Rode X is apparently Rode’s take on the gaming division where they provide a plethora of options custom-made for gamers and streamers, and works tirelessly to provide a superior audio solution. The XDM100 from Rode is a professional dynamic USB microphone that delivers rich and natural sound while mitigating a good amount of background noise, making it an instant hit with gamers everywhere. However, being relatively new in the gaming division, Rode has some big shoes to fill, since the Quadcast from HyperX has been around for a while now, and has a ginormous fanbase in the department of gamer-centric USB Microphones. So, which one of these iconic microphones should you go for as an individual?
In short – “The Rode X XDM-100 is considered the better option for experienced gamers and streamers due to its superior sound quality, customization options with the UNIFY software, and additional features like the pop shield and shock mount. On the other hand, the HyperX Quadcast is a reliable choice for newcomers to streaming who want an upgrade from their built-in microphones. It offers a visually appealing design, plug-and-play functionality, and compatibility with aftermarket upgrades.”
Rode X XDM-100 vs HyperX Quadcast
With similarly balanced specs with unique twists of their own, which one of these microphones should you be going for? That’s exactly what we are going to find out in this section.
| Specification | Rode X XDM-100 | Hyper Quadcast |
| Microphone Type | Dynamic | Condenser |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz. | 20Hz to 20kHz. |
| Bit Depth | Not specified | 16-Bit |
| Software Support | Rode UNIFY App | HyperX Ngenuity (for Quadcast S, not Quadcast) |
| Sample Rate | 48kHz | 46kHz |
Appearance
Rode X XDM-100 shares a lot of similarities with the Rode Procaster in terms of visual aesthetics. Being an end-address microphone, the XDM-100 will allow you to speak into the top portion of the device. The microphone also comes with a really handy pop shield that works as you’d expect it to while adding an overall premium factor to the microphone. Being pretty solid in terms of build quality, it’s basically a reworked version of the ProCaster microphone with some added flair and touches of black and red, which kinda amplifies the overall, stereotypical “Gamer Aesthetic”, and comes with a mute button, level controls, headphone output for monitoring alongside a USB-C Connector.
However, the QuadCast from HyperX itself is an incredibly attention-snatching microphone that comes with the same Red and Black colors that HyperX boasts on almost all their products. The mic comes with a comparatively long build with a short stand, covering a size of 8 inches. However, in order to get that proximity effect, you need to hunch over, since the mic won’t capture your voice from the top portion like the XDM-100. This disadvantage makes utilizing an aftermarket arm almost a requirement, given how short the stand is, 50mm to be precise, and houses a touch-sensitive mute button at the top and the gain control knob at the bottom.
Features
There are a few vital features that make the Rode X XDM-100 stand out in comparison. First up, you’ll be getting full-fledged access to Rode’s proprietary UNIFY app to fully support you with a professional-level solution for audio streaming and gaming. With next-level sound acquisition quality, top-notch mixing capabilities, and incredible control over your audio, the XDM-100 also provides on-the-fly sound effects to spice up your stream! It also puts a higher level of emphasis on your voice while mitigating the background noise, which includes keyboard and mouse clicks.
The included pop shield and shock mount guarantee your voice always stays clean and clear, making Rode a pretty reliable choice in terms of gaming and streaming as of right now. The microphone is also plug-and-play, making things easier for beginners.
The QuadCast from HyperX is able to capture a sample rate of 48khz with a 16-bit depth, making it equal to the legendary Blue Yeti in terms of performance, which is a statement in itself. Falling right in the middle of the pack in comparison with other premium USB-Microphones, the QuadCast features a frequency response of 20hz-20khz, which is in fact the socially accepted range of human hearing. However, with the microphone being able to be remarkably quiet, if not properly configured, it can and will produce some form of white noise.
The QuadCast, apart from being plug-and-play, requires no additional software to run properly, which could be a good and a bad thing at the same time. The good is its relative ease of use, the bad thing being the lack of customizability. However, if you DO want a Quadcast with software support, you could opt for the QuadCast S, which comes with HyperX’s very own Ngenuity software.
Final Verdict
- What’s the difference between the HyperX QuadCast S and QuadCast?
Rode X’s XDM-100 is nothing less than a premium dynamic microphone that features an incredibly clean sound, high-quality audio, and in-depth customization with the UNIFY software, which makes it perfect for experienced gamers, specifically streamers since they can tweak and tune their vocal output to perfection. However, if you’re relatively new to the streaming scene and want an upgrade over your basic, default, built-in microphone that came with your headphone, the HyperX QuadCast, being the first attempt at HyperX’s streaming microphone, is still a pretty reliable choice. You’re also getting a built-in shock arm and wider compatibility with aftermarket upgrades, so that adds some extra value.
