The popular HyperX brand of gaming accessories and peripherals is now owned by HP, and since then has expanded its portfolio to appeal to gamers, streamers, and creators of all kinds.
The HyperX QuadCast 2 S is an evolution of the company’s critically acclaimed microphone. This isn’t a complete overhaul, but rather a focused refinement that makes an already amazing microphone even better. At $200, you get incredible, high-resolution recording, an attractive design, and a wonderfully easy setup process.
I wish HyperX would give you more options and the QuadCast 2 S certainly makes its presence known on your desk, but it’s basically impossible to fault the core experience that it offers. For those who want a straightforward, plug-and-play USB microphone, the HyperX QuadCast 2 S could jump to the top of your shortlist.
I may not be a streamer, but I still use a microphone almost every single day as part of my job (and often outside of it, too). Having a microphone that I can rely on and is easy to use is crucial, but I also prefer a flexible mic that I can control. I’ve used many, so how does the latest stack up?
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HP and HyperX had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.
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.
HyperX QuadCast 2 S
ā¢ Price: $199.99 at Best Buy | Amazon | HP
ā¢ Mic specs: USB Type-C 2.0 connectivity, 3x 14mm electret condenser capsules, cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, & stereo polar patterns, 20-20,000Hz frequency response, up to 32-bit resolution, up to 192kHz sampling rate
ā¢ Other features: 100+ individual RGB lights, Volume Unit (VU) meter, multifunction button/knob, removable shock mount, 3.5mm audio jack for zero-latency monitoring, HyperX NGENUITY software support, 3/8in & 5/8in thread mounting support
ā¢ Weight: 835g (1.84lbs) assembled, 345g (0.76lbs) w/ microphone only
The HyperX QuadCast 2 S is the more premium variant of the dual-model follow-up to the HyperX QuadCast microphone that we reviewed. Where that microphone retailed for $140 (and can now be found for less), the QuadCast 2 family starts at $150 with a refined design, new shock mount, and a handful of new features like the multifunction button. For an additional $50, you can add higher resolution recording and more customizable RGB lighting.
Yes, the HyperX QuadCast 2 S goes for $199.99 at Best Buy, so it’s not exactly an affordable microphone. This is a USB microphone, so you don’t need a more professional (and expensive) XLR interface; this microphone is plug-and-play, not requiring additional driver, firmware, or software downloads to use. It should also be compatible with most devices that support audio recording over the USB 2.0 standard, including mobile devices and consoles (Xbox may require additional workarounds thanks to platform-specific restrictions).
In the box, you’ll find the HyperX QuadCast 2 S microphone, the preinstalled shock mount, the detachable stand, a 3m (9.8ft) USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, and a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter. This microphone is covered by HP’s 2-year standard warranty.
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 HyperX QuadCast was a decent microphone in terms of aesthetics, but the second generation is the epitome of refinement. Cleaner branding, sleeker lines, a bolder shape, and less seemingly unused space make this matte black cylinder stand out among the rest of the matte black cylinders. The hexagonal grille dividing us from the QuadCast 2 S’ RGB lighting returns, but it too looks better than ever. The rear ports are even off-center, so they’re not obstructed by the stand.
When you go to set up the QuadCast 2 S, you’ll discover that refinements permeate more than just the surface. You still get a shock mount to minimize errant vibrations sabotaging your recordings, but it’s redesigned and easier than ever to install or uninstall the QuadCast 2 S microphone. It supports standard 3/8in and 5/8in threading for the included stand or whatever mounting solution you prefer. Adjustability is limited to the angle, but everything here feels reassuringly constructed.
This isn’t an XLR microphone, which may make some professionals lose interest but will make the rest of us sigh in relief. Instead, a simple USB Type-C connection enables compatibility with a wide range of devices; as long as your device supports audio recording over USB (and via third-party peripherals), you should be good to go. Simply plugging in the QuadCast 2 S opens the door for recording, the default RGB lighting, the touch-sensitive mute button, and the multifunction dial.
No drivers, no firmware, no software necessary ā just plug and play. Of course, those who want more control can install the free HyperX NGENUITY software app, which lets you customize some basic settings and get very in-depth with the RGB lighting. This microphone doesn’t boast the best-looking lighting I’ve seen, but being able to individually customize each of the over 100 LEDs, choose from multiple patterns and even customize the angle those patterns cascade across the microphone, and create unique presets for individual games gives you a lot of options.
A microphone can look as good as it wants, though, it’s only as useful as its ability to record audio. Fortunately, that’s actually the QuadCast 2 S’ greatest strength. HyperX upgraded the resolution to 32-bit, complete with a 192kHz sampling rate; that’s a lot higher than your average microphone, and it elevates HyperX’s recording prowess to new heights. This microphone sounds lovely.
You can choose from four polar pickup patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo) with a simple long press of the multifunction button, with each taking full advantage of the triple condenser capsules contained inside. Audio recorded with the HyperX QuadCast 2 S is crisp, detailed, and even. The QuadCast 2 S does a remarkable job isolating your voice and adjusting to variations in your frequency, avoiding clipping, tinniness, and unwanted noise.
Noise cancellation is also excellent. You’ll still hear the clacking of keyboard typing in the background, but I never once had an issue with feedback loops when joining video conferences over speaker. Even the roar of the air conditioner, heater, or lawn mowers outside my apartment couldn’t break the seal.
This is one of the better sounding microphones I have ever used, and it’s genuinely impressive that the QuadCast 2 S accomplishes it with zero tweaks out of the box. HP has begun to use HyperX to tune the audio on its gaming products like the HP OMEN Transcend 32 QD-OLED gaming monitor I reviewed (and am using right now), and it’s not difficult to understand why.
Finally, I do want to talk about these onboard controls and accompanying indicator lights. The touch sensor on the top is only for muting and unmuting the microphone, and it is exactly as responsive and definitive as it should be. There’s also an LED ring around the sensor, which lights up as you change polar patterns to indicate in which directions the microphone will pick up audio, which is a great touch.
Finally, there’s the multifunction button and knob. By default, this controls microphone gain levels and your polar pickup pattern, and also gives you a real-time Volume Unit (VU) meter to reflect what level of audio the QuadCast 2 S is picking up. If you connect headphones via the 3.5mm audio jack for microphone monitoring, you can press the multifunction dial to also switch between headphones volume control and monitor mixing. It works well, the LEDs are responsive and change color to indicate the current control mode, and it reduces the reasons you may have to open up HyperX NGENUITY or your capturing 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 greatest advantages afforded to USB microphones are often ease-of-use and cost-effectiveness. The HyperX QuadCast 2 S delivers on both counts, but there is one area that perhaps betrays HyperX’s relative infancy in this market: software. The HyperX NGENUITY software acts as a hub for your ecosystem of HyperX devices and peripherals, but your options are relatively limited when it comes to the QuadCast 2 S.
As I stated before, lighting is the exception ā you have a lot of control there. You’re able to change what you’re able to control from the microphone itself (volume, monitor mixing, muting, polar pattern switching, etcetera), and also enable a high pass filter. There are no options to customize noise or echo cancelation, no equalizer, no adjustable noise cate, no filters; the QuadCast 2 S’ software experience is frankly barebones, so you’ll have to rely on third-party software like NVIDIA Broadcast or your capturing solution (if you use one).
Beyond that, the QuadCast 2 S is just… large. It’s not massive, but it certainly takes up more space than your average microphone. Those who have limited real estate on their desk may want to keep that in mind.
QuadCast 2 S review: Also consider
QuadCast 2 S review: Final thoughts
You should buy this if …
ā You want a flashy mic that works great out of the box
With its clean design and customizable RGB lighting, the QuadCast 2 S is a good-looking microphone. More importantly, you also don’t need to do anything for it to work and sound great the moment you set it up. That alone is valuable to a lot of people.
ā You need the highest resolution audio possible
With up to 32-bit resolution and 192kHz sampling rate, the QuadCast 2 S beats out most of the competition (usually restricted to 24-bit) when it comes to just how much information is being captured. This helps give the QuadCast 2 S the edge in terms of raw audio recording quality.
You should not buy this if …
āYou need the ability to tweak absolutely everything
The HyperX QuadCast 2 S doesn’t really need any tweaking to sound great, but there are still plenty that require that added customization. If you’re one that wants all the dials, switches, and settings, HyperX NGENUITY will only disappoint you.
I’ve used microphones that sound just as good as the HyperX QuadCast 2, but I’m not certain I’ve ever used a microphone that sounded this good the moment I plugged it into my PC. USB microphones are already known for their convenience, but HyperX really delivered the goods with the QuadCast 2 S. On top of that, the build quality and design are all top-notch, with some excellent ease-of-use additions and highly customizable RGB lighting.
I’d prefer a more compact microphone and there are many who will definitely miss having more ability to tweak and adjust everything to their heart’s content, but even more people simply want a microphone that makes them sound good and doesn’t require a ton of effort or investment to get there. In that regard, the QuadCast 2 S may only be rivaled by its more affordable sibling, the QuadCast 2 (which drops the RGB lighting and loses some recording quality).
If you’ve already decided this is the microphone for you, the HyperX QuadCast 2 S is available to buy for $199.99 at Best Buy.
The QuadCast 2 S advertises itself on the back of its higher-than-average resolution audio, but the deal is sealed when you have a chance to admire the thoughtful design and appreciate the sheer ease of use. This is a great microphone for those that want premium recording gear without becoming a microphone guru.
