HyperX QuadCast vs QuadCast S
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Differences Summary
Similarities
QuadCast S + NGENUITY Software
Verdict
Differences Summary
QuadCast (left) and QuadCast S.
The HyperX QuadCast and QuadCast S are very similar microphones - almost exactly the same. There are only two key differences:
1) The original QuadCast only lights up red when active, but the QuadCast S has full RGB lighting support.
2) The QuadCast S has a USB-C to Type-A cable that allows it to connect to the HyperX NGENUITY software. This software offers lighting customization options as well as a few simple volume adjustments.
The original QuadCast’s cable is USB mini B to Type-A, and does not connect to NGENUITY.
Similarities
Specifications
Both devices have the same triple 14 mm condenser capsule setup allowing them to record in 4 different polar patterns.
These can be selected using the knob on the back and include cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo.
Each mic's frequency response is 20 Hz - 20 kHz.
Build Quality
The builds are both plastic and a shock mount is built onto and pop filter built into the devices. However, as I demonstrated in my comparison of the QuadCast to the Blue Yeti, they both only help a little bit.
Low latency headphone monitoring is available on both devices by utilizing the 3.5 mm jack on the back.
There's an adapter included that allows for use on a boom arm that has both 3/8 and 5/8 inch threading. Unfortunately, there's nowhere to store the adapter, so it can be easy to lose. Also, watch out for all the loose parts that come off when you remove these devices from their stands.
Mic arm adapter with 3/8 and 5/8 inch threading.
Each device includes a braided 3 meter long cable, and the mics each weigh 710 grams in total with stand and cable.
Both devices light up when active, and touching the capacitive mute button the top turns the lighting off. You can actually reverse this effect with the QuadCast S in NGENUITY if you want it to light up when muted instead of when active.
QuadCast S. Gain knob on bottom like the original.
Audio Quality
For these tests, each device is set to 50% with the physical gain knob, and their default 82% volume in Windows sound settings.
Both the QuadCast and S have the same capsules inside resulting in identical audio when used at the same gain level and polar pattern. Like many condensers in this price range such as the Blue Yeti, the general consensus is these mics sound “natural”.
Still, I find the QuadCast and S to sound a bit distant due to them picking up wall reverb unless you’re in a sound treated room. Additionally, I find these lacking in bass. Neither of these traits are as noticeable as on the Blue Yeti, but I prefer something like the Samson Q2U instead.
The Q2U picks up a lot less background noise including computer fans, room ambience, and reverb. The tone, however, is about the same. For something warmer, the Shure SM7B has become the new Twitch "standard” mic, but that’s in a completely different price range.
QuadCast S + NGENUITY
The QuadCast S is compatible with the HyperX NGENUITY software. This software gives you real time control and a live preview of the lighting colors and effects of the device.
You can also view and control your mic's volume and headphone gain volume without having to open up Windows sound settings.
You can view your polar pattern in the app, but you have to physically move the switch on the device to change it. Also, the physical mic gain on the bottom of the device is unaffected by NGENUITY.
Verdict
So which of these would I buy? Since both devices sound exactly the same, I'd get the original QuadCast out of these two.
If I could get any mic on the market at this price range or below, I'd get the Samson Q2U over these because it's a dynamic mic that sounds great and it's generally way cheaper than both of these.
But back to the two mics this article is focused on… People don't get the QuadCast S just for its performance. They get the QuadCast S because it's the coolest looking mic on the market. So if that's what you're looking for, the QuadCast S is the best choice.
Product Links
HyperX Quadcast: https://amzn.to/3sKxLY9
HyperX Quadcast S: https://amzn.to/3L7KrlD
