HyperX QuadCast 2 S Review: Your Favorite Streamer’s Next USB Mic Leave a comment

Again in 2020, the HyperX QuadCast S was the USB microphone each Twitch streamer seemingly had on their streams. Now, the QuadCast 2 S is right here to attempt to one-up its predecessor. And what does it carry to the desk? Much more LEDs, for starters.

The unique QuadCast solely lit up in pink, whereas the QuadCast S introduced full RGB assist, and even supported gradients of colours from high to backside. The QuadCast 2 S takes it even additional with a twist, actually. The brand new mic has over 100 individually addressable LEDs specified by an array across the mic, permitting for extra complicated patterns like a spiral gradient rainbow. It’s a welcome addition, notably for a microphone that’s so prone to be seen.

HyperX added just a few much less flashy options that make for a compelling improve too, although many of those have been first launched on the QuadCast 2. That features a multifunction knob that controls the enter acquire and headphone quantity and acts as a VU (quantity unit) meter to maintain you from peaking, plus a redesigned shock mount.

Gentle Up Polar Patterns

One in all my favourite options on the unique QuadCast S was the knob on the underside for adjusting acquire, which was each handy and delicate. That’s gone on the brand new mannequin in favor of a extra typical knob that juts out of the entrance. It may not be fairly as fashionable, however it’s extra helpful.

The knob is flanked by a semicircle of LEDs that change colour relying on what you’re doing. If you happen to’re turning the knob whereas utilizing it as a microphone, it’s going to mild up purple to point the acquire stage. Whenever you’re not touching it, it reverts to a VU meter, indicating how shut you’re to peaking, so you may regulate accordingly.

You may as well press and maintain the knob to alter polar patterns, which is indicated by the LED ring on the highest of the mic. It cycles between cardioid, bi-directional, stereo, and omnidirectional patterns, with pink LEDs lighting up on the perimeters of the mic so that it’s going to choose up sound.

That is probably the most intuitive approach to change polar patterns I’ve seen. For comparability, the Blue Yeti USB microphone all however requires a tutorial to decipher its arcane symbols. Right here, you simply maintain holding the button till pink lights are pointing within the route you wish to file from. Now I would like this characteristic on each microphone I exploit. (It is accessible on the cheaper QuadCast 2.)