Back in 2020, the HyperX QuadCast S was the USB microphone every Twitch streamer seemingly had on their streams. Now, the QuadCast 2 S is here to try to one-up its predecessor. And what does it bring to the table? A lot more LEDs, for starters.
The original QuadCast only lit up in red, while the QuadCast S brought full RGB support, and even supported gradients of colors from top to bottom. The QuadCast 2 S takes it even further with a twist, literally. The new mic has over 100 individually addressable LEDs laid out in an array around the mic, allowing for more complex patterns like a spiral gradient rainbow. It’s a welcome addition, particularly for a microphone that’s so likely to be seen.
HyperX added a few less flashy features that make for a compelling upgrade too, though many of these were first introduced on the QuadCast 2. That includes a multifunction knob that controls the input gain and headphone volume and acts as a VU (volume unit) meter to keep you from peaking, plus a redesigned shock mount.
Light Up Polar Patterns
One of my favorite features on the original QuadCast S was the knob on the bottom for adjusting gain, which was both convenient and subtle. That’s gone on the new model in favor of a more typical knob that juts out of the front. It might not be quite as stylish, but it’s more useful.
The knob is flanked by a semicircle of LEDs that change color depending on what you’re doing. If you’re turning the knob while using it as a microphone, it will light up purple to indicate the gain level. When you’re not touching it, it reverts to a VU meter, indicating how close you are to peaking, so you can adjust accordingly.
You can also press and hold the knob to change polar patterns, which is indicated by the LED ring on the top of the mic. It cycles between cardioid, bi-directional, stereo, and omnidirectional patterns, with red LEDs lighting up on the sides of the mic so that it will pick up sound.
This is the most intuitive way to change polar patterns I’ve seen. For comparison, the Blue Yeti USB microphone all but requires a tutorial to decipher its arcane symbols. Here, you just keep holding the button until red lights are pointing in the direction you want to record from. Now I want this feature on every microphone I use. (It is available on the cheaper QuadCast 2.)
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The QuadCast 2 S also maintains the same tap-to-mute top button as its predecessor, which was easily one of its most convenient features. When you mute the microphone, all the LEDs turn off—a handy way for your audience to tell your mic is off as well. When you unmute, they turn back on. The LED circle at the top will also briefly show which polar pattern you’re in, so you or your guests can easily tell where they need to speak into the mic.
Better Audio, Less Work
The original QuadCast S produced pretty solid sound, especially for a USB mic, but it had some notable limitations. It could only record in 16-bit and 48 kHz. The QuadCast 2 S dramatically raises this limit to 32-bit and 192 kHz.
For most people, this probably isn’t a huge deal, but it’s worth noting, especially if you plan to do any audio recording for editing. Much like working with higher-resolution images, the higher the bit-depth when you record, the more room you have to edit without degrading your signal. The 16-bit and 48-kHz defaults generally are fine for streaming, but if you upload edited VODs or use this mic for podcasting or voice acting, you can start to get grainier, less pleasant audio, particularly if it gets compressed multiple times.
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In practice, I noticed the QuadCast 2 S produces excellent audio quality. A friend asked me to do some quick voice acting for a side project, the kind of thing I’d normally use more professional-level audio gear for, but I gave the QuadCast 2 S a shot. I could not tell the difference from my higher-end setup, and neither could my friend. My voice came through rich and clear, and I didn’t detect any background noises or odd hums. This was particularly impressive because, while I normally take steps to minimize noise in my home while recording, I live between a parking deck and a four-lane highway. Any help I can get picking up clean audio is a boon.
HyperX also redesigned the shock mount to make it easier to remove or replace the microphone. Handy for all the content creators who seem to want to hold USB mics in their hands. Two retractable pins pop out to latch it in place, and easily slide back in as you pull the microphone out of the mount. There’s a little bit of resistance, but it’s a lot easier than unscrewing the entire mount if you need to remove it.
The USB-C and 3.5-mm ports on the rear are slightly offset from the center, where I expected them. This is a delightful little touch, as it points the ports just to the right of the shock mount’s stand. This helps avoid any crimping of the USB cable, which can lead to cord damage over time. It’s an extremely minor thing, but a detail I appreciate.
Overall, the HyperX QuadCast 2 S is a nice improvement, though you can get nearly the same features on the standard QuadCast 2 and save $50.
