Elgato Wave 3 vs. HyperX Quadcast: Which Mic is for You?

Whether you plan to host a podcast or stream your latest gameplay, one of the essential things you need is a GOOD MICROPHONE.

After scouring the internet for some good leads, you might have stumbled upon the Elgato Wave 3 microphone and the HyperX Quadcast microphone.

If you’re still torn between these two USB microphones, don’t worry! I’ve compiled a thorough guide on the two microphones!

Read on to learn about our take on these microphones.

Elgato Wave 3 Overview

The Elgato Wave 3 has constantly been praised for its audio quality and innovative software. It also boasts numerous plugins such as EQ, compression, or reverb.

Besides its clear audio quality, this condenser microphone is also known for its IMPRESSIVE build quality! Here are some of its quality aspects:

• Steel Grille: This allows smooth sound diffusion and protects your Elgato Wave 3 mic.
• Pop Filter: The Elgato Wave 3 pairs well with a dual-layer metal mesh pop filter, which ensures that explosive sounds are reduced.
• Cardioid Polar Pattern: Your streaming will always be top-notch because the cardioid microphone is programmed for good speech quality.
• Shock Mount: Want to avoid having mechanical noises? The shock mount ensures that the mic is isolated from mechanical noises and provides a stable foundation for your mic!
• Multi Adapter: The Elgato Wave 3 has a multi-adapter that can work with any commercial boom arm.

Interested in learning more about what this condenser microphone has to offer? Check out the section below to learn more!

Features: What Makes It A Good Choice?

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone doesn’t discriminate between audio sources, as it can handle game audio, voice chats, music, and notifications.

It even has nine independent channels that can help you blend different types of audio!

Worried about streaming copyrighted music? The Elgato Wave 3 microphone got you covered, as it allows you to mute copyrighted music when streaming!

You’d still be able to continue listening through your monitor mix, but your viewers won’t hear it, which helps you avoid copyright issues.

These, for me, are the sweet spot of this mic, and it’s such a treat for streamers and podcasters!

But that’s not all! The Elgato Wave 3 microphone also has the following aspects:

1. WaveLink Software: The Wave Link software can be added to OBS Studio to help you oversee your audio quality.
2. Customizable Style: Like all great content creators, you probably have your mixing system. If you’re looking for complete control, you’ve got it with the Elgato Wave 3!
3. Multifunctional Dial: This allows you to adjust headphone volume while also handling the crossfade between your Elgato Wave 3 mic and laptop mixes.
4. Efficient Processing: The Wave Link software doesn’t take up a lot of space and doesn’t require external audio processing hardware to function.

Clipguard Technology: Tired of monitoring your volume by looking at input levels? The clip guard feature makes sound run lower and ensures little to no audio distortion!

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the advantages of using Elgato Wave 3:

• The Elgato Wave 3 microphone includes customizable and versatile studio settings for audio, lighting, and camera options.
• Additionally, this mic allows you to create INDEPENDENT output mixes and helps you monitor both with ease.
• With this microphone, you are constantly assured of a clean audio output and even volume control.
• The Elgato Wave 3’s Wave Link app connects to your headphones to provide zero-latency monitoring.
• Its tight cardioid polar pattern ensures good sound quality for recording sessions.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using Elgato Wave 3:

• The shock mount for the Elgato Wave 3 is sold separately, so you’d have to spend more money to get a shock mount.
• The pop filter for the Wave 3 is sold separately and isn’t built into the Wave 3 itself.
• The Elgato Wave 3 mic doesn’t offer a lot of pickup patterns.
• The Wave 3 has a mute button but tapping the mute button results in a loud popping sound, which others may hear during live streams.

HyperX Quadcast S Overview

The HyperX Quadcast S is an impressive plug-n-play USB microphone, which means that you DON’T need to purchase or download additional software for its setup!

If you’re a big fan of being able to personalize stunning RGB lighting, this microphone ensures that you can customize it according to your style!

I really like how the radiant RGB lighting ensures that my room always has a splash of color!

It also provides high-quality sound and features an interesting build quality! Here are some of its more notable aspects:

1. Anti-vibration Shock Mount: To avoid picking up external noise, the built-in shock mount serves to separate the microphone with the help of elastic rope suspension.
2. Mount Adapter: This adapter can fit 3/8″ and 5/8″ threaded setups and be placed on a mic stand or a boom arm.
3. Built-in Headphone Jack: If you’re looking for a way to monitor your sound in real time, look no further because this mic has a 3.5 mm headphone jack that you can use!
4. Gain Knob: This feature ensures that you can efficiently adjust your mic’s sensitivity with the simple turn of the gain dial!

Features: Why Is It Worth Choosing?

Some additional features of the HyperX Quadcast S USB microphone involve the following:

1. Four Polar Patterns: Looking for a way to optimize your streaming setup? With 4 polar patterns, you can choose between stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional!
2. Tap-to-Mute Sensor: Want to avoid accidentally talking into the mic? The HyperX Quadcast S has a tap-to-mute button that ensures efficiency when muting yourself.
3. Built-in Pop Filter: Have you experienced popping sounds when your mic is too close to your mouth? Don’t worry, because the built-in pop filter removes this problem!

Multi-Device Compatability: If you’ve got a lot of devices at home, you’re in luck! The HyperX Quadcast S is compatible with your PC, PS5, PS4, and Mac devices.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the advantages of using the HyperX Quadcast S USB microphone:

• The HyperX Quadcast S microphone comes with a USB-C cable.
• With its four polar patterns, the HyperX Quadcast S microphone acts as a versatile microphone and ensures functionality.
• The HyperX Quadcast S microphone can connect to a lot of devices via the USB-C cable. It can also connect to various streaming platforms!
• It’s a great microphone for game streaming and recording.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using the HyperX Quadcast S USB microphone:

• There are times when the microphone picks up on sibilant sounds (ex: f, s, and sh), which will require you to either move back from the mic or fix it in the post-processing stage.
• It isn’t the best microphone for music production.

Side-by-Side Comparison Guide

While the Elgato Wave 3 and the HyperX Quadcast S are strong contenders by themselves, comparing these USB microphones will help you see the areas where they truly excel!

Sound Quality

For me (and most streamers and podcasters, too), one of the most important parts of recording and streaming is having CLEAR sound quality and eliminating background noise.

The Elgato Wave 3 has only one pickup pattern, but it still serves its purpose in terms of audio quality. It elevates some of the higher frequency noises, which results in making your voice slightly BRIGHTER!

Considering the four different pickup patterns of the HyperX Quadcast S (stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional), you have multiple optionsfor recording sessions.

However, the main downside is that you might not be able to use ALL of these options, which means that you might be paying for more than you can use.

Both microphones are fairly close to each other in terms of sound, but I think the main difference is in their functionality.

Design

The Elgato Wave 3 is made of plastic, making it lighter but less sturdy compared to other mics with heavier builds. I

t often works well with a metal mount, which serves as a form of stability and protection.

On the other hand, the HyperX Quadcast S has a sturdier build and a more durable built-in mount.

In addition to this, it also has dynamic effects and immersive RGB lighting.

With this microphone, your studio will always serve as an eye-catching shot!

WINNER: HyperX Quadcast S!

Headphone Output

Both the Elgato Wave 3 and the HyperX Quadcast S have headphone jacks, which means that you can connect most headphone cables to these mics.

You can find their main difference in the following aspects:

1. Lowest Frequency: Unknown (Wave 3), 20 Hz (Quadcast S)
2. Highest Frequency: Unknown (Wave 3), 20 kHz (Quadcast S)
3. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (DAC): Unknown (Wave 3), 90 dB (Quadcast S)
4. Impedance: Unknown (Wave 3), 32 Ohms (Quadcast S)

WINNER: HyperX Quadcast S!

User Reviews

Another way to verify the credibility of USB microphones is to see what other people have said about the product.

While both microphones have their fair share of enthusiastic reviews, customers often prefer the Elgato Wave 3 because of its software and audio quality.

On the other hand, customers often prefer the HyperX Quadcast S because of its versatility and design.

With that said, most streamers and gamers prefer the Wave 3 because of its simple design yet clear sound quality and efficient software.

WINNER: Elgato Wave 3!

Price

When choosing the best condenser microphone, it’s important for me to consider the price of the product.

While the exact prices of both microphones can vary depending on the store you’ll buy them from, you can consider their estimated price ranges to get a better idea of your budget.

The Elgato Wave 3 is often sold at $149.99, while the HyperX Quadcast S is often sold at $159.99.

With an average difference of $10, you can either choose the cheaper microphone or consider the value of the mic vs. its price.

WINNER: Elgato Wave 3!

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

After learning more about their features, it’s finally time to decide which condenser mic you prefer!

I had quite a hard time choosing between these two options, as they both had strong points to stand on.

However, the Elgato Wave 3 is the overall winner based on the following aspects:

• Records high-quality audio
• Good for streaming and gaming
• Features a simple, yet formal design (which is good for interviews and professional settings)
• Offers great features for its price

Even if it has only one pickup pattern, its clear sound quality and IMPRESSIVE features make it a good choice.

Its WaveLink software ensures studio control, and its Clip Guard feature is very useful for streamers and gamers!

Since it can be quite difficult to choose the best microphone, it’s easier to choose a mic based on personal preferences!

Here are some criteria I came up with for you to think about.

Choose Elgato Wave 3 if…

1. You’re looking for studio control: Wave Link acts as a way for you to pursue automation and customizable mixing solutions. This makes it a great choice for content creators!
2. You want to have multiple effects: One of the good things about the Elgato Wave 3 is that you can add various third-party plugins which help you customize your sound!
3. You’re looking for multifunctionality: While you’re live streaming your gameplay, you can simultaneously mix your audio. This is a great option if you’re a fan of multitasking!

Choose HyperX Quadcast if…

1. You’re looking for a gaming microphone: The Quadcast S provides rich and clear sounds, which helps you give quality commentary for games. Your followers won’t be disappointed!
2. You plan to use it for multiple recording situations: If you want a multifunctional microphone, the mic’s 4 polar patterns make it a great choice for a good recording session!
3. You’re interested in aesthetics: There’s no denying that the HyperX Quadcast is a beautiful gaming microphone with its RGB lighting. It’s an attractive addition to any room!

Alternatives Worth Considering

While the Elgato Wave 3 and the HyperX Quadcast S are high-quality microphones, you might be looking for more microphones to have more options.

Here are some examples of microphones that you might be interested in.

1. Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is another example of a plug-n-play microphone, which also features enhanced sound effects and voice modulation.

Similar to the HyperX Quadcast, it has four polar patterns:

1. Cardioid polar pattern
2. Stereo polar pattern
3. Omni polar pattern
4. Bidirectional polar pattern

These pickup patterns ensure MULTIFUNCTIONALITY when it comes to recording, as you can record music, podcasts, and videos.

It also features various studio control options, allows you to adjust the headphone volume and microphone gain, and allows you to instantly mute yourself if needed.

It also comes with a desk stand, so you won’t have to worry about purchasing a stand separately!

2. Audio-Technica AE2300

If you’re looking for a good mic that can handle recording instruments, you might be interested in trying out the Audio-Technica AE2300!

Because of the high-SPL cardioid pattern, it acts as a versatile microphone and can handle recording percussions, drums, guitar amps, and brass.

It also has an interesting build quality, as it features a double-dome diaphragm.

This, paired with its low-pass filter, helps the microphone smoothly handle high-frequency sounds.

The OVERALL sounds of your instruments don’t get affected, and you end up with clear recording quality.

3. Shure MV7

This is a popular choice for podcasters and streamers since it has dynamic effects and includes both USB and XLR outputs.

Both outputs make it easier for the microphone to connect to computers and various interfaces.

Its Auto-Level mode helps you control your tone and distance from the mic itself. It’s got a unique pickup pattern that eliminates background noise and focuses solely on your voice.

It also comes with an option for customizing your sound signature by offering you the following options for voice tones:

• Dark
• Natural
• Bright

Final Thoughts

With all of the given information, it’s clear that these two microphones are EXCEPTIONAL when it comes to different scenarios, such as recording, streaming, and broadcasting sessions.

In my opinion, both the Elgato Wave 3 and the HyperX Quadcast S have their pros and cons, but the mic you choose will be the one you’ll use for your streaming purposes.

Don’t just consider the popular option, and focus on which mic would suit your preferences more!

---

CHANGELOG:

December 20, 2022 – minor formatting edits