For serious gamers seeking to enhance their audio setup, the dedicated microphone often represents the final frontier of upgrades. Having already optimized keyboards, mice, and other peripherals, the pursuit of superior audio quality becomes paramount. Whether aspiring to stream or simply aiming for clearer communication with fellow gamers, a dedicated microphone is a worthwhile investment. Today, we examine the NZXT Capsule Elite, a promising contender that aims to deliver a comprehensive feature set without breaking the bank. As a successor to the NZXT Capsule Mini, which garnered positive feedback, and given our team’s familiarity with other NZXT products, our expectations for the Capsule Elite are considerable.
What is the NZXT Capsule Elite?
The Capsule Elite is NZXT’s latest offering in the gaming microphone market. It boasts a feature set tailored to gamers and streamers, including background noise reduction, customizable RGB lighting, and a streamlined design often absent in traditional studio microphones.
Upon unboxing, the build quality is immediately apparent. The microphone features a substantial amount of metal and well-integrated plastic components, conveying a sense of durability. The Capsule Elite connects to a computer via an included USB-C cable, which is a welcome feature; however, its 2-meter length may be limiting for some setups, though its replaceability is a plus. A standard 3.5mm connector allows for direct headset connectivity. The microphone includes two physical controls: a front-mounted dial for microphone volume and a side dial for headphone volume adjustment. An LED strip above the front dial indicates the volume level and illuminates red when muted. RGB diodes are located on the rear of the device.
How is the Capsule Elite in practical use?
Connecting the Capsule Elite to our test computer via USB was a seamless plug-and-play experience, requiring no initial driver installation. While the microphone can function without additional software, we recommend utilizing the companion software to unlock its full potential and access enhanced features.
The NZXT CAM software immediately recognized the Capsule Elite upon installation. The CAM interface provides intuitive control over RGB lighting profiles and allows users to disable lighting entirely. However, the software’s true value lies in its audio processing capabilities.
We identified three key functions within CAM that significantly improved our recordings. The first is a noise reduction feature, which effectively minimized background noise, including keyboard sounds. The second, “De-esser,” reduces harsh “s” sounds that can be problematic in voice recordings. Finally, “De-popper” mitigates the popping sounds that occur during plosive sounds. These features collectively enhance recording clarity and contribute to a more professional sound.
How does it sound?
Beyond aesthetics and features, audio quality is paramount. The Capsule Elite delivers impressive performance, boasting a relatively high sampling rate of 24 bit/192kHz, surpassing many competitors in its class. The resulting audio is clear and avoids any digital artifacts. While perhaps not the ideal choice for professional musicians seeking a full, resonant sound (potentially influenced by the tester’s vocal ability), it excels for streaming, gaming, podcasting, and voiceover work, especially considering its price point.
Conclusion
If you’re considering upgrading your microphone setup, the NZXT Capsule Elite presents a compelling option. Its stylish design, practical features, and commendable sound quality make it a strong contender. Mounting it on a free-standing arm is advisable for users with mechanical keyboards, as table stands can transmit vibrations. The Capsule Elite offers all these benefits at a competitive price, making it an attractive choice in its segment.
NZXT provided a test product for this review. The provider of the material has no influence on the outcome of our tests.
