Really good USB microphones can be expensive. But HyperX wants to prove that there is another way with the new SoloCast 2. For just around 60 euros, the microphone promises high-resolution sound at 96 kHz and 24 bit, as well as simple plug-and-play connectivity. Has the manufacturer succeeded in creating the perfect audio solution for streamers and creators on a tight budget? Find out in our HyperX SoloCast 2 test.
Technical data
| Product: | SoloCast 2 |
| Connection: | USB Type-C |
| Microphone diaphragm: | 14 mm electrolytic condenser capsule |
| Sampling rate: | 96 kHz / 24 bit |
| Polar pattern: | Cardioid |
| Weight: | 368 grams |
| Connections: | USB-C |
| Special features: | Status LED; Mute button |
| Price: | € 59.99 * |
HyperX SoloCast 2 review: Slim, well thought-out design
The HyperX SoloCast 2 follows a clear and minimalist design philosophy, which with its simple appearance should appeal to gamers and streamers who place a high value on simple and straightforward operation.
The microphone is predominantly in matt black and has a high-quality and stable appearance thanks to the robust housing made from a combination of durable plastic and metal. Compared to its predecessor, the shape of the housing has been noticeably redesigned and slightly elongated, which makes it easier to handle and position.
The microphone base is heavy enough to position the device securely on the desk with little vibration. The base is also rubberized to prevent slipping, even during active gaming sessions. The microphone can be tilted by around 40 degrees on the stand, allowing flexible alignment to the voice. Threaded screw connections (3/8″ and 5/8″) are also integrated, making it easier to attach to microphone arms and boom stands.
Particularly noteworthy is the integrated shock mount and the foam pop filter built directly into the microphone head. These features ensure that disturbing noises caused by desk vibrations, keyboard strokes or plosive sounds (such as “P” or “B”) are greatly reduced without the need for separate accessories. A large, easily accessible tap-to-mute button is located on the top and enables quick muting with a visual status indicator – an advantage for live streams and conferences.
The combination of sleek, modern design and high-quality materials makes the HyperX SoloCast 2 a durable yet flexible microphone that looks great both on the desk and on the microphone arm.
Commissioning, positioning and practical test
Setting up the microphone is very simple: the microphone is connected to a PC, laptop or games console (PlayStation 4/5, Xbox) using the USB-C to USB-A cable supplied and is ready to use immediately – no additional driver installation or complicated setup is required. Plug-and-play operation makes the SoloCast 2 particularly attractive for users who want high-quality voice recording quickly and easily.
When positioning the microphone, it is recommended to keep a distance of approx. 15-30 cm and to tilt it slightly to the side to reduce pop sounds. The adjustable tilt and the weight of the base enable stable and ergonomic alignment with the voice. For more flexible setups or streamers who like to speak close to the microphone, the threaded connections offer the option of using external microphone arms.
In practical tests, the SoloCast 2 impresses with its clear, balanced and natural sound recording. The noise suppression of ambient noise and keyboard clatter worked very reliably thanks to the built-in shock absorption and pop filter. The microphone is therefore ideal for a wide range of applications: Gaming communication, streaming, podcasting beginners and video conferencing. The sensitivity is tuned so that speaking at a normal volume is sufficient and loud shouting is not necessary.
App connection: NGENUITY
HyperX SoloCast 2 settings are made via the manufacturer’s NGENUITY software. Wait: You don’t need the normal version, you need the new beta version, the microphone is not recognized in the normal app. Why is that? I have no idea.
And it then prompts us to install additional audio drivers. The software is extremely simple and allows us to make various settings and adjustments on just one page.
These include gain settings, the addition of frequency filters such as high pass or low pass, additional effects such as AI noise suppression or a compressor, as well as the option to adjust the timbre using a 10-band equalizer. Simple and intuitive, but purely optional.
Sound quality of the HyperX SoloCast 2
The heart of the SoloCast 2 is the cardioid condenser capsule, which is designed for a 24-bit depth and a sampling rate of up to 96 kHz. This enables clear, precise and detailed reproduction of the voice with a wide dynamic range. The cardioid polar pattern also ensures that background noise from the sides and rear is effectively suppressed.
The built-in pop filter, which audibly softens sharp plosive sounds (“P”, “B”, “T”) without distorting the clarity or voice color, is particularly positive. The built-in shock mount also ensures a significant reduction in vibrations and sibilants, which often occur when the desk is shaken, keystrokes are made or mouse clicks are made.
Compared to competitor microphones in similar price ranges, the SoloCast 2 delivers a well-balanced sound with good vocal intelligibility, although in my opinion the acoustics are a little flat and could do with more punch. Especially as the microphone is quite gain-hungry and requires a gain value of 70 percent or more even from a distance of around 20 centimeters.
HyperX SoloCast 2 microphone test recording:
Microphone test recording Maono PD300X (USB):
Microphone test recording Cherry Xtrfy Ngale X USB:
Of course, this has the disadvantage that more ambient noise gets into the recordings. The AI noise suppression doesn’t really manage to remove the reverberation from the recording.
The voice comes across as natural, warm and clear at the same time. It is also somewhat airier than the comparison models – which makes this type of microphone ideal for all applications where the focus is on the human voice. In the test, the sound quality remained very consistent even with spontaneous volume changes and ambient noise, without distortion or clipping.
HyperX SoloCast 2 Review: Conclusion
Simplicity is king: this applies to the new HyperX SoloCast 2 USB microphone. For the price of around 60 euros, you get a high-quality, well thought-out and, above all, good-sounding USB microphone.
Thanks to plug-and-play connectivity, it is quick and easy to use on PCs and consoles and impresses with its clear, airy voice reproduction. However, it is relatively gain-hungry and ideally needs to be used from a minimum distance to avoid recording too much ambient noise. Even the noise-canceling function cannot filter this out. If you are looking for an inexpensive USB microphone, the HyperX SoloCast 2 is a good choice.
- Sophisticated design
- Impeccable workmanship
- Good sound
- Fair price
- Weak noise canceling
- Very gain-hungry
- Poor software
HyperX SoloCast 2
Workmanship
Recording quality
Features
Value For Money
88/100
Simple, high-quality and powerful sound: The HyperX SoloCast 2 is a convincing budget USB microphone with clear voice reproduction, but weaknesses in the software and filtering of background noise.
