HyperX
HyperX QuadCast 2 S
Condenser · USB-C · Cardioid, Omni, Bidirectional, Stereo
8.4
$150Nov 9
Elgato Wave Neo
A cheap, compact USB condenser that sounds good out of the box but has an irritable tap-to-mute.
- Condenser
- USB-C
- Cardioid
PCPR score
7.0
Fair
Best price we’ve seen
$53.99Nov 9
Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.
R1
The short version
The Wave Neo is Elgato's budget USB-C condenser, recording 24-bit audio at up to 96 kHz with a cardioid pattern, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and an included desk stand. PC Gamer describes warm, clear speech with little setup, while both PC Gamer and Tom's Hardware fault its overly sensitive tap-to-mute sensor, and Tom's Hardware thinks cheaper budget mics offer more. It suits newcomers who want simple, tidy voice capture and value Elgato's Wave ecosystem over outright flexibility.
Pros
- 24-bit capture at up to 96 kHz over USB
- Plug-and-play setup with warm, clear speech, per PC Gamer
- 3.5 mm headphone jack and a desk stand with a riser
- Interchangeable foam pop filter
Cons
- Oversized tap-to-mute sensor triggers too easily, Tom's Hardware and PC Gamer report
- Plastic body does not feel premium, per Tom's Hardware
- Limited vocal adjustment and better budget rivals, per Tom's Hardware
Best for
- Beginners who want a simple USB mic
- Compact streaming or video call setups
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Type
- Condenser
Connectivity
- Connection
- USB-C
Performance
- Pickup patterns
- Cardioid
- Max sample rate
- 96 kHz
- Bit depth
- 24 bit
Fit
- Needs interface
- No
Features
- Mute control
- Yes
- Headphone monitoring
- Yes
Compatibility notes
- Connects via a USB-C to USB-A cable; Elgato lists PC, Mac and consoles among supported devices.
- Phones may need a separate adapter, which Tom's Hardware notes is not included.
P1
Where to buy
Official store
Seen Nov 9, 2026
$89.99
Buy from the makerBest Buy
Seen Nov 9, 2026
$53.99
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AV1
Video reviews
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AV2
What reviewers and owners say
Tom's Hardware
MixedReports pleasant vocals and simple setup, but the touchy mute button, few vocal adjustments and stronger low-cost rivals keep it from standing out.
Review
Read the sourcePC Gamer
MixedScores it 67, liking its pleasant voice quality and low-effort setup at a fair price, but marking it down for an unreliable mute sensor.
67/100 · Review
Read the source
Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.
R9
Common questions
Does the Wave Neo need software?
No. Tom's Hardware found it sounds fine out of the box, and Elgato's Wave Link software is optional.
Why do reviewers complain about the mute button?
Both PC Gamer and Tom's Hardware found the large touch-sensitive mute sensor too easy to trigger by accident.
Does it have a headphone jack?
Yes. A 3.5 mm headphone jack on the mic lets you monitor your voice directly.
J9Alternatives
