HyperX DuoCast review: Small yet mighty USB microphone

Jun 4, 2023

Launched in August 2022, the HyperX DuoCast is HyperX’s USB microphone with RGB lighting. Priced at $99.99 for the global market, it is positioned between the SoloCast and QuadCast microphones from HyperX. Crafted to cater to the needs of streamers, gamers, and content creators alike, the HyperX DuoCast is a user-friendly, plug-and-play solution that delivers top-notch recording quality. Here is our review of the DuoCast.

HyperX DuoCast review: What’s in the box?

The retail package of the HyperX DuoCast includes the following items:

HyperX DuoCast microphone
Shock mount
USB-C to USB-A cable (length)
Boom arm adapter
Quick Start Guide

HyperX DuoCast: Design and Build

Featuring minimalist aesthetics, the HyperX DuoCast USB microphone boasts a compact design with built-in RGB lighting. Standing at a height of 8 inches (203mm), it is slightly taller than the SoloCast (7.1 inches) but shorter than the QuadCast (9.5 inches).

As can be seen in the images, the DuoCast has a capsule-like body with the upper part that has the microphone placed inside a honeycomb-like perforated housing, which is followed by an RGB LED ring and the HyperX logo. The top base of the device has the tap-to-mute feature. Its entire body is made from sturdy polycarbonate and does not feel cheap at all. The QuadCast, being a costlier product, has an aluminium build. On the back, there is a gain control knob, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

HyperX DuoCast: how to use it?

Buttons: The mute / unmute touch-sensitive button located on the top of the HyperX DuoCast is impressively responsive, allowing for seamless and effortless muting of the microphone with a simple touch or even with your palm on the whole area. Once the microphone is put on mute, the accompanying RGB LED strip also automatically turns off, providing a visual indicator that the microphone is in a muted state.

The gain control knob, available on the back, can be rotated as well as pressed. When it is rotated, users can control the gain, and when pressed, it lets users switch between cardioid and omnidirectional. The USB port can be used to power it up and by connecting to a device like a Windows PC. Once the connection is established, it is ready to use. The 3.5mm headphone jack can be used to monitor the microphone output.

RGB LED ring: The RGB LED ring light on the device functions as a visual indicator for adjusting feature settings. When users modify the microphone gain, the light briefly changes color to reflect the level of gain adjustment. Similarly, when the polar patterns are switched, the light momentarily displays a different color to signify the pattern change.

Shock mount: The shock mount, which is nothing but a plastic stand, comes with a hinge to adjust the angle of the microphone. The stand has a hole through which users can pass the USB cable, allowing you to achieve a neater and more organized appearance on your desk. Users can simply detach it from the stand and latch it onto a boom arm with the attachment provided in the retail package.

Live streamers who intend to use it while gaming will find it worthwhile to invest in a budget-friendly boom arm, which is highly recommended. It will play a crucial role in optimizing microphone placement for capturing vocals effectively, while also minimizing unwanted desk impact noises.

To access more features of the DuoCast, one can use the NGenuity app from HyperX. Regarding the software aspect, let’s explore it further below.

HyperX DuoCast review: Performance

Microphone Specifications	Headphone Output	Connections and Features
Element: Two electret condenser capsules	Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz	Connection Type: USB-C (US 2.0), 3.5mm headphone output
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, omnidirectional	Maximum power output: 7mW	Bit-Depth: 24-bit
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz	T.H.D: ≤ 0.05% (1kHz/0dBFS)	Power consumption: 5V 200mA (white light)
Sensitivity: ‘-6dBFS (1V/Pa at 1kHz)	SNR: ≥ 100dB (1kHz/0dBFS, A-weighted)	Height – 7.9 x 4.6 x 3.74 inches
Noise (RMS): ≤-70dBFS (A-weighted)		Weight – 240 grams

The HyperX DuoCast is an electret-based condenser microphone with two gain options, a built-in pop filter, a dynamic range of 24 bits and a sampling rate of 96 kHz. The DuoCast works best when the environment is silent and is good enough for conference calls at work or with friends.

When pressed, it allows users to switch between cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. For those who don’t know, Cardioid is suitable for podcasts, streaming, voiceover, and instruments. This is suitable for talking directly into the microphone, as it blocks out sound from other directions.

HyperX DuoCast cardioid audio sample Download

HyperX DuoCast omnidirectional audio sample Download

The omnidirectional feature, which is suitable for recording sound coming from multiple (360-degree) directions into the microphone, is suitable for multi-person podcasts and conference calls. Show above are the recorded samples using both polar patterns.

Here is a look at the polar patterns of SoloCast, DuoCast, and QuadCast:

SoloCast: Cardioid
DuoCast: Cardioid and Omnidirectional
QuadCast: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo, and Bidirectional

The recordings done using the DuoCast have a natural tone, and the built-in pop filter helps in axing out the unneeded noise and adding clarity. There is no echoing or buzzing in the recordings, and the bundled shock mount does a good job of eliminating desk impacts. Despite the presence of some inevitable background noise in the omnidirectional recordings, the overall results achieved by the DuoCast were outstanding.

When it comes to compatibility, the HyperX DuoCast is compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. The company claims that it is a Discord and TeamSpeak-certified product.

HyperX’s NGenuity app, which is only for Windows at present, can be downloaded here. It has a simple interface with just two tabs, namely Microphone and Light Sync. The Audio tab allows users to adjust microphone gain, mute the microphone, adjust output volume, enable High Pass filter, and switch polar patterns. It also has a Microphone Test feature to do a test recording of sample audio.

The Light tabs can be used to control the RGB light. It provides six kinds of lighting effects, such as Solid, Breathing, Cycle, Confetti, Sun, and Twilight. In addition, users can choose from different colors and speed options (slow to fast).

HyperX DuoCast review: Conclusion

The DuoCast is an easy-to-setup, affordable, and versatile desktop microphone suitable for various scenarios such as voiceover, group discussions in conference calls, or podcast recordings. In addition, it is a lightweight microphone with some nice additions like a shock mount and decent software. Ideally, having a silent environment will help DuoCast produce the best results. However, it may not be the optimal choice for capturing the powerful and booming sounds typically associated with music recordings. It would also be a product to consider for gamers on a budget.

HyperX DuoCast: Where to buy?

The HyperX DuoCast is available for purchase through HyperX’s online store and Amazon. Our review unit was provided by Vlogsfan.com., which specializes in selling vlog, podcast, and livestream products. The DuoCast is now listed for $99.99 on Vlogsfan. It is also selling the HyperX SoloCast Mini for $65.

Vlogsfan offers buyer protection features, like full refund if the order does not reach the customer, tax and duty paid by the retailer for buyers in most countries and avail a percent discount with GETOFF5 coupon. Before making the purchase, we advise you to go through Vlogsfan’s policy pages on shipping, refunds, and warranty.

Disclaimer: All of the opinions in this HyperX DuoCast review are mine and based on my own experiences. There has been no editorial input from Vlogsfan or HyperX.

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