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An introduction to HyperX SoloCast, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Easy-to-use USB microphone for streamers and content creators.
— HyperX official site
What is SoloCast?
The HyperX SoloCast is a USB condenser microphone that works by simply connecting it by USB-C to a computer or console. HyperX presents it as an easy-to-use USB microphone for streamers and content creators. It is plug-and-play with no driver install, and comes in black and white versions.
The capsule is a 14 mm electret condenser and the polar pattern is cardioid. According to HyperX, a cardioid pattern is most sensitive to sound in front of the microphone and picks up less background noise. It records at up to 24-bit/96 kHz, with sampling rates selectable from 8 kHz to 96 kHz.
A distinctive control is the tap-to-mute sensor on top of the microphone. An LED shows the mute state at a glance, which makes it easy to confirm whether you are live while streaming. The included stand can be tilted and, according to HyperX, can even sit under a monitor in a tight setup.
The stand mount includes an adapter for 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads, so it fits most microphone stands and boom arms (a boom arm is not included). It supports PC, Mac, PS4 and PS5 and is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak. HyperX also says it works with OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS and XSplit.
The SoloCast is part of HyperX, the brand of Kingston Technology. The official page markets it for streamers, content creators, video editors and gamers. The stand can be adjusted to swivel and tuck under a monitor.
According to the official page, 24-bit/96 kHz recording is enabled by updating the firmware in the HyperX NGENUITY software. Earlier launch material listed a 16-bit depth and sampling rates up to 48 kHz, so the specification can differ depending on the firmware of the unit you receive.
It runs on USB 2.0 (full speed) over a USB-C connection and works with PC, Mac, PS4 and PS5. The page also notes it is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak.
USB-C plug-and-play
Just connect it to a computer or console with the USB cable. The cable is USB-C to USB-A. You can record and talk without a separate audio interface.
Up to 24-bit/96 kHz recording
Bit depths are 24-bit and 16-bit, and sampling rates of 96/48/44.1/32/16/8 kHz are available. The USB specification is USB 2.0 full speed. HyperX points to its NGENUITY software for changing settings and enabling high-resolution recording.
Tap-to-mute with LED indicator
Tapping the top of the microphone toggles mute on and off. The LED shows the state, which may help you check whether your voice is going out during a stream.
Cardioid polar pattern
A cardioid pattern favors sound from the front, which suits streaming and narration where the voice is aimed at the microphone. It is not meant for capturing the sound of a whole room.
Adjustable stand and mount adapter
The included stand can be tilted, and the built-in adapter fits 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads. You can use it on a desk or move it onto a boom arm or mic stand.
NGENUITY and app compatibility
HyperX NGENUITY software lets you adjust volume and update firmware. It is Discord and TeamSpeak certified and works with streaming software such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS and XSplit.
Firmware update for 24-bit/96 kHz
The official page says hi-res 24-bit/96 kHz recording is enabled by a firmware update in NGENUITY. After purchase you install the software and update.
20 Hz-20 kHz frequency range
The Japanese launch release lists a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and noise below -74 dBFS (A-weighted).
Discord and TeamSpeak certified
The official page says it is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak, and it works with OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS and XSplit.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Element | 14 mm electret condenser capsule |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Connection | USB-C (cable: USB-C to USB-A), USB 2.0 full speed |
| Bit depth | 24-bit, 16-bit |
| Sampling rates | 96/48/44.1/32/16/8 kHz |
| Sensitivity | -6 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) |
| Weight | 261 g (mic) |
| Dimensions | 7.8 x 9.7 x 17.4 cm (package) |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4, Mac |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz-20 kHz (Japanese launch release) |
| Noise (RMS, A-weighted) | Below -74 dBFS (Japanese launch release) |
| Power | USB bus power 5 V / 100 mA, operating current 47 mA (overseas spec sheet) |
| Stand weight | 125 g |
| USB cable length | 2 m (Japanese launch release) |
| Total weight with stand and cable | 429.9 g (Japanese launch release) |
| Package size | 114 x 83 x 208 mm (W x D x H) |
| Part number | HMIS1X-XX-BK/G (black, Japan) / SKU 4P5P8AA (ROW store) |
What is included and system requirements
- Microphone (with stand)
- USB cable
- Quick start guide
- Mount adapter for 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads (built in)
- A boom arm is not included. Available in black and white
- In the box: the microphone with stand, a USB cable and a quick start guide
How to use it
- Connect the microphone to a computer (PC or Mac) or a PS4/PS5 with the included USB cable.
- Select SoloCast as the input in the OS sound settings, or in your streaming or calling app.
- Point the front of the microphone (the capsule side) at your mouth and place it where you can speak straight into it.
- Check the LED to confirm the microphone is not muted; tap the top to mute.
- Install HyperX NGENUITY if you want to adjust volume or other settings.
- On a desk, tilt the stand to suit; on a boom arm, use the mount adapter thread that fits.
- Make a test recording first to check your voice level and distance.
- To record at 24-bit/96 kHz, install NGENUITY and update the firmware.
- Check the mute state with the LED on top of the microphone.
Streaming and game commentary
Putting your voice into Discord or OBS is the first scenario HyperX has in mind. Tap-to-mute and the LED may be handy when you need to switch quickly during a stream.
Video meetings and remote study
Because it works over USB, it may suit those who want a microphone closer to the mouth than a laptop's built-in one. Hand-operated muting may also be useful in meetings.
Video narration and simple home recording
It may be usable for narration in video editing or rough vocal takes. Since it records up to 24-bit/96 kHz, you can choose higher settings in your recording software.
Console chat on PS4/PS5
HyperX lists PS4 and PS5 as compatible. You could connect it by USB near a console and use it for voice chat.
Game streaming and voice chat
With Discord and TeamSpeak certification and PS4/PS5 support, it may suit voice chat and commentary on consoles or PCs.
Narration for video editing
The maker lists video editors among its targets. Over USB it may let you record narration without an audio interface.
Small desks
The official page says the stand can be adjusted to sit under a monitor, which may suit a compact streaming desk.
Who it may suit
- People without an audio interface who want to put their voice in simply over USB may find it suitable.
- New streamers and game commentators looking for an easy-to-operate microphone may find it suitable.
- Those with a small desk who want a compact microphone may find it suitable.
- People looking for an affordable USB microphone for video meetings or video narration may find it suitable.
Good to know before you buy
- If you need zero-delay monitoring of your own voice, you will need another approach.
- Connection is USB only; there is no XLR output, so it cannot be connected to an audio interface.
- A boom arm is not included; on a desk you use the included stand.
- The price shown is from the official ROW (global) store and may vary by region and over time.
- HyperX points to NGENUITY software for volume adjustment and firmware updates.
- The warranty on the official page is 2 years. Check the terms with the retailer where you buy.
- Launch material and the current official page describe bit depth differently; this may depend on the firmware state.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
RODE NT-USB Mini
NT-USB Mini: 48 kHz/24-bit, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 3.5 mm headphone output, $109 (per RODE).
Price
$83.32 (HyperX official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See SoloCast on the product page
Sources: row.hyperx.com rode.com gdm.or.jp (checked 2026-10-27)
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