G’day fellow gamers, today we're reviewing the JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone. This is JBL’s follow up from the previous Quantum Stream Mic and promises to improve on some key areas over the previous version. If you're in the market to level up your gaming or streaming game, then you've come to the right place. This triple condenser microphone firmly plants itself as a contender for one of the best value for money propositions when it comes to gaming mics.
First of all, let's talk about the build quality of the JBL Quantum Stream Studio. After all, we all know first impressions count right? Well, the JBL Quantum Stream Studio knows how to make an entrance. Its sleek yet futuristic design will both instantly blend with your setup while standing out as a focal point. Its all black design gives it a look of class while utilising just the right amount of adjustable RGB to suit anyone's tastes. The stand is also a massive upgrade on the previous version, the new swivel mechanism allows for much more freedom on placement and position. Its button placements are both well hidden and very intuitive to use. The build quality of the Quantum Stream Studio is also top tier. The solid metal body and Alloy stand made from Zinc make it feel like it could withstand even the most intense raid boss encounter and still come out unscathed.
Now, let's get down to the nuts and bolts so to speak. Setting up the Quantum Stream Studio is a breeze. It plays nice with all your main gaming platforms. Whether it be PC, Mac, PS, Xbox and even Nintendo Switch it will play nice with them all. While it does work with Mac, there is no software support to adjust settings or EQ etc. The best part? There's no complicated setup, it's truly plug and play via the supplied USB-A to USB-C cable provided. What would be nice is if it came with a USB-C to USB-C cable as well for added compatibility. It also features a 3.5mm jack to allow for voice monitoring to make sure you're not too quiet or too loud. The level of Voice/PC sound is adjustable in the Quantum Engine software so you can adjust it to your needs.
The Quantum Stream Studio is truly one of the better “out-of-the-box” sounding microphones I’ve tested. It produces a sound that is extremely clear and detailed. Whether you're narrating through your adventures, hosting a podcast or joining virtual meetings, the Quantum Stream Studio captures every syllable with epic precision and with the 4 pickup patterns, you're always in full control of your audio. One of the things I like the most about the Quantum Stream Studio over other mics I’ve reviewed is the directional RGB VU meter. This allows you to both keep an eye on your volume levels with the colours changing from green to red depending on how loud you are. This stops your recordings suffering from distortion or clipping etc. The other benefit to this is the ability to see which direction your audio is being picked up from and making your choice for pickup pattern a little easier.
As mentioned previously in this review there is Quantum Engine software available on PC to level up your microphone even further. Through this relatively easy to use software you can choose from a range of different EQ settings, noise reduction and the colours of your RGB etc.
There's truly only so much you can say in a review for a microphone, but I think we covered just about everything we think is important. The Quantum Stream Studio looks great, and sounds even better. Coming in at $189 it's priced very well and far outperforms what you'd expect for what it costs. If you're in the market for a higher tiered microphone at a mid tier price point then this is about as good as you'll get.
I can think of very few reasons not to give the Quantum Stream Studio a go.
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