NZXT CAPSULE MICROPHONE REVIEW.
NZXT is best known for selling PC cases, CPU coolers, and motherboards, but the company is now expanding into the realm of quality audio. With the new Capsule microphone, NZXT is looking to deliver a “high-quality USB microphone designed for streamers and gamers to sound their best with ease.” Does it deliver on its goals? This is the GameRevolution NZXT Capsule Microphone review.
NZXT style
The NZXT Capsule comes in a relatively large box, with the microphone already put together inside. This makes assembly a non-issue, as the included stand is already attached. Users can then plug and play with the included USB-C cable.
In traditional NZXT fashion, the Capsule is available in black and white. I opted for the latter and I’m impressed by how great the white version looks. The purple rubber on the base of the stand is a nice touch, too.
The build
Build quality is mostly solid and the mic’s weight at 297 grams weight (without stand) is significant enough. It doesn’t feel cheap and it doesn’t feel too heavy. The matte white finish is the highlight here, with the lowlight being the gain button.
My unit’s gain knob is a little wobbly and, what’s worse, is that it makes a little creaking noise. On the bright side, that creaking noise is not heard through the mic itself.
Cardioid is all you need
The NZXT Capsule exclusively uses a cardioid pick-up pattern, meaning it focuses on one speaker and rejects background noise. In addition to this, there’s internal shock mounting to minimize unwanted noise from bumping your desk.
Bumping into the desk won’t be a problem for those using a boom arm, though, and NZXT is also launching a dedicated arm to use with the Capsule. Transitioning from the included stand to a boom arm is made simple with the push-button system. There are no screws or washers, as the mic simply detaches from the stand with the push of a single button. It’s a unique solution that I like a lot and it really encapsulates (sorry!) the simplicity of use that NZXT is going for here.
Yes, but how does it sound?!
Of course, a microphone is only as good as the audio quality. In my testing, I found that the NZXT Capsule captured pleasing audio with plenty of gain to spare. However, it’s hard to track exactly how much gain I was using, as there are no clear increments.
Thankfully, 24-bit support means users can record at a lower volume and then boost in post without suffering any perceivable loss in quality. With that said, streamers won’t have this luxury and so will need to fine-tune the settings to avoid clipping during more exciting gameplay moments.
The mic is treble-heavy, making for really clear audio, but could be problematic when it comes to sibilant sounds. Bass is there, but with no emphasis. This makes the NZXT Capsule especially great for female voices. Of course, male voices still come through well, but don’t expect any booming bass.
The top knob does push in as a mute switch. Mute status is reflected in the subtle light ring around the base of the mic. It’s normally white, but turns red when muted. Users will want to be careful when reaching for the mute switch, as it is possible to accidentally tweak the gain. While it’s nice to have the mute function, it could have been put in a better place.
It’s worth noting that the NZXT Capsule records mono audio, which most will be fine with. It’s still worth noting, however.
The bottom knob controls headphone volume. While game and music sound got plenty loud through the 3.5 mm out, the mic monitoring was far too quiet for me when it came to more analytic recording sessions, but it should suffice for basic gaming and streaming needs.
NZXT has opted to avoid software support for the Capsule, so there are no further enhancements to be made in any kind of app. Users will have to turn to post-processing in order to fine-tune the audio to their liking.
NZXT Capsule Microphone Review: The final verdict
At $129.99, the NZXT Capsule Microphone is well-priced in the market and a great first attempt by the company. It fits in with the NZXT style, is built well with few caveats, and sounds good.
For those looking for a new USB microphone with little in the way of compromise and lots in the way of style, the NZXT Capsule is well worth considering.
Rating: 7.5/10
NZXT Capsule Microphone review unit was provided by NZXT.
