HyperX QuadCast 2 Review

HyperX QuadCast 2 Review

Capsule Quality & Fidelity 6.8/10

HyperX quotes 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response with recording at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. The condenser capsules give a bright, detailed voice that cuts through game audio and music beds.

On calls, speech sounds crisp and present, and colleagues will hear more detail than through a headset boom. The low end is modest unless you move close, which keeps it from sounding boomy at normal distances.

Compared with the Elgato Wave 3 the QuadCast 2 sounds slightly brighter and more open. HP’s own Tech Takes review walks through each pattern option in more detail. Both are excellent for speech in a reasonably quiet room.

• Element Condenser
• Sample Rate 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
• Bit Depth 16 / 24-bit

Interface Versatility & Patterns 8.3/10

You can choose cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional or stereo patterns. Cardioid suits solo calls, bidirectional suits two people facing each other, and omni captures a room.

In cardioid mode it still hears keyboard noise and room echo, as most condensers do. Placing the mic close and turning gain down reduces that, though a dynamic mic remains better for noisy spaces.

The selectable patterns make it more flexible than most USB mics, which is useful if you record interviews or podcasts alongside daily meetings.

USB-C connects to Windows, macOS and consoles including PS4 and PS5. HyperX includes a USB cable for typical desk setups.

It works as a standard USB audio device with Teams, Zoom and Discord, with no driver needed on Windows or Mac. Higher sample rates need a supported recording app.

There is no XLR output, so the mic stays a USB device. For most users that is fine, because the controls and patterns are already built in. Console players should note that on PS5 the mic appears as a USB headset input, with monitoring handled on the mic itself.

• Connect USB-C
• XLR No
• Pattern Cardioid
• Patterns 4

On-Mic Hardware Controls 9.7/10

A tap-to-mute sensor on top turns the mic off with a light touch, and the status light makes mute state obvious. The multi-function knob adjusts gain, headphone volume and monitoring mix.

Being able to change everything on the mic without switching windows is genuinely useful during calls. The tap sensor is silent, so muting does not create a thump that the far end hears.

The 3.5 mm headphone jack supports zero-latency monitoring. HyperX NGENUITY software adds further settings, but it is optional for basic use.

• Gain Yes (multi-function knob)
• Zero Lat. Yes
• Monitor 3.5 mm headphone output

DSP Engine & Software 6.0/10

The QuadCast 2 uses HyperX NGENUITY for its companion software.

The software or onboard controls also include monitoring (3.5 mm headphone output), gain control (multi-function knob) and a mix control. Official capture is listed at 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz and 16 / 24-bit. When I hook this up for a webinar, I check whether the processing lives on the mic or only in the app.

Mounting & Shock 10.0/10

The microphone weighs 335 g and ships with a desktop stand, a built-in pop filter and a detachable shock mount with spring-loaded pins. The shock mount also accepts universal mounts.

The body feels solid and the shock mount absorbs desk bumps well. The stand is stable, though it puts the mic at chest height on most desks, so a boom arm brings it closer to your mouth.

The size is noticeable on camera, and the lighting effects may look out of place in formal meetings unless you turn them down.

• Shock Mount Yes
• Thread 3/8 in and 5/8 in
• Stand Desktop stand (included)
• Pop Filter Yes (built in)

DSP Engine & Software

The QuadCast 2 uses HyperX NGENUITY for its companion software.

The software or onboard controls also include monitoring (3.5 mm headphone output), gain control (multi-function knob) and a mix control. Official capture is listed at 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz and 16 / 24-bit. When I hook this up for a webinar, I check whether the processing lives on the mic or only in the app.

Full Specifications

Product Details