Fixing Fifine AM8/K688 Low Volume After Windows 11 Update

After upgrading to Windows 11, many users report unexpectedly low volume from their Fifine AmpliGame AM8 or K688 microphones on USB. Audio may sound distant, muffled, or barely audible in calls, recordings, or streaming apps. This is often caused by Windows 11 resetting driver defaults or applying incorrect audio enhancements. Below are tested solutions using native Windows features, built-in Windows tools and practical hardware adjustments.

 Step 1: Adjust Microphone Settings in Windows (Native Fix - No Software Needed) 

Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar (bottom-right). Select "Sound settings" → Scroll down → Click "More sound settings".

In the "Recording" tab, right-click your Fifine microphone →"Properties" → Navigate to the "Levels" tab → Set volume to 100%.

Go to the "Advanced" tab → Under "Default Format": Select "1 Channel, 16-bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality)". Click "Apply" → "OK".

Why this works: Higher settings (e.g., 24-bit/96kHz) can cause instability or driver conflicts on USB mics. DVD quality ensures optimal compatibility.

 Step 2: Physical Adjustments & Hardware Checks 

A. Microphone Gain Knob

Fifine AM8/K688 has two knobs:

🔘Controls microphone gain. Turn it clockwise to increase sensitivity. Please test while speaking - Adjust until your voice is clear but not distorted.

🔘Controls headphone volume (ignore this in this guide).

B. Positioning Matters

Sweet spot: Speak 2 - 3 inches (5 - 7 cm) from the top of the mic capsule.

Angle: Point the mic directly at your mouth, but tilt it 15° off-axis (angle slightly left/right) to eliminate plosives (harsh "p", "b" sounds). Off-axis placement reduces breath while maintaining vocal clarity.

 Step 3: Test & Isolate the Issue 

A. Try Alternate Devices

Test the mic on a smartphone or another PC. If volume is normal, the issue is Windows-specific. If low volume persists on all devices, the mic may be faulty.

B. Check Software Conflicts

Use Audacity (free) to record raw audio: If volume is normal here, third-party apps (e.g., Discord, Zoom) may need internal mic boost settings.

In OBS: Add an "Audio Filter" → Enable "Gain" to amplify quiet input.

Why Windows 11 Causes This

After updates, Windows often:

Resets microphone levels to ~50%.

Enables "Audio Enhancements" (e.g., noise suppression), which can suppress volume.

Disable these: In mic Properties → "Enhancements" tab → Check "Disable all enhancements".

 Final Checklist 

✅Mic gain knob set to 50% - 70%, or a proper level after test.

✅Windows mic level at 100%.

✅Default format: 1 Channel, 16-bit, 48000 Hz.

✅Enhancements disabled.

✅Tested positioning (2 - 3 inches from the top of the mic).

Most users resolve low volume via Steps 1 - 2. For persistent issues, hardware testing (Step 3) is critical. Avoid higher bitrates - they destabilize USB mics.

Still stuck? Contact FIFINE support https://fifinemicrophone.com/pages/contact-us, attach your order number and a demonstrating video, we got your back.