They call it the cheap Shure SM7B. The Tank1 podcast microphone dropped from 2,490 to 1,299 CZK

The Shure SM7B is a microphone you see in every other podcast – and it costs around ten thousand. The FIFINE Tank1, dubbed its budget version, can now be bought on Alza for 1,299 CZK instead of 2,490 CZK. Foreign reviewers put it in a direct battle with the SM7B with headlines like “surprisingly close” – and that’s exactly what makes it the most interesting microphone discount of the summer.

👍 Get it if you record podcasts or stream in an uninsulated room and have (or plan to get) a sound card.
🤔 Hesitate if you want to plug the microphone directly into your computer – the Tank1 only has XLR, so it won’t make a sound without an audio interface. And there’s no cable included.
💰 Price tag: 1,299 CZK for an all-metal broadcast microphone is a price at which plastic USB models are usually sold.

Why dynamic and why it won’t hum

Dynamic microphones like the Tank1 primarily pick up what’s directly in front of them and ignore the surroundings – that’s why podcasts recorded in an ordinary room sound as if they were made in a studio. The cardioid polar pattern suppresses keyboards, fans, and street noise, and you don’t need phantom power for operation. Directly on the body, you’ll find two analog switches: a low-cut filter against the rumble of air conditioning and passing cars, and a mid-boost that enhances voice clarity without the need for additional adjustments. The construction is entirely metal, and with a weight of over a kilogram, it feels exactly as sturdy as the name Tank promises.

Account for one extra investment

The Tank1 is a purely XLR microphone. You cannot plug it into a USB computer, and you won’t find an XLR cable in the package – you need a sound card or a mixer, which means roughly two to three thousand extra for a beginner. For some, it’s an obstacle; for the target audience, it’s actually an advantage: XLR means a balanced signal without interference and the microphone’s ability to grow with your equipment. Those who already have an interface get surprisingly good sound for 1,299 CZK. Those who have nothing should opt for a USB model. More discounted tech for creators can be found in Mega Discounts on Alza.

Do you record with a USB microphone, or have you already switched to an XLR setup?