HyperX SoloCast 2 Review [with SoloCast 1 comparison]
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The HyperX SoloCast 2 is one of the best budget USB microphones on the market. This is a complete redesign of the original SoloCast and a massive improvement.
So, what makes the SoloCast 2 different?
SoloCast vs SoloCast 2 Quick Differences
The SoloCast 2 has a redesigned build which includes an internal pop filter and internal shock mount.
The SoloCast comes with a detachable stand, but the SoloCast 2 itself functions as its stand with no removable parts.
The SoloCast has limited features in NGENUITY 2, but the SoloCast 2 gets a full equalizer and filters in NGENUITY 3.
These build differences improve the SoloCast 2’s audio quality indirectly by reducing plosive distortion and increasing shock resistance. The updated software gives the SoloCast 2 access to excellent audio filters and EQ, but unfortunately NGENUITY 3 is still in beta as of this writing.
If you’re deciding between these two mics, I’d get the SoloCast 2.
Specifications
The SoloCast 2’s audio specs are the same as the original SoloCast.
Transducer: 14 mm cardioid condenser capsule.
Sample rate: 24-bit, 96 kHz.
Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz.
Be aware that if you use any of the NGENUITY software effects, the output of that audio maxes at 24-bit 48 kHz. All audio samples in this article are 24-bit, 96 kHz.
Build
SoloCast stand broke after 4 years. It’s brittle.
The original SoloCast has very limited shock resistance. When placed directly on a desk, it picks up a ton of rumbles when typing on a keyboard.
The SoloCast 2 fares better in this department due to its integrated shock mount… but not by much. If you take a look at what the “internal shock mount” actually looks like, it’s nothing special.
The SoloCast 2 is much more sturdy even though they're both all plastic. There's only one real volatility point on the is the thick hinge for adjusting the angle up to 40 degrees. My SoloCast mic stand ring broke after 4 years of taking the mic in and out.
I recommend using some sort of boom arm for the SoloCast 2. This is the one I use. Both of the SoloCast 1 and 2 have ⅜ and ⅝ inch threading so you don't need an adapter.
Boom arm threading.
This stand is actually from the Shure MV6.
The SoloCast 2 has a pop filter included under the grille just like the QuadCast and QuadCast 2. Unfortunately, it’s still quite weak, so you can’t really rely on it.
The SoloCast 2 comes with an 80 inch USB-C to USB-A cable and it has a capacitive mute button on the top which doesn't cause any popping. This turns the red light off.
Microphone Audio Quality
The SoloCast 2 stock audio is detailed and natural. The proximity effect is controlled, and it doesn't sound muffled. However, this can get very sibilant with “s” sounds.
Since it's a condenser, it picks up a lot of background noise - even more than the QuadCast 2 for some reason. So just having my PC fan while streaming a game on Discord bleeds into the mic. Additionally, speaking slightly off axis of this mic isn’t very viable because of how much reverberation this picks up from untreated rooms.
I find the software extremely useful for cleaning up the sound.
NGENUITY Software
NGENUITY 3 really sets the SoloCast 2 apart from the SoloCast and most other budget mics. In here, you can make various adjustments to the sound. Unfortunately, NGENUITY 3 is still in beta, so that also makes it this mic's biggest weakness.
Aside from the gain, you have to set your mic software like Discord or OBS to input “NGENUITY Virtual Audio Device” to hear any of these changes.
First there is a high pass and low pass filter. The software doesn’t actually indicate the frequency cut offs of these, so I don't use them. A mic gain slider is available here since there’s no physical knob.
Most importantly there's an equalizer and 3 different effects.
The equalizer is an absolute game changer. Currently, there are no default presets. I created my own warm EQ and also a treble heavy EQ. Audio samples are below.
The AI Noise reduction is very impressive. It's better than what Logitech has with Blue VO!CE. This has minimal distortion, doesn't really change up the tonality, and cuts out an insane amount of background noise. My PC fan, overhead fan, keyboard typing, and cars driving outside were minimized without suffering from a harsh noise gate.
Now about that biggest weakness I mentioned… Despite HyperX's marketing, these changes do not save to the mic itself. In fact, in its current Beta state, none of the settings even save to the software itself. Once you close and reopen it, all the settings get erased.
So as good as this software is, I wouldn’t rely on it until it comes out of beta.
Verdict
Ultimately, the SoloCast 2 is one of the best budget USB mics out, and it's a great pick over the first SoloCast. It has a better build and more shock resistance.
Once the software comes out of beta, it will be a fully complete product. If you don’t want to deal with the software hassle for now, it can still be used stock.
