If you want the absolute best PC setup, this microphone arm mount could be the answer — if you're willing to pay

Image of the HyperX Caster microphone and camera boom arm.

When I agreed to review the HyperX FlipCast microphone, I didn't expect I'd need a mount, as there's no stand included in the box. I've tested a number of microphones and mounts, but I'm always moving between headsets, webcams, and microphones for my audio recording needs, so my desk is often bereft of a boom arm.

So, HP and HyperX sent me its premium Caster arm for microphones and cameras, and I decided to review this often-overlooked accessory alongside the FlipCast microphone.

After a few weeks of using and adjusting, I can say with confidence that the HyperX Caster does boast the sleek design — and toolless installation and adjustment — to compete with the best microphone mounting solutions... but it's also ludicrously expensive, so all but the most determined or affluent are likely better off with a more affordable alternative.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HyperX and HP had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Easy setup, easy adjustment, easy headaches

It's a big box for a big microphone arm. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

This clamp design is simple and easy to install, but it's also the only option you have. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

You get a full 360-degrees of movement in the base. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

The cable management solution is simple but effective. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

These spring-assisted joints are great when they're tuned, but you'll have to spend some time getting them right. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

The Caster should support basically any mountable microphone or camera, as long as it weighs 2.2lbs or less. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

A microphone arm isn't terribly complex, so I won't waste time in this review. The HyperX Caster's sleek, subtle design is reminiscent of other premium mounting solutions, but this microphone arm boasts a completely toolless setup.

There's only one clamping option, but the included C-clamp should provide enough leeway to support most desks and tables. You have 360 degrees of rotation, and three spring-assisted joints that can all be moved independently, capped with a standard 5/8-inch mounting thread (with 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch adapters in the box).

I've absolutely no complaints about the Caster's appearance, and it feels reliably constructed. There are also tracks for cable management built in that are equally easy to wrap your mind around. Once the HyperX Caster is properly set up, you're left wanting for nothing.

The HyperX Caster's spring-assisted joints are its greatest strength and biggest weakness.

Setting up the HyperX Caster can be a real pain, though, and it's because of those "simple" spring-assisted joints. Tension dials in each joint adjust the strength of the springs, so you can tune the Caster to the weight of your microphone or camera, and ideally be able to move your microphone around freely without needing to make follow-up adjustments.

It works, but setting the tension in the joints can take a lot of trial and error, and the dials themselves feel cheap and fragile (none of them broke for me, but I can't say I wasn't worried). There's also very obviously a "happy medium" the joints prefer to stay in, so it's another exercise in patience if you need to adjust the HyperX Caster to a more extreme position.

It doesn't help that the Caster is simply large, even by microphone arm standards, so it's not as well-suited to compact, space-restrained setups.

HyperX Caster review: My final thoughts

The Caster is staying on my desk. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a premium microphone mount and are willing to pay for it.
• You want toolless installation with easy, intuitive adjustment.
• You have plenty of space to make use of this range of motion.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You just need a basic mount for your microphone or camera.
• You have limited space or a setup that won't work with a C-clamp.

Choosing an arm mount for your microphone or camera is definitely setup endgame, a way for content creators and professionals to take things to the next level. Microphone arms rarely break the $100 barrier, though, and the HyperX Caster soars across that threshold.

Is it worth the price? I think so, but only if you're actually willing to pay that much. Most people won't be, and that's fine. There are plenty of other excellent microphone arms that cost less and still do the same basic job.

Once you properly set up the HyperX Caster, though, I have to admit it looks great and is incredibly convenient for perfectly positioning your microphone or camera without having to think too hard about it. If that's what you need, you can get the HyperX Caster for $139.99 at HP.com.

You can also find more information on the microphone I used to test the HyperX Caster by checking out my in-depth HyperX FlipCast review.

HyperX

Caster

There are a lot of microphones and camera mounts that are good enough for most people, and they won't cost you this much. The HyperX Caster is a solid option, though, for those who want something sleeker and smarter (and are willing to pay for it). I'm at least keeping it around.

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