HyperX QuadCast 2 S: The Perfect USB Mic That Delivers Stunning Audio and Style!

Since HP took over the HyperX gaming accessory and peripheral brand, which is widely recognized, they’ve broadened their product line to cater not just to gamers but also to streamers and content creators from various fields.

The HyperX QuadCast 2 S represents an advancement from the popular microphone previously produced by the company. Instead of undergoing significant changes, it has been subtly enhanced to further improve upon its exceptional performance. At a price point of $200, you receive top-notch, high-definition recording capabilities, an aesthetically pleasing design, and a straightforward setup experience.

The HyperX QuadCast 2 S not only expands its offerings in terms of options, but it undeniably stands out on your workstation. Yet, it’s hard to find fault with the exceptional core user experience it provides. If you’re seeking a simple, ready-to-go USB microphone, the HyperX QuadCast 2 S might just move to the top of your must-have list.

QuadCast 2 S review: Pricing and specifications

The QuadCast 2 S retails for $199.99, which includes a shock mount.
This is compared to the QuadCast 2 at $150 and QuadCast at $140.

The HyperX QuadCast 2 S is an upgraded, premium version of the second generation successor to the HyperX QuadCast microphone we previously reviewed. While the original model was priced at $140 (and can now be found for less), the QuadCast 2 series begins at $150, featuring a revamped design, improved shock mount, and new features such as a multifunction button. For an extra $50, you can upgrade to higher-resolution recording capabilities and more customizable RGB illumination.

Indeed, the HyperX QuadCast 2 S retails for $199.99 at Best Buy, making it a mid-range investment rather than an affordable option. As a USB microphone, you won’t need a more costly XLR interface to use it; this microphone is designed for easy plug-and-play functionality without the need for additional drivers, firmware, or software downloads. It should work seamlessly with most devices that support audio recording via USB 2.0, including mobile devices and game consoles like Xbox (please note that due to platform-specific restrictions, you may require some workarounds for Xbox compatibility).

Inside the box, you’ll discover the HyperX QuadCast 2 S microphone, its built-in shock mount, an adjustable stand that can be detached, a long USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable measuring approximately 3 meters (or about 9.8 feet), and a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter for compatibility with various devices. This microphone comes with HP’s standard 2-year warranty for your peace of mind.

QuadCast 2 S review: The good

The design is clean, well-constructed, and intuitive to set up and use.
Recording quality is among the best I’ve tested for a microphone.
Onboard controls are nice to have, and RGB lighting looks great.

The original HyperX QuadCast microphone had a good design, but the second generation takes it to another level of sophistication. It boasts a more streamlined appearance with cleaner branding, sharper lines, and a bolder structure, making it distinct among other similar matte black cylinders. The hexagonal grille, which separates us from the QuadCast 2 S’ RGB lighting, returns in an improved form. Even the rear ports are slightly offset, ensuring they aren’t blocked by the stand.

When you’re ready to install the QuadCast 2 S, you’ll find that improvements extend beyond just its appearance. You’ll still find a shock mount to reduce unwanted vibrations affecting your recordings, but it’s been redesigned for easier installation and removal of the QuadCast 2 S microphone. It comes with standard 3/8 inch and 5/8 inch threading, which works with the included stand or any other mounting solution you might prefer. While adjustability is limited to the angle, everything feels solidly built.

This microphone isn’t an XLR type, which might disappoint some professionals but will undoubtedly please the rest of us who appreciate its simplicity. Instead, it offers a user-friendly USB Type-C connection, ensuring compatibility with numerous devices. If your device supports audio recording via USB (and through third-party peripherals), you’re all set! Just connect the QuadCast 2 S, and you’ll gain access to recording capabilities, along with its default RGB lighting, a touch-sensitive mute button, and a multifunction dial for easy operation.

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Without the need for drivers, firmware, or software setup, simply connect this device and it’s ready to go – plug and play at its finest! For those who desire more control, there’s the free HyperX NGENUITY software available, offering customization options for basic settings as well as providing deep control over the RGB lighting. Although not the most visually stunning lighting, this microphone allows for individual customization of over 100 LEDs, selection from various patterns, adjustment of the cascading angle of these patterns across the microphone, and creation of unique presets tailored to specific games, providing a multitude of personalization possibilities.

A microphone may have an appealing design, but its true value lies in its audio recording capabilities. Luckily, the QuadCast 2 S excels in this area, thanks to HyperX upgrading the resolution to a 32-bit, 192kHz sampling rate – significantly higher than most microphones. This improvement greatly enhances HyperX’s ability to capture audio, making it sound simply wonderful.

With just a single long press of the multifunction button, you have four different polar pickup patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo) at your disposal, each making the most of the triple condenser capsules it houses. The audio captured by the HyperX QuadCast 2 S is clean, clear, and balanced. This microphone excels in isolating your voice and adapting to fluctuations in your frequency, effectively preventing issues like clipping, tinny sounds, and unnecessary background noise.

The noise-cancellation feature is top-notch; it effectively reduces background noise like keyboard clacking and outdoor sounds such as air conditioners, heaters, or lawn mowers. Remarkably, I’ve never encountered feedback issues during video conferences via speaker, ensuring crystal-clear communication.

Among the microphones I have encountered, the QuadCast 2 S ranks among the best sounding ones, and what’s truly remarkable is that it delivers top-notch audio quality without any adjustments necessary out of the box. It’s no wonder that HP has chosen HyperX to fine-tune the audio on their gaming products such as the HP OMEN Transcend 32 QD-OLED gaming monitor, a device I reviewed and currently use, and it’s easy to see why.

In the end, let me discuss the onboard controls and their associated indicator lights. The top touch sensor is solely for muting and unmuting the microphone, functioning just as smoothly and clearly as expected. Furthermore, there’s an LED ring surrounding this sensor, illuminating to show which polar patterns you’ve selected, thus indicating from where the microphone will gather audio – a thoughtful addition indeed.

Lastly, there’s a versatile control button and dial. Normally, it manages microphone amplification and your pickup pattern, plus provides a real-time Volume Unit (VU) display showing the audio level the QuadCast 2 S is capturing. If you plug in headphones using the 3.5mm jack for live microphone monitoring, you can press the multifunction dial to toggle between adjusting headphone volume and mixing the monitor output. It performs efficiently, the LEDs react promptly and switch color to signal the active control mode, thereby minimizing the need to launch HyperX NGENUITY or your recording software.

QuadCast 2 S review: The bad

The base experience is great, but NGENUITY doesn’t give you many options.
This is also a large microphone, so it does take a fair amount of space.

The USB microphones offer many benefits, such as simplicity and affordability, and the HyperX QuadCast 2 S excels in these aspects. However, it seems that HyperX, being relatively new to this market, lacks in the software department. The HyperX NGENUITY software serves as a hub for all your HyperX devices and accessories, but the options available for the QuadCast 2 S are somewhat limited.

Previously mentioned, lighting is unique in that it offers a greater degree of customization. The microphone itself allows for adjustments such as volume control, monitor mixing, muting, changing polar patterns, and enabling a high pass filter. However, there are no settings to modify noise or echo cancellation, nor an equalizer, adjustable noise gate, filters, or other advanced features in the QuadCast 2 S’s software. Instead, you may need to utilize external software like NVIDIA Broadcast or your chosen capture solution if used.

Additionally, you should be aware that the QuadCast 2 S isn’t small by any means; it occupies a noticeably larger area compared to standard microphones. Users with restricted desk space might find this factor worth considering.

QuadCast 2 S review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if …

✅You want a flashy mic that works great out of the box

Featuring a sleek design that can be personalized with RGB lighting, the QuadCast 2 S microphone stands out visually. Yet, what truly sets it apart is its ability to work effectively and produce high-quality sound right out of the box without any additional setup needed, a feature that many people appreciate greatly.

✅You need the highest resolution audio possible

The QuadCast 2 S boasts a superior audio recording quality compared to many competitors, thanks to its ability to capture up to 32-bit resolution and 192kHz sampling rate – a detail that most rivals often lack, typically being limited to 24-bits. This extra bit of information it captures gives the QuadCast 2 S an edge in terms of raw audio quality.

You should not buy this if …

❌You need the ability to tweak absolutely everything

The HyperX QuadCast 2 S generally delivers excellent sound quality without much adjustment, but for those who prefer fine-tuning their settings, they might find the HyperX NGENUITY software lacking in customization options.

I’ve found microphones comparable in sound quality to the HyperX QuadCast 2, yet none have impressed me as instantly as this one did when I connected it to my computer. USB microphones are generally easy to use, but HyperX exceeded expectations with the QuadCast 2 S. Moreover, its construction and design are exceptional, boasting user-friendly features and customizable RGB lighting that adds a nice touch.

Instead of opting for a microphone with extensive customization options, many individuals prioritize one that sounds great while being user-friendly and not demanding excessive effort or resources. In this aspect, the QuadCast 2 S could be compared to its more budget-friendly counterpart, the QuadCast 2, which sacrifices RGB lighting and recording quality for a lower price point.

Should you have made up your mind that the HyperX QuadCast 2 S is the perfect microphone for you, it’s ready for purchase at Best Buy, priced at $199.99.

2025-02-06 20:10