web@fifine.cc

More product inquiries can be found on the website.

Company Website: https://fifinemicrophone.com/

Warranty

Fifine microphone warrants its hardware product defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original retail purchase, provided the purchase was made from an authorized Fifine microphone dealer. This warranty is void if the equipment is altered, misused, mishandled, suffers excessive wear or is serviced by any parties not authorized by Fifine Microphone. For warranty service, contact your local distributor or web@fifine.cc.

Product Description

1. Mic Capsule: Condenser microphone element with cardioid polar pattern.

2. Microphone Gain: Adjust the sensitivity of the mic. Turn the knob right to increase the level, and left to reduce the level.

3. LED Indicator: Green light when the mic is on, and red light when the mic is muted.

4. Mute Button: Press the button to mute/unmute the output of the microphone.

5. USB Output: USB B connector for connecting with your PC or Mac computer.

6. Headphone Jack: 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo jack for monitoring and playback.

7. USB Cable (6.56'): Type A to Type B USB Cable.

8. Stand: Included desk stand.

9. Pop Filter: Filter out the harsh "p", "t", and "b" sounds.

Diagram shows the microphone with numbered components: 1. Mic Capsule, 2. Gain Knob, 3. LED Indicator, 4. Mute Button, 5. USB Output, 6. Headphone Jack, 7. USB Cable, 8. Stand, 9. Pop Filter.

A separate diagram illustrates the pop filter being attached to the microphone.

Guidelines for Use

1. Screw the pivot mount onto the top of the metal desk stand.
2. If necessary, adjust the mic's angle with the thumbscrew (turn left to loosen, turn right to tighten).
3. Please adjust the mic counterclockwise. Adjusting the mic clockwise may break the bracket.
4. Screw the pivot mount to adjust the mic angle 360° horizontally.
5. Tightly plug the provided USB cable into the USB output at the bottom of the microphone.
6. Plug the USB A connector OR USB C connector to the USB port of your computer. This depends on the type of available USB ports on your computer.
7. Always keep the front of the mic (the side with the Fifine logo) facing the sound source. Do not speak or sing facing the rear of the mic (the side with the headphone jack).

Mute Button

Press the button to mute/unmute the mic.

LED Indicator:

• Red = Microphone is muted
• Green = Microphone is on

Make sure the LED light is green when you are going to use the mic.

Diagrams illustrate the correct positioning of the microphone relative to the sound source and the operation of the mute button with LED feedback.

Headphone Output

The K683 mic includes a standard 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone jack for monitoring and playback.

After connecting the mic to your computer and confirming it's the default input/output device, you can plug your headphone into the mic's headphone jack to monitor your voice in real-time or listen to playback/computer audio.

Note:

• Make sure to plug your headphone into the headphone jack of the microphone fully.
• When the mic is on (LED is green) and the Mic Gain is not set to zero, you will hear your voice immediately. No need to log into recording software (Mac) or click "listen to this Device" (Windows).

Diagrams show a successful headphone connection ("Click!") and an unsuccessful one ("X").

Computer Set-up

Apple Mac OS

1. Hook up the mic to your computer. The LED indicator will turn green, indicating the mic is on. If the LED is red, press the mute button to change the light to green. Your computer will automatically install the driver. No pop-up message may appear.
2. Go to System Preferences.
3. Click "Sound" to display the Sound preference pane.
4. Click the "Input" tab and select "FIFINE K683 Microphone" as the device for sound input.
5. To monitor the mic, connect your headphone to the mic's jack. To hear computer audio and monitor the mic simultaneously, click the "Output" tab and select "FIFINE K683 Microphone" as the output device.

Notice:

• If your Mac only has a USB C port, connect the mic via the USB C connector of the included USB cable.
• The K683 mic becomes the default output device automatically when plugged into a Mac. Change the output device to "Internal Speakers" if you encounter issues like:
  1. System music stops when the mic is plugged in.
  2. Others can hear you on calls, but you cannot hear them.
  3. No sound output from the computer during playback.
  In these cases, you cannot monitor the mic unless you start a recording app and enable its monitor function.

Screenshots show macOS System Preferences, Sound settings (Input and Output tabs), and Microphone Properties.

Windows

1. Input Settings

1. Hook up the mic to your computer. The LED indicator turns green when the mic is on. If red, press the mute button. Your computer will automatically install the driver.
2. Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select "Sounds" or "Open Sound Settings".
3. Click the Sound control panel.
4. Click the "Recording" tab and choose "FIFINE K683 Microphone" as the default device. The volume meter should turn green and bounce when you speak. If not, reset the computer and replug the mic.
5. To adjust input volume, double-click "FIFINE K683 Microphone" to open Microphone Properties. Under the "Levels" tab, right-click the speaker icon, change from percentage to decibels. For optimal sound, adjust the mic level between 0dB to 1dB when your speaker output is set to maximum.

Screenshots show Windows sound settings, including the speaker icon menu, Sound control panel, Recording tab, and Microphone Properties (Levels tab).

Note: Make sure the mic gain knob is not turned to zero.

2. Output Settings

1. Output computer audio to the 3.5mm jack on the mic:
   • Plug headphones into the headphone jack on the rear of the K683 mic.
   • In the Sound pane, click the "Playback" tab and select "FIFINE K683 Microphone" as the default output device.
   • Click the speaker ("FIFINE K683 Microphone") - Properties - Levels, and drag the progress bar to adjust output volume.
2. Output audio from the computer:
   • Click the "Playback" tab in the Sound pane and select "Realtek High Definition Audio" as the default output device to hear computer audio.
   • To monitor your mic, click the "Recording" tab, select "FIFINE K683 Microphone" - Properties - Listen, and check the "Listen to this device" box, then Apply.
   • Click the speaker that is being used - Properties - Levels, and drag the progress bar to adjust volume.

Screenshots illustrate selecting playback devices and adjusting volume levels in Windows sound settings.

Note: (Applicable for MAC and Windows)

• If the computer prompts it cannot identify the USB device, restart and replug the microphone into another USB port.
• Check "Listen to this device" when using recording or chatting software (like Skype) to avoid hearing double audio (echo).
• If the mic is recognized but no sound is output, check if System Sound is muted or if the mic gain knob is at minimum. Ensure the LED indicator is green (mic is on).
• For Windows 10, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and enable "Allow apps to access the microphone" before restarting.

Recording Software Settings

1. Select "FIFINE K683 Microphone" as the input device in your recording software (e.g., Audacity).
2. For monitoring audio from the computer's headphone jack, select "Realtek High Definition Audio" as the output device. For monitoring from the mic's headphone jack, select "FIFINE K683 Microphone" as the output.

Screenshot shows Audacity software interface with input and output device selection.

Note: If recording software (like Audacity) doesn't recognize the mic, log out of the software, replug the mic, and relaunch the software. The mic should then appear in the input device dropdown.

Ensure the "Listen to this device" box is checked in the sound system when using recording software to avoid echo.

For tips on improving recordings with Audacity, visit https://fifinemicrophone.com/blogs/news or search the site's blog.

For Windows, Audacity is recommended. For Apple computers, use QuickTime Player to test recording.

Important Notice

Setting the Volume Levels

Correct microphone level adjustment is crucial for optimal performance. Aim for the highest possible level without overloading your computer's input.

If you hear distortion or overloaded levels in your recording program, reduce the microphone gain (level) via the mic's knob, system settings, or software. If the level is insufficient, increase the gain.

Selecting Software

Many recording software options are available. Audacity is a popular, free choice available at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/.

Note: Plug the mic into the computer before launching the recording software. Plugging it in after launching may prevent recognition.

Positioning Your Microphone

For best frequency response, point the mic capsule (side with mute button) towards the sound source (mouth, instrument). For speaking/singing, position it directly in front of the person. Experiment with different positions for optimal sound.

Protecting Your Microphone

Avoid leaving the microphone in open air or in environments exceeding 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. High humidity should also be avoided.

Choose Your Output Setting

When plugging the microphone into a PC, it may mute other audio. To output computer audio via the built-in speaker, manually select "speaker (Realtek High Definition Audio)" as the default playback device.

Specification