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 purple, whereas the QuadCast S introduced full RGB assist, and even supported gradients of colours from high 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. It’s a welcome addition, notably for a microphone that’s so prone to be seen.
HyperX added a number of 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.
Gentle Up Polar Patterns
One in all my favourite options on the unique QuadCast S was the knob on the underside for adjusting acquire, which was each handy and refined. That’s gone on the brand new mannequin in favor of a extra typical knob that juts out of the entrance. It won’t be fairly as fashionable, however it’s extra helpful.
{Photograph}: Eric Ravenscraft
The knob is flanked by a semicircle of LEDs that change coloration relying on what you’re doing. For those who’re turning the knob whereas utilizing it as a microphone, it is going to gentle up purple to point the acquire degree. If you’re not touching it, it reverts to a VU meter, indicating how shut you’re to peaking, so you’ll be able to regulate accordingly.
It’s also possible to press and maintain the knob to vary 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 purple LEDs lighting up on the edges of the mic so that it’s going to choose up sound.
That is essentially the most intuitive approach to change polar patterns I’ve seen. For comparability, the Blue Yeti USB microphone all however requires a tutorial to decipher its arcane symbols. Right here, you simply preserve holding the button till purple lights are pointing within the path you wish to document from. Now I would like this function on each microphone I exploit. (It is out there on the cheaper QuadCast 2.)
