Back in 2020, the HyperX QuadCast S was i A USB microphone every Twitch streamer seems to have in their stream. Now, the QuadCast 2 S is here to try to outdo its predecessor. And what does it bring to the table? Many LEDs, first.
The original QuadCast only lit in red, while the QuadCast S brought full RGB support, even supporting color gradients from top to bottom. The QuadCast 2 S takes it further with a twist, literally. The new microphone has more than 100 individually addressable LEDs placed in sequence on the microphone, allowing for complex patterns such as a swirling rainbow. It’s a welcome addition, especially for a microphone that’s likely to show up.
HyperX has added a few bright features that make for compelling upgrades as well, although many of them were first introduced in the QuadCast 2. That includes a multifunction knob that controls input gain and headphone volume and works as a VU (volume unit) meter to keep you from peaking, and a redesigned shock mount.
Light Polar Patterns
One of my favorite features on the original QuadCast S was the knob on the bottom to adjust the gain, which was convenient and subtle. That’s gone on the new model in favor of a more standard knob that pops out from the front. It may not be stylish, but it is very useful.
Photo: Eric Ravenscraft
The knob is surrounded by a semicircle of LEDs that change color depending on what you’re doing. If you turn the knob while using it as a microphone, it will light up in purple to show the gain level. If you don’t touch it, it goes back to the VU meter, showing how close you are to peaking, so you can adjust accordingly.
You can also press and hold the button to change the polar patterns, which are indicated by the LED ring above the microphone. It cycles between cardioid, bi-directional, stereo, and omnidirectional patterns, and red LEDs light up on the sides of the microphone for sound pickup.
This is the most accurate way to change polar patterns that I have seen. By comparison, the Blue Yeti USB microphone all but requires a tutorial to explain its arcane features. Here, you keep holding the button until the red lights point to where you want to record. Now I want this feature in every microphone I use. (Ibe is something available on the cheaper QuadCast 2.)
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