NZXT Capsule Elite AP-PUMIC-B1 USB Condenser Microphone - 25mm, 192kHz, size is what separates a microphone that sounds like a microphonefrom one that sounds like a phone.
The Capsule Elite uses a 25 mm condenser capsule - large by USB microphonestandards. A larger diaphragm moves more readily in response to lowfrequencies and to the small pressure variations that carry the character ofa voice, which is why the difference between a large capsule and a small oneis audible immediately and does not depend on trained ears.
Behind it, 24-bit depth at a 192 kHz sample rate. That is a studiospecification arriving over USB.
The polar pattern is cardioid: sensitive in front, progressively less sotoward the sides, and largely deaf behind. On a desk with a mechanicalkeyboard, a fan, and a room that was never treated for sound, thatdirectionality does more for clarity than any amount of post-processing. Apop filter is built in, which handles the plosives that otherwise thumpthrough every P and B.
Construction is metal throughout - steel grille, metal stand, aluminiumknobs. It has the weight of equipment rather than a peripheral.
Two physical controls: headphone volume, and microphone gain with mute. Alight bar across the front shows mute state and levels at a glance, whichmatters when you need to know whether you are live without looking atsoftware.
RGB lighting on the rear is configurable through NZXT CAM, along with EQ,noise suppression, and mic monitoring - the software side is DTS enhanced.
The mount pivots, tilts, and swivels, on the supplied stand or on a boomarm.
96.94 x 96.94 x 241.11 mm, 555 / Manufacturer : NZXTModel : AP-PUMIC-B1Product name : Capsule EliteColour : BlackType : USB condenser microphoneCapsule : 25 mm condenserSample rate : up to 192 kHzBit depth : 24-bitPolar pattern : CardioidFrequency response : 20 Hz - 20,000 HzMaximum SPL : 120 dBConnection : USBPop filter : Built inControls : Headphone volume, microphone gain with muteIndicators : Front light bar for mute state and levelsLighting : Rear RGB zone, configurableSoftware : NZXT CAM, DTS enhanced - EQ, noise suppression, mic monitoringMounting : Pivot, tilt, and swivel; supplied stand or boom armConstruction : Steel grille, metal stand, aluminium knobsDimensions : 96.94 x 96.94 x 241.11 mm (approx. 3.82 x 3.82 x 9.49 in)Weight : 555 g (approx. 1.22 lb)JAN code : 4943508304835
Also available in (not this listing) AP-PUMIC-W1 25 mm condenser capsule - large for a USB microphone, and the reason the low end and the character of a voice come through- 24-bit / 192 kHz, a studio specification over USB- Cardioid pattern isolates the voice from keyboard, fans, and an untreated room- Built-in pop filter handles plosives at the source- Metal construction throughout: steel grille, metal stand, aluminium knobs- Physical headphone volume and gain/mute controls- Front light bar shows mute state and levels without looking at software- Rear RGB zone configurable through NZXT CAM- EQ, noise suppression, and mic monitoring via NZXT CAM, DTS enhanced- Pivot, tilt, and swivel mounting for stand or boom streaming, voice chat, podcasting, voiceover, online meetings, andcontent creation generally. Suited to desk use where the room is notacoustically NOTES FOR INTERNATIONAL POWERED - NO VOLTAGE CONCERNThe microphone draws power over USB from your computer. There is no mainsadapter, no charger, and no battery - so there are no voltage, plug,transformer, or certification concerns of any kind. It works identically onany computer anywhere.
NZXT IS A UNITED STATES BRANDNZXT is a US company and Capsule Elite is sold internationally. This item isdispatched from Japan.
If you are in North America or Europe, please compare against localavailability before ordering - it may be more convenient to sourcedomestically.
CARDIOID ONLY - NO PATTERN SWITCHINGThis microphone has a single cardioid pattern. It cannot be switched toomnidirectional, offerirectional, or stereo.
For a single speaker facing the microphone, cardioid is the correct choiceand the isolation is a benefit. If you need to record two people facing eachother, or a room, a multi-pattern microphone is what you want.
NZXT CAM SOFTWARE - CHECK YOUR PLATFORMEQ, noise suppression, mic monitoring, and RGB configuration are handledthrough NZXT CAM. The microphone works as a standard USB audio devicewithout it, but the adjustment features require the software.
Please confirm NZXT CAM supports your operating system before ordering ifthose features matter to you.
192 kHz IS AVAILABLE - IT IS NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY24-bit at 48 kHz is what most streaming and podcast workflows actually use.The 192 kHz capability is there, and it produces larger files for no audiblebenefit in most applications. This is not a criticism of the microphone - itis worth knowing so you are not disappointed by a difference you cannothear.
BOOM ARM NOT INCLUDED UNLESS SHOWNA desk stand is supplied. A boom arm is a separate purchase. Please see thephotographs for exactly what is in the box.
DESK STANDS TRANSMIT VIBRATIONAny microphone on a desk stand picks up keyboard and desk noise through thestand. A boom arm with a shock mount is the standard solution, and it makesa larger difference to a stream than most people expect.
METAL CONSTRUCTION MEANS WEIGHTAt 555 g plus the stand, this is not a lightweight microphone. If you planto mount it on a boom arm, check that arm is rated for the weight - lightarms sag.
WARRANTY IS REGIONALNZXT warranty and support are handled by the NZXT organisation for theregion in which the product was sold. A unit purchased in Japan is supportedthrough the Japanese channel.
JAPANESE DOMESTIC PACKAGINGThe packaging and any printed material supplied are the Japanese domesticversions. NZXT publish English documentation and software. The microphonerequires no Japanese to use.