How Good Are Modern Budget Mics? Fifine AM8
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 12 июн 2024
- How much money do you need to spend to get a good sounding microphone? The Fifine AM8 is an inexpensive USB/XLR mic that was specifically listed for streaming and podcasting, so let’s see how it sounds.
Even though this video focuses specifically on the AM8, I think it's a good representation of the options available at or around the $50 price point. With so many people not only creating content but also working and going to school from home, the need for decent audio is higher than ever.
•Fifine AM8: geni.us/sU86 (Amazon)
And of course, this video is not sponsored. Unless you count it as being sponsored by me because I paid for everything. Then yes, this video is sponsored...by me.
🎬 I edited this video (and all my videos) with Final Cut Pro. If you want to learn how I edit, check out my online course: learnfinalcutpro.com
🎙️And if you're interested in podcasting, I've also got a DIY podcast production course: podcasterplaybook.com
⏱️Chapter Markers:
0:00 - Context
1:07 - Design & Build Quality
6:52 - Handling Noise
8:23 - USB Functionality
10:35 - Sound Quality
13:05 - XLR Performance
14:37 - vs. Samson Q2U
16:16 - vs. Lewitt LCT 240 Pro
18:04 - vs. Rode PodMic
19:13 - vs. Sennheiser Profile
20:35 - vs. Neewer NW800
21:28 - Overall Thoughts
22:27 - Law of Diminishing Returns
23:22 - Conclusion
-----------------------
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
---------- SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ----------
Patreon: / tombuck
Become a Channel Member: geni.us/joinchannel
Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/tombuck
----------- CONNECT -----------
🎯 Subscribe! bit.ly/TEPsub
Instagram: @sodarntom
Main Site: himynameistom.com
Podcasts: himynameistom.com/podcasts
----------- MUSIC -----------
•Artlist.io (2 Extra Months Free): geni.us/ArtlistTom
•Epidemic Sound (30 Day Free Trial): share.epidemicsound.com/enthus...
----------- VIDEO GEAR -----------
•Ecamm Live for Streaming: geni.us/ecammtom
•Sony FX3: bhpho.to/3EJuBde (B&H)
•Sony a7SIII: bhpho.to/3f8mMlS (B&H)
•Sony a7IV: bhpho.to/33mOGZo (B&H)
•Sony 24 1.4 (Main Lens): geni.us/sony24 (Amazon)
•Tamron 20-40 2.8: bhpho.to/3sTzIDy (B&H)
•Zeiss 85 1.8: geni.us/zeissbatis (Amazon)
•Sirui Anamorphic Lens: bhpho.to/309H0rV (B&H)
•GoPro Hero 12: geni.us/zXnTsh (Amazon)
•DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone : geni.us/I2e0AB (Amazon)
•ATEM Mini Video Switcher: bhpho.to/2RVGI42 (B&H)
•Elgato CamLink: geni.us/vddHN (Amazon)
•YoloBox for Mobile Streams: bhpho.to/3pc8qHU (B&H)
----------- MAIN AUDIO GEAR -----------
•Rodecaster Pro II: bhpho.to/3wCwaqI (B&H)
•Earthworks Ethos: bhpho.to/3CthFs4 (B&H)
•Shure SM7B: geni.us/tepsm7b (Amazon)
•Sennheiser MKH 50: geni.us/mkh50 (Amazon)
•Sony Video Mic: bhpho.to/3ztb6Vb (B&H)
•Rode VideoMic NTG: amzn.to/2ZKrHTh (Amazon)
•Sennheiser Profile (USB Mic): bhpho.to/3JDWGrh (B&H)
•Rode Boom Arm: geni.us/shr0 (Amazon)
•Sennheiser Wireless System: bhpho.to/43JgqkL (B&H)
•Rode Headphones: bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•Blue XLR Cable: geni.us/bluexlr (B&H)
---------- LIGHTS & SUPPORTS ----------
•Nanlite Forza 200 (Key Light): geni.us/9Ofr (Amazon)
•Aputure Light Dome Mini: geni.us/vf5O (B&H)
•Small Nanlite RGB Tube Lights: geni.us/nanlite (Amazon)
•Big Nanlite RGB Tube Lights: geni.us/pavotubes (Amazon)
•Aputure MC RGB Light: geni.us/IuE4 (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: geni.us/elgatoprompter (B&H)
•Rolling Camera Stand: bhpho.to/3PbJGg3 (B&H)
•Big Tripod: bhpho.to/3lRoTyz (B&H)
•Small Tripod: geni.us/oQOh3Az (Amazon)
•Travel Tripod: geni.us/nlUBm (Amazon)
•Motorized Slider: bhpho.to/3ztKMJA (B&H)
•Camera Backpack: geni.us/aEH2 (Amazon)
-----------------------
🎥 Check out my full gear list here:himynameistom.com/gear
-----------------------
- Who Am I? -
Hi! My name is Tom Buck, a lifelong A/V nerd and former high school Digital Media teacher. I started this channel in 2017 as a project to share my enthusiasm for everything related to audio and video production.
It's my goal for each video to be interesting/helpful/atleastmildlyentertaining, but I'm an enthusiast and not an expert. You can take a look at my About page to know more about my background, both personally and professionally: himynameistom.com/about
•My channel is open and welcoming to people of all races, ages, genders, and orientations. I’m glad you’re here.
•Read my Ethics Statement about objective reviews, sponsorships, and brand partnerships: himynameistom.com/ethics
-----------------------
Episode 397: How Good Are Budget Mics? Fifine AM8 
Кино
I got the Fifine AM8 mic last week. I'm loving it a lot. Really loving my voice through this mic.
Great to hear!
@@tombuck ha
6:00 “this is a big but” was not expecting to hear that on a mic review 😂. I have the AM8 with the Rodecaster Duo. As an audio novice and new content creator it’s a very good place to start!
I cannot lie.
I have the Sennheiser USB and it’s fantastic, the kit with the boom arm works well too. It’s funny my mic progression has always included watching your vids first. It was that, then the MV7, then the excuse to buy two SM7B’s with the RCP2. You are an enabler.
I love that the USB output sounds so similar to the XLR, at least in your setup. I feel like that would make it very versatile, plug it in wherever you need it and it's the same sound you're used to so you might be able to use all the same settings for effects/processing and whatnot.
Maybe this mic's sound isn't the most detailed and clear, but what is there is a pleasant tone and nothing stands out as harsh or offensive. I could listen to it for a while with zero fatigue, only maybe a slight bit of... I don't want to say boredom, but drifting attention?... after a long while with how soft and nice it is, lol (streamers wanna keep people engaged! Maybe if viewers get too relaxed they'll fall asleep?), but that's much better than a harsh sound in my book.
I liked the Lewitt 240 sound a little better, but I'd still have to think hard choosing between them because the features and use-case aren't 100% the same. (If money were no object I might just pick them both up!)
Great review, I think the comparison mic choices were really helpful to give some context for what you're getting, both for the price and just in general.
This is so calming Tom, you've built up this routine of reviewing the microphones and I know how it's gonna go. The concept is presentation, demo, pros-cons, puns, back to it, then you always have that special angle to things, and of course - the comparizons in the end. That's so valuable! Great review!
Thanks Mac! I've tried to keep a similar structure for mic reviews and I'm glad you noticed!
Your videos look so freaking good. Every shot is perfect. That is all.
Super thorough and fair review. Bravo, Tom! I am somewhat of a microphone collector and have owned around 20 mics costing between $25 (hello, Behringer XM8500) and $1200 (Neumann TLM103). Current collection sits around 10 mics that I rotate according to mood and sometimes actual needs, hehe.
As far as this mic goes, I was looking for an inexpensive mic that I could hook up quickly via USB with good audio quality, and I really love it for what it offers and at its price point. I like the way it sounds with my voice, and think it sounds great via USB, making it a really quick mic to setup for online meetings, calls, and even impromptu recordings. I often sing its praises and recommend it to people looking for a mic that sounds excellent and offers good features, provided that you keep it on a stand or boom arm and don't fuss with it while speaking. The mute button on top has come especially handy for online meetings, as it allows me to mute myself without having to move a mouse and mute via software.
This would've been awesome to have back when I started content creation in the COVID era. Last year, I upgraded from my Yeti to the BEACN Mic but definitely would used this when starting out. Sounds amazing and a bang for your buck. Great video as always Tom!
Thanks for the info Tom! Very good review!
one of the top budget mics for great audio right of the box for those just jumping in - in my opinion. Like you said, Just don't handle it much, boom arm that baby and you're off and running with a great sound! Great video as always!
Could not agree more! I can’t tell you the number of clients I work with that are asking for quality WFH setups and in some cases that’s a light - nicer webcam - and a better microphone and this seems like a fantastic option!
Great video brother!! I agree! Most microphones in this price arrange across brands like Maono, Fifine, Tonor, etc. are good enough for beginners and these combo types allow you to start affordable and then advance to an Audio Interface later with XLR!! Thanks for sharing your opinion on this!! Cheers!!
Hi Tom! I’ve always loved fifine mics. When I started I tested a lot of budget microphones and these are definitely the most reliable. I’ve also noticed they really improved their products after 2020/21, they are listening a lot of the feedbacks from the customers and considering that these are budget mics that’s amazing =)
It seems like they update stuff pretty often!
Yes! We're here! Always look for what actual customers need and check out what content creators suggest!
great video, reviews of simpler and more accessible microphones are also needed.
The law of diminishing returns is so true! Good point 👍
Thanks for the great video! I have actually been considering this for my teenage son as a starter mic. Would also love to see you review the Rode XCM-50 and XDM-100 Mics and their included software! More expensive than the Fifine, but as USB mics I think they're comparable!
The Rode NT USB+ seems to be getting some lower cost competition here...great review, Tom!
I actually like the base of the mic more than the actual mic tbh
Tom! If you want to have some fun, even if you don’t make a video about it, you have to try the k669d. Built like the Podmic and sounds great - for only $37. It defies logic. Throw the original SM7B pop filter on it (the fat one) and its sound will shock you. Like warm melted butter on a biscuit! Only cost you $37 to have some fun for some down time. Bark and I are really high on this as the best pound for pound budget mic out there! 😉
Neat! Thanks for the mic recommendation Mike!
Great video, the "older" version of the Rode NT-usb mini, still amazes me, even when plugged straight into the computer.
Yeah, those are awesome mics!
It's crazy how much quality there is at the cheaper end these days. Thanks for the great video.
I have a USB PodMic and wish I could more easily control the gain while on Zoom. It's just slightly lower than I want, but the settings in Zoom are turned all the way up. Random question: Can I adjust the gain through Mac OS sound settings or does that not have an affect on Zoom?
I wish there was a video about mics with the best control over handling noise.
Hey Tom thanks for the video. I definitely agree with all you said. I love the sound. I love the price. But I am hating all the work I am investing in removing all thos picked up noises due to the poor quality build. But anyhow, this MiC is helping me go through the ups and lows of learning audio and podcassting. I am happy.🎉
So glad to hear it! Learning how to process the sound to make up for the handling noise is probably a good skillset to learn anyway, so it'll only benefit you in the future!
Do you recommend me someone to learn that skill? Any friend of yours is teaching Audacity?
There is also the atr2100x which is a combo mic at around 70-80$. It could be a competitor at that price range
Silicon/rubber pads between mic and metal holding parts, plastic screws if you have 3d printer etc etc may improve situation a bit.
Hey Tom, you are 100% responsible for my crippling addiction to Rode products, however, I have just come back from a client job today, and I thought I'd change up some of my gear. I usually run Procasters into my Rodecaster Pro II. Today, I used a set of FDUCE SL40s. They are super cheap dynamics with a yoke. They have definitely gone with a Shure look, but they are definitely budget. I'm so impressed with the sound though. The SL40 produces slightly muddy lows, but it definitely gives a nice thick chesty tone when coupled with some nice settings on the Rodecaster. Build quality is pretty good; solid metal, but the windscreen is naff. I actually bought some nice quality 3rd party SM7B big covers, and WOW, no plossives even when right on top of the mic. All in all, for just under £50 in the UK (including new windscreen), the SL40 sounds great and genuinely not far off the Rode Procaster. The con is likely to be lifespan, but only time will tell. I probably won't use them regularly for client work, but it was a great experiment, especially when they cost a third of a Rode mic.
Thanks for your great reviews and inspiring content.
Cheers, Matt
This is cool to hear Matt! I've often wondered the the FDUCE would sound like a deuce. 😉
It'll be interesting to see how long they last, but seems like a great option for client work and the types of projects you mentioned!
Can you make a video on how to set up a usb mic and best audio settings for RUclips in audacity or premier pro
Don’t record into Premiere Pro; it’s for editing after the content is recorded. Can you record with the camera? I also use OBS Studio on occasion.
For $55 this looks like a great started microphone. Great review!
I’d love to hear comparisons between these mics and the built in laptop mic. If people knew they could spend such a small amount to really improve their audio quality on teams calls….
First time watching your videos And already became a fan 😂❤️
Wow thank you! That's so awesome to hear!
@@tombuck the jokes and unexpected rhymes got me❤️
Howdy Tom! Where can I find this microphone? I didn’t see a link for it.
Thank you for another FANTASTIC review!
I got mine off Amazon
Oh shoot, I totally forgot to include a link! haha
geni.us/sU86
(I am a terrible influencer)
@@tombuck No worries! It happens from time to time!
great review, this guy seems to really know his stuff
Thank you very much!
As a mic addict I made a huge comparison test yesterday, including the AM8 via both XLR and USB. It’s got a little thinner, slightly sibilant sound via USB, but truly holds its own against all of my dynamics, which kind of makes me sad because that includes the RE320.
It’s a FineTastic mic that I’d recommend to anyone.
I would suggest the Shure sm48 its bullet proof and you get that shure sound
You have a beautiful studio 🎉
Thank you! I really appreciate that.
Nice review video, Tom! Can't agree more on your opinions! So glad our FIFINE AmpliGame is on your Mic's Menu,haha
Tom love your vids!!! Whatbwould you recommend for a halfway decent road kit for audio for streaming? Is there a USB C mic without the need for an interface thats passible? Budget is up to $200 if necessary.
Tons of great usb mic out there! If you’re on the road, you probably want one with less handling noise than this. The Sennheiser Profile is a champ and the Rode NT-USB+ has a lot of software processing available if that’s your thing.
I use the fifine for my podcast and for the $$$. I’ve been extremely happy using xlr and rodecaster pro
It's a great mic for sure!
What a great video, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Everything I have heard about the fifine mics is that they are really good for the price. Not surprised to see it here. I am currently using a Samsung Q9U and it's been okay. The mute button is a little goofy. I think it's a software mute instead of hardware because it doesn't cut out as soon as it's pressed it takes a half second for it to fade out. I really want to get an RE20 but I can't justify the cost. So I'm thinking my next mic will be a rode podmic just because the price to sound has been awesome from what I have seen.
The handling noise is a con but man I really love the gain control on that thing! Wish more mics had gain control built in 😅
You and me both!
Sennheiser seemed pretty impressive, and how’d I’d spend my money if I was looking for a usb connected situation. Thanks for an informative and entertaining comparison- top notch segment!
Glad it was helpful! The Sennheiser has been rock solid for me.
Because your reviews are so legit whether budget or spendy...I ordered one of these Finines...
Thank you for the kind words! It’s a nifty mic for the price!
@@tombuckBecause I know nothing about nothing...before I had used this AKG mic I found on Amazon...but, this less expensive mic sounds much, much better.
Of all the budget mics I've tested out, I have to say a common theme seems to be grounding issues and pop filter issues. Pop filters are such an easy fix though. Great vid as per ush? yoush? I dont know how to spell the abbreviated version of 'usual'.
I think either one works! It's really a tomato/tomato thing.
I love this mic! I threw my Yeti in a box and put it my closet, never gonna touch it again.
It’s going to be a good day, a new Tom Buck video dropped. I’m curious to see what you would think of the Maono PD200x in comparison. It seems very similar to this one.
I haven't used that one, but the few Maono mics I have used have been pretty impressive for the price.
It would be nice if you reviewed the FiFine K688. It's also a xlr/usb-c microphone and looks similar to the Shure SM7B.
The characteristics of the K688 don't stand out as obvious as the AM8. But if you need a bit more of the higher frequencies for recording voice-over or singing, the K688 could be a better bet compared to the AM8.
Does the AM8 have any capsule stabilization? Or can you get a shock mount for it?
why mine doesn't show my tone clearly like it was 360p quality and yours 1080p ?
in fact this happing on all mics i try include :
hyperx quadcast
blue yeti
fifine am8
The Mic sounds great!
The Behringer BA 85A is a $25 microphone that sounds way better than that Neewer.
And there are plenty of $100 USB mics that don't sound as good as the AM8. Yes more money is normally better, but not always
This is unrelated to the AM8, but what is that windscreen on the Podmic in the intro? 0:51
I have personally found about $250 to be the sweet spot so far. I have a couple of cheaper options on the way, so I will look at the CAD E100SX and AKG P420 soon and decide which one to keep. Both are XLR only.
Hello Tom, would you recommend this mic or a boya shotgun mic? I want to get the mic out of my face when playing. Thanks
It's an easy choice tbh. If you can't put a mic designed to be used quite close to the sound source, then it's not the best fit in your case. You can't get the best out of the AM8 if it's too far off. So in this comparison, the shotgun mic should suit you better.
Have you tried the elgato wave 3? It’s on sale for the same price of the sennheiser profile and I’m wondering which one to get
Really? I haven't tried that one yet, but I know that Elgato's capsules are made by Lewitt and I love my Lewitt mics!
1:29 Ahh... That microphone is enlightening 😅
Two things I love… Tom Buck and FiFine!!! Great video!
I wasn’t initially interested in reviewing this mic, but with a combination of good reviews and a BUNCH of requests… I may need to check it out now! 🤣
P.S. I like the way you say “FiFine”
The requests may mainly come from the interest in its competitive price, not many can manage to keep the price of XLR/USB dynamic mic this low (with discount included, it could go below $50, and can work right out box since it got the stand lol). Therefore it's also our best-selling dynamic mic. And hope it doesn't let you down. Because of the price, we may cut corners on the material, it's not even close to the weight of the K688, let alone the latest Tank3.
@@FIFINE I actually just received mine the other day from you! Thanks for sending it over, I’ll be reviewing it soon!
great video , I have the Neewer CM20 usb mic & for 50 dollars its very very good unlike the 20 dollar neewer mic
PPMs (Puns Pre Minute) on point.
how does it compare to the Audio-Technica ATR2100x?
What headphones are you using in this video? And how did you get those blue earpads?
They're the Rode NTH-100s, but unfortunately the blue pads aren't available for sale.
They make some good budget stuff I will say. Actually trying to reach to them now about a K688 mic to review lol 😂
OK, I laughed pretty hard when hiss turned to HISTORY! Good stuff lol. I like this mic, but man theres SO many XLR USB combo mics these days. Love fifine as a company
It's crazy how many there are!
This sound Is proccesing
I just got it today but the sound is so low on my computer even after turning up the mic gain on the mic itself and on my pc to full.
Interesting. Typically that means the computer's input gain needs to be adjusted, but it does vary between different computers and operating systems.
just add a noise suppressor and compressor and youre good
I really think it sounds good for a budget mic. Not a ton of difference (at least with your voice) with the Shure - maybe just a little thin, but acceptable.
Question! I have a Blue Yeti Mic, and I’ve had it for about 9 years now. It keeps picking up noise pretty far away from me and even picks up my keyboard typing noise. Do you think this mic would be a smart purchase? Or would I be better off with the Rode USB Mic @ $200?
At this point, I would recommend upgrading to the Rode or similar mic. You'll likely notice a HUGE improvement in everything. Definitely check which pickup pattern you're using on the Yeti too- if it's accidentally turned to the omnidirectional mode, it'll pick up so much unwanted sound.
@@tombuck hello! Thank you for the quick response! I’m using the Cardioid Pattern on the Yeti, thanks to your response, I’ll be purchasing the Rode USB Mic!
It could definitely be a discernable update in terms of noise rejection. If the keyboard sound is the main thing that you're concerned about when coming to consider a different mic, the AM8 could fit the job. But if you're talking about the noise floor, the Rode one at around $200, which should be the Rode Podmic USB, has a lower overall noise level.
How about Nt-usb mini Rode ?
I have the fifine a8 thats fine for calls and normal talking. But it records so much noise around the mic. I want to start yt with voiceover, what kind of mic are u recommend for me guys?
This is where something like the Shure SM7B really shines, but you can also get very similar results with the more affordable SM58.
Personally, I "really" like these mics when it comes to the USB connectivity, Well. It doesn't need or require a 3.5 audio jack to connect it up through a USB audio adapter. (For some PC or Laptops with an all-in-one combo audio jack)
I'm sure that it makes audio connectivity WAYY more convenient than having to buy a separate audio adapters like the USB audio ones.
And btw, I really like a white variant one. It fits my #1 boss style.
I would have slapped a #1 sticker on it! Like a No.1 Boss! =D
5:04 I thought it was muted out for a second and the audio comes back. (The mute feature)
It's like when you are speaking normally and you suddenly mute the part of the audio out like it was censored or something., The mute feature is doing tooo good. 😅
Haha, it's a pretty smooth mute function- no pops or anything.
@@tombuck And perfect for blocking some unnecessary stuff in the audio. 😁
"a soup plantation" :p that should be on a shirt
I miss the ‘ol Souplantation.
that is a very cute mic
Does feel like usb sounds better on fifine.
I wish my unplanned sneezes were as gentle as yours.. 🤣
Light remote flex 💪😂
Thanks Amazon Basics!
Am I able to tune it with noise cancellation on my ps5
Also for 100 dollars what would you pick
Don't know how the PS5 noise cancellation works, but my personal favorite $100 USB mic is the Sennheiser Profile.
came for the review subbed for the puns
You have no idea how much I appreciate this.
I met a guy that bought 17 cheap microphones, and eventually ended up with a Rode...
Just cause he wanted to "Save Money"
😂😂😂
Sometimes saving money is very expensive.
Can i use it for voice over
Not that suitable, should look for something with a slightly brighter tone.
😊
if only you compare this with Rode NT-Usb Mini
I had both. As a very sensitive condenser mic, the Rode picked up everything and sounded tinny in my environment. I returned it and kept the AM8.
@@milesian1 thank you kind sir
Read your description... "Handling Nosie"? 😆😆😄😄😅😅😂😂
I immediately notice that this mic (fifine) is a bit narrow, scooped, hollow and has a harshness - it fatigues my ears quickly. When you're on a sm7b or even the podmic I don't get the same feeling in my ears so it isn't your voice. I love cheap mics but this wouldn't work for me
We admit your description when you use SM7B as the comparison. There's no way to the same conclusion if you line up the AM8 with the Podmic. I don't mean that it's a mic with better audio than the Podmic. But the tone should not have much more harshness in it than the Podmic, which doesn't have much body to support its quite noticeable highs and should be the one that sounds harsher. It's narrow in the highs tbh, and that's why we have the K688 model for those who want more opened and airier sound.
Pity you didn't compare it with deity vo-7u - similar price mic.
The Deity is quite a bit more expensive and USB only, so it didn’t seem like one I thought to include here.
@@tombuck Still a pity!
Not quite similar actually, the Deity one is almost triple the price of the AM8.
Just speak closer to a condenser 👍
"Here's me doing a voice-over for a WWII propaganda film..." LMAO. Hysterical.
The Fifine K669D and a cheap interface would be so much better than this, just for the upgradeability alone.
This may work in the comparison of the K688 and the Tank3, but it doesn't spell much magic when the K669D setup is up against the AM8. When you get one in a deal, it's below $50. For a whole setup for the K669D, the cost is around $95 without discount. The AM8 is half the price, it really can't be beat for the audio quality per dollar lol.
Ok. Good info, though overly punny 😂 couldn't resist, huh?
Can't stop, won't stop!
(No seriously, I can't stop. Send help.)
@@tombuck 🤣
The trouble with cheap mics is to build quality and consistency. If they selling it for, say, $55, the cost of manufacturing is probably below $20, and sorry, you can't get quality components for that price. I would never recommend a mic below the Pod Mic ($100). If you can't afford $100 just use your phone!
$100 really is the magic number in a lot of ways.
With the one exception being the Behringer XM8500 with some inexpensive audio interface... The XM8500 has no right to be as good as it is for the price. ;-)
Not the case actually, at least we guarantee the consistency and warranty of our products. As for the AM8 and some other RGB mics, we may skimp on the build quality, so that we have more to spend on the audio quality. Then for the price and for what really matters in terms of entry-level audio gear, it's well-worthy.
Actually, we have quite a few models that at least achieve one or two things that matter, the build, the function and the sound. If the material of the AM8 isn't something you want, we have the all-metal $30 K669B that has decent audio quality though with much fewer features to fiddle with.
You're right at some points, a budget product is almost impossible to be good everywhere. But it's not necessary to go above the threshold that is considered to be proper to get started with a mic. Since the internal mic of a smartphone is really not that good to fit any audio applications. Like conferencing, the internal definitely works, but for a quick interview, not really then.
Great! Now do the Fifine Amplitank tank 3. I've heard it was better.
The tone and characteristics are different, and neither is the targeted audience, there's no straightforward result which one is better. You really need to put your use scenario and budget into consideration.
Marantz
Or...just buy the Shure SM58...almost impossible to go wrong.