After FIFINE sent me several review devices, I decided it was time to order myself a FIFINE SC3 mixer (although before I could actually buy one, FIFINE contacted me, who would end up giving me one for free, although not necessarily to review). Of course, I wasn't going to say no to this!
While the SC3 is targeted at streamers (and please remember I am no longer a streamer, and although I have been thinking about going back into streaming, I am currently not), it does well as an audio mixer designed to improve the quality of the sound coming to the computer. I have a microphone with an XLR port, so I needed some means of connecting it to my laptop, and the SC3 does just that. The main benefit of the XLR port is that the analogue to digital conversion is moved from the microphone to the SC3, which has a much higher-quality ADC.
What do you get for your money?
The SC3 sound mixer, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a short 3.5mm audio cable are included in the box. These are both reasonably long cables. You also get instructions, which I barely even looked at.
Watch the video above to see what you get in more detail.
Quality and features
The FIFINE SC3 is generally a well-built and thoughtfully designed device. Constructed from solid plastic, it feels robust enough to withstand regular use over several years. The soft-touch rubber buttons are a nice touch—they operate silently when pressed and feel sturdy, giving the impression they’ll hold up well over time.
The volume sliders are also reassuringly durable and operate smoothly and precisely. Conveniently, each slider is paired with a dedicated mute button just below it, allowing you to quickly silence individual channels without having to manually lower the sliders to zero—an intuitive and practical design feature.
Around the back, you’ll find a versatile combo input port that supports both standard XLR microphones and 6.35mm (1/4-inch) jacks, offering flexibility for different audio setups. This is especially useful for users who might want to switch between condenser and dynamic microphones without needing additional gear.
One of the SC3’s most significant advantages is its software-free setup. There’s no need to install any drivers or proprietary applications—just plug it in, and you’re good to go. It’s the kind of no-fuss, streamlined experience many users have been asking for.
For condenser microphones that require additional power, the SC3 provides 48V phantom power, which can be activated via a dedicated button. This feature ensures that your condenser mics receive the necessary power for optimal performance.
Conclusion
All in all, the SC3 strikes a strong balance between affordability and features. Its low price for what you get makes it stand out well against the competition. This is what all my reviews conclude with when discussing FIFINE products—they've managed to create greatness at an exceptional price. I'm lucky I've not paid for anything I've been reviewing, but if I had, I'd have felt it was money well spent.
