HyperX QuadCast 2 review: a great USB microphone just got better

At first sight

Expert rating

Pros

• Excellent sound quality of voices
• High sampling rate and recording bit depth
• Wide Compatibility
• More versatile lighting control

Cons

• New multi-controls aren’t as intuitive
• Large in size

Our verdict

The HyperX QuadCast 2 microphone offers interesting personalization options as well as high-quality sound. What more could you ask for?

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HyperX started out as a brand of RAM for Kingston gaming PCs and, like many other component manufacturers, has since expanded its product range to include all types of gaming hardware. In 2018 they released QuadCast USB microphone.

With its iconic looks, vibration-damping cable suspension, and large cases that glow with a red LED, it’s a favorite among Twitch streamers. Not only is it stylish, but it also provides high quality sound at a good price. You don’t need any audio knowledge to get good sound.

Kingston has since sold HyperX to HP and they continue to release streaming products regularly. However, I have my doubts about the quality of some of these products, so I was a little worried when HyperX released the QuadCast 2 this summer, a direct follow-up to the now classic microphone. Will HyperX offer an equally good or better microphone? Let’s find out.

Further reading: Why I Won’t Spend a Fortune on a Gaming Microphone

Matthias Inge

HyperX QuadCast 2: High Quality Audio

Fortunately, QuadCast 2 is a high-quality product that offers a number of technical upgrades. It’s still a condenser microphone with three 14mm elements that allow you to switch between four ways to record audio: omnidirectional, forward-firing, bi-directional forward and backward (or sideways!).

However, HyperX has improved the technology, increasing the sensitivity of the microphone and at the same time reducing the level of noise it creates. The original QuadCast produced great sound, but QuadCast 2 produces even clearer sound. I picked up an old QuadCast and tested audio recording in the same environment and the difference is truly noticeable.

So what does this mean? That means it sounds damn good. Voices have a warm, natural tone and plenty of detail in the high frequencies.

Matthias Inge

The sampling rate has increased from 48 kHz to 96 kHz, and the bit depth is 24 bits, an improvement over the previous 16 bits. If you want to use a microphone to record audio and then manipulate it later, you’ll have more options to do so without losing quality.

HyperX QuadCast 2: Free-hanging for less interference

The design of QuadCast 2 is recognizable from that of its predecessor. It’s still a black cylinder with a red LED behind the grille and a guard on the top half, and the entire top half is a large, super-sensitive touch button to mute the sound. The stand, with the microphone attached to the elastic wires, is essentially the same as before, but with slightly different mounts that are said to be easier to detach if necessary.

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The laces are now black instead of red, taking away from their iconic look, and the ends are completely flat. Whereas the QuadCast had a microphone gain control knob on the bottom, the QuadCast 2 instead has a small knob on the front. It controls headphone volume, something missing from its predecessor. I don’t really like this little knob because it makes a loud noise when I turn it. There is no way to change the volume discreetly while recording.

The dial also has a click function: a quick press toggles control between the headphones and microphone. Long press is used to switch between audio recording profiles. It’s more bulky than the knob on the back of the QuadCast. However, there is now a ring of light on the top of the mic to indicate which direction it’s listening – I appreciate that.

HyperX Quadcast 2: small practical improvements

Connection to your computer is via USB-C instead of the mini-USB that came with the original QuadCast. Five watts of power is enough, so you can connect it anywhere. You also get a USB-C to USB-A adapter for a three-meter USB-C to USB-C cable.

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The microphone is easier to detach from the base of the round table. The stand mount also makes it easy to mount on a microphone arm, making it an ideal setup for streamers.

The light is dimmable (and therefore switchable) and can be controlled using the HyperX Ngenuity app for Windows. You also get a digital volume control and a digital high-pass filter. You can adjust this if you have too much background noise, but for the most part I’d probably avoid it.

You can plug it in and run it on a Mac, PlayStation 4, or PlayStation 5. This is what HyperX lists as compatible devices, but by default it’s a USB audio device only, so it will work on Chromebooks, Steam Decks. , an Android mobile phone with USB audio support, and a Nintendo Switch console. Not with Xbox though, as they insist there is no support for standard USB microphones. It’s not HyperX’s fault, it’s just Microsoft being stubborn.

Matthias Inge

HyperX QuadCast 2: Conclusion

QuadCast 2 offers superior sound quality, good damping capabilities, wide compatibility and versatility. It’s a great device for streaming gameplay, recording a podcast, or speaking professionally on a video conference.

Of course, there is better equipment for music studios and streaming studios. After all, XLR microphones are designed to be installed in an analog mixing console. But if you’re looking for a good microphone with good features, the QuadCast 2 is definitely worth it.