Rode
Rode NT-USB+
$157Cheaper
Released 2022
Best Microphones · head-to-head
Rode NT-USB+ vs HyperX QuadCast S
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Rode NT-USB+ is cheaper at $157. Every spec and price links to its source.
HyperX
HyperX QuadCast S
$199.99
Released 2020
Which is better: the Rode NT-USB+ or HyperX QuadCast S?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Rode NT-USB+ is the cheaper at $157.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Rode NT-USB+ | HyperX QuadCast S |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $157 | $199.99 |
| Brand | Rode | HyperX |
| Released | 2022 | 2020 |
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB |
| Polar pattern | cardioid | cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo |
| Type | condenser | condenser |
| Sample rate (kHz) | — | 48 |
| Bit depth | — | 16 |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mute button | — | Yes |
| Mount | included desktop tripod stand | integrated vibration-isolating shock mount; standard 3/8" thread adapter included |
| Release | 2022 | 2020 |
Sources — Rode NT-USB+: rode.com (verified 2026-06-15). HyperX QuadCast S: hyperx.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Rode NT-USB+ and HyperX QuadCast S?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Connectivity: Rode NT-USB+ USB-C vs HyperX QuadCast S USB
- Polar pattern: Rode NT-USB+ cardioid vs HyperX QuadCast S cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
- Mount: Rode NT-USB+ included desktop tripod stand 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.
Rode NT-USB+
Only one whitelisted tester, Tom's Hardware, published a genuine hands-on review of the exact NT-USB+; it names the mic an Editor's Choice for rich, low-noise vocals and a sturdy build, but flags no on-mic gain control and clipping on louder sources. No lab-measured numbers were reported. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Rich, detailed vocals with very little self-noise; Sturdy, well-built metal body with included detachable pop filter; USB-C plus zero-latency headphone monitoring; one of the better-sounding USB mics tested.
Flagged: No on-mic gain control or mute; Still clips on louder audio sources; Studio-quality but not high-res (24-bit/48kHz).
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.