Roccat’s first stab at the microphone market is the entry-level Roccat Torch, a USB condenser mic with a few unique features. Peripheral maker Roccat has made its way to the world of USB microphones with the Roccat Torch, an entry-level condenser mic with a few cool touches. You’ll not only get a dedicated mixer with various controls but there’s also Roccat’s proprietary whisper recording mode, RGB lighting, and more, making the Torch an interesting – but not perfect – first microphone for budding podcast and streamers.
What’s in the Box
The first thing you’ll see when you pick up the Torch is its incredible build quality. The thing is heavy, but the more you use it, the more you’ll appreciate its lightness. It feels solid in your hands, and the buttons are easy to press. It comes with a single-speed remote and two BonusWhite Microphones, which can be connected to it via a Passive Microphone Input. The remote is simple, easy to use and features the classic “pause, play, pause” controls. What’s more is that the feature is triggered by any button press, no matter where you are in the room. So, if you’re in a coffee shop and you want to play a certain song, you can pause the recording and continue playing as soon as the song ends. Similarly, you can also play a song and have it play in the background while you do other things. The second thing you’ll notice about the Torch is that it comes with two separate mic input wires, one for each channel. You’ll only connect the mic to one channel at a time, and you need to do so from the remote control.
Remote Play
Remote Play is the next thing you’ll see on the remote playlist. If you’re still in the prototype stage, you can probably co-stream on your laptop and have it play your tracks in the background while you type. However, the feature is only available when connecting the remote to a built-in speaker. If you want to take advantage of the remote’s built-in mic and also use it to offer full-fledged voice service, you’ll want to look into using the included mic in your device. While most smart devices use an included mic, many don’t come with a spoke, so you’ll have to buy one and make sure it works in your device. If the answer is no, you can always purchase one at a later date.
Stereo and Stereo LFO
Stereo and Stereo LFO are two of the most requested features on the market today. If you have a crowd-fund-friendly project and want to use your mic to offer a more immersive experience, you can cuddle up to the stereo speaker and offer your audience your front-row seat, while at the same time, get their full attention. The tank is the name of the game when it comes to stereo and stereo LFO. Stereo LFO is what’s known as a “shotgun” LFO, meaning that when you pitch a note, the sound will reverberate through the room and fill the room with a cacophonous sound. Stereo LFO, however, offers something called “feeding,” which is what’s known as a “tap” LFO. Tap LFOs are more typical when you’re playing on the Marseille level, offering you a wider range of sounds and effects than a straight-up “shotgun” LFO.
Headphone and mic input
The last thing you’ll see on the remote playlist is a headphone and mic input. While we’re a long way off from having the ability to plug directly into a smartphone or laptop, we’re still a ways away from having a mic that won’t jar your ears. You’ll have to connect the remote to a pair of earphones and then to a real mic, as you would use with a smartphone. While you can get the remote to control some cheap but functional smartphones, it’s great to use your mic as a stand-in for more expensive pieces of hardware. And, depending on your mic’s capabilities, you may not even have to go that extra mile and plug it into a mic input on your computer.
mic cubby
If you’re looking for a little more organization in your tracks, you can always tuck the remote in a cigarette case. This may look intimidating, but after a while, you’ll be glad it’s not an everyday thing. It makes the remote feel smaller and more personal, which will make it more accessible when you need it. The mic will fit into the remote cubby, which sits at the bottom of the remote. Since the remote is always on the bottom, the cubby can be mistaken for a filing cabinet or other more industrial-related object.
speaker output
Finally, you’ll want to connect your mic to a speaker. This is the core function of a stereo or stereo LFO, and you’ll want to do so in the most dramatic way possible. You’ll want to make sure the mic is close to the speakers so that the sound is not muffled and is prominent. Not only does this help create a better sound, but it will also help you project your voice further since the sound is not generated from the ground up but from the headers of the speakers. If you want to make use of this feature, you’ll want to keep the mic connected to a good amplifier and a mic-powered speaker.
extra controls and LEDs
You may not have realized it before, but the remote control and the speakers you connect to them are now part of one. These feature a few extra controls and features that don’t exist on the original remote, like the ability to pause the recording and return to the voice guide if you want to go back to the main menu. The remote also comes with a few extra features, like a “pause” light that will only come on when you press a button to pause the recording, as well as a “disengage” light that will only come on when you click the “pause” button or “disengage” button on the remote.
Final words
The good news is that you can always keep the original remote and still have a great experience with the new and improved version. The bad news is that you will have to invest a little money to get the new remote and all the extra features, but it’s always worth it. If you are looking for a light, easy-to-use budget mic, then the Roccat Torch is a great choice. It has everything you need for a basic, quality Mic.