Head-to-head comparison
Electro-Voice RE20 vs HyperX QuadCast S
Two of the equipment tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Electro-Voice RE20
Pros
- Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)
- Broadcast-grade tone, used at major stations
- Built to last decades
Watch-outs
- $399-$499 puts it out of starter range
- 309A shock mount sold separately
- Needs ~60dB clean gain (Cloudlifter often helps)
HyperX QuadCast S
Pros
- Built-in shock mount and pop filter
- Tap-to-mute is genuinely useful
- Polar pattern switch on the mic body
Watch-outs
- Condenser sensitive to room noise
- RGB feels gamer-targeted, not podcast-pro
- USB only
Which one should you pick?
Pick Electro-Voice RE20 if
You’re building around . The RE20 is the broadcast-industry standard for a reason — Variable-D pattern means proximity effect stays minimal even when you move close. Currently around $399-$499 at major retailers.
Pick HyperX QuadCast S if
You’re building around . The QuadCast S is a USB condenser aimed at streamers and gamers — with built-in shock mount, pop filter, tap-to-mute, and aggressive RGB lighting. For podcasters: same condenser-pickup-everything problem as the Yeti, with the RGB making it feel gamer-targeted.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Electro-Voice RE20 do better than HyperX QuadCast S?
Electro-Voice RE20's standout is "Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)". HyperX QuadCast S doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Built-in shock mount and pop filter" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Electro-Voice RE20; if the second does, pick HyperX QuadCast S.
What are the trade-offs?
Electro-Voice RE20: $399-$499 puts it out of starter range. HyperX QuadCast S: condenser sensitive to room noise. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Electro-Voice RE20 and HyperX QuadCast S together?
Both are equipment tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Electro-Voice RE20 for one show or episode type and HyperX QuadCast S for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.