2020 has been an interesting year to say the least, and one of the implications of the challenges faced is the need for technology peripherals used for remote work. One facet of these items is gear related to video conferencing, specifically microphones. For a while, it was nearly impossible to get new equipment to support remote users’ collaboration needs, but HyperX has worked to expand their microphone offerings with the QuadCast S. The QuadCast S comes on the heels of HyperX’s previously released QuadCast, which we reviewed in 2019. With nearly identical internal components, and similar looks, save for a few changes, the QuadCast S looks to provide users with a product that incorporates a few commonly requested changes to the original QuadCast. Follow along as we take a look at the QuadCast S to see if HyperX has improved upon its predecessor.
Special thanks to HyperX for providing the QuadCast S review sample!
Specifications
Microphone
Power Consumption: 5V, 220mA
Sample/Bit Rate: 48kHz/16-bit
Element: Electret Condenser Microphone
Condenser Type: Three, 14mm Condensers
Polar Patterns: Stereo, Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: -36dB (1V/Pa at 1kHz)
Cable Length: 3m
Weight: Microphone – 254g, Shock Mount and Stand – 360g, Total with USB Cable – 710g
Lighting: RGB (16,777,216 colors)
Light Effects: 2 zones
Connection Type: USB-C to USB-A
Headphone Output
Impedance: 32 Ohms
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Maximum Output Power: 7mW
THD: ≤ 0.05% (1kHz/0dBFS)
SNR: ≥ 90dB (1kHz, RL=∞)
Packaging
Just like its predecessor, the QuadCast S comes packaged in a nice retail box that shows off the microphone quite nicely on the front cover. HyperX also lists a few of the more prominent features of the microphone, as well as the compatibility with not just PCs, but PS4 and Mac devices. The back of the box provides a few additional features in various languages, each highlighted by a call-out image that shows where each of the features is located on the microphone itself.
With the outer box out of the way, we are then able to access the microphone and included accessories. The QuadCast S is held in place quite nicely, thanks to a form-fitting two-piece plastic inner mold.
Accessories
Included with the QuadCast S are a few items that help make this product quite versatile. The first is a 3m long braided USB-C to USB-A cable. This nearly 10 foot long cable provides the ability to place the microphone wherever you need it without having to worry about not enough cable length. This is especially helpful if you choose to mount the QuadCast S on a microphone arm, and securing the cable along the arm to keep it out of the way. This cable is obviously updated from the original version which used a Micro-USB connection, and we are happy to see the more-current USB-C connection.
With regards to use with a microphone arm, the QuadCast S also comes with an adapter that is compatible with both 3/8″ and 5/8″ thread sizes. This allows the attached desk stand to be removed from the microphone and replaced with the adapter for easy mounting to a microphone arm.
