HyperX QuadCast 2 S – USB Microphone, with RGB Lighting, Streaming and Podcasting, with On-Board Controls, LED Lighting, Removable Shock Mount, PC, Mac, USB-C - Black
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
The HyperX QuadCast 2 S is a flashy, high-res USB condenser mic that delivers incredibly crisp 32-bit/192kHz audio for Windows streamers, provided you put it on a boom arm.
The 32-bit/192kHz audio quality and 100+ LED customization are top-tier for Windows streamers who already own a boom arm. The lack of Mac software and zero built-in noise suppression make it a tough sell for casual desk setups in noisy rooms.
If you need built-in noise processing or use a Mac, look for a dynamic USB mic or a condenser with native macOS software support.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Records at a massive 32-bit/192kHz resolution for incredibly crisp, detailed vocals
- Spring-loaded pins let you detach the pre-attached shock mount in seconds to swap to a boom arm
- Multifunction knob lets you adjust gain, monitor mix, and swap between 4 polar patterns without opening software
- Lets you save custom RGB lighting profiles directly to the mic's onboard memory
- Capacitive tap-to-mute sensor instantly cuts audio and turns off the LEDs so you know you are muted
Cons
- Stands a massive 11 inches tall on the included desk base, easily blocking your monitor or webcam
- Zero built-in noise cancellation means it picks up AC hum and mechanical keyboard clicks
- Ngenuity customization software is strictly Windows-only, leaving Mac users stuck with default settings
- Tapping the mute button mid-sentence leaves a slight audible click in the recording
Dimension Scores
Records at an ultra-crisp 32-bit/192kHz resolution that captures incredible vocal detail.
Lacks built-in noise suppression, meaning the sensitive condenser capsules easily pick up low-end desk rumbles and AC hum.
Includes a 9.8ft USB-C to USB-C cable with a USB-A adapter, but the required Ngenuity software is strictly Windows-only.
The spring-loaded shock mount is brilliant for quick adjustments, but the 11-inch tall plastic body is bulky and hard to travel with.
Best For
- Windows-based Twitch streamers who want to color-match the 100+ aRGB LEDs to their setup
- Gamers using a dedicated boom arm with NVIDIA Broadcast to filter out background noise
- In-person interviews using the bi-directional polar pattern to capture two people across a table
Not Recommended For
- Mac users who want to customize their EQ or RGB lighting
- Players with loud mechanical keyboards resting the mic on the same desk
- Minimalist setups with low monitors, due to the bulky 11-inch height
Watch Out For
- The Ngenuity software link on the HyperX website is outdated and won't detect the mic — you must download the app from the Microsoft Store.
- Despite the included shock mount, leaving it on your desk will still pick up heavy typing vibrations; a boom arm is practically mandatory.
- The VU meter RGB effect is the only lighting setting that cannot be saved to the microphone's onboard memory.
- Mac users get zero software support, meaning you cannot change the default rainbow RGB wave or adjust internal EQ.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 197961186741 |
| ASIN | B0DG9X4WHW |
| Brand | HyperX |
| Color | Black |
| Language | English |
| Material | Metal |
| Impedance | 1 Ohms |
| Model Name | QuadCast 2 S |
| Item Weight | 1.85 pounds |
| Manufacturer | HP Inc. |
| Polar Pattern | Bidirectional |
| Connector Type | USB Type-C |
| Special Feature | Mute Function, Stand, Volume Control |
| Audio Sensitivity | 94 Decibels |
| Hardware Platform | Gaming Console, Laptop, PC |
| Item model number | 9A273AA |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Laptop, Personal Computer |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz |
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Product Dimensions | 4.02 x 5.28 x 10.07 inches |
| Included Components | Microphone, USB-C to USB-A adapter, USB-C to USB-C cable |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 90 dB |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.02 x 5.28 x 10.07 inches |
| Microphone Form Factor | Large Diaphragm |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 4.02 x 5.28 x 10.07 inches |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming, Streaming, Video Conference |
What Buyers Say
The biggest surprise with the QuadCast 2 S is how heavily it relies on third-party noise suppression like NVIDIA Broadcast, as the mic itself picks up every fan and keyboard click in the room. The massive leap to 32-bit/192kHz audio dominates the positive feedback, with recordings sounding incredibly rich and detailed right out of the box. The physical controls are a massive hit, especially the spring-loaded shock mount that makes boom arm mounting take five seconds. The main frustration revolves around the Ngenuity software, which is completely unavailable for Mac and often requires a Microsoft Store download to even recognize the mic on Windows.
“The mic sounds amazing and the RGB is gorgeous, but it picks up every single click of my keyboard so I had to download Nvidia Broadcast just to use it on my desk.”
Common Praise
- Vocals sound incredibly crisp thanks to the 32-bit/192kHz upgrade
- Spring-loaded pins make detaching the mic from the base effortless
- Tap-to-mute sensor is highly responsive and visually obvious
- Multifunction knob allows quick switching between the 4 polar patterns
- 100+ LEDs provide smooth, highly customizable RGB gradients
Common Complaints
- Picks up heavy background noise and keyboard clicks without software filtering
- Ngenuity software is buggy and completely unsupported on macOS
- 11-inch height on the desk stand blocks monitors and webcams
- Slight clicking sound is recorded when tapping the mute button
Ownership Tips
- The Ngenuity software downloaded directly from HyperX's site is often outdated; the Microsoft Store version is required for the mic to connect.
- Saving RGB profiles to the mic's onboard memory works flawlessly, meaning you can uninstall the software afterward.
- The live VU meter RGB effect will not work unless the Ngenuity software remains running in the background.
- Using the mic on the included desk stand still transfers a lot of vibration despite the shock mount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save my RGB settings so I don't have to keep the software open?
Yes. You can save colors, opacity, and speed directly to the mic's onboard memory via Ngenuity. The only exception is the live VU meter effect, which requires the app to stay open.
Does this work with a Mac?
The microphone will record audio on a Mac via plug-and-play. The Ngenuity software is Windows-only, so you cannot customize the RGB lighting or tweak EQ settings.
Does it pick up keyboard noise?
Yes, very clearly. It has no built-in noise cancellation, so if you keep it on the desk stand, it will pick up mechanical switches and PC fans. You need third-party software like NVIDIA Broadcast to filter it out.
Do I need an adapter to put it on a boom arm?
No. The included shock mount has a joint that natively supports both 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threading, fitting almost any standard boom arm out of the box.
What is the difference between the QuadCast 2 and the 2 S?
The 2 S records at a higher 32-bit/192kHz resolution and features fully customizable aRGB lighting. The standard QuadCast 2 records at 24-bit/96kHz and only lights up in red.
Buying Guide
When buying a condenser microphone like this, you need to understand that it is designed to pick up everything. Unlike dynamic mics that only hear what is right in front of them, this will capture your AC, your PC fans, and your keyboard. You absolutely need to mount this on a boom arm to get it close to your mouth and off your vibrating desk. Keep in mind that the massive 32-bit/192kHz resolution is overkill for Discord or Twitch, so you are really paying a premium for the 100+ customizable RGB LEDs.
32-bit/192kHz Resolution
Think of this like a 4K camera for your voice. It captures a massive amount of detail and dynamic range, meaning your audio will not distort as easily if you suddenly yell.
Condenser Capsule
Condenser mics are highly sensitive and capture a very natural, airy sound. The downside is they act like a sponge for background noise, unlike dynamic mics which act more like a laser pointer.
Polar Patterns
This is the 3D shape of what the mic hears. Cardioid hears only the front for streaming, bi-directional hears front and back for interviews, and omni hears the whole room.
Alternatives
If you have a loud room or a clicky keyboard, search for a dynamic USB microphone which naturally rejects background noise. If you are on a Mac, look for a mic with native macOS software support for EQ and lighting control.
You Might Also Like
Computer Speakers for Desktop PC Monitor, USB Plug-in, Wired, Computer Soundbar for PC, Laptop Speakers with Adaptive-Channel-Switching, Loud Sound, Deep Bass, USB C Adapter, Easy to Clip on Monitor
Price range unavailableThis $30 clip-on USB soundbar is a massive upgrade over tinny laptop speakers, perfect for cramped home offices that need clear audio without the cable clutter of a 2.1 system.
Bluetooth Pillow Speaker for Sleeping, Mini Portable Under Pillow Speaker with White Noise Timer Wireless Sleep Aid with Stereo Bass Private Sleep Headphones for Adult Kids
$0-$49A 3-Watt stereo Bluetooth 5.4 pillow speaker with 20-hour battery life and white noise, designed for private listening without disturbing others.
Amazon Echo Pop (newest model), Our smallest speaker with Alexa+ Early Access, Fits in any room, Charcoal
This is Amazon's cheapest, smallest Alexa speaker, built for adding voice control to tight spaces like a bathroom or dorm room, not for filling a room with music.
Amazon Echo Pop (newest model), Our smallest speaker with Alexa+ Early Access, Fits in any room, Midnight Teal
This is a cheap, no-frills Alexa speaker for small spaces like bathrooms and hallways, not for anyone who actually cares about music quality.