HyperX QuadCast 2 evaluate: A superb USB microphone will get even higher

Finest Costs Right now: HyperX QuadCast 2

$149.99

$159.99

HyperX began out as Kingston’s model of gaming pc RAM and, like so many different part producers, has since expanded its product providing into all types of gaming {hardware}. In 2018, they launched the QuadCast USB microphone.

With its iconic look, that includes vibration-dampening wire suspension, and pink diode-glowing giant puff covers, it’s a preferred selection amongst Twitch streamers. Not solely is it fashionable, however it offers excessive sound high quality for value. You don’t want any audio experience to make it sound good.

Since then, Kingston has offered HyperX to HP they usually’ve continued to commonly pump out streaming merchandise. I query the standard of a few of these merchandise, although, which is why I used to be somewhat anxious when HyperX launched the QuadCast 2 this summer season, a direct sequel to the now basic microphone. Will HyperX ship an equally good or higher mic? Let’s discover out.

Additional studying: Why I gained’t lay our a fortune on a gaming microphone

Mattias Inghe

HyperX QuadCast 2: Top quality sound

Luckily, the QuadCast 2 is a top quality product that gives a variety of technical upgrades. It’s nonetheless a condenser mic with three 14mm components that mean you can swap between 4 sound pickup strategies, omnidirectional, ahead kidney, bi-directional ahead, and again (or sideways!).

Nonetheless, HyperX has fine-tuned the expertise, growing the sensitivity of the microphone whereas reducing the extent of noise it generates. The unique QuadCast produced nice sound, however QuadCast 2 produces even clearer sound. I received my arms on an outdated QuadCast and I examined the sound recording in the identical atmosphere and the distinction is definitely noticeable.

So, what does this imply? It means it sounds rattling good. Voices have a heat, pure tone and there’s loads of element within the excessive frequencies.

Mattias Inghe

The sampling price has gone up from 48 KHz to 96 KHz and the bit depth is 24 bits, an enchancment over the earlier 16. It doesn’t make a lot distinction once you simply push it out instantly in a compressed dwell stream, however if you wish to use the mic to document sound and manipulate it afterwards, you have got extra room to take action with out lack of high quality.

HyperX QuadCast 2: Free hanging for much less interference

The design of the QuadCast 2 is recognizable from its predecessor. It’s nonetheless a black cylinder with a pink LED gentle behind the grille and puff guard within the prime half, with your complete prime as a big and extra-sensitive contact button for mute management. The stand with the microphone connected to elasticated wires throughout is just about the identical type as earlier than, however with barely completely different mounts which might be mentioned to be simpler to unhook when wanted.

Mattias Inghe

The laces are black now as a substitute of pink, which takes away a few of its iconic look and it’s fully flat on the ends. The place the QuadCast had a management knob on the backside for the microphone achieve degree, the QuadCast 2 as a substitute has a small knob on the entrance. It controls the amount of headphones, one thing that was lacking in its predecessor. I’m not solely keen on this little knob, because it emits a loud(ish) sound when turned. It’s not doable to discreetly change the amount throughout recording.

The dial additionally has a click on perform, the place a fast press switches between controlling the headphone and microphone. A protracted press is used to cycle between audio recording profiles. It’s extra cumbersome than the knob on the again of the QuadCast. That mentioned, you now get a light-weight ring on the highest of the mic that signifies which method it’s listening–I admire that.

HyperX Quadcast 2: Small sensible enhancements

Connection to the pc is through USB-C as a substitute of the mini-USB that the unique QuadCast got here with. The 5 Watts of energy is nice sufficient, so it ought to work to attach anyplace. You’re additionally getting a USB-C to USB-A adapter for the three meter USB-C to USB-C cable.

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The microphone is less complicated to detach from the spherical desk base. The stand mount additionally means that you can simply mount it on a microphone arm as a substitute, a perfect set-up for streamers.

The sunshine is dimmable (and thus switchable) and will be managed with HyperX’s Ngenuity app for Home windows. You additionally get digital quantity management and a digital high-pass filter. You may alter this you probably have an excessive amount of background noise, however for essentially the most half I’d in all probability keep away from it.

You may plug it in and run it on a Mac, a PlayStation 4, or PlayStation 5. That’s what HyperX lists as suitable gadgets, however it’s solely a USB audio machine by default, so it’ll work on a Chromebook, a Steam Deck, an Android cell phone with USB audio assist, and the Nintendo Swap. Nonetheless, not with Xbox, as they insist on not supporting normal USB microphones. That’s not HyperX’s fault, it’s simply Microsoft being cussed.

Mattias Inghe

HyperX QuadCast 2: Conclusion

The QuadCast 2 gives glorious sound high quality, good dampening capabilities, extensive compatibility, and flexibility of use. It’s an ideal machine for streaming gameplay, recording a podcast, or sounding skilled in a video assembly.

In fact, there’s higher gear for music studios and streaming studios. XLR mics are designed to suit into an analogue mixing desk, in spite of everything. However should you’re searching for microphone with good options, the QuadCast 2 is certainly value it.