Again in 2020, the HyperX QuadCast S was the USB microphone each Twitch streamer seemingly had on their streams. Now, the QuadCast 2 S is right here to attempt to one-up its predecessor. And what does it deliver to the desk? Much more LEDs, for starters.
The unique QuadCast solely lit up in pink, whereas the QuadCast S introduced full RGB help, and even supported gradients of colours from prime to backside. The QuadCast 2 S takes it even additional with a twist, actually. The brand new mic has over 100 individually addressable LEDs specified by an array across the mic, permitting for extra advanced patterns like a spiral gradient rainbow. Itâs a welcome addition, significantly for a microphone thatâs so more likely to be seen.
HyperX added just a few much less flashy options that make for a compelling improve too, although many of those have been first launched on the QuadCast 2. That features a multifunction knob that controls the enter acquire and headphone quantity and acts as a VU (quantity unit) meter to maintain you from peaking, plus a redesigned shock mount.
Mild Up Polar Patterns
Considered one of my favourite options on the unique QuadCast S was the knob on the underside for adjusting acquire, which was each handy and delicate. Thatâs gone on the brand new mannequin in favor of a extra typical knob that juts out of the entrance. It may not be fairly as fashionable, however itâs extra helpful.
{Photograph}: Eric Ravenscraft
The knob is flanked by a semicircle of LEDs that change shade relying on what youâre doing. If youâre turning the knob whereas utilizing it as a microphone, it can gentle up purple to point the acquire stage. When youâre not touching it, it reverts to a VU meter, indicating how shut you might be to peaking, so you may regulate accordingly.
You may as well press and maintain the knob to alter polar patterns, which is indicated by the LED ring on the highest of the mic. It cycles between cardioid, bi-directional, stereo, and omnidirectional patterns, with pink LEDs lighting up on the perimeters of the mic so that it’ll decide up sound.
That is probably the most intuitive strategy to change polar patterns Iâve seen. For comparability, the Blue Yeti USB microphone all however requires a tutorial to decipher its arcane symbols. Right here, you simply maintain holding the button till pink lights are pointing within the route you need to report from. Now I would like this characteristic on each microphone I take advantage of. (It is obtainable on the cheaper QuadCast 2.)
