Where they differ
| Specs | RØDE PodMic USB (Black) | HyperX QuadCast 2 S |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB and XLR | USB |
| RØDE PodMic USB (Black) also has an XLR output for an audio interface; HyperX QuadCast 2 S connects over USB only. | ||
| Capsule | Dynamic | Condenser |
| RØDE PodMic USB (Black) is dynamic, which picks up less of the room; HyperX QuadCast 2 S is a condenser, which suits a quiet room. | ||
| Pickup patterns | Cardioid | Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, Stereo |
| RØDE PodMic USB (Black): cardioid. HyperX QuadCast 2 S: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo. | ||
| Stand in the box | No | Yes |
| HyperX QuadCast 2 S comes with a desk stand; RØDE PodMic USB (Black) needs a stand or boom arm. | ||
| Best USB recording format | 24-bit, 48 kHz | 32-bit, 192 kHz |
| Over USB, RØDE PodMic USB (Black) 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 PodMic USB (Black) processes your voice on the microphone over USB; for HyperX QuadCast 2 S you add filters in OBS. | ||
Where they are the same
- 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 PodMic USB (Black)
PodMic USB
For USB: a USB cable
For XLR: an audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input
For XLR: an XLR cable
A microphone stand or boom arm
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
- Check first: For USB: a USB cable. Our record of the box lists no USB cable. Check the box before you plan the connection.
- Optional: For XLR: an audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input. A computer has no XLR input. The interface’s preamp raises the microphone’s signal and sends it to the computer over USB.
- Optional: For XLR: an XLR cable. None comes in the box.
- You need: A microphone stand or boom arm. No stand comes in the box.
- 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
QuadCast 2 S
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
HyperX NGENUITY
- 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 PodMic USB (Black) and HyperX QuadCast 2 S.