While the high-quality Quantum Stream Studio, which we were recently able to test, also aims to inspire more demanding users, the manufacturer also offers an affordable solution with the JBL Quantum Stream Talk, which presents itself as a USB desktop microphone. Our test clarifies whether it is worth buying.
Technical data
| Product: | Quantum Stream Talk |
| Connection: | USB Type-C |
| Microphone diaphragm: | 6 mm (condenser) |
| Frequency response: | 50 Hz – 12,000 Hz |
| Sampling rate: | 96 kHz / 24 bit |
| Polar pattern: | Cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, bidirectional |
| SPL: | 110 dB |
| Dimensions (incl. stand): | 195 mm x 95 (height x depth) |
| Weight: | 146 grams (with stand) |
| Connections: | USB-C; 3.5 mm jack |
| Special features: | Mute button; LED |
| Price: | € 39.99 * |
JBL Quantum Stream Talk Test: Plain and simple
- Simple, lightweight desktop microphone
- practical mute LED
- good workmanship
The JBL Quantum Stream Talk aims to score points above all with its simplicity. This is also reflected in the design. The USB desktop microphone has a classic, rather thin microphone boom that is 15 centimetres high.
The actual 10.5 cm long microphone rests on a ball joint, which allows it to be positioned relatively freely. The whole thing is connected to a round stand with a diameter of 10 cm and the JBL logo in light grey on the front.
Here you will also find a clickable rotary control that allows you to quickly and easily adjust the microphone amplification (gain). The switch also allows you to mute the microphone at the touch of a button, which is indicated by a red illuminated ring on the front of the microphone.
At the back, you will also find the USB-C port for the connection, as well as a 3.5 mm jack connection for optional monitoring. Despite the plastic housing, the microphone has a pleasantly high-quality feel.
Setup, software and practice
- Plug-and-play
- simple, purely optional, software
Thanks to plug-and-play connectivity, the JBL Quantum Stream Talk is ready to use immediately after connecting the USB cable. No installation, no driver download – get started right away. The use of the JBL QuantumEngine software is purely optional.
Apart from the option of setting four different equalizer presets and adjusting the five bands of 200 Hz, 500 Hz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz and 6 kHz yourself, there is not much to discover here.
Conveniently, you can test the microphone in the app to see what effect the settings have on the sound. Theoretically, firmware updates are also possible via the software, but at the time of testing, no new version was available for download.
Sound quality of the JBL Quantum Stream Talk
The JBL Quantum Stream Talk allows maximum recordings with a sampling rate of up to 96 kHz and a bit rate of 24 bits. A 6 mm electret capsule is responsible for the acoustics, which records a frequency band from 50 Hz to 12,000 Hz in the Siper cardioid user.
In terms of sound, the microphone delivers relatively good recordings and is also able to suppress ambient noise quite well. However, due to the short microphone boom, the Talk needs to be positioned quite close to the mouth, as the volume is a little too low even at the maximum gain setting.
In addition, a constant background noise can then be heard. This can be remedied by placing the microphone at a distance of around 5 centimeters in front of the mouth, whereupon the gain can be noticeably reduced and the background noise largely disappears. You also benefit from the proximity effect, which is somewhat more susceptible to plosives and sharp S-sounds, but still delivers quite good sound quality.
JBL Quantum Stream Talk microphone test recording:
JBL Quantum Studio microphone test recording:
Cherry XTRFY Ngale R USB microphone test recording:
In my opinion, the JBL Quantum Stream Talk is therefore only partially suitable for professional podcast or voice-over recordings. Considering the price, however, you get a pretty clean-sounding desktop microphone.
JBL Quantum Stream Talk test: Conclusion
Considering its low price, the JBL Quantum Stream Talk is a very interesting desktop microphone that is particularly suitable for simple voice-over recordings, dictation or conferences and group chats. In my opinion, the quality offered is only partially sufficient for streaming and podcast applications, as the sound lacks a little clarity and punch – because the maximum volume is rather low due to the short microphone boom.
At a normal distance of 10-15 centimeters, this results in a constantly perceptible background noise, unless you position the microphone very close to your mouth. So if you’re looking for an affordable, good-sounding desktop microphone, you should take a closer look at the JBL Quantum Stream Talk. For more professional applications, however, you’ll have to look elsewhere (and spend more money).
JBL Quantum Stream Talk
Workmanship
Recording quality
Features
Value For Money
83/100
Inexpensive and easy-to-use USB desktop microphone with good sound that is suitable for simple applications. However, the maximum volume is rather low and the background noise is always perceptible.
