Roccat Torch test. If you are looking for an unusual microphone, you’ve come to the right place

There are plenty of gaming microphones on the market, and Roccat Torch is one of those that stand out from the crowd. Why? You’ll find out in this as you delve into the Roccat Torch test below.

Roccat Torch highlights

• General
  • Total weight: 500 grams
  • Microphone weight: 290 grams
  • Dimensions in the most magnificent configuration: 13.8 x 9.5 x 2.08 cm (height, width, depth)
  • Three wires included
  • Interfejs USB-C do USB-A
  • 3.5mm 4-pole headphone input for monitoring
  • Extensive controls
  • Roccat AIMO backlight
  • Warranty: 2 years
• Microphone
  • Condenser microphone with two capsules ∅14 × 6.5 mm
  • Characteristics: cardioid or stereo
  • Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: 70 dB
  • Sound pressure level: 110 dB
  • Sampling: 24-bit / 48kHz

Box and accessories included

It is certain that no one buying Roccat Torch will focus on a typical microphone in the traditional nature of the design. However, one glance at the box is enough to recognize its gaming design approach. However, if the appearance is not important to you, then the cardboard itself can tempt you with great promises about “studio” quality, an integrated pop-filter in the microphone, an extensive control panel, whisper mode and motion sensor.

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Inside the carton you will find two typical “ecological” plastic moldings resembling an egg wrapping … but for a microphone. In addition, the set includes a user manual, a total of three wires in nylon braids, one of which is used to connect the Torch to the computer (it measures 200 cm), and the other two to connect the microphone to the base. Why two? Because one is designed for the standard configuration (measures 15 cm), and the other is for connecting the microphone to a separate arm using a traditional holder, which requires the use of a longer, 200 cm cable to maintain the connection between the microphone and the base.

Workmanship, materials and design by Roccat Torch

The Roccat Torch is the first microphone in this style that I had the pleasure to test and although I do not intend to judge it subjectively, I must admit that the manufacturer has distinguished this device from the competition with this form. Instead of a simple base that only serves as a… base, Roccat provides a comprehensive microphone command center that you won’t put away in a cabinet, even if you use a different holder.

The base tapering towards the front (at an angle of height) has a core modeled on polished aluminum. On the one hand, it provides the microphone with a decent, though definitely imperfect, support, and on the other, it guarantees both the adjustment of the microphone’s sensitivity through an unusual “slider” straight from the DJ console, as well as the system volume level. Additionally, this knob can be “pressed in” to completely deactivate the listening session. The first (left) switch in the form of a knob did not have such an additional function allows the microphone to be completely turned off and setting the mode of its collection of sound. I am talking about stereo, cardioid (best for streaming) and whisper mode. Unfortunately, the quality of the sound level knob and the feeling of using the slider (zero resistance) is very “Chinese”, which is a pity, because it hits the hallmark of Roccat Torch on the market.

At the very front of the base (in the middle of the edge) there is also a simple “display” informing us about the state of the microphone (recording / mute). Do not think, however, that this is the end of the secrets hidden by the base, because although at the bottom there are only anti-slip rubber pads, on the back there are as many as three ports (4-pole 3.5 mm jack and two USB-C), a switch that regulates the sensitivity sensor (about it in a moment) and a simple button to activate / deactivate the backlight.

The microphone connects to the base in a quite interesting way, because it is on a spherical boom through an ordinary threaded screw. On the one hand, it allows you to easily unscrew the microphone from the base, and on the other hand, it can be adjusted “forward” and “backward”. Minus? This solution does not look good if you decide to separate the microphone from the base in favor of the boom, because then the main part of the base will become a bit… empty.

The most important features of this microphone, in turn, come down to a two-part foam-filled metal mesh around two condenser capsules, connected by a frosted plastic frame. At the top, there is a motion sensor hidden in it, and a USB-C port hidden in the background under the name of the manufacturer. What else can you say about him? In fact, little other than highlighting its unusual shape, resembling a “flattened cuboid” with rounded sides.

The unusual features of Roccat Torch and the Neon app

The sensor mentioned twice is potentially one of the elements of the tested microphone that the competition should be interested in. Why? Because it is simply a bull’s eye to replace the traditional button with a non-contact sensor. If you’ve ever listened to a recording where you muted your mic with a physical button, you surely know what I mean. Something like that generates unpleasant pops and pops that are really hard to eliminate in post-production. The sensor completely solves this problem, and the possibility of adjusting its sensitivity allows you to forget about the risk of its accidental activation. Problem? Its operation (activation / deactivation) takes place after a second delay, while the physical button performs this function immediately.

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I hate the trend of stuffing the backlight wherever there is a place for it. As a result, I have an aversion to the periphery, from which the “RGB power” beats, and although Torch should seemingly discourage me at the very start of the test, the reality is different, because Roccat used the backlight to fulfill a useful function. How did he do it? Very skillfully, because muting the microphone turns red, its activation activates the RGB backlight, and the sensitivity level set on the base slider is represented by the illumination of the sides of the microphone.

The last distinguishing feature of Roccat Torch’s uniqueness is the increased sensitivity mode sewn into it, i.e. the so-called whisper mode with a mysterious effect. This officially (read according to the manufacturer) is to allow you to conduct conversations while remaining audible, which, however, requires proper checking, so let’s move on to what is most important.

Roccat Torch recording quality

A major role in ensuring Roccat Torch’s alleged “studio quality” is played by two ∅14 × 6.5mm capacitive capsules. The recordings can be saved in 48 kHz and 24-bit sampling, using a frequency response of 20-20000 Hz and one of the three modes of operation of the capsules themselves. While there are no doubts about the listening session itself, when it comes to the quality … and anyway – listen for yourself and learn the conclusions:

Roccat Torch test – summary

At the time of writing, Roccat Torch is available for PLN 367 on promotion, but much more often you can find a purchase offer of PLN 400. This is perhaps not the level of premium microphones, but those of the top shelf, which, apart from the tested model, also include, for example, the HyperX QuadCast. Biggest flaw? A slightly not very quality knob and slider, but the disadvantage is that the sensor is too slow, so we can only enjoy the presence of a physical button that still performs its function.

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However, by itself, Roccat Torch has the great advantage of unique solutions and extras that can be appreciated and… that may be needed. Therefore, aside from the sound quality, Torch is recommendable, and having it … it is, too, so for obvious reasons it deserves our badge: