Roccat’s maiden foray into microphones is a successful if safe entry into the market, but it includes some interesting features. It’s a 24-bit condenser microphone with internal controls, three pattern options, and some simple but functional RGB stylings. There’s a lot of competition at this price point, and the Torch manages to outperform all of the normal bullet points you’d expect from a USB microphone aimed at gamers, streamers, or podcasters who don’t have hundreds of dollars to invest.
There are no XLR connectors to worry about, and no software is required unless you want to download Roccat’s Neon software to customize the RGB. There’s a gain slider for controlling the loudness of your voice, a volume knob for controlling the volume of your PC or headphone monitoring (via a 3.55mm connector), and a pattern knob.
This pattern knob switches between stereo, cardioid, and “whisper” modes. The first two are probably recognizable to you: stereo is for singing, playing, and flute solos, and it offers a more panoramic input option. Cardioid is primarily for solo voice and is what you’ll most likely use when streaming.
Alternatively, you could end up playing “whisper,” Roccat’s gift to aspiring streamers and gamers who need to keep quiet for sleeping newborns or irritated housemates. It’s intended to pick up your voice with loudness and clarity even if you’re essentially whispering. Because each of these settings is color-coded using RGB, toggling between them should help you avoid any unpleasant mistakes.
Roccat Torch review: Design
With its flat, paddle-like casing and big metal grille, ROCCAT’s USB microphone has an odd appearance. The ROCCAT Torch is primarily a gaming microphone, with AIMO reactive RGB illumination to blend in with other gaming peripherals. A ROCCAT emblem lies on the grille of the microphone, and vertical strips line the sides. Depending on the polar pattern you choose, these all illuminate in different hues. The strip lights move up and down in response to the gain level, and while you’re muted, all LEDs glow red. Furthermore, if you have other ROCCAT devices with AIMO lighting, the lighting effects will be combined.
A contactless mute sensor is located on the top of the microphone.
The sensor detects motion rather than touch as you wave your hand over it. A button on the back of the base allows you to adjust how close your hand must be for it to detect movement. This option is useful when you wish to silence your microphone without adding handling noise to your recording. The Torch is boom arm compatible; simply detach the mic from the supplied swivel mount and attach it to your mount. The swivel mount is coupled to a strong anti-vibration base with silicone feet to keep it from slipping. The base includes three mixer-style controls: a polar pattern selection knob, a volume control knob/mute button, and a gain control slider.
Roccat Torch review: Sound Quality
The Torch features a twin condenser design and an integrated pop filter, as well as 24-bit recording capabilities. On paper, it implies it should be able to compete with or outperform almost any microphone on the market. In practice, I found it adequate, but my recordings were a little flat, missing some of my more nuanced vocal or interaction sounds. In terms of pure audio quality, the Torch is considerably superior to any mic found on a headset. But it’s not going to replace my years-old Yeti whenever audio quality is critical.
But, as I have stated, that isn’t really the point of the design. It’s a mic that sounds good, looks good, and has some fun direct controls that are simple to use. Roccat supports normal and stereo recording, as well as a “whisper” mode with automated adjustments if you’re gaming when your housemates (or parents) don’t want to be a part of your Discord discussion for an extended period of time. It’s a lovely finishing touch.
Roccat Torch review: Controls
The controls for the base and microphone are simple but intuitive. As well as characteristics that contribute to the already strong attractiveness of this low-cost USB microphone. On the base, there are three physical controls. A fader adjusts the gain of the microphone on the far right. Pushing this up and down will cause the RGB bars on the side of the microphone to move up and down. It’s useful to have this visual reference when the microphone and base are separated.
A volume dial is located in the center. This is the volume control for your headphones or monitoring equipment. This knob can also be used to mute the microphone by pressing it like a button. However, it is the second method of muting that leads us to one of the Torch’s most interesting characteristics.
Roccat Torch review: Performance
The Roccat Torch appears to be the real deal, but how does it perform? The answer is quite good if you utilize it right. The diaphragm is located significantly lower than in most of the pill-shaped condenser mics I’ve evaluated in the past. That implies that if I spoke into the top of the microphone, like I would with the Blue Yeti X, the audio would be quiet and muffled. It’s mostly fixed by speaking into the bottom section of the microphone grille, but you can also raise the gain if you’re continuously missing albeit at the expense of increased noise.
The Roccat Torch operated admirably after I realized where I was supposed to speak into. I captured clean, crisp audio appropriate for entry-level podcasters and streamers using the cardioid recording mode, which records in front of the mic for a one-person recording experience, though it’s not quite as detailed as other high-end options.
Still, it’s not something you’ll notice unless you’re seeking to record instruments or generate Hollywood-level short films. It’s extremely good for the price, and I’ve used it in a couple recent episodes of our weekly video podcast Fast Charge. A stereo recording option is also available, which is perfect for two individuals sitting across from each other, but it will also pick up significantly more ambient sound, such as neighboring doors closing or cars going by outside. The whisper mode is a proprietary mode specific to Roccat in response to the ASMR video fad that is now sweeping the internet.
Roccat Torch review: Price
It’s a 24-bit condenser microphone with internal controls, three pattern options, and some simple but functional RGB stylings. There’s a lot of competition at this price point, and the Torch manages to outperform all of the normal bullet points you’d expect from a USB microphone aimed at gamers, streamers, or podcasters who don’t have hundreds of dollars to invest. Given that the Torch has the same specs as the majority of the competitors in its price category, the results are predictable, if not spectacular.
Perhaps what makes this particular gadget stand out is its bloody-useful whisper mode. The Torch is a capable and feature-rich microphone from Roccat, with its easy-to-use onboard controls, touch-free muting, and whisper mode all working in its favor. Given that other higher-priced microphones just offer one pick-up pattern, you’re getting a lot here.
Final words
Roccat’s first foray into the realm of streaming microphones is both more and less than you’d expect – it’s a well-made mic with a robust metal frame and grille linked to a plastic base, and it’s more practical than it is appealing. The audio reproduction is solid and in line with what is normally acceptable for a microphone in this price range; what elevates the Torch is its three adjustable polar patterns, including the extremely handy “Whisper” option.
The Torch’s most notable feature, though, is its RGB illumination, which is truly useful. The Torch’s illumination helps you to see what your settings are at a glance, rather from just looking nice (which it certainly does). Because RGB lighting isn’t going away, let’s hope we see more inventive and clever use of the effect, such as what the Torch has to offer.