Plug and play is the word of the day! HyperX markets the SoloCast USB microphone as an entry-level easy-to-use product with a versatile sound and its own mini-boom stand ready to go right out of the box. Ease of use is the theme “One Hundred” with its certifications from Discord and TeamSpeak while also being compatible with programs like OBS, XSplit, Streamlabs OBS amongst others. SoloCast is PC or PlayStation compatible featuring a tap-to-mute sensor, adjustable stand, Cardioid polar pattern, and Boom arm threading priced at $59.99.
One consistency I have noticed since reviewing HyperX products is the quality of craftsmanship. SoloCast does not disappoint, it’s a smaller size microphone but has some real weight to it. When you hold it in your hand you can feel how solid it is, almost like a machine. By far my favorite feature about HyperX products. A simple black round case surrounds a small diaphragm. While SoloCast does feature threads to mount on a Boom arm its factory stand lets you get started right out of the box. Its stand also has great adjustability but does lack height. Tap to mute is a great feature, simply boop the top of the microphone, and it’s quiet. In all absolute honesty, it is really hard to argue any extra features on this microphone at this price point. The design and quality are an absolute steal at $59.99.
The shortcomings of a large diaphragm condenser microphone is what makes them sound so great with vocals. You are not going to get the deep analog radio broadcaster sound with SoloCast. Instead expect a more versatile sound with more range from the Electret condenser microphone. It does not have a pattern adjustability feature, but it comes set to the most common Cardioid pattern which picks up everything in front of the mic. You will need to be directly in front of the microphone for the best possible sound quality result. SoloCast is an entry-level microphone that delivers a quality professional sound live broadcasters can use to make their content sound clean.
This is a get-the-job-done type of product so we will not be getting any fancy RGB lighting systems. I must reiterate here it’s really hard to complain about the lack of features at this price point due to its great sound quality. It does however have an LED status indicator that lets you know when your muted or live. I am not sure how the cost breaks down, but I would be happy with a simple mute button in exchange for an RGB lighting system. At the time of this review, the HyperX Ngenuity software does not add any extra level of adjustability. There is no need to even install it if you are not using any other HyperX products because the software does not recognize the device. You can always download third-party software like Adobe Audition to manually adjust your more complex settings.
This microphone is extremely easy to use! When they say plug and play, they mean it. If you are not tech-savvy the SoloCast might be just for you and even if you are fewer installation headaches. OBS, XSplit, and Streamlabs OBS immediately recognize the device which saves you time. Time you can spend on your product, the content you create. I really do like this product it’s extremely streamer friendly and has a tremendous value at $59.99.