HyperX QuadCast S Microphone Review: A Stylish USB Mic for Streamers and Podcasters

Whether you're a seasoned streamer, an aspiring podcaster, or someone who wants to level up their Zoom calls, having the right microphone is crucial for delivering crystal-clear audio. The HyperX QuadCast S has emerged as a popular choice, thanks to its sleek design, customizable RGB lighting, and versatile recording options. But is it all just flash, or does this mic offer the sound quality and features to match its eye-catching appearance? In this detailed review, we dive deep into the performance, design, and features of the HyperX QuadCast S to help you decide if it's the right mic for your needs.

Overview

The HyperX QuadCast S is a visually striking microphone designed for streamers, podcasters, and content creators who value both audio quality and aesthetics. With customizable RGB lighting and four selectable polar patterns, this mic caters to those looking for flexibility in their recording setup. But does it live up to the hype for audio performance? Let’s dive in.

Key Specifications

Sound Quality and Performance

The QuadCast S offers clear, high-quality audio, especially for spoken word. It records at 48kHz/16-bit, which is sufficient for most podcasters and streamers, though audiophiles may prefer higher sample rates like 24-bit. The microphone captures rich, deep tones with minimal distortion, particularly in the cardioid mode, which is ideal for solo recording. However, the built-in pop filter is less effective up close, so using an external pop filter is recommended for podcasters who tend to speak directly into the mic.

The four polar patterns provide versatility, allowing the mic to be used for a variety of recording situations:

• Cardioid: Best for solo recording or streaming, focuses on sound from directly in front.

• Bidirectional: Perfect for interviews, as it picks up sound from both the front and back.

• Omnidirectional: Ideal for capturing ambient sound or multiple speakers.

• Stereo: Adds depth to recordings by capturing sound from both the left and right sides.

Overall, the QuadCast S produces clean audio, but it’s not the top performer in this price range. Some microphones at this price offer better sound quality, particularly for music recording.

Design and Build Quality

The HyperX QuadCast S truly shines when it comes to design. Its RGB lighting is fully customizable via the Ngenuity software, allowing users to personalize the color scheme for a visually appealing setup. The lighting serves not just as decoration but also as a visual indicator—muting the mic causes the LEDs to turn off, providing instant feedback.

The microphone comes with a built-in shock mount that reduces vibration and handling noise, which is especially helpful for streamers and podcasters who use their mics on a desk. However, the shock mount is non-removable, limiting portability. Despite this, the tap-to-mute button and gain control dial are convenient features that add to its user-friendliness.

Features:

1. RGB Lighting: Fully customizable RGB lighting adds visual appeal, making it a standout piece in any streaming or recording setup.

2. Four Polar Patterns: Versatile polar patterns allow for different recording setups, from solo podcasting to group interviews.

3. Built-in Shock Mount: The shock mount helps minimize vibrations and unwanted background noise, though its non-removable design limits portability.

4. Tap-to-Mute Functionality: Convenient touch-sensitive mute button with an LED indicator that turns off when the mic is muted.

5. Gain Control Dial: Located at the bottom of the mic, this dial allows you to adjust sensitivity easily during recordings.

Comparison with Competitors:

Who is the HyperX QuadCast S Best For?

The HyperX QuadCast S is ideal for:

• Streamers and Podcasters: Its customizable RGB lighting and versatile polar patterns make it perfect for content creators who want a stylish, functional microphone for various recording scenarios.

• Gamers: The aesthetic appeal, combined with the microphone’s ability to produce clear, crisp audio, makes it a popular choice among streamers on platforms like Twitch.

Final Verdict

The HyperX QuadCast S is a solid, versatile USB microphone that combines decent audio performance with flashy aesthetics. Its RGB lighting makes it stand out, and the four polar patterns provide flexibility for different recording setups. However, it’s important to note that there are better-sounding mics in this price range for audiophiles or those seeking top-tier sound quality.

Rating: 8.6/10

• Design & Aesthetics: 9.5/10

• Audio Quality: 8/10

• Features & Versatility: 9/10

• Portability: 6/10

• Value for Money: 8/10

What the Reviews Say

What the Reviews SayTo gauge the reliability of our review, we also examined reviews from a popular sales platform, which boasts over 50k reviews.The HyperX QuadCast S is a solid and versatile USB microphone that combines good audio performance with an eye-catching aesthetic.One of the most appreciated aspects is its ability to capture sound clearly and effectively isolate background noise.It offers advanced features such as noise suppression and several equalization options.The RGB lighting makes it stand out, and the four polar patterns provide flexibility for various recording setups.However, it's important to note that there are microphones with better audio quality in the same price range, ideal for those seeking top-tier audio performance.Portability is not addressed, likely because it's chosen exclusively by those who record in an indoor environment.Customers on the platform rated it overall with a score of 9.4.