NZXT Capsule Elite Microphone Review

NZXT has refreshed many of its peripherals with “Elite” updates, which promise improvements. With the NZXT Capsule Elite, the company has updated its microphone with modern must-haves and also given its supporting software, NZXT CAM, a boost. The mic is still priced reasonably, targeting the sub-$100 market. It’s a popular place to be, so can the Capsule Elite stand out? Here is my review.

Nails the fundamentals

The NZXT Capsule Elite is a fairly simple product. Hardware-wise, it uses a ¼” condenser capsule with a cardioid pickup. This means it’s focused entirely on capturing the full range of a single user’s voice. The larger-than-average capsule should capture more nuance from each user’s voice.

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With its focus on cardioid capture, users may want to get up close and personal with the mic. The built-in pop filter will come in clutch during these moments, taming any unruly plosives or sibilant ‘S’ sounds.

Support for capturing in 24-bit/192 KHz means users can record in high detail and have additional headroom for editing in post. It’s an expected feature in 2025, so it’s good to see NZXT paying attention.

Plug in and go

When the Capsule Elite is plugged into a PC, the on-button mic controls can be fine-tuned. RGB lighting reflects any changes made to the mic.

NZXT’s CAM software is used to tweak various settings including an EQ and noise gates to eliminate unwanted background sounds. Thankfully, the software has received many updates over recent years to improve the experience.

I never know what to expect with NZXT’s peripherals, as it is a relative newcomer to the space. Happily, the Capsule Elite delivers great sound from the get-go. It’s impressive what $90 can get you in 2025, and NZXT offers great out-of-the-box sound that can be further improved using the CAM software.

The downsides

The Capsule Elite’s main shortcoming is the overall build quality and included stand. While the microphone is capable of recording high-quality sound, the build seems to be where corners have been cut to keep the cost down.

The build quality isn’t a massive issue, if the mic is going to be living on a desk. I’d just be a little wary if tossing it in a backpack for a portable recording setup. If it’s going to live on a desktop, users may want to invest in a boom arm.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by NZXT.

Final Verdict

At $89.99, the NZXT Capsule Elite is a solid choice for those looking to improve their audio setup on a budget. It delivers good sound quality out of the box, with helpful software features to fine-tune your experience. While there are a few minor compromises, it holds its own in a competitive price range and should satisfy most users looking for a straightforward, reliable mic.