GoKawiilThe FlipCast is a good option if you need both connections — but if you don't, it's probably not worth it.
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
HyperX has long dominated our list of best gaming microphones with its impressive QuadCast (and DuoCast, and SoloCast) lineup of standalone USB mics. But those are just USB mics — convenient to use, easy to set up, and pretty impressive considering the limitations. But a truly professional setup uses XLR, which gives you a more balanced signal (especially over long cables), better audio quality, and is much better for certain types of tasks, such as recording multiple people in one room (e.g. for a podcast).
But XLR setups aren't exactly convenient: an XLR signal needs to go through an audio interface to convert its signal to a digital one, meaning you can't just plug it into your computer. And audio interfaces are complicated (and, often, expensive), and sometimes you just want to plug your mic into an open USB port and start talking.
Enter the HyperX FlipCast: an end-address microphone with both XLR and USB-C connectivity built in, so you don't have to choose. This mic features a cardioid polar pattern and records up to 32-bit / 192 kHz (over USB-C), and has tons of on-mic controls as well as a highly customizable RGB light ring. It looks and sounds good, but it's on the pricier side with a retail price of $229.99.
Latest Videos From
Design of the FlipCast
The FlipCast looks like most end-address mics: it's a black cylinder measuring approximately 6.75 inches (171.45mm) long by 2.25 inches (57.15mm) wide, bisected by a bright, customizable RGB lightstrip. It has a metal chassis with a matte black finish, and built-in wind foam that covers the actual microphone. It sports HyperX's HX logo on one side (in silver), and attaches to a sturdy metal swing arm on the other side.
Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
The FlipCast comes mounted on its own swing arm, which has a threaded attachment point for mounting on a boom arm or microphone stand. It doesn't come with a desktop stand (or boom arm) in the box, so you'll need to make a separate purchase if you don't already have one lying around. This isn't particularly surprising, as similar end-address mics typically do not ship with desktop stands, but since it's at least somewhat aimed at casual PC users with its USB-C connectivity, I would have liked to see some sort of option to get you going out of the box.
... continue reading