Where they differ
| Specs | HyperX QuadCast 2 S | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup patterns | Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, Stereo | Cardioid |
| HyperX QuadCast 2 S: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo. Elgato Wave:3 MK.2: cardioid. | ||
| Best USB recording format | 32-bit, 192 kHz | 24-bit, 48 kHz |
| Over USB, HyperX QuadCast 2 S records up to 32-bit, 192 kHz and Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 up to 24-bit, 48 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 | None listed | Yes |
| Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 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
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.
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
Wave:3 MK.2
A USB port that fits the cable
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
- Check first: A USB port that fits the cable. A USB-C cable is in the box; check its other end against your computer’s ports.
- 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 1/4-inch, 5/8-inch or 3/8-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.
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: HyperX QuadCast 2 S and Elgato Wave:3 MK.2.