Back in 2020, HyperX QuadCast S was. gave Every Twitch streamer apparently had a USB microphone on their streams. Now, the QuadCast 2 S is here to try to one-up its predecessor. And what does it bring to the table? Lots of LEDs, for starters.
The original Quadcast only lit in red, while the Quadcast S brings full RGB support, and even supports color gradients from top to bottom. QuadCast 2 S literally takes it even further with a twist. The new mic has over 100 individually identifiable LEDs placed in an array around the mic, allowing for more complex patterns such as spiral gradient rainbows. It’s a welcome addition, especially for a microphone that’s highly likely to be visible.
HyperX added some less flashy features that are also a great upgrade, though many of them were first introduced on the QuadCast 2. It includes a multi-function knob that controls input gain and headphone volume and serves as a VU (volume unit) meter. To keep you from going over the top, plus a newly designed shock mount.
Light up the polar pattern.
One of my favorite features on the original QuadCast S was the bottom knob for adjusting the gain, which was both convenient and subtle. It’s gone on the new model in favor of a more generic knob that juts out from the front. It may not be as stylish, but it is more useful.
Photo: Eric Ravenscroft
The knob is flanked by a semicircle of LEDs that change color depending on what you’re doing. If you’re turning the knob while using it as a microphone, it will light up purple to indicate gain level. When you’re not touching it, it feeds back to the VU meter, indicating how close you are to the peak, so you can adjust accordingly.
You can also press and hold the knob to change the polar pattern, which is indicated by the LED color on the top of the mic. It cycles between cardioid, bilateral, stereo, and omnidirectional patterns, with red LEDs lighting up on the sides of the mic to indicate it’s sound.
This is the most intuitive way to change polar patterns I’ve seen. By comparison, the Blue Yeti USB Microphone all but requires a tutorial to decipher its arcane symbols. Here, you hold down the button until the red lights point in the direction you want to record. Now I want this feature on every microphone I use. (This is Available on the cheaper QuadCast 2.)
