HyperX SoloCast vs QuadCast (2022): Which Gaming Microphone Should You Buy?

USB microphones are surely becoming a necessity if you are an avid gamer. While gaming headsets with built-in mics are useful, they just don’t compare to standalone USB mics when it comes to sound quality. If you want to sound good for your friends on Discord or appear professional when streaming, you should definitely consider getting a USB microphone.

HyperX is one of the top brands when it comes to quality gaming peripherals. Their USB microphones—the HyperX SoloCast and HyperX QuadCast—are both excellent devices that target different audiences. The HyperX SoloCast is their budget offering with minimal features while the HyperX QuadCast is the pricier option that comes with an array of features that most people will find useful. In this post, we compare the two so that you’ll know which one is right for you.

HyperX SoloCast vs QuadCast Comparison Chart

Design

The HyperX SoloCast has a more compact design than the HyperX QuadCast.

Looks-wise, the HyperX SoloCast has a more simplistic design approach that features a mostly black aesthetic. In contrast, the HyperX QuadCast has a more gamer vibe to it due to its red and black color combination. Both of them come with adjustable stands but only the HyperX QuadCast comes with a shock mount.

The two microphones are made with mostly plastic and some metal parts. Their stands are sturdy and the bases are weighted, so they will stay in place when set down on your desk. They are adjustable as well, but limited in that regard. To get the best position for both mics, it’s recommended that you mount them on a boom arm.

The HyperX SoloCast mic and the HyperX QuadCast mic are both solid and they feel durable. You don’t need to get a separate pop filter for both mics as the HyperX SoloCast mic already has its metal pop filter and the HyperX QuadCast’s grill houses a foam material behind it.

Size-wise, the HyperX SoloCast is smaller, measuring only 6.9 x 3.8 x 3 inches. In comparison, the HyperX QuadCast’s physical dimensions are 9.8 x 5.1 x 4 inches. The mics themselves are around the same weight, but when completely assembled, the HyperX QuadCast weighs more due to the added heft of its shock mount.

Features

The HyperX SoloCast does not have a lot of features when compared to the HyperX QuadCast.

Since the HyperX SoloCast is a budget microphone, it’s pretty barebones when it comes to features. It only has a cardioid pickup pattern and the only control on the mic itself is its tap-to-mute sensor on top. There is no 3.5mm output for real-time headphone monitoring as well. For its controls, everything will need to be done on the software level.

In contrast, the more expensive HyperX QuadCast comes with features such as real-time headphone monitoring via its 3.5mm port, gain control and multiple pickup patterns.

The biggest advantage of the HyperX QuadCast over the SoloCast is its multiple pickup pattern options. Aside from a cardioid pattern, the QuadCast also has a bidirectional, an omnidirectional and a stereo pickup pattern. With these options, the QuadCast is the more versatile mic and it can be used in more settings such as interviews, group podcasts or discussions and more.

Check out more microphone comparisons here

Sound

The HyperX SoloCast and the HyperX QuadCast sound excellent.

Both microphones are plug and play and they are easy to set up. You don’t need to tinker with them when setting them up for the first time. Their stands are stable and they will minimize vibrations or movements so that your recordings are clear. The built-in shock mount of the HyperX QuadCast is a nice touch by HyperX and it definitely gives the QuadCast an advantage when it comes to minimizing unwanted low frequency noises.

The two microphones have a 20 – 20kHz frequency response rate and they are able to record 16-bit audio at a sample rate of 48kHz. Surprisingly, the sound quality of recordings with the HyperX SoloCast is on par with the HyperX QuadCast, despite being significantly cheaper. Both of them can deliver clean audio that sounds full and rich.

When it comes to overall sound quality, the difference between the two mics is almost insignificant. The only advantage of the HyperX QuadCast is that it has multiple pickup pattern options to choose from. Aside from that, they both sound great.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The HyperX SoloCast does not give you the ability to monitor your recordings in real-time, unlike the HyperX QuadCast.

As mentioned above, the HyperX SoloCast and QuadCast are plug and play microphones. The HyperX SoloCast comes with a micro USB cable while the HyperX QuadCast comes with a mini USB cable. The HyperX QuadCast also has a 3.5mm port to plug your headphones into, for real-time monitoring. You don’t get this feature with the HyperX SoloCast.

Both mics are compatible and plug n play with PC, Mac and Sony PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. Unfortunately, they won’t work with Xbox consoles due to these consoles’ limitation when it comes to USB audio.

Verdict

The HyperX SoloCast is best for anyone that just wants something that is easy to use and affordable while the HyperX QuadCast is better for streamers and professionals that need a good sounding mic.

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If you just want a microphone that will sound better than your headset’s built-in mic, the HyperX SoloCast is an excellent choice. It has a compact design that also makes it a good option for those that travel a lot. If you regularly play multiplayer games, talk with your friends on Discord or you need a decent mic for meetings and conference calls, the HyperX SoloCast is more than good enough for your needs. However, if you are a serious streamer or someone that needs a more feature-packed microphone, you should go with the HyperX QuadCast. It is more versatile and it is a microphone that will serve you in a lot of settings such as podcasts, interviews and more.

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