If you’re looking to level up your streaming or gaming setup, then the Fifine SC3 Gaming Mixer, could be for you.
I’m pairing it with the stellar Fifine AM8 microphone (which I’ve reviewed in a previously). This duo might just be the dynamic duo you’ve been waiting for.
The days are long gone, where if you had an older XLR microphone, then you also had to buy a phantom power source, which was essential for powering condenser microphones, which require an external voltage (typically 48V) to operate their internal circuitry and that was delivered through the same XLR cable that carried the audio signal. At the time and still in some setups today, it simplified those very setups by eliminating the need for separate power supplies.
While today, modern dynamic microphones, don’t require phantom power. Historically, standalone phantom power units were common because many older audio devices lacked built-in phantom power, making them crucial for using condenser mics in recording or live setups.
Now, you have products like this mixer from Fifine, that as well as doing all that sound mixing, can also act as a phantom power transmitter to the condenser microphone.
The design
This mixer has a lightweight sleek black finish (which also comes in white), it’s got a compact plastic build that won’t take up desk space, with rubber grips on the bottom, so you know it will stay put even when you are either pressing the 12 rubber buttons or pushing one of the 4 audio sliders, and those RGB lights, which can be changed, to different colour or a multi coloured arrangement which I prefer, or even off, but who wants it off.
At the top of the front panel, there are LED indicator bars that will show you the active noise levels for inputs on the left side and outputs on the right side. This mixer doesn’t just work well, it’s got the aesthetic to match. You’ll look like a pro streamer even if you’re just chatting with your squad on Discord.
Functionality
The SC3 is a powerhouse! It’s a USB mixer and is easy to setup with most computers (plug and play). No need to mess around with external sound cards or complex setups. Just plug it in, and you’re good to go.
It’s fully compatible most XLR (and 1/4") microphones and microphones that can be connected via an AUX lead.
In the box, you’ll get the most of cables you will need to get you started, the USB-C to USB-C cable, to connect your computer to the mixer and a Aux cable to connect to either your headphones or your line in or out device.
Just remember, you need to purchase an XLR cable separately if you do get this and haven’t got one with your mic.
The SC3 gives you a lot of control over your sound. You’ve got independent volume dial controls for your mic, whether that is a standalone mic, which connects via the XLR port, selecting dynamic or condenser, depending on what type of mic you’ve got, or a headset, which goes into the headset port.
As mentioned before there is a 48V button, which lets you enable and disable the phantom power, if your XLR microphone requires it.
You can also connect, a line in device, like a phone or something via the 3.5mm port at the back, a pair of headphones also via another 3.5mm port at the back and a line out device, like speakers, and yes via another 3.5mm port at the back.
It’s all powered via the USB-C port, which can go straight to either your computer, a Playstation console or a mobile phone.
The while you can adjust the levels to suit the volume you’re after, you will also see the volume status of any input device playing on this side and any output device like headphones or speakers on the right. The others buttons on the mixer are, an electric button, which is surrounded by 12 LEDs, which function as the pitching for autotune, if you need that.
You also get the ability to change your voice, this button is more of a novelty, but it can be fun for some in the right circumstance, allowing you the select between a male, female, robot, monster, baby and elder voice.
Lastly, there are 4 custom buttons, which allow you the record up to 15 seconds of any audio received from the input sources. Just press and hold to record and then every subsequent press of the custom button, will play that sound. So, if you listen podcasts or other content creators that play random sounds in their streams or in their content, they will have either something like this, or keyboard shortcuts
Now, let’s talk about the AM8 mic because these two are a match made in audio heaven. The AM8 is a dynamic microphone with cardioid pickup. Translation? It focuses on your voice and drowns out the keyboard smashing. Pair it with the SC3, and you’ve got professional-grade audio for gaming, streaming, or podcasting.
Who is this audio mixer for?
If you’re a gamer, streamer, or content creator who wants pro-level sound mixing without breaking the bank, this is might be the mixer for you. It’s simple enough for beginners but offers enough control to keep advanced users happy. Plus, let’s not forget the RGB lighting. Your setup should sound good and look good, and with this it will.
The Fifine SC3 Gaming USB Mixer is an absolute game-changer and when paired with an XLR microphone, like the AM8, it’s like having your own little sound studio right on your desk.
If you enjoyed this article and want to see the video version with examples and demos of this mixer, check out the YouTube video link below:
