HyperX
HyperX QuadCast S
$199.99
Released 2020
Best Microphones · head-to-head
HyperX QuadCast S vs Samson Q2U
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Samson Q2U is cheaper at $97.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Samson
Samson Q2U
$97.99Cheaper
Released 2009
Which is better: the HyperX QuadCast S or Samson Q2U?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Samson Q2U is the cheaper at $97.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | HyperX QuadCast S | Samson Q2U |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $199.99 | $97.99 |
| Brand | HyperX | Samson |
| Released | 2020 | 2009 |
| Connectivity | USB | USB + XLR |
| Polar pattern | cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo | cardioid |
| Type | condenser | dynamic |
| Sample rate (kHz) | 48 | 48 |
| Bit depth | 16 | 16 |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mute button | Yes | — |
| Mount | integrated vibration-isolating shock mount; standard 3/8" thread adapter included | tripod desk stand included; standard 5/8" to 3/8" adapter |
| Release | 2020 | 2009 |
Sources — HyperX QuadCast S: hyperx.com (verified 2026-06-15). Samson Q2U: newegg.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the HyperX QuadCast S and Samson Q2U?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Connectivity: HyperX QuadCast S USB vs Samson Q2U USB + XLR
- Polar pattern: HyperX QuadCast S cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo vs Samson Q2U cardioid
- Type: HyperX QuadCast S condenser vs Samson Q2U dynamic
- Mount: HyperX QuadCast S integrated vibration-isolating shock mount; standard 3/8" thread adapter included vs Samson Q2U tripod desk stand included; standard 5/8" to 3/8" adapter
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.
Samson Q2U
No sourced tester review yet.