Elgato
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
$169.99Cheaper
Best Microphones · head-to-head
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 vs HyperX QuadCast S
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 is cheaper at $169.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
HyperX
HyperX QuadCast S
$199.99
Released 2020
Which is better: the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 or HyperX QuadCast S?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 is the cheaper at $169.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | — | 2020 |
Sources — Elgato Wave:3 MK.2: elgato.com (verified 2026-06-15). HyperX QuadCast S: hyperx.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 and HyperX QuadCast S?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
No sourced tester review yet.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Clear, professional-sounding audio quality; Solid all-metal build with useful built-in shock mount and touch-to-mute; Four polar patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omni, stereo) add flexibility.
Flagged: Near-identical to the cheaper original QuadCast; little reason to upgrade; RGB can only be disabled via NGenuity software (Windows/PC-only); Premium price (~$159), roughly $30 more than the Blue Yeti.