You’re in the market for a new microphone, but still on the fence about what sort you need? That’s understandable, there’s tons of options when it comes to mics, so if you’ve narrowed your choice down to the HyperX SoloCast, DuoCast, QuadCast, QuadCast S, or ProCast then you’re doing well so far. To help you make that final decision, here’s some info about who each microphone is best suited for, and how to set up your mic once you do pull the trigger.
SoloCast
Great for: Students, first-time streamers
Powerful gear in a small package, the SoloCast is a simple plug-'n'-play USB microphone that will get you started in no time. With a tiny stand included, it won’t take up much room on your desk, or it can be mounted on a separate boom arm if you’d rather not have it on the desk at all. The SoloCast uses a cardioid polar pattern that prioritizes recording sounds from the area directly in front of it, so you can filter out some of the background noise. This is perfect for settings like the college dorm, and as the entry level mic in the HyperX range, it has a student-friendly price tag, too.
Though its cardioid microphone has just one polar pattern, compared to others in the HyperX range, it still features great quality of life functions like tap to mute and an adjustable stand. If the SoloCast stands a little too tall to fit on a shelf or under your monitor, you can turn it sideways and still get great recording quality. It can even be plugged into a PS4 or PS5 if you want to give your teammates a treat for the ears over the controller’s built-in mic.
DuoCast
Great for: First-time streamers, first-time podcast recorders, RGB-curious gamers
For those looking to increase their recording options and sprinkle a touch of RGB spice into their setup, the DuoCast offers a fine upgrade. In addition to the cardioid polar pattern of the SoloCast, it features an omnidirectional pattern ideal for multi-person podcasts and shared-room conference calls. Better yet, you can record in style thanks to an RGB ring which can be customized with different colors and behaviours through HyperX's NGenuity software.
The DuoCast features the same invaluable tap-to-mute sensor, but it also comes with a built-in shock mount and on-mic gain control adjustment. Combined, they'll ensure you never pick up unwanted bumps and thumps, even when you've got a particularly enthusiastic podcast guest in attendance. All of that functionality comes packaged into a slick, minimalist design which won't hog your desk's real estate. Now that's form and function.
QuadCast
Great for: Podcasters, performers, enthusiast gamers
If you’d prefer a little more control over your mic, and a more versatile piece of equipment, the QuadCast is a good step. It features the same, ultra-useful tap to mute in all HyperX microphones, but also features additional gain controls and options for polar patterns. With the QuadCast, you can choose from 4 patterns, compared to the single pattern of the SoloCast. (Speaking of patterns… QuadCast - 4 patterns, SoloCast - 1 pattern.)
As well as the forward-focused cardioid pattern, the stereo polar pattern gives room and space to recordings, perfect for musicians recording for their next track. Omnidirectional mode will let you capture sound all around the mic, great for recording a room full of people, such as a conference meeting or multi-person podcasts. Or if your podcasts have fewer hosts talking over each other, bi-directional mode recreates the cardioid focus in two directions, for face-to-face interviews or podcasts.
Recording quality and setup is improved with the included stand, built-in shock absorber and pop filter, to give you clean, professional-quality audio from the jump.
QuadCast S
Great for: Aspiring Twitch partners, interior decorators
If you need your setup to have that little bit of extra wow factor, the QuadCast S has all the great features of the QuadCast and throws in RGB lighting, too. Tap-to-mute, gain control, four polar patterns, shock-absorbing boom mount attachments, AND two-zone RGB lighting? That’s catnip for gamers going pro on streaming platforms. Download the NGENUITY software to get a lighting setup that amplifies your personal brand, and then make sure you have it in frame before you go live. An instant shot of stunning style.
ProCast
Great for: Voice actors, professional podcasters, anyone after the best of the best in audio
Planning to make a living through your voice? The ProCast is, as the name suggests, a professional-grade condenser microphone made for voice over artists, podcasters, and anyone else who makes money by recording their own chatter. The ProCast utilizes a cardioid gold-sputtered large diaphragm condenser to capture the true range and depth of your vocals. That means better details on both high and low frequencies. And with the XLR connection, you can link the mic directly to professional interfaces or preamps.
Built for business, the ProCast also comes with a switchable 80hz filter to reduce low-end rumbles and an anti-vibration shock mount which uses elastic rope suspension. Snap the included HyperX Shield metal pop filter onto the frame and you'll also exclude any plosive air blasts from your recordings. The elegant design blends into any recording setup, and the versatile adapter features 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads compatible with most boom arms and stands. Professional-grade audio without the professional price tag.
