Whether for singing, recording vocals or audio, or making YouTube videos, a microphone is a perfect tool to help you turn your dreams into a REALITY!
So, how do you compare and select the best microphones for your needs?
I’ll be focusing on comparing 2 models and brands that you’ve probably come across numerous times: the HyperX Quadcast HX-MICQC and Audio Technica AT2020.
These Audio Technica and HyperX Quadcast microphones each have their own strengths and capabilities, while being sold at a similar price point.
Hopefully, this article will help you make the right decision and see which mic is more compatible with your needs.
Audio Technica AT2020 Overview
The Audio Technica AT2020 is a low-cost device with a variety of features.
From musicians and podcasters to YouTube streamers, this Audio Technica device is ideal for all types of content creators. Even I can attest to its abilities!
This excellent condenser device has received critical acclaim for its sound quality and ability to handle high SPLs.
This microphone features unrivaled sound, audio, and reliable performance with cardioid polar patterns while eliminating unwanted background noise.
The Audio Technica condenser microphone is the IDEAL solution for any home recording studio. The fact that it comes in at an affordable price makes all the difference.
Main Features
- Ideal for project or home-studio use.
- Unrivaled versatility thanks to its high SPL handling and a wide dynamic range.
- A low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency and superior transient responses.
- The cardioid polar pattern reduces sound pickup from the sides and back, improving the isolation of the desired sound source.
- Built-in Headphone Jack
- Headphone output with volume control
- Audio Technica AT2020 (black model) includes the following accessories:
- Stand mount for 5/8″-27 threaded stands
- 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter
- soft protective pouch
Pros
- Inexpensive, yet has an excellent value for money
- Well-designed and a durable construction
- Rejects background noise
- Excellent vocal and instrument sound.
- A well-defined sound.
- Extremely adaptable and can be used for almost anything.
- Outstanding transient response.
- The diaphragm has great low mass
- Easy and convenient to use since it’s a plug n’ play microphone
Cons
- There is no shock mount.
- The noise produced by itself is somewhat high.
- It only has a cardioid polar pattern.
- Better in the studio than on stage
- A pop-filter is considered necessary.
HyperX Quadcast HX-MICQC Overview
The HyperX QuadCastTM is the all-in-one standalone device for the aspiring streamer or podcaster looking for a great-conditioned condenser mic.
The QuadCast includes its own anti-vibration shock mount to help reduce rumbles from everyday life and a built-in pop filter to muffle pesky explosive sounds.
With the LED indicator, you can instantly determine the status of your microphone, and you can simply tap to mute to avoid embarrassing broadcasting mishaps.
This mic is ready for use in nearly any recording situation, with four polar patterns, as well as: cardioid and omnidirectional patterns.
It also has a conveniently located gain control dial to adjust your mic input sensitivity quickly.
The included mount adapter is compatible with most stands and has thread sizes of 3/8″ and 5/8″.
It is Discord, and TeamSpeakTM certified, so you can ensure that your microphone can capture and broadcast loud and clear audio for all of your followers and listeners!
You can also monitor your microphone in real-time using the convenient headphone jack on the back of the mic.
It is compatible with the following OS and streaming platforms so you can record and deliver high-quality audio to anyone tuning in:
- PC, PS5TM, PS4TM, and Mac®
- Streamlabs OBS, OBS Studio, and XSplit
Main Features
- Anti-vibration shock mount
- Sensor with a tap-to-mute function
- Built-in Headphone Jack
- Zero-latency headphone output
- Four different polar patterns are available: cardioid, stereo, omni-polar pattern, and bidirectional frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
- A mounting adapter is included.
- Adjusting the gain control is simple.
- Pop filter on the inside
- Compatibility with multiple devices and programs
Pros
- Lighting with RGB Colors (Unique)
- Feature-heavy
- Durable
- The device is compatible with Windows and Linux kernels 3.13 and higher.
- More affordable than other microphones with comparable services.
- No need to buy a pop filter
- Simple to use
- When it’s muted, it’s obvious.
- Good audio quality
Cons
- USB-only
- Increases sibilants
- It adds light.
- Mac OS 10.6 and earlier are incompatible.
- It does not come with a stand.
- The resolution is low.
AT2020 vs. HyperX Quadcast: Performance Review
Let’s see if whether the Audio Technica or HyperX Quadcast is more suitable for you!
Build and Design
The HyperX Quadcast USB microphone
Because of the way it looks, this microphone is aimed at gamers who want to stream their gameplay or YouTubers in general who are looking for a clear, reliable mic.
The Quadcast is a very versatile microphone, meaning that you can use it for almost anything!
While it looks nice and clean, it’s not as professional-looking as some other microphones, like the Audio Technica AT2020.
The HyperX Quadcast comes with a desk stand with a built-in shock mount, which can help you avoid unwanted vibrations coming from the desk.
One huge pro of this microphone is the “Mute” button on the top.
However, there are some issues that arise when using an adapter to mount it on a regular mic stand since there’s little to no space between the mic and the mic stand.
This may put unnecessary strain on both the USB and headphone cables.
Audio Technica AT2020 Microphone
The Audio Technica is the go-to microphone for almost every beginner home recording enthusiast.
You won’t find a home studio without at least a couple of them!
The Audio-Technica USB AT2020 is a plug-and-play microphone that can be connected to both Windows and Mac OS without any driver installation.
It includes a headphone jack and volume control, allowing you to directly supervise what is being recorded with no delay or latency.
It includes a mix control for blending the microphone and pre-recorded audio.
Compared to the HyperX Quadcast, the Audio Technica AT2020’s controls are more difficult to use.
However, the Audio Technica AT2020 is a lightweight microphone that is ideal for traveling and recording audio on the go!
Audio Quality
When doing a comparison of how these mics perform based on different expert reviews, it was said that the audio produced by the Audio Technica microphones was better.
Let us expound on how these microphones performed, starting off with the HyperX Quadcast microphone:
- For spoken word, voice-over, streaming, and other applications.
- It is a good microphone because it produces full sounds and requires little to no editing after recording is completed. It will produce a professional sounds.
- Music, on the other hand, is NOT recommended.
- When using it to record an acoustic guitar, the Stereo Pattern worked quite well, though it lacked a bit in the lower end.
- On the other hand, the Cardioid pattern sounded far too boomy, which is the polar opposite of the stereo pattern.
- Another issue was with the pop filter, intended to reduce unwanted plosives when speaking, which was not as effective as customers wanted.
The Audio Technica AT2020 only has a cardioid pattern, but the audio is better. Here are a few things customers pointed out about it:
- The sound quality is excellent, especially given the price.
- Though it can sound a little crispy at times, that isn’t a big deal because you can fix it with a little EQ afterward.
- It can record vocals exceptionally well, and this microphone excels at recording voice-related audio.
- There’s a reason why the AT2020 is in almost every music studio; when it comes to cost-effectiveness, only a few microphones can compete with it.
- One major disadvantage is that recording an overdriven electric guitar may take some time, as you will need to fine-tune the tone, find the correct mic position, and so on.
Price
The Audio Technica and HyperX QuadCast fall under a similar price range together with the Blue Yeti, as they each go for $95-105.
By paying this, you will also get the following with the HyperX Quadcast:
- The HyperX Quadcast Microphone
- USB Cable
- Mic Stand adapter
Meanwhile, the Audio Technica AT2020 includes the following:
- The Audio-Technica AT2020+ USB microphone
- Tripod desk stand
- USB cable
- Storage Pouch
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Audio Technica AT2020 Worth It?
Yes! The AT2020 is worth it for the following reasons:
- Offers unrivaled value at its price range. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s safe to say you won’t find a better microphone.
- A practical microphone that produces a well-tuned and realistic recording.
- Extremely adaptable and can be used for a variety of genres, including podcasting and streaming.
Does the Hyperx Quadcast Work With Any Boom Arm?
The HyperX Quadcast is a long, lightweight microphone that can be mounted on almost any boom arm on the market. Here are some recommendations from customers
- PylePro – Suspension Boom Scissor Microphone Stand with Shock Mount Holder
- Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars with 117 reviews 4.1 (117)
- Logitech – Compass Microphone Stand
- Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars with 202 reviews 3.8 (202)
- NZXT – Microphone Boom Arm
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars with 1 review 5.0 (1)
What is the Difference Between HyperX Quadcast and Quadcast S?
There is no need to upgrade if you already have HyperX QuadCast and are satisfied with it.
However, for first-time users, the HyperX QuadCast S is unquestionably superior!
This is because it has some added features or differences compared to the HyperX QuadCast. Here are some of their differences:
- With a few exceptions, the HyperX QuadCast S has many of the same features as the HyperX QuadCast.
- It has replaced the original model’s USB Type-A port with a USB Type-C port. This is a welcome improvement because USB Type-C cables are becoming more common, and USB Type-C has a faster data transmission rate.
- The RGB backlight is then software-customizable.
- The HyperX QuadCast does not include any software. The HyperX QuadCast S, on the other hand, comes with the NGenuity software, which has potentially useful capabilities.
- This software allows you to customize the microphone’s top and bottom backlight zones. You can change the colors and patterns of their behavior.
- It also allows you to monitor your own voice with a single headset.
- Meanwhile, NGenuity will allow you to hear your own voice on the computer along with any game or music you are playing, allowing you to hear your relative volume.
- This is useful when playing a multiplayer game or streaming because it prevents you from screaming or shouting.
- The HyperX QuadCast S is slightly more expensive than the Hyperx Quadcast.
- In terms of design, the HyperX QuadCast S has RGB lighting, and the shock mount is now gray rather than red to avoid making the mic too colorful after adding RGB.
Final Verdict: Which USB Microphone is Better?
In terms of quality, The Audio Technica AT2020 has improved audio or sound quality and a wider Polar Pattern, making it a better choice to record music or anything else that requires finer detail.
Though the audio of the HyperX Quadcast isn’t as detailed or as nice in general, it’s a less expensive option.
The HyperX Quadcast also comes with extras like an internal pop filter, multi-device and chat program compatibility, and a tap-to-mute sensor, which is more geared toward gamers and Twitch streamers looking to game and live-stream.
Though Audio Technica AT2020 is superior, the HyperX Quadcast shouldn’t be disregarded as it will really boil down to what the microphone will be used for!
Conclusion
That’s the end of this comparison guide!
I hope this article provided you with different expert reviews and external data to help make an informed decision.
Whether you choose Audio Technica, HyperX Quadcast, or even Blue Yeti or Shure, you are in good hands!
Changelog:
December 4, 2022 – minor formatting edits
