How do HyperX SoloCast vs QuadCast compare against each other? HyperX SoloCast is available for less than half the price of HyperX QuadCast, but it already has a similar 16-bit resolution and 48kHz sampling rate. The discussion below will break down the differences between the SoloCast and the QuadCast to determine the streaming microphone with the best value for the money.
Continue reading to learn all you need to know about HyperX SoloCast vs QuadCast:
- The comparison of the design and dimensions between the SoloCast and the QuadCast
- The connectivity options available on HyperX SoloCast and HyperX QuadCast
- How the two microphones differ in terms of additional features
- Why HyperX SoloCast is great for online gaming and casual streaming
- Whether HyperX QuadCast actually offers superior sound quality or not
- Which one between HyperX SoloCast and HyperX QuadCast gives the best value
HyperX SoloCast vs QuadCast: Design
If you are looking for something cheap and compact, HyperX SoloCast will fulfill your expectations well. Measuring 6.9 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches with the desktop stand, this tiny mic won’t eat much space on your desk. And with a weight of barely 9.2 ounces, this mic is very portable. You can easily put the mic in your bag whenever you need to travel with it.
The integrated desktop stand is highly adjustable, too. You can pivot the mic not only in vertical directions but also to the left and right. This can be quite useful if you need to squeeze HyperX SoloCast under your monitor or away from your view. It comes with a 2m USB cable, which should be long enough for most setups.
On the other hand, HyperX QuadCast offers a broader approach suitable for people interested in streaming or podcasting. It is indeed larger and heavier at 10 x 5 x 5 inches and 1.6 pounds, but it offers more features and higher build quality.
The mic is equipped with a shock mount and desktop stand. The shock mount is very beneficial, as it can prevent the mic from picking up noise from desk bumps and the likes. HyperX SoloCast also has a slightly longer 3m USB cable, which offers a bit more flexibility in your setup.
| HyperX SoloCast | HyperX QuadCast | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 6.85 x 3.82 x 3.07 inches | 5.05 x 4 x 9.8 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 9.2 ounces | 1.6 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | click here | click here |
HyperX SoloCast vs QuadCast: Connectivity
HyperX SoloCast is a simple plug-and-play USB microphone. All you need to do is plug the included cable into the mic and your computer, and it will be ready to work right away. This is a great choice for conducting a voice chat in an online game, doing online meetings, and podcasting. However, there is no headphone jack, so you can’t perform direct monitoring on the mic’s sound.
Although it does not have a shock mount, HyperX SoloCast can be detached from the desktop stand so that you can place it on your own floor stand or boom arm. It is compatible with 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads.
HyperX QuadCast is also a plug-and-play USB microphone. It can work with your computer immediately without requiring any additional software. However, it has a 3.5mm headphone jack for direct monitoring. As the effect, it can be used for more serious podcasting and recording purposes.
The shock mount that comes with HyperX QuadCast is really nice. It works perfectly if you are comfortable with a desktop stand. Alternatively, you can also detach the microphone and use your own floor stand or boom arm. There is an included adapter that makes the mic compatible with 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads. Read also: HyperX Quadcast S Vs Elgato Wave 3 here.
HyperX SoloCast vs QuadCast: Other Features
HyperX SoloCast is a far-cry of HyperX QuadCast in terms of features, but it covers all the basics properly. On the top of HyperX SoloCast, there is a touch-sensitive mute button. You don’t need to press this button to mute or unmute the mic; a soft tap will suffice. Hence, there won’t be any knocking noise when you use this button.
There is no input gain control on the mic. But you can use the control in your computer if you want to increase or decrease the mic’s loudness, so this is not a big problem. HyperX SoloCast has a standard cardioid polar pattern, which means that it picks up sound from the front. It is suitable for gaming, streaming, and solo podcasting.
HyperX QuadCast is packed with more features. First of all, it also has a touch-sensitive mute button on the top, which is very effective and easy to use. Secondly, this microphone comes with an on-board input gain control. You can twist the bottom part of the microphone to increase or decrease the level directly without fumbling with any software.
Furthermore, HyperX QuadCast is armed with three diaphragms that work together to offer four selectable polar patterns. There is a knob on the back to choose a cardioid, bidirectional, stereo, or omnidirectional polar pattern. This makes the microphone much more versatile, suitable for different tasks and conditions.
HyperX SoloCast vs QuadCast: Sound Quality
The specs of HyperX SoloCast actually look similar to its more expensive sibling. It has a frequency response range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, a 16-bit resolution, and a 48kHz sampling rate. When tested, it does perform brilliantly.
One notable quirk of HyperX SoloCast is that it has a heavy input gain. Hence, you want to avoid screaming into this microphone. Otherwise, the sound quality is impressive for such a cheap microphone. It can capture your voice with superb richness and minimal reverb. The sound output is crisp and clear.
Also, thanks to the cardioid polar pattern, HyperX SoloCast can reject environmental noise quite well. If you angle the mic properly, you can avoid capturing noise from your mouse and keyboard. A boom arm that places the mic right in front of your mouth and away from your desk can be very handy.
HyperX QuadCast also has a frequency response range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, a 16-bit resolution, and a 48kHz sampling rate. However, it offers more usability with the input gain control and multiple polar patterns.
HyperX QuadCast also offers a brilliant sound quality. It can capture all nuances in your voice with excellent accuracy. People with a low, deep voice or quiet voice won’t have any trouble, as the sound output is crisp and highly articulate. The input gain control is particularly handy for quickly adjusting the mic to suit your comfortable speaking volume.
In the cardioid mode, HyperX QuadCast seems to be a little more sensitive than the SoloCast. It captures more details, making the sound output more pleasing and natural, but it is also more prone to picking up noise from a keyboard and mouse. Nevertheless, the overall performance is great.
The QuadCast works as expected in the bidirectional mode. It focuses on two directions, so podcasters will find it ideal for conducting interviews and two-person talks. Meanwhile, the omnidirectional mode will pick up everything from every direction. This mode is suitable for group discussions, but is also very sensitive to environmental noise.
Conclusion
If all you need is a microphone for online gaming, streaming, or solo podcasting, HyperX SoloCast will give you the most value out of the money. It is significantly cheaper, but it already offers excellent sound quality. HyperX QuadCast is only recommended if you really need the integrated shock mount, or if you are a podcaster who frequently invites guests into your podcasts.