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Two years ago, I covered the HATOR Dreamcast RGB, which at the time was the company’s flagship microphone and remains part of its lineup today. In this review, I am looking at a newer model, the HATOR Dreamcast X,, which can be described as a revision and partial redesign of the previous version. The earlier Dreamcast RGB offered four recording modes, making it a relatively versatile device for both solo recording and multi-person use cases such as small podcasts or recording musical instruments. The newer model simplifies some of these capabilities while improving others, but overall it is more narrowly focused.
In practice, the HATOR Dreamcast X is designed primarily for single-person voice recording. In other words, it is positioned as a more affordable microphone tailored specifically for solo use, such as voice recording or streaming. At the same time, the new model introduces several features that were not present in the previous Dreamcast version. These will be covered in detail in the full review.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Specifications
- Polar pattern: cardioid
- Capsule size: 16 mm diameter
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 16 kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥70 dB
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- Sampling rate: up to 96 kHz
- Sensitivity: -32 dB (±2 dB)
- Operating voltage: 5 V
- Cable: detachable USB-C with fixed USB-A adapter (1.8 m)
- Connection options: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.4
- Headphone jack: 3.5 mm
- Built-in headphone amplifier: 30 mW @ 32 Ω
- Microphone controls: touch-sensitive mute area, sensitivity (gain) control, touch-sensitive RGB toggle button
- Backlighting: RGB
- Microphone dimensions: 190×56 mm
- Height with stand: 243 mm
- Stand dimensions (radius): 55 mm (diameter 110 mm)
- Materials: aluminum, plastic
- Design: built-in shock mount
- Proprietary app: HATOR SyncHUB (Android, iOS)
- Included accessories: microphone, detachable USB-A to USB-C cable, pop filter, 1/4“ to 5/8” adapter for boom arm, user manual, stickers, promotional materials
Positioning and Price
From the introduction, it is already possible to form a general understanding of where the HATOR Dreamcast X sits within the brand’s microphone lineup. As noted earlier, the new “X” model is a more affordable and functionally reworked alternative to the HATOR Dreamcast RGB, with a clear shift in focus toward high-quality single-user recording. One of its distinguishing features is a dedicated Bluetooth channel, which allows a second device to be connected directly to the microphone and enables real-time mixing of multiple audio sources.
If the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB model was, so to speak, a universal solution designed for a broad range of users, then the HATOR Dreamcast X is positioned strictly as a single-user microphone. It is intended for voice recording, streaming, in-game voice chat, or general communication with colleagues in a work context. The new model is priced at roughly half the launch price of the original Dreamcast RGB – around $50 / €43.
HATOR Dreamcast X Package Contents
The HATOR Dreamcast X is shipped in a rigid cardboard box featuring the brand’s characteristic yellow design. Similar to the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB model, the microphone arrives pre-assembled out of the box. The user only needs to attach the pop filter and connect the device to a PC before use.
The standard package of the HATOR Dreamcast X includes the following items:
- Microphone unit
- Detachable cable
- Pop filter
- 1/4″ to 5/8″ adapter
- User manual
- HATOR branded stickers
- Promotional materials
The cable uses USB-C connectors on both ends, with a fixed adapter for standard USB-A ports. Its length is 1.8 meters. The outer jacket is a standard rubber coating, although the official specifications on the HATOR website oddly refer to it as paracord. On the positive side, it does include a ferrite core for noise suppression. In terms of handling, the cable is moderately soft and flexible. It lays flat on a desk without significant effort after uncoiling.
In the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB model, a pop filter was not included in the package. Instead, its function was handled by a built-in foam layer inside the microphone body. In the new HATOR Dreamcast X, the pop filter is a separate, removable component. It attaches directly to the frame of the shock mount using a simple clip-on design.
The included 1/4″ to 5/8″ adapter is intended for mounting the HATOR Dreamcast X on a boom arm (pantograph) or other standard microphone stands.
The user manual is provided as a large folded sheet covering 23 languages, including English.
The included branded stickers from HATOR feature the company’s standard “cute monster” design. They are stylistically reminiscent of characters from the film Monsters, Inc.
The promotional materials consist of two small cards. One contains a thank-you message from the HATOR brand, while the other serves as a reminder about the HATOR SyncHUB APP software. The latter will be covered in a dedicated section later in the review.
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Design, Ergonomics, and Build Quality
Externally, the new HATOR Dreamcast X largely follows the design language of its predecessor, the HATOR Dreamcast RGB. The differences are mainly in smaller details such as decorative elements, mounting hardware, and slight changes in shape and overall dimensions. Otherwise, it retains the same minimalist and restrained design approach, which remains consistent with the original Dreamcast RGB aesthetic.
The microphone body of the HATOR Dreamcast X is made of aluminum. Compared to the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB, which featured a perfectly round body, the new version adopts a slightly more squared profile. The design of the decorative cutouts has also been changed: instead of hexagonal diamond-shaped elements, the new model uses simpler triangular openings.
At the top of the HATOR Dreamcast X there is a touch-sensitive Mute area that disables the microphone when tapped. On the lower part of the body, there is an analog gain control knob for adjusting input sensitivity.
At the base, the following interfaces are located:
- USB Type-C port for connection via cable
- 3.5 mm headphone output jack for monitoring
- A touch button for controlling the lighting system
The microphone is mounted using a shock-absorbing suspension (shock mount), which reduces the transmission of vibrations caused by sources such as keyboard typing or accidental contact during recording. The suspension ring is made of plastic, which also contributes to vibration damping. Inside the ring, there is an integrated isolation system consisting of four dense rubber inserts (dampers) concealed within the structure.
In this revision of the HATOR Dreamcast X, the manufacturer has moved away from the traditional external elastic cord suspension. Instead, the design is more integrated. This approach has two main practical effects. First, it provides a cleaner appearance, since no external elastic elements are exposed. Second, it is likely more durable, as the internal rubber dampers are less prone to stretching or degradation over time compared to traditional elastic bands.
The stand of the HATOR Dreamcast X is fully made of metal. A rubber pad is placed on the bottom of the base to improve grip and stability on the surface. The stand itself weighs approximately 450 g, which contributes to good overall stability during use. Compared to the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB model, the new stand appears more refined and visually cleaner, which also makes it feel more cohesive in design. However, the earlier version did include a simple cable management solution, which is not as clearly emphasized in the new design.
The mounting system of the shock ring on the stand allows for quick and easy adjustment of the microphone angle. In the HATOR Dreamcast X, the maximum tilt range is sufficient for flexible positioning, as shown in the reference image below. Even at the extreme angle, the microphone remains stable and does not tip over, meaning its weight distribution does not exceed the stability threshold of the base.
The lighting system in the new HATOR Dreamcast X is implemented in a way that is largely similar to the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB model. It is sufficiently bright, but not distracting during use. The main difference is a reduced number of onboard lighting presets. In the Dreamcast RGB, there was one dynamic mixed effect and seven solid colors available directly on the device. In the new X version, this is simplified to one mixed effect and three preset colors: red, green, and blue. However, additional customization is available through the HATOR SyncHUB APP, where users can select any color according to their preference.
As mentioned earlier, lighting control on the HATOR Dreamcast X is handled via a touch button located on the bottom of the microphone. A short press cycles through the available lighting effects, while a double tap turns the lighting on or off.
Overall build quality of the HATOR Dreamcast X is solid. The materials feel well chosen, the construction is stable, and the adjustment mechanisms work smoothly. The shock mount holds the microphone firmly in place, and the stand remains stable without noticeable wobbling or tendency to tip over. The threaded mounting points also operate without issues, with smooth tightening and loosening. From an ergonomic standpoint, there are no significant drawbacks. The device is comfortable to use in everyday scenarios and generally feels practical in handling. In terms of design, the newer model appears slightly more refined and visually “serious” compared to the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB, at least from a subjective perspective.
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Features and Differences from the Previous Model
In this section, we will take a closer look at the technical specifications of the microphone and compare them with the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB model. The previous Dreamcast RGB was a three-capsule condenser microphone. Each capsule had a diameter of 14 mm. The frequency response ranged from 30 Hz to 18 kHz. It supported 24-bit depth and a 192 kHz sampling rate. The maximum sound pressure level was specified at 100 dB, while the signal-to-noise ratio was listed as ≥64.25 dB.
The sensitivity was stated as -130 dB, which is likely an error in the official specification, as such a value is not physically realistic for this type of microphone. In practice, the real sensitivity would more plausibly be in the range of approximately -30 to -40 dB.
A key feature of the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB model was the presence of four operating modes: cardioid, bidirectional, stereo, and omnidirectional. This made the microphone relatively versatile and suitable for a wide range of use cases, including solo recording, streaming, group podcast sessions, and basic recording of musical instruments.
As noted earlier, the new HATOR Dreamcast X has been functionally reworked and is focused exclusively on single-user recording. However, this optimization does not necessarily imply a reduction in audio quality – in some aspects, it can be interpreted as an improvement. From a technical standpoint, the X version features a more substantial upgrade. Instead of the three 14 mm capsules used in the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB model, it now uses a single enlarged 16 mm capsule. This typically results in a denser, more “full-bodied” vocal character with improved detail retrieval. The frequency response range is slightly narrower, now listed as 20 Hz to 16 kHz.
There is also some inconsistency in the official specifications regarding bit depth. While the website lists 16-bit audio, both the product packaging and system settings indicate 24-bit recording at 96 kHz. For a microphone in this price segment, 24-bit depth is a meaningful advantage, as it provides more headroom for post-processing and reduces the likelihood of introducing additional noise during editing. Sensitivity is specified at -32 dB (±2 dB), with a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥70 dB.
In terms of polar pattern, the new HATOR Dreamcast X retains only a single mode – cardioid. This means the microphone is primarily focused on sound coming directly from the front, while attenuating noise from the sides and rear. In practical terms, this is generally the most suitable configuration for a home recording setup, where reducing room reflections and background noise (such as keyboard sounds) is important.
At the beginning of this review, I noted that the HATOR Dreamcast X introduces several features not present in the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB model. These include a dedicated Bluetooth channel, which allows a second device to be connected directly to the microphone and enables real-time audio mixing, as well as support for the HATOR SyncHUB APP for quick device configuration.
In practical terms, the Bluetooth channel allows audio from a PC and, for example, a smartphone to be combined through headphones connected to the microphone. This makes it possible to stream gameplay, transmit voice, and simultaneously handle smartphone calls or listen to music. The microphone performs real-time mixing of audio sources without noticeable latency, eliminating the need for external mixers or more complex software solutions.
The second feature allows configuration of the HATOR Dreamcast X directly from a smartphone during a live session. Instead of minimizing a game and opening a PC application, users can adjust settings such as lighting or mute the microphone through a separate Bluetooth-connected device, for example a smartphone. In practice, this effectively turns the phone into a dedicated remote control for the microphone. However, input gain (sensitivity) cannot be adjusted via the application. As before, it must be controlled using the physical analog knob on the microphone body. All other settings are available through the software interface.
Proprietary Software: HATOR SyncHUB APP
The previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB operated as a classic plug-and-play device. It did not require dedicated software, and all settings and mode switching were performed directly on the microphone itself. The new HATOR Dreamcast X takes a step further in this regard by introducing full support for the HATOR SyncHUB APP. The application adds a software layer for configuration and control, which will be examined in more detail in the following section.
To activate the Bluetooth connection on the HATOR Dreamcast X, the user needs to press and hold the sensitivity (gain) knob inward for 3 seconds. After that, it is necessary to wait until the top indicator starts blinking blue.
On the Bluetooth-enabled device (in my case, an iPhone 11 Pro Max), the user needs to open the Bluetooth settings, find the HATOR Dreamcast X in the list of available devices, and establish a connection. It is also worth noting that the HATOR SyncHUB APP prompts the user to complete this pairing process. Until the Bluetooth connection is established, the application does not allow access to the microphone’s configuration menu.
A notable point is that, in addition to iOS, the HATOR SyncHUB APP was also tested on an Android device – an older Redmi Note 8 Pro. In this case, the application was unable to detect the HATOR Dreamcast X, regardless of attempts to reconnect.
At the same time, as an audio device, the microphone itself connected without issues and correctly output audio to headphones, including real-time channel mixing. This suggests that the problem is limited to software-device compatibility rather than Bluetooth audio functionality. Based on this behavior, the application may not work reliably on older Android devices. Regarding the interface, the settings are divided into five main sections: Home, RGB, EQ Settings, More, and Options.
Home is the starting menu, where the user can quickly enable or disable the microphone and control lighting.
In the RGB menu, lighting settings for the HATOR Dreamcast X can be configured. The user can select one of the preset lighting effects or define a custom color using RGB values or a color wheel palette.
In the EQ Settings menu, the equalizer and a set of predefined sound presets are available. It is important to note that the equalizer affects only the audio output in the connected headphones. It does not modify the recorded or transmitted microphone signal from the HATOR Dreamcast X.
In the More menu, users can review the end-user agreement and privacy policy. It also provides an option to disable application pop-up notifications in the HATOR SyncHUB APP.
The final section, Options, includes system-level settings for the HATOR SyncHUB APP. Here, the user can rename the device, initiate a device search, and check for firmware updates. The menu also provides links to official HATOR online stores in different regions, as well as an FAQ section.
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Voice Recording and Headphone Audio Quality
In terms of recording quality, the key observation is that the HATOR Dreamcast X appears to capture voice more cleanly than the previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB when operating in cardioid mode. Based on listening to several samples, the newer model produces a cleaner and more natural vocal tone with a reduced level of background noise. This assessment is made without applying any software enhancements, plugins, or post-processing. With additional processing, the recorded signal can be further refined into a higher-quality final result, which indicates that the raw recording has a solid level of headroom for editing. Overall, the increase in capsule size in the new model seems to have a positive impact on sound quality. A short audio sample is provided below for reference.
Regarding headphone output quality on the HATOR Dreamcast X, it is generally decent. For critical listening, such as detailed audio analysis or professional mixing, it is understandably not at an audiophile level, which is consistent with the device’s price category. However, for monitoring recordings and casual background listening, it is sufficient and performs adequately. According to the specifications printed on the packaging, the headphone output includes a built-in amplifier rated at 30 mW @ 32 Ω. Interestingly, this detail is not mentioned on the official HATOR website, which creates a minor inconsistency in the available technical information.
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Conclusions
To summarise, in my view the HATOR Dreamcast X turned out to be a very successful update. Most importantly, it performs its core function better than the more expensive previous HATOR Dreamcast RGB. Thanks to the larger capsule, voice recording sounds cleaner and more natural, while the level of background noise is noticeably lower. With some post-processing, the recorded audio can be further refined to a very high quality.
Among the advantages are solid recording quality, a more refined design compared to the previous model, good build quality, comfortable ergonomics, and a dedicated Bluetooth channel for connecting an additional device. The relatively low price is also a significant factor, as it is not easy to find a similarly balanced solution in this segment.
As a potential drawback, one could mention that the application may not function properly on older Android devices. However, this is more likely a limitation of outdated hardware rather than an issue with the microphone itself, and therefore is not a major concern. Overall, it is a strong device for its price, particularly for users looking for an affordable solution without unnecessary features.
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Where to buy the HATOR Dreamcast X