Where they differ
| Specs | HyperX QuadCast 2 S | Elgato Wave Neo |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup patterns | Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, Stereo | Cardioid |
| HyperX QuadCast 2 S: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo. Elgato Wave Neo: cardioid. | ||
| USB cable in the box | cable plus an adapter for the other port type | USB-C to USB-A cable |
| HyperX QuadCast 2 S comes with a cable plus an adapter for the other port type; Elgato Wave Neo with a USB-C to USB-A cable. Match it to your computer’s ports. | ||
| Best USB recording format | 32-bit, 192 kHz | 24-bit, 96 kHz |
| Over USB, HyperX QuadCast 2 S records up to 32-bit, 192 kHz and Elgato Wave Neo up to 24-bit, 96 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. | ||
Where they are the same
- Connection
- USB
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Stand in the box
- Yes
- Processing on the microphone
- None listed
- 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. 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 Neo
Wave Neo
A USB-A port on your computer
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
- Check first: A USB-A port on your computer. The cable in the box is USB-C to USB-A. If your computer only has USB-C ports, use a USB-C to USB-C cable instead.
- 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 Neo.