There’s really no shortage of affordable microphones costing under $100, even from computer accessory maker NZXT, which got into the audio game with the NZXT Capsule, which we’re huge fans of. But now the company has released the NZXT Capsule Mini, a more compact and affordable gaming mic for entry-level podcasters and content creators. It’s powered by USB, can be paired with NZXT’s Mini Microphone Boom (recommended!), and takes full advantage of the cardioid polar pattern to record clear sound.
If you’re shopping for a new desk or arm microphone and think “I’d really like one to go with my NZXT PC bag,” the NZXT Capsule Mini will be our top recommendation if you don’t want more serious audio hardware. It won’t blow your mind, but they aren’t priced to do so. For gaming, connecting with friends and family, or starting your own online empire, the NZXT Capsule Mini makes a lot of sense.
About this review: NZXT sent us a small capsule for the purposes of this review. He did not see its contents before publishing.
Source: NZXT
NZXT is a small capsule
recommended
Great sound capture on a budget
The NZXT Mini Capsule is a compact microphone that can be used with the included stand or with an aftermarket solution. It’s absolutely great for playing games, podcasting, and then some.
- He writes
- USB
- pattern
- Cardoid
- interfaces
- USB-C
- Weight
- 314 gr
- allergy
- 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Dimensions
- 60 x 65.1 x 170.2 mm
- maximum sound pressure
- 120 dB
- signal to noise ratio
- 100 dB
- Stunning design
- Excellent recording quality
- Does not require drivers
- The stand included is sturdy
- only one style
- USB cable is a little short
NZXT Capsule Mini: pricing and availability
The NZXT Capsule Mini retails for $60 and is available now from participating retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, as well as direct from NZXT. Don’t let this low price fool you into thinking it won’t be worth considering for its crisp, clear audio recording quality. In fact, you can compare the NZXT Capsule Mini to other more expensive microphones and not tell us the difference, which is a commendable achievement.
NZXT Capsule Mini: Design and Features
The NZXT Capsule Mini is similar to most other NZXT products. That’s a compliment because the company totally let its design language down and make some of the best motherboards, coolers, monitors, and best PC cases out there. The Capsule Mini is no exception and is available in two matte finishes: black and white. We had the white color for review though the other color looks just as good, especially if you’re going for that subtle recording studio look.
Being an affordable mic, there isn’t much in the form of buttons and controls on the device itself. There is a volume knob on the front with a status LED and a mute button built into the aforementioned knob. That’s it, apart from the USB-C port on the bottom. The placement of the USB port is great for use on the boom since you don’t need to route the cable around the microphone before sending it to the boom.
It’s a plug-and-play microphone, which means you won’t need to fiddle with settings to get it to sound just right. There’s a 3.5mm headphone jack for direct output, and NZXT’s CAM software will detect the microphone, allowing you to play around with a few settings. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of CAM because other programs should work just fine. I’d have liked to see the NZXT include a small microphone carrying case, given its size to make it easier to take on the road.
NZXT Capsule Mini: Performance
Connecting the NZXT Capsule Mini to your PC and discovering it on your preferred Linux or Windows installation is a seamless process. You can be up and running in a matter of seconds with some excellent audio recording capabilities. I left everything at factory settings to see how it works if you want to simply connect and go, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good the Mini Capsule sounded. The recording capabilities are excellent and the sound is very clear when playing it or watching it on calls.
One thing you will notice when using the NZXT Capsule Mini is the lack of any pop filter. An aftermarket solution will be required to minimize this problem, but it usually won’t cost you much. It also has the ability to only record in a cardioid pattern, but it will still work in most scenarios.
But for gaming, some video recording, and even starting a new streaming account, the NZXT Capsule Mini is nearly perfect for the price. The USB cable is a bit on the short side, especially when using the NZXT Boom Arm Mini, so you’ll either need to think twice about the microphone placement or invest in a longer USB-C cable.
NZXT Capsule Mini: Should you buy it?
You should buy NZXT Capsule Mini if:
- You want a crisp, clear audio recording on a budget.
- You already use other NZXT products and enjoy the design.
- You don’t want to spend more than $60 on a microphone.
You should not buy NZXT Capsule Mini if:
- You want the best audio recording in the business.
- Do not enjoy using NZXT CAM (other programs work).
- You need a microphone with other recording styles.
I’d recommend the NZXT Capsule Mini to anyone who wants a capable, affordable microphone to use for gaming, creating content, and talking to other souls. It’s compact, looks the part, and doesn’t cost much. It’s a basic mic but has everything you need to get up and running without venturing into more expensive territory.
The included stand is great if all you need is a place to put the microphone on a desk or other surface. I’d recommend picking up an aftermarket pop filter or the NZXT’s Boom Arm Mini to go with your new purchase, but interestingly the mic costs less than a boom, so do whatever you want. If you’re in the audio game and don’t need the best audio capture device on the market, the NZXT Capsule Mini is a great compact microphone.
Source: NZXT
NZXT is a small capsule
recommended
I’m a big fan of NZXT’s tiny little capsule. It’s a solid mic that punches well above its weight and sure looks the part. Combine with the company’s Boom Arm Mini and you’ll have powerful audio recording capabilities.
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