HyperX Quadcast 2 Frost – USB Microphone for Gaming, Streaming and Podcasting, with On-Board Controls, LED Lighting, Removable Shock Mount
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AI Verdict
The HyperX Quadcast 2 Frost is a plug-and-play 24-bit/96kHz USB microphone built for streamers who want a clean white aesthetic and an instant tap-to-mute button.
The 24-bit/96kHz capsule upgrade delivers massive clarity improvements for voice chat and streaming. The built-in shock mount and tap-to-mute sensor cover the exact hardware needs of a live broadcaster. You get studio-adjacent sound without needing an external audio interface.
If you want to route your audio through a physical mixer later, look for a mic with dual USB/XLR outputs.
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Pros
- Upgraded 24-bit/96kHz recording resolution captures noticeably cleaner audio than the 16-bit original.
- Capacitive tap-to-mute sensor on top instantly cuts audio without an audible click.
- Built-in shock mount detaches easily via spring-loaded pogo pins to swap onto a boom arm.
- Multi-function dial controls mic gain, headphone volume, and monitor mix from one spot.
- Includes a 3-meter braided USB-C to USB-C cable with a USB-A adapter in the box.
Cons
- The included metal desk stand still transfers heavy keyboard typing vibrations despite the shock mount.
- HyperX NGENUITY software is notoriously buggy and lacks full support on macOS.
- The single multi-function knob is clunkier to adjust mid-stream compared to the dedicated gain dial on the bottom of the first generation.
- Strictly USB-C connectivity with zero XLR support for traditional audio interfaces.
Dimension Scores
The 24-bit/96kHz condenser capsule delivers crisp, broadcast-ready vocals that easily beat standard headset mics.
The low-end response is warm but can get muddy if you speak closer than three inches from the grille.
It relies entirely on a single USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, completely omitting XLR options.
The aluminum chassis and metal desk stand feel premium, though the 11.8-ounce weight requires a sturdy boom arm.
Best For
- Twitch streamers wanting a white-themed desk setup with plug-and-play USB audio.
- Gamers who need to instantly mute their mic during Discord calls without fumbling for software buttons.
- Podcasters recording in untreated rooms using the cardioid polar pattern on a dedicated boom arm.
Not Recommended For
- Musicians or vocalists who need XLR outputs to run through an analog mixing board.
- Mac users who want deep EQ customization, since the companion software is Windows-centric.
Watch Out For
- Desk stand vibration transfer — the included base sits too low and picks up heavy mechanical keyboard thocks, so you absolutely need a boom arm.
- Software compatibility — the NGENUITY app is required to tweak the LED lighting but frequently crashes or fails to recognize the mic on Mac systems.
- Clunky gain adjustments — combining gain, volume, and monitoring into one push-button dial makes quick, on-the-fly volume tweaks much harder than the old dedicated bottom dial.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 198701366171 |
| ASIN | B0DXW278KB |
| Brand | HyperX |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Impedance | 1 Ohms |
| Model Name | HyperX Quadcast 2 Frost |
| Item Weight | 11.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | hp |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, omnidirectional, bi-directional, stereo |
| Connector Type | USB Type-A |
| Special Feature | 1-Touch Recording |
| Hardware Platform | Gaming Console, PC |
| Item model number | AN1D9AA |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 4.02 x 5.28 x 9.51 inches |
| Included Components | HyperX Quadcast 2 Fros |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 100 dB |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.02 x 5.28 x 9.51 inches |
| Microphone Form Factor | Table Array |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 4.02 x 5.28 x 9.51 inches |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming, Podcasting, Streaming |
What Buyers Say
The switch from a dedicated gain dial to a single multi-function knob frustrates long-time HyperX users who want instant volume control. The 24-bit/96kHz audio upgrade is a massive leap over the original Quadcast, delivering much cleaner voice capture for Discord and OBS. The capacitive tap-to-mute button remains the best hardware feature, instantly killing the mic and the LEDs so you know you are muted. The white Frost aesthetic looks incredibly clean on camera, but the included desk stand still picks up desk thumps despite the built-in shock mount.
“I love the white aesthetic and the sound is crystal clear for my streams, but I hate that they got rid of the bottom gain dial because now I have to click the knob three times just to turn my volume down.”
Common Praise
- Tap-to-mute sensor provides instant visual feedback by turning off the internal LEDs.
- White Frost finish and blue lighting look significantly better on camera than the aggressive red/black original.
- Pogo-pin shock mount design makes unscrewing the mic from the desk stand and moving it to a boom arm take ten seconds.
- Cardioid mode effectively rejects background fan noise from PC towers.
Common Complaints
- Multi-function dial requires pressing to cycle through modes before adjusting gain, slowing down mid-game tweaks.
- Included metal desk stand transmits heavy keyboard typing sounds directly into the audio feed.
- NGENUITY software feels bloated and frequently fails to save lighting profiles on macOS.
- Built-in internal pop filter struggles with hard plosives if you speak directly into the grille.
Ownership Tips
- The matte white finish resists fingerprints but shows dust and dirt very quickly if you touch it often.
- You will inevitably bump the hyper-sensitive tap-to-mute button by accident when adjusting the mic angle.
- The 3-meter braided cable is heavy enough to drag the mic out of position if you don't secure it to your boom arm.
- Leaving the mic plugged into a PS5 keeps the LEDs illuminated even when the console is in rest mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work with PS5 out of the box?
Yes. You just plug the USB-C cable directly into the console and it recognizes it as an input device immediately.
Can I turn off the blue LED lights?
The lights automatically turn off when you tap the top to mute. You can also disable them completely using the HyperX NGENUITY software on a PC.
Do I need to buy a pop filter?
The microphone has a built-in foam pop filter behind the grille that handles normal speaking volumes fine. If you talk very close to the mic, a cheap external pop filter helps stop harsh 'P' sounds.
Will this fit on a standard boom arm?
Yes. The shock mount has a built-in adapter that threads directly onto standard 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch boom arms.
What is the difference between this and the Quadcast 2S?
The Frost is a white version of the base Quadcast 2 with 24-bit/96kHz audio and blue LEDs. The 2S comes in black, features customizable RGB lighting, and records at 32-bit/192kHz.
Buying Guide
You are paying for convenience and aesthetics with this microphone. USB condenser mics pick up a lot of background noise, so you need to keep it close to your mouth and turn the gain down. The included desk stand transfers keyboard vibrations, so grab a basic boom arm. Skip the 2S variant unless you absolutely require rainbow RGB lighting.
24-bit/96kHz Sample Rate
This is the digital resolution of your voice. Think of it like a 4K camera for audio — it captures more detail and gives you cleaner sound when editing videos.
Condenser Capsule
Condenser mics are highly sensitive and pick up a wide frequency range. They are great for capturing the natural tone of your voice but will also pick up your dog barking in the next room.
Polar Patterns
This dictates where the mic listens. Cardioid listens only to the front (for solo streaming), while omnidirectional listens everywhere (for a room full of people).
Alternatives
If you want to block out background noise like loud keyboards or AC units, search for a dynamic USB microphone instead of a condenser.
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