Here at MMORPG.com, there are a number of us that love audio gear almost as much as PC peripherals. From audio interfaces and broadcasting mics to Emmy Award-winning headphones to DACs, watching the improvement and integration of high-quality audio bleed over into the gaming and content creation spaces is so satisfying.
What is even more satisfying is when that gear shrinks down into smaller frames, affording more desktop real estate with minimal (or no) loss of quality. That is what NZXT is attempting to do with the NZXT Capsule Mini USB Microphone and Mini Boom Arm. We had the privilege of getting our hands on this demure mic and we can’t wait for you to hear it!
Specifications
- MSRP: $69.99 USD (Mini Boom Arm sold separately for $69.99 USD) at NZXT.com
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 100 Hz - 10 kHz
- TDH: 0.23% @ 1kHz
- Sample Depth / Bit Rate: 48 KHz/24-bit
- Connection Type: USB-C
- Output Monitoring: Headphone jack
- Weight: 1.2 lbs. (315g) with stand
- Warranty: 2 years
Back in September of 2021, we saw the release of the NZXT Capsule — a USB-based Cardioid microphone with a very simple mission: to be a no fuss plug-and-play microphone from box to desktop. And, in our experience, that is exactly what it was – which can be a good thing. My comment on the Capsule’s limited adjustment options was this:
When it comes to audio gear… users can get so over inundated with options that, with enough finesse, can make the user sound good. It also makes it just as easy to sound really bad. NZXT takes that option off the table by giving you one option.
In that same spirit, the Capsule Mini follows that legacy with one small caveat: CAM control. Don’t get too excited here; the software control for the Capsule Mini is currently limited to three points of adjustment: gain, audio (i.e. system volume if you’re using the built-in headphone jack), and sidetone – which is essentially a mic monitoring adjustment. This is a welcome update from the Capsule’s (current) lack of CAM support.
With a software solution for adjusting settings, the Capsule Mini cuts down the onboard controls to a single knob instead of the two we saw on the Capsule. This knob controls system volume, leaving the gain and sidetone adjustments to the software. The knob also houses a mute button that, when mute is active, turns the otherwise white LED to red.
Continuing the conversation about design, NZXT Capsule Mini carries the simplistic aesthetic we have seen across NZXT’s product catalog – stark, matte Black or White with a series of round accent holes and black meshing protecting the mic capsule. While the Capsule Mini’s components are housed within a shell similar to the Capsule, the Capsule Mini, as the name implies, is significantly smaller and does not have an LED ring at the base. The chassis materials are also different; NZXT went with plastic on the Mini versus the metal of the full sized Capsule.
The Capsule Mini ships with a USB-C to USB-A cable as well as a removable, weighted desk stand, and mounting adapter for aftermarket stands, including the aforementioned NZXT Mini Boom Arm. Which, I want to talk about the boom arm of a moment.
If you take a look at pictures of the Boom Arm Mini, it looks a lot like the Blue Compass – a boom that I actively use. So, when I saw that this looked similar, but in a smaller form factor, I was pretty excited. The construction is good – the materials are solid, the cable channel is fantastic, and the deck mount is great.
However, the adjustment points are very static. This makes the overall experience of moving and adjusting the Boom Arm Mini just okay in comparison to the fluid movement of the Compass. However, if you are a person who just needs to set your mic up and have it stay in one place, this isn’t a bad option.
Alright – design and features are great, but let’s take a listen to the Capsule Mini:
I have to say, for my ear and for being a USB mic, the Capsule Mini sounds pretty good! The voicing of the mic capsule covers just enough high- and low end frequencies to feel full without being too mid heavy. But, my ears are pretty subjective and getting kind of older, so we slapped this clip into a frequency analyzer.
When we took a closer look at the recorded clip above, we saw the bass frequencies lower than 100 Hz (the low end of the Capsule Mini’s frequency response range) were rolled off instead of completely unregistered. This is good – especially if you have a voice that lives in the lower registers! At the other end of the frequency spectrum, the Capule Mini does a similar thing, but we do see the upper (treble) range begin to roll off a bit closer to 9 kHz.
What all of this means is that the Capsule Mini provides a decently broad spectrum of frequency response without being too boomy in the lower frequencies or too needling on the top end.
Final Thoughts
The Capsule Mini takes some of the best traits of NZXT’s Capsule Mic and shrinks them down into a smaller, lighter-weight package without sacrificing sound quality. On top of that, the Capsule Mini does what the Capsule, at this point, doesn’t: offers integration with NZXT’s CAM software. This interfacing could expand the potential of the Capsule Mini in the future, should NZXT decide to add mic voicings or EQ adjustment to it. I hope that they do.
The Capsule Mini does, however, have some concessions. The build quality is not quite as good as the Capsule. While the plastic chassis provides a lighter-weight frame, it is not nearly as sturdy as its full-sized sibling. This is a bit unfortunate considering that this would be a perfect grab-and-go mic for mobile podcasting or streaming. I’m just not sure I would trust it to survive in a traveling gear bag without significant padding.
However, if you are looking for a small desktop or boom-mounted mic that you want to set up and forget about it, the NZXT Capsule Mini Mic is a no-fuss mic with capture quality that exceeds its price point. With CAM integration and a simple control layout, the Capsule Mini offers satisfying sound in a smaller form.
The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes.
