FIFINE Tank 3 microphone review: high-quality sound at home

We have already written about an affordable and high-quality microphone with a pantograph FIFINE TAM8. And now it’s time for another model from the same manufacturer called FIFINE Tank 3. It no longer has a gaming design and no RGB backlight. The microphone still costs relatively good money, can record voice perfectly, and looks versatile. Its design was obviously inspired by popular RODE models, but the sound quality is also on par. As always, you can find all the details, tests, and user experience in the review below.

Technical characteristics of FIFINE Tank 3

Type	Dynamic
Frequency range	50 Hz – 16 kHz
Bitrate	16 bits
Directional diagrams	Cardioid
Sensitivity	-50±3 dB
Signal to noise ratio	>80 DB
Maximum sound pressure level (SPL)	120 dB
Connection interface	USB Type-C, XLR
Features	3.5 headphone output, 3/8» and 5/8″ threads
Body	Metal
Weight	1.3 kg

Packaging and equipment

FIFINE Tank 3 comes in a small gray-blue box with a microphone pattern.

Inside we can see the audio device itself, documentation, USB-C to USB-A cable and XLR cable.

Design and ergonomics of the FIFINE Tank 3

FIFINE Tank 3 looks like a relatively small cylinder. The model has an ascetic, stylish design with a bit of a retro look, although it can also be called universal. The body of the model is metal, color — black matte.

The capsule is hidden behind a metal mesh. The whole structure is not collapsible. At least from the top. There is a layer of windproof foam between the capsule and the mesh.

On the top of the microphone, we see the inscription FIFINE and a rectangular physical button to turn the microphone on/off. If it glows green, the microphone is on, and if it glows red, it is off.

On the right side, there are two knobs. One is responsible for the volume level in the headphones that can be connected, and the other for the sensitivity of the microphone.

On the left side, we see the built-in suspension holder. It has two threads, 3/8» and 5/8», so the microphone can be attached to various stands and pantographs. But they are not included in the package, so you need to already have some of these in your possession if you would rather not hold it just in your hands.

There is a USB-C port on the bottom of FIFINE Tank 3. There is also a 3.5 mm audio jack and XLR input.

FIFINE Tank 3 also does not have RGB backlighting, so if you like something like this on your devices, it is better to look at FIFINE TAM8 or other similar models.

The sound of FIFINE Tank 3

The frequency range of FIFINE Tank 3 is 50 Hz — 16 kHz. The bit rate is 16 bits, and the sensitivity is 50±3 dB. The signal-to-noise ratio is >80 dB, and the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) is 120 dB.

FIFINE Tank 3 is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid pattern. This means that it «picks up» the sound of your voice only from its front part. It is important to speak into it relatively close, at a distance of 5 to 15 centimeters. It’s also advisable to place the microphone slightly to the side of your mouth so that it picks up less of your breathing and harsh sounds. Yes, it protects them with a built-in pop filter, but it still can’t handle everything.

Dynamic microphones require close contact, but they’re also great for recording voice in unprepared spaces, so they’re great for use outside of studios, at home, or even on the street. Of course, they also pick up ambient noise, but much less than condenser microphones.

The voice recording quality of the FIFINE Tank 3 is good, and if we also mention the relatively affordable price tag, we get an excellent price/quality combination. This model does not provide the same volume of voice as the FIFINE TAM8, but the sound is more voluminous, detailed, and generally more versatile.

Of course, we must also have different connection options, but the paragraph above refers to the simplest USB-C connection without unnecessary programs, drivers, etc.

As for the XLR connection, the sound should generally be better, but a lot depends on the audio interface you have. If it’s cheap, the sound may be worse, and if it’s expensive, it may be much better.

See the video below for examples of voice recording with the FIFINE Tank 3 microphone via USB-C and XLR.

As with most of the company’s microphones, the FIFINE Tank 3 is recommended for vocal recording, voice-over work, podcasts, streaming, YouTube channels, ASMR, and interview recordings.

I think I agree with most of the statements, except for the one about recording vocals. Because, of course, you can record it, but it’s probably better to get something simple from Shure and the vocals will definitely be better recorded. But here you need to understand that you have to have an audio interface with Shure because otherwise it just doesn’t work. Therefore, you have to pay more for quality, and that’s okay. Because of this, the FIFINE Tank 3 may be suitable for beginners for vocals, for training, etc., but not more.

Experience of using FIFINE Tank 3

Overall impressions of FIFINE Tank 3 are definitely positive. Its design is ascetic and without any lights, and this is always a taste or a necessity. For example, you have a podcast that does not require RGB, so this model will suit you. Of course, you can turn off the backlight where it is present, but those models look different, they look like gaming peripherals, and here we have a sterile model, so to speak, a universal one. The same applies to a workspace in a certain style, where some people need everything to be lit up, and some people can do without it.

As for the sound, it is definitely of high quality. I lacked a little bit of low frequencies and velvety voice compared to the FIFINE TAM8, but there is more midrange and highs. In general, I liked this microphone because of its versatility not only in appearance but also in voice transmission. Here all frequencies are more or less equal and do not stick out, which means that the model is suitable not only for different tasks but also for different voices (low and high, etc.).

It is great that it is dynamic. It is better suited for home, apartment, and any room that is not adapted for voice recording. The microphone perfectly «picks up» the voice, and other noises, if any, will be minimal, and perhaps even inaudible.

I liked the design and the case. Because the same FIFINE TAM8 is plastic and doesn’t seem very reliable in your hands. And here is a full-fledged metal, and therefore heavy, microphone, which can be used to fight off enemies and record good sound at the same time.

It seems to collect fingerprints well, but that’s if you look closely. Otherwise, they are almost invisible. Just like dust.

I should note that the FIFINE Tank 3 weighs 1.3 kg, so any pantograph from Chinese stores will not work for it. You need to get something more reliable or use a stand.

The buttons on the body are conveniently located and seem to be reliable. The scrollwheel is always on the side, and the physical on/off button is on top. You can always see whether it is green or red, which means that the microphone is active or not. Some people like touch buttons, like on FIFINE AM8, and some people like mechanical buttons because it’s harder to accidentally touch and press them than touch buttons. In my opinion, this is purely a matter of taste because both have the aforementioned LEDs that will always show the status of the microphone.

It’s great that the kit now comes with two cables because I’ve seen versions of it with only one USB-C. And now they also include XLR, which is cool.

I’ve seen some reviews where people don’t like the fact that the package doesn’t include a pantograph or a stand. In my opinion, these are strange complaints because this microphone will probably be used by people who already know something about audio, so they have either a stand, a pantograph, or other mounting options. In addition, an additional set would increase the price. But still, such claims are valid for some people and will be justified.

Price and competitors

FIFINE Tank 3 is sold at a price starting at UAH 3999. The price tag is quite adequate, but the model has serious competitors, including in terms of price and equipment.

For example, the repeatedly mentioned here FIFINE TAM8 costs from 4999 hryvnias, but it comes with a serious pantograph, but does not have an XLR cable. But for 2799, there is just FIFINE AM8 without a cable and pantograph, but with a stand. Other models from the manufacturer are worth paying attention toFIFINE AmpliGame A8 Plus (price from UAH 3155).

Other manufacturers include Rode PodMic with a price tag starting at UAH 4400, Maono AU-PD200X (price from UAH 2300), HyperX SoloCast (price from 1800 UAH) and HyperX QuadCast with a price tag of UAH 3449. There are also Sennheiser Epos B20 (price from UAH 3199) and JBL Quantum Stream (price from UAH 3299).