Roccat Torch Review

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It has some nice details, but Roccat’s first attempt at microphones is a successful if safe entry into the industry. A 24-bit condenser microphone, it has three pattern options, inbuilt controls, and simple yet practical RGB stylings. The Torch manages to surpass all the typical bullet points you’d anticipate from a USB microphone aimed for gamers, streamers, or podcasters who don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend at this price point, where there is a lot of competition. Regarding those bullet points, you simply plug this device in and start using it.

There aren’t any software or XLR issues to be concerned with, unless you wish to download Roccat’s Neon program to customize the RGB. Onboard controls include a gain slider for voice level, a volume knob for computer or headphone monitoring volume (3.55mm jack), and a pattern knob. You may switch between the stereo, cardioid, and “whisper” modes using this pattern knob. The first two are probably already familiar to you: stereo offers a more expansive input option and is great for singing, playing, and solo flute. You’ll probably utilize cardioid the most of the time when streaming because it’s best for solo voice.

Roccat Torch review: Design

If you’re using it for video games, do you need a microphone made just for gamers? Naturally, the answer is no (unless you’re seeking for a USB microphone for streaming). The Blue Yeti X is an excellent all-around option that works well for meetings, podcasts, and gaming. Do you, however, desire a USB microphone created with gamers in mind? If the answer is yes, you might enjoy Roccat’s Torch.

With studio-grade mics like the aforementioned Yeti, the Torch cannot compete. But that’s not what it’s aiming to be; it’s attempting to be a cool, entertaining design that appeals to those who are more familiar with K/D ratios than polar patterns. It is successful. You can buy this microphone from its official website.

Roccat Torch review: Sound Quality

The Roccat Torch is a USB microphone. Before you dismiss the idea of a basic USB mic in comparison to a professional XLR grade, hear me out. This bundle offers a lot for a small fraction of the cost of an XLR microphone. The Torch microphone is advertised as “studio-grade,” which may imply a variety of things. It has a dual condenser design, three sound modes, a base with mixer-like settings, 24-bit audio quality, a special touchless mute, and RGB illumination (because what gamer doesn’t want RGB?). and it’s all $99.99 USD.

Roccat Torch review: Controls

The mixer-style audio base of the Roccat Torch puts all of its options at your fingertips, and thanks to its clever and practical use of RGB lighting, your settings are always visible at a glance. Additionally, installing Roccat’s regrettably incomplete NEON software is not necessary to enjoy the full experience. The fact that this program isn’t complete is unfortunate, but the parts that do work are excellent and the microphone works great right out of the box.

In contrast, the gesture-based, contactless muting feature occasionally works well but usually makes mistakes. Thankfully, just like the software, this gimmick can be safely disregarded without affecting the Torch’s general use. Despite some executional problems overall, Roccat has produced a mic at a fair price point with good audio and some nice convenience that makes it simple to like.

Roccat Torch review: Performance

How does the Roccat Torch fare in terms of performance? When used properly, the solution works remarkably well. You see, the diaphragm is housed much lower than it is on the majority of the pill-shaped condenser mics I’ve reviewed in the past. As a result, the audio would sound quiet and a little muddled if I spoke into the top of the microphone, as I would with the Blue Yeti X.

Speaking into the lower portion of the microphone grille is the main fix, but if you still frequently miss, you can also boost the gain, albeit at the expense of more noise. The Roccat Torch worked fine after I realized where I was supposed to speak into. Although it’s not nearly as detailed as some high-end options, the cardioid recording mode, which records in front of the mic for a one-person recording experience, allowed me to record clean, crisp audio ideal for beginning podcasters and streamers.

Roccat Torch review: Price

Additionally, installing Roccat’s regrettably incomplete NEON software is not necessary to enjoy the full experience. The fact that this program isn’t complete is unfortunate, but the parts that do work are excellent and the microphone works great right out of the box.

In contrast, the gesture-based, contactless muting feature occasionally works well but usually makes mistakes. Thankfully, just like the software, this gimmick can be safely disregarded without affecting the Torch’s general use. Despite some executional problems overall, Roccat has produced a mic at a fair price point with good audio and some nice convenience that makes it simple to like.

Roccat Torch review: Final words

For new streamers, the Roccat Torch is a practical all-in-one option. The most crucial parameters may be easily adjusted thanks to the integrated switches. The RGB components can be changed and disabled. The mic itself provides decent recording quality, if a little bit quietly, and it may also be used independently of the mixing panel.

Due to its modest price of 84 to 100 Euros, the Roccat Torch cannot be considered a high-end device. The baseplate’s excessive background noise and the soft beeping it emits as audio output during recording make it less impressive than the microphone itself. It is better advised to use the PC jack as an audio output. Additionally, the USB-C connector is too close to the headphone jack port, which results in the outward movement of somewhat larger headphone plugs.