For gamers and streamers out there, we’ve found a minimalist mic that produces studio-quality audio and is both price & user-friendly. We’ll discuss it in our NZXT Capsule USB Microphone review and share everything you need to know about the product.
These include its design, functions, features, and a lot more.
The Capsule is NZXT’s first microphone after years of not launching audio peripherals.
It features a cardioid polar pattern and is designed for both newbie and seasoned streamers to enjoy.
If you think you need this for your setup, continue reading our NZXT Capsule USB Microphone review for more details about it.
NZXT Capsule USB Microphone Packaging
Before anything else, we’re going to talk about the product’s packaging and its contents. When our mic arrived, it came in a clean-looking cardboard box sporting a white theme.
The front part of the package displays an image of the microphone. It can either be the black or white version depending on what you get. On the sides, there are a couple of information about the product written in different languages
It’s important to let you know what items are inside the box. So we’re also looking into that in this NZXT Capsule USB Microphone review.
When we started unboxing, we saw the Capsule fitted perfectly in a foam box for added production. The rest of the items were packed securely so you won’t have to worry about any damages while in transit.
Other than the mic, you’ll find a USB-C to A cable, a quick-release cover, and a mic thread adapter inside.
NZXT Capsule USB Microphone Review – Design and Functionality
An important element of our NZXT Capsule USB Microphone review is the microphone’s design and functions. To start off, the Capsule displays a very clean, industrial, and minimalist design.
You can choose from an all-matte black finish. Or, you can have the mic’s main body in matte white while its stand, dials, and other components are matte black.
Its design is almost all metal while the grilles and dials are made of plastic. Then, there’s a purple rubber ring on the lower side of its base for better grip.
When you opt for the all matte-black design, you’re sure to get a black-clad USB mic. But if you want a bit of contrast, go for the matte white version with a black base and buttons.
The mic has two buttons on its face. One is for the gain while the other for volume which also controls your headphones’ levels.
Underneath is a LED ring of light along the base. It’s a subtle addition but brings a nice pop of colour, making a big difference to its design.
Under the mic is a 3.5mm headphone jack, then next to it is where the mic plugs in. This is from a rubber-covered USB C to a USB 3.0 cord.
A steel stand that is included in the package helps hold the mic when you place it on any desk. If you have a boom arm, you can easily fit the Capsule on a 3/8 thread. If that doesn’t fit your setup, the mic comes with a thread adapter you can use too.
The mic only weighs two pounds which makes the stand heavier. It isn’t only heavy, but it’s well-built and functions as a shock mount too. This only means you don’t have to worry much about accidentally bumping the mic while gaming or in a stream.
The bottom of the mic is where the USB-C port can be found. This is where you connect the mic to your PC or laptop. It’s also where the thread linking to the boom stand is, and the standard headphone jack for connecting your headphones.
NZXT Boom Arm
Aside from the NZXT Capsule USB Microphone, the company also offers something that works perfectly with it. This is the new Boom Arm which is a mic accessory that’s made ideally for their USB mic. Of course, NZXT designed it to fit other microphones as well.
NZXT’s Boom Arm fits perfectly into any setup, making it a great addition to what you’re currently working with. It has arms that move smoothly to make adjusting and positioning simple. Plus, it’s designed to allow hidden cable management to keep USB and XLR cables neat and organised.
And because of its concealed springs, you’ll get to enjoy uninterrupted gaming while taking advantage of smooth and quiet operations.
The base of the Boom Arm includes a rubber pad. NZXT made sure to include this to prevent any instances of the product from slipping. It’s also present to protect your desk’s surface.
It also comes with a sleek and premium-looking design. There is none of the fancy stuff going on, so everything is kept clean and simple. We actually love how it looks since we’re a bunch who prefer simplicity over over-the-top designs.
At the bottom, there is a label that indicates the position of the tension screw.
Generally, this will fit perfectly with your setup, especially if you’re using the company’s Capsule USB Microphone too.
Package and Contents of the NZXT Boom Arm
Once you get your hands on the Boom Arm, expect to find a few other items included with the product. These are the desk-clamp mounting system and a warranty card.
The product is kept in your standard-looking brown cardboard box. Often, these boxes are sturdy and durable enough to keep the products and accessories safe inside.
Features of the NZXT Boom Arm
This product is one of NZXT’s latest offerings and it’s a sturdy and durable piece that looks premium and top-notch. The company designed it to have a smooth operating process without the need to tighten parts unnecessarily.
The Boom Arm sports hidden springs that eliminate any form of squeaks and noise coming from its joints. It also has compartments that allow you to neatly organise USB and XLR cables. With this, you can avoid all the tangled mess that cables often leave us with.
What’s more, the Boom Arm is made to be compatible with most of the microphones available today. That means, it will work and fit perfectly with whatever microphone brand you’re currently using.
Another feature of this product that we greatly appreciate is its simple installation. Right out of the box, you won’t need to bother with a lot of processes just to set this up.
It’s convenient, easy to use, and user-friendly for all.
Boom Arm Specifications
To give you an idea about this product, here are its specifications for your reference.
For its dimensions: it measures 108.1 x 9.65 x 5.75cm. Its maximum horizontal reach measures 80cm while its vertical reach is 82.55cm.
It can handle microphones that weigh up to around 1.18kg and its thread measures approximately 1.58cm. The Boom Arm also has an extruded aluminium structure with a PC ABS shell.
The product allows for a female to male adapter that’s 0.95cm to 1.58cm, respectively. Then, it comes with a 5cm desk thickness which is adequate for support.
Lastly, NZXT included a 2-year warranty with their Boom Arm which is something we appreciate.
Setting up the Boom Arm
NZXT claims that the Boom Arm is designed to have a quick and easy setup process. So, we’re giving you the steps on how to set up this product.
Step 1: Link the Desktop Mounting System to Your Desk
Remember, the Boom Arm comes with a desktop mounting system to give you an easier installation process.
Here, you’ll need to loosen its clamping mechanism simply by turning its handle in a clockwise manner. Then, set the mechanism to your preferred spot on your desk. Ensure that the Boom Arm’s connection point is positioned flat at the top of your desk.
Once settled, tighten the clamping mechanism by turning the handle in a counterclockwise motion. To make sure that you’ve positioned it correctly, the base of this mechanism should be flat against the table’s underside.
Step 2: Linking the Boom Arm to the Desktop Mounting System
This is an easy process so you don’t have to get worried about putting everything together. What you have to do first is insert the male end of the product’s desktop mounting system. This should be inserted into the female end of the desktop clamp.
Remember, the total desktop thickness for the desktop mounting system of this Boom Arm is 5cm.
Step 3: The NZXT Boom Arm is Specifically Threaded for Male Connections
This section will be divided into four portions to provide a clearer and easy setup process to follow.
- If you’re using the NZXT Capsule USB Mic, this is what you’ll need to do. First, slip the Boom Arm’s included male to female adapter to the bottom portion of the mic. From there, attach the mic’s adapter into the Boom Arm’s male connection.
- If your mic is threaded to the US standard female, which is 5/8″ or 1.58cm, don’t worry. This is when you’ll need to connect the female to male adapter that’s included with the Boom Arm.
- Now, remove the cable channel covers before inserting the USB cable and headset/XLR cable into your mic.
- Lastly, set the cable inside the exposed cable channels then carefully re-insert the cable channel’s covers. Don’t forget to use the cover at all times to protect and keep the cables from slipping out.
Step 4: Position the Microphone on the Boom Arm
This is the last step for the setup process, so once you get through this, you’ll be all set.
After you’ve securely attached your microphone to the Boom Arm, position it to your desired spot. If necessary, you can also tighten the hinge points until you’re satisfied. Once this is done, you’re ready to start gaming or streaming using your mic and the Boom Arm.
Key Features of the NZXT Capsule USB Microphone
The Capsule has a bunch of essential features which we’ll also look at in our NZXT Capsule USB Microphone review. This will let you know what makes the microphone stand out on the market.
Plug-and-play Design
Let’s start off with its plug-and-play design. With this, you’ll get a single-source audio that’s made for gaming and streaming. This, plus its simple and very convenient plug-and-play setup.
Although it doesn’t need software, the mic’s sound is full which makes it a great product to have.
Enhanced for Clear Speech
The Capsule features an internal capsule and is optimised for speech and vocal clarity. It also has a 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution for excellent analogue-to-digital conversion.
No Screws and Washers, but No Fumbling
The innovative mounting solution of the Capsule allows you to conveniently swap to a boom arm. Unlike other USB microphones, it doesn’t require you to unscrew adjustment knobs and deal with multiple washers.
This USB microphone has a removable back piece that detaches with one press of a button. Also, it allows the microphone to slide off its stand.
Cardioid Polar Pattern for Superior Clarity
With its unidirectional cardioid polar pattern, the Capsule eliminates unwanted background noise from fans, mechanical keyboards, and more. It’s optimised to deliver clear speech for a gaming environment.
With its clear and crisp sound and minimal background interference, you’ll get unparalleled audio quality right out of the box.
Secure Internal Shock Mount
With its internal shock mounting system, you won’t have to worry about bumping it and causing it to fall.
Specifications
Next in our NZXT Capsule USB Microphone review is where we focus on all the important elements the mic has. First is its frequency response which ranges from 100 – 20,000Hz. Then, its sample rate and bit rate are 24-bit and 96 kHz, respectively.
The Capsule makes use of a cardioid polar pattern with a headphone amplifier impedance of ≥ 16 Ohms.
When it comes to its dimensions, the mic measures 115 x 131.3 x 252.8mm with the stand. Without it, it measures 60 x 65.1 x 170.2mm. Additionally, it weighs 883g but without the stand, it’s only 314g.
NZXT also included a two-year warranty for the Capsule USB microphone.
Hands-on with the NZXT Capsule USB Microphone
Of course, we tested the mic for our NZXT Capsule USB Microphone review, and this is what we found out. When powered, the bottom portion of the Capsule lit up nicely with its white LED ring light. It wasn’t distractingly bright, but it clearly indicated when the microphone was live.
When we tried tapping its mute button, the LED shifted to a rich and attractive red colour. It meant that the microphone was on mute.
Generally, these visual indicators are vital when streaming. It’s because tabbing out of games to check Windows Sound Manager occasionally can become a nuisance.
We started testing the Capsule with some local recordings captured using a free app. On its own, we were fascinated by the clearness and crispness of the microphone’s sound. There wasn’t a lot of extra white noise from it as well.
When we weren’t speaking, there was adequate noise to tell that the Capsule was not on mute. However, the noise wasn’t enough to be considered distracting, nor did it make our recording sound low quality. OBS and Discord’s noise suppression feature had no issues removing this.
Now onto performance. We have to admit that we were pleased with the default settings of the mic. After plugging it, Windows sets the product to 24-bit/48 kHz. This is the same as what competitors have to offer.
And based on what we heard, it sounded clear, crisp, and excellent. There was great dynamic range, it didn’t pick up unnecessary clicks or pops, and had good, non-overpowering bass responses. Plus, it also sounded very natural which made it even better.
The Capsule USB microphone did really well in our tests. When we tested it for background noises, specifically random street noises via our speakers, the mic ignored these perfectly.
When we tried whispering directly into the mic, it perfectly highlighted the dynamics even better than expected. Then, we had someone stay further away while speaking loudly. To our surprise, they still sounded clear and audible which adds more points to the Capsule.
For gaming and Discord, the mic performed just as remarkably. We were all able to hear each other clearly whether the Capsule was on the desktop stand. Even when it was mounted on a boom arm, it still sounded perfect.
NZXT Capsule USB Microphone Review Summary
After a week of using the mic for our NZXT Capsule USB Microphone review, we can’t deny how well it performs. The NZXT Capsule is one of the latest broadcasting equipment that targets both the gaming and streaming market. And like other NZXT products, it features a modern design that’s available in black or white.
With that, you can choose which colour suits your setup.
The Capsule has an excellent design and great features that make it one of the best USB microphones. Also, its recording quality matches that of top-selling products of its kind. The mic delivers clear and crisp audio that makes it perfect for voice calls, gaming, and streaming.
Overall, this USB microphone is great and you can get it for a good price. If you’re looking for a plug-and-play USB microphone, we highly recommend the NZXT Capsule. With its appealing modern design, user-friendliness, and excellent performance, it’s a perfect addition to your gaming or streaming equipment.
To get your hands on this product, you can purchase it from NZXT’s official website.