In its quest to add RGB to everything in the world, the HyperX Quadcast microphone is back with a new, colorful look as the HyperX Quadcast S. The new dynamic RGB lighting adds a little something extra to an already great microphone. If everything else on your desk lights up in rhythmic unison while you stream, why not your microphone?
In terms of specs, the S is more or less identical to last year’s Quadcast, offering the same 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, 16-bit bit rate, three 14mm capacitors, and the ability to choose between four polar patterns. It still has the look of a sports talk radio mic, which is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it has a certain charm.
The aesthetics of the HyperX QuadCast S are without a doubt its biggest highlight. The QuadCast S’s dynamic dual RGB lighting system resembles a lava lamp, slowly changing from one color scheme to another. These RGBs are also fully adjustable via HyperX’s Ngenuity software, allowing you to choose from a variety of color combinations.
With a built-in anti-vibration shock absorber and internal pop filter, HyperX’s flagship is ready to go right out of the box. Setting up the QuadCast S is as simple as attaching the microphone to its stand and connecting it to your PC via a USB cable. If you’re not a fan of placing your microphone on your desk, HyperX also includes a 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch adapter that allows you to easily attach the QuadCast S to a boom arm to avoid clutter.
The QuadCast S features a convenient mute button on the top of the microphone, which is incredibly useful for covering up sneezes and coughs during video calls and gaming sessions. The mute button is so sensitive that it activates at the slightest touch, so the microphone doesn’t emit an audible “thump”. The LED indicator and RGB lighting also turn off when muted, so you never have to wonder if your friends and colleagues can hear you.
The HyperX QuadCast S does everything it promises to do. While it’s certainly not a studio-quality microphone (no USB mic really is), it picks up nice, clear audio in a variety of scenarios, and the background noise it picks up is pretty manageable. Plus, the built-in pop filter is a welcome addition.
The RGB lighting looks great, and while you can’t customize the color without the Ngenuity software, the microphone as a whole looks great on a desk or camera. While not the cheapest microphone with the most features, the QuadCast S is a solid choice for anyone looking for a USB microphone for their Mac.