# Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 vs HyperX QuadCast S: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 (Elgato) and HyperX QuadCast S (HyperX) among microphones. Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 is the cheaper of the two at $169.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 | HyperX QuadCast S |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $169.99 | $199.99 |
| Brand | Elgato | HyperX |
| Released | — | 2020 |
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB |
| Polar pattern | cardioid | cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo |
| Type | condenser | condenser |
| Sample rate (kHz) | 48 | 48 |
| Bit depth | 24 | 16 |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mute button | Yes | Yes |
| Mount | included desk stand; 1/4" thread adapter (3/8" and 5/8" adapters included) | integrated vibration-isolating shock mount; standard 3/8" thread adapter included |

## Key differences

- Connectivity: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB-C vs HyperX QuadCast S USB
- Polar pattern: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 cardioid vs HyperX QuadCast S cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
- Bit depth: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 24 vs HyperX QuadCast S 16
- Mount: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 included desk stand; 1/4" thread adapter (3/8" and 5/8" adapters included) vs HyperX QuadCast S integrated vibration-isolating shock mount; standard 3/8" thread adapter included

## What reviewers say

**HyperX QuadCast S** — Three hands-on reviews - SoundGuys, Tom's Hardware, and Tom's Guide - rate the QuadCast S a clear-sounding, superbly built USB streamer mic with four polar patterns, a built-in shock mount, and standout RGB lighting. All three note it is a near-identical, pricier RGB reskin of the original QuadCast. Only SoundGuys published any lab measurement (a described frequency-response dip near 1 kHz); no source published self-noise or SNR figures. (3 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Elgato Wave:3 MK.2: https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3 (elgato.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- HyperX QuadCast S: https://hyperx.com/en-us/products/hyperx-quadcast-s-rgb-usb-microphone (hyperx.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microphones/elgato-wave-3-mk2-vs-hyperx-quadcast-s/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 ($169.99) vs HyperX QuadCast S ($199.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microphones/elgato-wave-3-mk2-vs-hyperx-quadcast-s/
License: CC BY 4.0.