Tech Review – XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone FIFINE K688

The FIFINE XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone K688 is a simple to use audio product well presented in the packaging it came in, setting up this mic could not be easier to only requiring minimal technical knowledge it is basically a plug and play unit that is also well built and constructed with just one wire for power ( in our review model) and a mount to hook up to existing equipment and is a standard.

There is one volume wheel and gain wheel under the base and easy to control and is one of the easiest mics I have tried to use and gives a much better audio experience for those listening rather than using standard audio on the products you use, the sound is crisp and clear no matter where you sit or have the unit placed..

The XLR participation upgrades the audio team so that you can trust it in guarding the sound quality reproduction. Achieving a 93dB S/N ratio in the actual test, the extremely low cable interference ensures the sound can be picked up without a miss.

Dual ports of XLR and USB give K688 a next level of flexibility. Plug and play USB-C still retains its consistent compatibility on computers, tablets, and PlayStation, providing great convenience for your impromptu recording needs.

In USB connected mode, fiddling the comprehensive features on the mic body around your fingers will make you feel like a pro audio engineer, the mute button, live monitor jack are your weapon to observe unexpected audio during recording. With the microphone and headphone level controls, you can easily run a pre-recording check or even make adjustments.

The cardioid pattern always focuses on your voice. The flatter frequency response shows that the K688 maintains excellent performance in all ranges: Keeping the bass thick enough without compromising the warmth of the mids, the highs are bright and crisp for recording vocal details.

The matte metal finish caters to minimalist style, the shock mount does an important job of resisting the rumbling noises of tabletop, if you notice the grey foam cover on top of the mic, the thick flocked filter is designed to provide more pops protection when talking to your audience.

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Video Review

Tech Review – OneOdio Studio 10 Pro headphones

The OneOdio Studio 10 Pro are a simple to use pair of headphones with no controls at all so in short it is just pop them on sit back and enjoy the sounds, there is no app here either. They have 50mm neodymium drivers built in to deliver a powerful sound with good bass, aimed at the DJ these can also be used on mobile phones with a headphone jack and can plugged into games consoles and your TV, You can also plug into an amp or guitar.

These would be ideally used in a studio or for mixer panels and turntable something which we do not have here and tested in a casual capacity with a sound system and mobile phone and for me the sound is quite good and loud with some bass thrown in, you can change the EQ via your device or platform used but in short these just plug in and you just listen to the tunes, they do come with an inline control which we demo in the video review so you have some control over your music like skip and reverse tracks and play and pause you can also answer and hang up on calls…Overall the sound is quite good no lag latency, highs lows and mids are fine and in general a decent audio experience for the price.

If you want a simple pair of cans to use these are just what you need with having super comfortable cups that block pretty much all the outside world and ideally used at home.

Features

  • BASS SOUND: Enjoy powerful bass and comfort with the OneOdio Studio headphones. Large 50-millimeter speaker unit drivers combined with neodymium magnets deliver dynamic bass, great for DJing, mixing, monitoring, or listening to music.
  • BUILT TO STAY COMFORTABLE: The soft padded ear cushions are designed for monitor headphones’ comfort and noise isolation. The headband is adjustable and stretchable for you to find the desired angle you like to fit in.
  • NO MORE ADAPTER: DJ-style coiled cord (9.8Ft Stretched) easily reaches from the TV or stereo to your chair. They both are completely detachable, so you can plug in any devices that have a 3.5mm or 6.35mm jack.
  • SINGLE-SIDE MONITORING: 90° swiveling ear cups for single-ear monitoring anytime; self-adjustable and flexible headband delivers a fatigue-free listening experience that can last for hours, ideal for mastering and mixing.
  • WORKS WITH: All devices have a 3.5mm or 6.35mm audio jack. Bass sound, durability, and comfort. These are the headphones you’ve been looking for.

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Video Review

Tech Review – WIWACAM MW5 4K Mini Spy Camera

We test many cameras here at tech buzz be it indoors or outdoors we have tested plenty of them and still use today of course which is important for the safety and security of your home, you can catch what is coming from the outside first then if the unfortunate case happens the inside and video doorbells are a good start along with other security products and having cameras on the outside is a deterrent and a good place to start.

What if you want to get that bit deeper and spy on someone, well there is plenty of cameras out there now costing little and some that cost lots and here we have had one in to try called the WIWACAM MW5 that costs aorund 50 euros and in this case you get what you pat for despite all the platitudes on site and after my testing I would say it is OK for the money, they have a good app and it is easy to use and all that however the final quality of downloads etc has much to be said for as well as the speech keeping up for the video, having tested this on both Android and iOS the same results came through. They claim the following on the product.

 

Resolution: Snapshots: 4K Resolution Live video: 2K Resolution Recordings: 2K Resolution
This camera offers True 4K/2K resolution. We take a look at the app below and of course we go through it in the video review with video footage day and night so you can decide for yourself is it worth the purchase, what I do like is the side and it has a standalone battery and is very portable and if it something you could use to catch someone in the act or whatever the case maybe it will do the job but just how good  the results can be. They also do kindly note the MW5 lens is not set for close range shooting for closer than 12 inch. The MW5 is suitable for indoor surveillance and optimal for distances between 20inch and 23feet.

The App

 

The specs

  • Mini Size, 4K Ultra HD, 130° wide angle, Night Vision by State-of-the-art IR LED design (up to 20feet)
  • Setup in 1-min, Easy Use. Just scan QR code, then check camera video no matter anywhere anytime (internet required on phone)
  • Smart Alarm Detection with Detection Zone, Detection sensitivity adjustable
  • Continuous Recording and other options. Camera support Recording with no WiFi or no internet, like in car , camp or vocation home.
  • 800mAh built-in battery and other options. Plug the camera to a USB power adapter for long-term running/recordings.

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Video Review

 

 

Tech Review – See.Sense ICON3 bike light.

ICON3, the third generation of the popular ICON bike light series, has now been released after a successful campaign on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo in 2021. The campaign smashed its original funding goal, with over £95,000 raised from over 1,200 backers. ICON3 backers and pre-order customers will now be able to get their hands on the light, and experience the increased brightness and smarter features that enable cyclists to attract attention faster than ever on the road. 

ICON3 is 20% brighter than its predecessor. 350 lumen LEDs in the rear and 575 lumen LEDs in the front ensure you can be seen up to 3km away. A combination of CoB (chip on board) and two quality-focused LEDs give you 270° of side visibility, and shine brightly in both daylight and at night-time.

ICON3 is also smarter than ever.  In addition to sensing and reacting to moments of risk on the roads, such as at roundabouts and junctions, ICON3 also comes equipped with a ‘Get me Home Mode’ and ‘Brake Mode’.  It has also further enhanced visibility by automatically adapting to be brighter in the day with our Adaptive Light Sensing Mode and by using randomised flash patterns to help attract attention in our Super Visibility Mode. 

Here is what to expect in the app below but do check the video review for more on that and what the light looks like. The app is simple to navigate and easy to use and has some great features like My Stats etcs and there is an option to share information within a community.

Once setup in the app you are good to go it is a simple process and takes little time to do get connected but be sure to fully charge the light first as it will not connect this happened to me so you need a full charge which is advised in the instructions.

You get all the mounting equipment in the box and literally takes two minutes to attach to your bike however once finished remove it as it can be easily stolen if your bike is not and perhaps a more permanent set up might be an idea going forward but having said that it is fine as is in one way whereby you could share it or if you have more than one bike etc.

With dark nights now in at 4.30pm and dark mornings it is important to light up and be seen however this does not sink in with all cyclists especially food delivery people and the same can be said for those on e-scooters and this could also be used on one of those which is great, you could even attach to your coat or jacket with a bit of thought.

Features

LUMENS REAR: 350, LUMENS FRONT: 575
RUNTIME: 15hrs on Reactive Flash
WATER SEALED: IP67 Rated
CHARGING: USB-C
MOUNTING: Quarter-Turn Mount
COMPATABILITY: iOS & Android
WEIGHT: 50g
MADE IN THE UK 

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Video Review

 

Tech Review – Jabra Engage 50 II

The Jabra Engage 50 II  came in a well-presented box with the main features and operational instructions visible on the box.  This is a hard-wired headset with ear cushions and fitted with a USB-A connector which fits directly into a laptop. This model came with a Link Call Control kit which allows the volume, mute, and answers calls. The link can be disconnected and plugged directly into a USB-C phone connection.

Contents:

Jabra Engage 50 II MS Wired Stereo Headphones with Link Call Control Unit, USB-A Charging Cable and Carry Pouch . 

Features:

Audio

  •       Noise-isolating fit   Yes
  •       Noise reduction on calls Yes
  •       Speaker size 20mm
  •       Speaker max input power   30 mW
  •       Speaker bandwidth (music mode)   50Hz – 20000Hz
  •       Speaker bandwidth (speak mode) 100Hz – 14000Hz
  •       Microphone type   2 x MEMS Microphone sensitivity -26dBFS/Pa
  •       Microphone bandwidth   100Hz – 14000Hz
  •       Materials used Leatherette, PC & PC/ABS plastic, PP, silicon rubber, stainless steel, TPE
  •       Headset Weight (stereo variant) 65g | 2.3oz
  •       Headset Weight (mono variant)   45g | 1.6oz
  •       Weight (stereo) w. Link 152g | 5.4oz
  •       Weight (mono) w. Link   132g | 4.7oz
  •       USB cable length (sku dependent)
  •       1.6m | 2.4m | 5.2ft | 7.8ft
  •       Warranty   3 years
  •       LED features and functions Busylight, incoming call, Microsoft Teams notifications (SKU dependent)
  •       Certifications and compliance Cisco, Unify, Microsoft Teams (SKU specific), Zoom, Google Meet, Amazon Chime
  •       LED behavior Busylight, incoming/active call, mute/hold call, Microsoft Teams notifications
  •       Materials used   Silicon rubber, TPU, PC & PC/ABS plastic, TPE, PP
  •       SmartRinger Yes

Setup & use.

The setup requires no installation but rather plug and play which has the option to download free software to personalise the experience, the free software allows greater control and control of the buttons in use.

Software

  •       Jabra Direct
  •       Jabra Xpress
  •       Jabra Engage+

The software allows the personalisation of the experience allowing for a variety of setting amended as required, eg this allows the headset to be used on either side.

 

Conclusion:

The Jabra brand has been known for its audio quality but has a  sustainable focus with the box’s 100% Recyclable material. This is followed up by the hearing protection in Jabra SafeTone™ 2.0, PeakStop 105, EU Noise at Work, G616, OSHA. At Techbuzz we regularly get questions about which is better wireless or hard-wired.  Most gamer gamers will typically use hard work function but lack the convenience of answering the door, walking to make coffee or moving around the desk. From a technical perspective hard-wired generally work better with less latency, less interference, and distortion and required no battery charging.

The Jabra Engage 50 II  has professional call quality with its noise-cancelling 3-mic technology to ensure worthy call quality which is required for both users. The earphones are ultra-lightweight and do not require a battery to charge with the controls built into the Link controller, this experience is enhanced with Noise protection for your ears with Jabra Safetone to allow comfortable use for hours. The earphones are certified for Microsoft Teams allowing for the usually expected functionality, answering and muting calls, adjust the volume.

Overall another professional hard-wired product from Jabra allows a sustainable product, ear protection, 3-year warranty with professional call quality. See video review below for more. 

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Video Review

Tech Review – My Arcade Retro Machine – Pac-Man

Old tech is coming back and has been over the years we see it in all avenues of the tech sector and when it comes to gaming this is no different and for years you could buy the old fashioned games you would see in an arcade in office buildings and more and you can still buy them today which is actually affordable with obtaining the cabinets and then you can games on a chip or card at your leisure. But how about a mini version of Pac-Man and Street Fighter which you can now buy today, pretty cool for those who were fans back in the day and of course makes an ideal gift.

These are a plastic housed console so to speak with one game on board there is a selection of other games you can also pick from from the company as seen below..

My Arcade Three Store Grafton Street – techbuzzireland

OK so are these fun then you might ask and in short yes, we wont give you the clickbait title are they worth it we just tell you as it is as with all our reviews, they are simple to run be it on batteries or usb which is fine and you can use your headphones too which also sound good, they are an ideal gift for those who have a tech lover in their life or even an impulse buy for yourself and being honest many men my age probably do no even know of their existence. You can pick these up in Three stores nationwide and check out what else is on offer from Three Ireland and check out the tech they have for Christmas

Features

  • Features artwork inspired by the original arcade cabinet.
  • 2.75” full color back-lit display.
  • Removable joystick.
  • Perfect for any game room, office, or display case.
  • External speaker, volume control and 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Power with a Micro-USB cable (not included) or 4 AA batteries (not included).

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Video review

Tech Review – Skullcandy Sesh ANC earbuds

The Skullcandy Sesh are one the latest true wireless in their range which come in at an affordable price offering great features for those who do not want to fork out big money and wants something that sounds good and these deliver in these aspects, With the traditional packing you’d expect from the company you get all you need in the box from the get go which will not break the bank and with some good sales on now you could pick these up at a super price.

These come with a charging case which is one that will not open on shaking or if left open your earbuds will not fall out and the case has USB-C charging. The case is plastic with a Matt Black finish just like the earbuds themselves so a standard affair here which is no big deal, I Would like to see more colours though than the traditional Black or White options we tend to see these days.

The case has LEDs on the front to give you a battery status and up to 25 hours with ANC on using the case provided and is  sufficient at the price point and fine for commuter journeys and so on but you can use these in the gym or walking in the rain as they are IP55 rated. The charge case is an average size like the buds themselves and are pocketable. When it comes to fit these are a solid one, for me they fit nice and snug and do not budge when jogging or walking and with that have good passive isolation sealing out a good bit of the outside world but they do not have audio pass through which is fine at this price. They have been one of the better fitting ones I have tried of late and that’s a good thing but everyone’s ears differ and there is extra tips in the box to get that perfect fit.

This time around unlike their previous version has access to their app which is certainly welcome giving you more additional features and allowing you to tune to your needs and the sound is great, highs lows and mids are fine good bass and decent volume levels so for movies music gaming  ( there is a game mode option here )and more you will be covered with great sound without having to break the bank.The ANC is quite decent and calls have been also surprisingly good.

See the video below for more.

Features

  • The buds hold up to 6 hours with ANC on, and the case charges the buds 4 times between plug-ins. Plus, with Rapid Charge, the first 10 minutes of charging give you 2 hours of play time.
  • Sesh ANC boasts an IP55 rating for sweat, water and dust resistance. That means there’s no need to panic (or even hit pause) next time you work up a serious sweat or find yourself caught in the rain.
  • You can access advanced features through the Skullcandy App. Adjust Stay-Aware Mode, choose a preset or custom equalizer, access the free Tile app and more.
  • Clear Voice Smart Mic is the closest thing to talking in person. It uses artificial intelligence to isolate the speaker’s voice and reduce background noise.
  • Sesh ANC earbuds automatically connect to your device when removed from the case. They also feature on-earbud controls — play, pause, skip, adjust volume, take calls and more without ever touching your phone.

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Video Review

Tech Review – Allway Open-Ear True Wireless Earphones OE10

Earbuds come in all shapes and sizes and this is a new fresh design this time around from a company called Allway. Allway is an innovative tech brand principally engaged in the R&D, manufacture, and distribution of Bluetooth headphones, speakers, and other creative devices. The company has established solid partnerships with Huawei, Philips, Sony, Apple, Farouk Systems, Lenovo, Alibaba, JD.com, Baidu, and other world-renowned brands.

We have been testing their latest product to the market the OE10 over the last while and from their presentation to their looks do they pass the tests we conduct here which is hours of music, movies videos and more…

Unlike the TWS headphones with a semi-in-ear design which may generate pressure inside the ears, in particular for long-time wearing. OE10, the true-wireless, open-ear earphones don’t go in your ears at all, they are more like a personal stereo that sits on your ears. Different from the bone-conduction headphones which people have suggested these were to me and I quickly pointed out they are not rely on the sound being transmitted through vibrations on the bones of the head and jaw,  the Allway OE10 uses Open Audio directional sound transmission technology to deliver sound waves through the air for a more natural listening experience, reducing the issue of sound spillage and amplification. Relying on 30 years of experience in audio devices manufacturing, we use our self-developed bass enhancement technology to deliver rich, full-range sound that far exceeds the standard of similar products in the market. 

Allway Open-Ear true wireless – techbuzzireland

Precision ports direct sound from two 16.2 mm drivers with a frequency range of up to 20KHz,  and are equipped with a high-quality composite diaphragm and optimised adjustment by Allway Acoustics Laboratory, the low frequency is full of volume, and the mid and high frequency is clear and delicate. Dual-mic ENC noise reduction captures the sound and eliminates background noise, providing clear, and excellent conversation quality.

With the touch sensor control panel on both sides, you can perform operations with taps and swipes, without taking out your mobile phone from your pocket.  Adjust the volume or answer a call plus a variety of functions with just a tap.  Bluetooth connection between two devices, audio can be switched between devices in real-time. Leverage the latest Bluetooth 5.3, and support AAC HD decoding, users can customise operation with the Free Allway App ( available for both iOS and Android devices) which we will show you in the video review below and also see the screenshots provided here. 

The Allway OE10 is rated IPX4. Whether it’s sweat after a workout or sudden rain, the full angle splash protection ensures OE10 has a longer service life. OE10 charges can be charged with a Type-C cable in 1.5 hours, earphones play time is up to 6 hours under moderate settings; the charging case offers an extra 4 full charges, which makes the total play time up to 24 hours, making them easy to cope with long training sessions or sports. 

Features

Key features:
  • Open-ear design, hear the music and environment, perfect for running, cycling, hiking.
  • Stay safe, be aware of noise in the world around you. 
  • Priced at $79,  a more affordable alternative to other open earbuds like Bose($119), Sony($159.99)Cleer($129.99) and shokz($129) . 
  • A more comfortable listening experience without bone conduction vibration. 
  • Crystal-clear conversations with high-quality sound 
  • Simple touch controls, up to 6 hours of battery, and a total of up to 16 hours with the charging case.
  • IPX4 splash-proof and sweat-proof design, simple touch controls. Personalize the earbuds with the Allway App.

Specs

Brand: Allway

Product Name: Open Earbuds 10

Product Model: OE10

Product Size: 48*63*16mm

Distance: 10m

Bluetooth Version: BT5.3

Drive Unit: 16.2mm

Impedance: 20±15% ohm

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz

Frequency Band: 2.400GHz-2.4835GHz

Microphone Sensitivity: -38 dBV@1kHz

Type of Charge: Typ-C

Input: 5V/0.5A

Earbuds Battery: 130mAh

Case Battery: 450mAh

Charging Time: About 1.5h

Battery Life: 6h per single charge/16h with case

Number of Connections: 2

Weight: 13.8g(earbuds)
Price: $79

Discount –  $10 coupon code with: techbuzz

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Video Review

Review – Hearprotek earplugs

Go to concerts loud events or work on a building site this simple product can save your ears from harms way. A simple and affordable solution to save the ears is a good investment. These also can  be useful for sleeping and whilst they are not a product loaded with tech they do not provide a full ANC experience but more a passive noise cancelling one.

In my testing they do the job they are set out to do and ideal for DJs and concert goers more so where it can be extra loud and hard on the ears they can also be stored in the portable tin and clipped onto your bag or jeans with the carabiner clip which is handy and also be kept clean in the storage tin.

Whilst using these it must be noted no clarity is lost with the venue or event you are at and it can be heard in all its glory but they do dampen the loudness which in effect what the product is set out to do.If you go to concerts like I do and often hear your ears ringing afterwards this is what you need.

 

Check the video below and check them out.

  • 【Preserve High Fidelity Audio】 Hearprotek Music ear plugs do an effective job of bringing down the overall volume, blocking background noises at a comfortable level while preserving the sound clarity and sharpness. You won’t experience any muffling with these plugs as you would foam-based ones and you will be able to hear different sound frequencies and talk to people without having to worry of muffling.
  • 【20db Noise Reduction】 Comes with 2 sets of 20db ear plugs in different sizes (small & standard), cutting up an impressive 20db’s of sound volume which is a pretty good amount for a concert or band rehearsal, and you can always have your spare plug in case any plugs are fallen out unfortunately or missing.
  • 【Designed For Comfort】 Made of high quality silicone material that provides comfort from prolonged usage. If you have small ear canals, the small size of ear plugs are your best choice, they are designed to have an ergonomic curved body with two flange tip that follows the shape of your ear canal, which provides a snag and comfortable fit.

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Video