HyperX QuadCast vs QuadCast 2
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Quick Summary
The HyperX QuadCast 2 is an upgraded version of the original QuadCast that retains the same overall sound signature, but adds many quality of life features.
The bit rate has been increased, the mounting mechanism has been improved, and there’s a new multi-function knob to control the settings of the QuadCast 2.
Build
Most of the differences are related to the build itself. The overall design is similar, but the aluminum finish is sleeker and sharper on the QuadCast 2. The multi function wheel can adjust the polar pattern, headphone volume, and mic monitoring volume. The original QuadCast has separate knobs and dials for the first two and can’t control the mic monitoring volume at all.
The most welcome change for me is the new mounting mechanism. No longer do you have to unscrew a bunch of loose pieces to move the QuadCast to a boom arm. Now the entire shock mount screws off of the QuadCast 2, leaving no loose parts aside from the base itself.
Original QuadCast with a permanently attached shock mount. Small pieces are needed to keep it in place.
The QuadCast 2 can be removed from its shock mount entirely.
As for similarities, both have a light underneath the foam pop filter which makes them light up red when active. Pressing the capcitive mute button on the top of the mics turns the light off.
Sound Quality
Both devices are using three 14 mm condenser capsules with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 KHz. Audibly, I couldn’t hear a difference at all. However, technically the QuadCast 2 records at a higher bit rate of 24 bit/96 KHz and the original QuadCast records at a max of 16 bit/48 KHz.
In reality, I haven’t encountered anyone that can reliably tell the difference between 16 bit and 24 bit recordings, but it’s a cool specification to have.
NGENUITY
The QuadCast 2 in compatible with HyperX’s NGENUITY software. As of this writing, there’s not really a lot you can do in there sound-wise, but there is a high pass filter and polar pattern switcher available.
You can also control lighting effects in NGENUITY, such as “blink” and “lightning”.
Verdict
QuadCast 2 on the left and QuadCast on the right.
Overall, the QuadCast 2 isn’t enough of an improvement over the QuadCast to be worth upgrading to, however if you don’t have either of these mics yet, I recommend the QuadCast 2 because it’s everything the original is - but better.
