Both are cheap dynamic mics with USB now and XLR later, so both keep keyboard noise down when used close. Choose the AM8 for PS5, a tap mute with a light and a gain knob on the mic. Choose the Q2U for a switch that silences USB and XLR alike, and both cables in the box.
Choice A
FIFINE states it works in the PS5's USB port. Over USB it has tap-to-mute with a light, gain and headphone volume, and its yoke takes 3/8 and 5/8-inch threads with no adapter. Maker price $57.99 with the base stand and USB cable.
Choice B
The Q2U box has a USB cable and an XLR cable, a tripod stand, a clip and a windscreen. Its on/off switch silences both outputs, so it still mutes when you move to an interface.
7 of 10 setup details differ.
| Setup detail | FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 | Samson Q2U |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone connection | USB/XLR | USB/XLR |
| Connectors | USB-C · XLR · 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C · XLR · 3.5 mm headphone |
| Hardware mute (differs) | Tap-to-mute with a light (USB mode only) | On/off switch that silences both the USB and XLR outputs |
| Microphone monitoring (differs) | 3.5 mm headphone jack with volume (USB mode only) | Yes |
| Listed computer systems (differs) | Windows PC · PlayStation 5 | Windows · macOS · ChromeOS |
| Included parts (differs) | AM8 microphone · Metal desktop base · USB cable | Q2U microphone · Mic clip · Tripod desk stand · Stand extension · Foam windscreen · 2.25 m USB cable · 3 m XLR cable |
| Required path components (differs) | XLR cable and an audio interface or mixer, only if you use XLR | Depends on the connection and mounting choice below |
| Mount or thread (differs) | 3/8-inch thread · 5/8-inch thread | Included mic clip |
| Dimensions (differs) | Not specified | 190 mm long, 55 mm diameter |
| Software requirement | Not specified | Not specified |
Both are cardioid dynamic mics that connect over USB to a computer and also have an XLR output for an interface or mixer later. Both have a 3.5 mm headphone jack with its own volume, so you hear yourself without delay over USB.
Both need to be close to your mouth: a hand's width is right. Neither is a mic you leave at the back of the desk.
FIFINE answers it directly: the AM8 works plugged into a PS5's USB port, and it does not work on Xbox, because Xbox consoles don't accept third-party USB audio devices. Samson lists Mac, PC and Chromebook for the Q2U and says nothing about consoles, so treat its PS5 support as unconfirmed.
Over USB the AM8 has a tap-to-mute with a light, a gain knob and headphone volume. Over XLR FIFINE says the mute, the controls and the lighting stop working, so you mute and set gain on the interface.
The Q2U has an on/off switch and headphone volume, but no gain knob: you set its level in Windows, macOS or the interface. Its switch silences the USB and the XLR output alike.
The basic AM8 comes with its metal desk base and a USB cable; an XLR cable is not included, though FIFINE sells bundles with one or with an arm. The Q2U comes with a mic clip, a tripod stand with an extension, a foam windscreen, a 2.25 m USB cable and a 3 m XLR cable.
Plug the AM8's USB cable into the PS5 and pick it under Settings, Sound, Microphone, Input Device. If your wired headset plugs into the mic's headphone jack, pick the AM8 as the output too, then use Adjust Microphone Level.
Connect the included USB cable, pick the Q2U in Windows and in Discord, and set its level in Windows because the mic has no gain knob. Plug headphones into the mic to hear yourself without delay.
In XLR mode, the interface owns the headphones and monitoring. USB mute and processing do not automatically affect the XLR signal.
Connections and controls come from these model-specific documents. Manufacturer claims about sound are not independent tests.