NZXT Capsule Elite gaming microphone review – quality up, price… down?!

1 - Introduction and unboxing 2 - Technical data and features 3 - Sound-Check 4 - Software 5 - Gallery and conclusion

With the Elite version, NZXT has now also raised the quality level of the popular Capsule USB microphone. However, as the price of its predecessor has been undercut at the same time, the question must be asked as to whether the performance has fallen victim to the red pencil. You can find the answer in the test!

Okay, admittedly… the NZXT Capsule was recently available for well under €100. However, it was launched in 2021 with an RRP of €129.90. In times when everything is getting more expensive and people are willing to pay €4,000 and more for graphics cards that could potentially go up in smoke, the question arises: “How can the new Capsule Elite microphone now be presented at a price of €99.99 when the supposedly inferior predecessor was still around 30% more expensive?”. We probably won’t find out how they did it in this article. What we will find out is that this is a perfectly usable product.

On the outside, the edgy retro styling of the Capsule Elite reminds me of some ribbon microphones, which often have a similar shape. However, inside the microphone is actually one of the eponymous condenser capsules, which should offer significant improvements in terms of sound quality compared to its predecessor. But before we get lost in the technical details, let’s take the device out of its packaging together. First of all, however, I would like to apologize for the quality of the photos. I switched to a mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor after my old SLR broke down and didn’t immediately warm to it. This will get better once I’ve familiarized myself with the camera properly.

Unboxing

Of course, the outer box of the Capsule Elite also comes in the typical NZXT design with the purple accents.

The packaging is well thought out and has almost no unnecessary plastic. When we lift the lid, we immediately see the object of our desire.

Only the protective film on the base and the “cable tie” later end up in the yellow garbage can, even the printout of the manual is omitted. Apart from the device itself, the stand and the USB-C cable, there is nothing else in the packaging.

Out of interest, I put the microphone on the scales. At just under 300 grams, it is in the same weight class as the old Capsule, weighs more than twice as much as the Capsule Mini (135 grams) and almost exactly 100 grams less than the all-metal Elgato Wave DX (395 grams).

The solid base allows the Capsule Elite to stand securely.

The components are connected using a standard 3/8″ screw, whereby a simple “tongue and groove” connection ensures precise alignment of the connecting piece on the support plate.

The system with tool-free assembly is familiar from many monitors. On the underside we also find the type designation and soft rubber feet, which provide a secure and scratch-free hold.

And this is what the whole system looks like when assembled:

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The inclination of the microphone can be infinitely adjusted within the adjustment range.

In addition, the microphone can also be aligned horizontally, making it more suitable for use under a monitor, for example.

Like its predecessor, the Elite is also equipped with two rotary controls, which are responsible for the volume control of the microphone and for the optionally connected headphones.

The connections (3.5 mm jack) for headphones and the USB-C socket are located at the rear. The joint is set nice and tight ex works, but can also be loosened by loosening a slotted screw.

The USB A-C cable supplied is approx. 2 m long, makes a high-quality impression and of course has the purple accents.