Where they differ
| Specs | RØDE NT-USB+ | HyperX QuadCast 2 S |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup patterns | Cardioid | Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, Stereo |
| RØDE NT-USB+: cardioid. HyperX QuadCast 2 S: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo. | ||
| Best USB recording format | 24-bit, 48 kHz | 32-bit, 192 kHz |
| Over USB, RØDE NT-USB+ records up to 24-bit, 48 kHz and HyperX QuadCast 2 S up to 32-bit, 192 kHz. Both are more than a stream carries (Twitch takes AAC audio at up to 160 kbps), so the difference matters for recordings you edit. | ||
| Processing on the microphone | Yes | None listed |
| RØDE NT-USB+ processes your voice on the microphone over USB; for HyperX QuadCast 2 S you add filters in OBS. | ||
Where they are the same
- Connection
- USB
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Stand in the box
- Yes
- Headphone socket
- Yes
Not enough data to compare
We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: Preamp gain needed, XLR cable in the box, USB cable in the box. The site leaves these out rather than guess.
What else each needs
RØDE NT-USB+
- Check first: A USB cable. Our record of the box lists no USB cable. Check the box before you plan the connection.
- Optional: A boom arm, if you want it closer. A desk stand is in the box. An arm lets you bring the microphone nearer your mouth without it sitting in the camera shot.
- Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.
HyperX QuadCast 2 S
- Optional: A boom arm, if you want it closer. A desk stand is in the box. An arm lets you bring the microphone nearer your mouth without it sitting in the camera shot; check the arm fits its 3/8-inch or 5/8-inch thread.
- Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.
- Optional: HyperX NGENUITY. The maker’s app sets its processing and controls.
Next step
Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear, or see all 27 side by side in USB microphones for streaming compared. Test your microphone before you go live.
Full profiles: RØDE NT-USB+ and HyperX QuadCast 2 S.