Roccat's first foray into microphones is a safe entry, but with some clever twists: a 24-bit condenser mic with on-board controls, three pattern settings, and modest but actually useful RGB styling. While there is a lot of competition in this price range, the Torch meets all the usual bullet points one would expect from a USB mic aimed at gamers, streamers, podcasters, and other users who can't afford a few hundred dollars.

Regarding that bullet point: just plug this mic in and you're good to go; no XLR to worry about (unless you download Roccat's Neon software to customize the RGB, which some may lament not having), and no software. There is a gain slider to control the volume of the voices, a volume knob (via the 3.55mm jack) to control the PC or headphone monitor volume, and a pattern knob.

This pattern knob can be used to switch between stereo, unidirectional, and "whisper" modes. Stereo is for singing, playing, and flute soloing, and offers a more panoramic input variation. Cardioid is primarily for solo voices and would be used for streaming.

Alternatively, you might use "whisper" as your main focus, Roccat's gift to budding streamers or gamers who need to be quiet for a sleeping baby or irritating roommate. This mode is designed to pick up your voice in volume and clarity, even if you are basically whispering. Each of these modes is color-coded in RGB, so the habit of switching between modes should help you avoid any nasty mistakes.

The base station is definitely handy, but if you want to mount the microphone to the stand, you will need to unscrew it and use the long USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable provided (otherwise, oddly enough, even with the microphone screwed to the base station (otherwise you would need to use a small Type-C - Type-C cable to connect it to the base station).

The Torch has two mute options: you can either push down the volume knob or there is a non-contact toggle on the top of the microphone. This non-contact toggle has two levels of sensitivity and can be switched off. The highest sensitivity can be toggled by waving four fingers over the unit. Thankfully, your head and hair do not affect the microphone, but if you do a lot of gesturing, you may want to turn it off.

The whisper mode is actually quite neat: when tested with normal speech, the volume was at least twice as loud. When speaking just above whisper, the volume is about the same or slightly below the level of normal speech using cardioid or stereo, as shown in the image below.

The gain levels are the same for each:

Perhaps a little tinkering with OBS or other software would have the same effect, but with Torch it is a simple toggle that is super convenient and has an immediate and noticeable effect on input levels.

However, this mode definitely has a narrow, potentially ASMR use case, and most users will opt for cardioid when streaming. As can be heard in the sample below, the unidirectional mode eliminates much of the ambience in my test environment. At the upper end of the gain slider, I picked up a slight technical hum from other gadgets on my desk, but it disappeared as soon as I picked it up (the same would be true if it were attached to a boom arm).

See my samples (sorry for the loudness of the "whisper" mode, but this is proof that it works).

Stereo mode is a useful option if you are podcasting with a friend or a couple of people and only have one microphone. If someone takes their guitar out for whatever reason (we all know someone like that), for better or worse, it will pick that up nicely too. But as you can imagine, the stereo mode also picks up a lot of unwanted ambient noise (my office is close to the street, and I can't block traffic noise with windows or curtains.)

Considering that the torch has the same specifications as most of its competitors in the same price range, the results are predictably competent and even excellent. Perhaps what makes this particular unit stand out is its bloody useful whisper mode.

The Torch is a competent and feature-rich mic from Roccat, with easily accessible onboard controls, touch-free mute, and whisper mode all to recommend it. Considering that some higher-priced mics offer only one pickup pattern, this mic is very attractive.

The build quality feels sturdy, but I fear that the built-in pop filter (the soft mesh under the main metal mesh) will collect dust over time, making it difficult to remove. Out of the box, it is suitable for both streamers, podcasters, and Zoom chatter.