NZXT is getting back into the audio game with the Capsule microphone after a few years away, and while I trust NZXT to help me build my PC and get a super cool case, can I trust this mic since they've pulled out of making audio peripherals? ?

That said, there are some great sounding cheap gaming mics out there today.

USB mics are great for streaming or when plug-and-play is required, such as long Zoom meetings or Discord sessions. On the other hand, more expensive professional XLR mics use an analog connection to an audio interface before connecting to a PC. Traditionally, it has been difficult to get the XLR feel with USB mics, but the Capsule actually comes close.

NZXT's Capsule design is very sleek and fits seamlessly into my desk. If I were a minimalist, the all-black matte finish would blend straight into the background. Or, if you want a little contrast, there is a white matte finish with black buttons and a black base.

There are two buttons on the face of the microphone, one for gain and one for volume, which controls the headphone level. Below that is an LED ring that illuminates the area around the bass. On this all-black mic, this pop of color really makes a difference, and it is subtle. Below the mic is a 3.5mm headphone jack. Next to that is where the microphone connects to the rubberized USB Type-C to USB 3.0 cord.

Included in the box is a black steel stand that can support the microphone on any desk. A boom arm is also available for purchase, and if you already have a boom arm, the microphone can be attached to the three-eighths screw. If it does not fit your existing setup, a screw adapter is included.

Weighing in at just under 2 pounds, the stand is heavier than the microphone. Not only is the stand heavy, but it is solidly built and acts as a shock mount. This means that you can throw your head back and forth laughing while watching clips of the stream and not worry about bumping the mic. You are hilarious.

The greatest thing about the capsule is that it picks up subtle noises. They are very good at blocking out unwanted sounds, such as sounds that hit the microphone, but the pre-set gain buttons can help open the microphone up to more sound or lock out some noise.

For example, my lovely stream room is about 15 feet from the dishwasher, but I don't want to stream the dishwasher's sound, and Capsule's gain control helps with that. When I turn the gain down, the ceiling in my apartment gets lower, the dishwasher sounds more distant, and my voice sounds like an '80s DJ playing records on a late-night radio show.

Like a CRT TV from the 90s, the closer you get, the better. The closer you get to the microphone, the best quality you get.

The bit rate of this unidirectional pattern microphone is 96 KHz. This high bit rate microphone is ideal for entry level streamers, seasoned podcasters, and musicians. Podcasting, ASMR dog-eat-dog videos, or sweaty gaming sessions where right after you UNO, "LET'S GOOO..." is the mic you want to use to make sure everyone can hear you yell "LET'S GOOO...!

Below the physical gain button is the volume control. The volume button can also be used to mute the microphone by simply pressing it. There is no software, possibly checking before streaming. There is an LED ring on the bottom of the microphone. It turns red when muted and red when unmuted.

The Capsule is labeled plug 'n' play for a reason: companies like Razer focus on audio interface software with microphones like the Emote and Seiren Pro. Software is essential, but not always necessary, to enrich the sound of a microphone.

And Capsule proves that software is not necessary. However, I find that I have to manually adjust the gain when switching between applications. My OBS gain is not the same as Zoom's gain, so I have to fiddle with it a lot between meetings, chats, and streams.

However, without software, Capsule is really easy to integrate into the streaming ecosystem. Streaming ecosystems are very sensitive. It is important to deploy one device at a time, and just one thing can tip the balance; I have not experienced that with Capsule. I was able to add to my setup without any upsets or malfunctions. I am also glad I don't have to download extra software to make sure my audio is running at its best.

The reason this mic will last so long is that there is really nothing wrong with it and there is no software to bug fix. In the unlikely event that something does go wrong, there is a two-year warranty.

The NZXT Capsule is not only a good microphone for the price. I really like how my voice sounds, the overall simplicity of the microphone setup and use, and the all-black matte finish.