JBL Quantum Stream Studio Microphone Review

In a world of podcasts, streaming, and online video games, having a high-quality microphone is more important than ever before. Content creators and gamers alike need a versatile microphone that can meet a variety of needs. Some may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of microphones to choose from, but they should give the JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone a look. The JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone is a well-built mic with a variety of options available that make it a no-brainer for those looking to upgrade their podcast equipment or needing a new microphone for streaming.

First and foremost, the JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone works exactly as one would hope. Recordings sound great, and it does a good job of not picking up unnecessary background noise. It gets the job done and then some, making it one of the better options for those wanting a new mic, and its $150 price tag is reasonable considering the high quality of the product.

Setting up the JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone is incredibly easy. Whereas other microphones come in pieces, the JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone is put-together straight out of the box. All one has to do is use the bundled USB cord to plug it into their PC, and they are good to go. This will initiate a download of the JBL QuantumENGINE software, which gives users even more control over their recording experience, but the device works fine even without the download.

From here, users can adjust mic levels, volume, polar patterns, the equalizer, lighting, and more. The microphone has a circular LED light around the center knob that serves a few different purposes. It serves as a visual indicator when adjusting volume, and it also reacts to sound. The light can be distracting at times, so it's nice that the software gives users the option of adjusting the brightness or even completely turning it off.

Much of the functionality in the software can be done using the buttons on the actual microphone itself. The bottom of the device, easily accessible by simply tilting the microphone, has a button that lets users cycle through the different polar pattern options. There's cardioid, which is ideal for streaming and gaming, omnidirectional, stereo, and bi-directional to choose from. Being able to easily swap between the different options without having to dive into the software is hugely convenient, even though most people will likely stick with cardioid or, if they're doing a podcast interview of some kind, bi-directional.

JBL Quantum Stream Studio Microphone Audio Specs

• Frequency response - 50hz - 16kHz
• Sensitivity - -37±3 dB (1 kHz@1 Pa, 0 dB = 1 v/PA)
• Maximum SPL - 110 dB
• Sample rates - 44.1kHz / 48 kHz / 96 kHz / 192 kHz
• Bit rate - 16 /24 bits
• Capsules - 3 * 14 mm Electret Condensor Microphones
• Polar patterns - Cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, bi-directional
• Headphones Amplifier Impedance - 16 ohms / 32 ohms
• Headphones Power output (RMS) - 42 mWrms per channel (Load = 3 ohms)
• Headphones THD - <0.5% (Load = 32 ohms)
• Headphones Frequency response - 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Headphones Signal to noise - 92 dB with 48kHz sample rate, 93dB with 192kHz sample rate (A-weighted)

The knob on the front of the microphone has functionality beyond simply adjusting the volume. By clicking it in, users are able to cycle between a headset that may be hooked up to the mic as well as the mic itself, adjusting the settings for those individually. These things can be adjusted in the software as well, but again, it's nice to have both options available.

Learning how to use the microphone is a quick process, and the device worked great in our testing. The only nitpick when it comes to the functionality of the microphone itself is the mute button. To mute and unmute the JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone, you have to tap the top of the device, but I found this to be somewhat finicky. There were times when the device wouldn't mute right away and times when it wouldn't unmute right away, requiring a few more taps. A Twitch streamer or someone else that may need to quickly mute their microphone will want to keep that in mind, though there is a nice light indicator at the top of the device to let users know if it's muted or not at least.

The vast majority of people that are looking for a microphone like this are buying it for streaming or PC gaming. For those individuals, the JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone is an easy recommendation. Those wanting something to use on consoles should note that while the microphone works great on the PS5, those wanting to use it on Xbox consoles will need to buy a separate adapter. It's also worth pointing out that the software isn't available on consoles, as expected, but it also isn't available on Mac devices either, which is disappointing.

Admittedly, the market for one wanting to use a microphone like this when console gaming or using a Mac is fairly niche compared to the PC crowd, and so this is an issue that won't impact the majority of people looking for a device like the JBL Quantum Stream Studio. PC gamers or Twitch streamers that want a high quality microphone that's easy to use and offers a great deal of customization should look no further than the JBL Quantum Stream Studio. It delivers high-quality audio and is easy to use, and that's really all one can hope for when buying a new microphone.

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JBL Quantum Stream Studio Microphone

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Brand

JBL

Weight

582 g / 1.283lbs

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The JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone is a versatile microphone with customization features that make it great for gamers, streamers, and podcasters.

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Pros & Cons

• Reasonably priced
• Easy to use
• High-quality audio recordings
• Highly customizable

• Mute button can be finicky

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The JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone is available now for $149.95. The Best War Games was provided with a unit for this review.