Elgato Wave:3 Review
Table of Contents
Welcome to our Elgato Wave:3 review where we break down all the features, list down pros and cons, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this USB microphone that has been making waves amongst many gamers, streamers, and audiophiles in the industry. Hailed as one of the best gaming, USB, and streaming mics with an easy setup and great audio quality, the Elgato Wave:3 has got plenty of people in the streaming world happy.
Read our full Elgato Wave:3 review to find out how this microphone compares to other mics in the market!
About the Elgato Wave:3
Brand | Elgato |
| Model Name | Wave:3 |
| Connectivity Technology | USB A to USB C Cable |
| Type | USB type | Condenser Microphone |
| Color | Black, White, Special Quadrant Edition |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid Pattern |
| Frequency Response | 70 – 20000 Hz |
| Audio Sensitivity | -25dBFS (min gain) | 15dBFS (max gain) |
| Item Weight | Microphone and U-Mount 280 g / 9.88 oz | Base 305 g / 10.76 oz |
| Item Dimensions | 153 x 66 x 40 mm / 6.0 x 2.6 x 1.6 in |
| Recommended Applications | Home recording, YouTube video content creation, Vocal recordings, Streaming, Gaming, Podcasting |
| Inclusions | Elgato Wave:3 USB microphone USB A to USB C cable Weighted metal stand Boom arm adapter Quick start guide Included adapter for the built-in stand |
The Elgato Wave:3 is arguably hailed by the gaming, streaming, and many individuals in the audiophile community as one of the best USB mics currently on the market. It’s a broadcast-grade USB condenser microphone that sounds excellent, is versatile in applications, is equipped with many useful features and inclusions, and in our opinion, is fairly priced. If you mix all these together, then that makes for a truly great microphone!
Zoning in on the sound quality, one cannot deny the performance of this microphone. Given that this is a condenser mic, which is typically more sensitive than a dynamic microphone, this has an impeccable pickup. Paired with a cardioid pickup pattern, then you’ve got yourself a great mic for ASMR content. However, since this is a condenser mic, which is typically more sensitive than a dynamic microphone, it does have the tendency to pick up a few background noises and plosives. But a built-in pop filter and just a couple of mic accessories can help mitigate this.
And while this microphone doesn’t have multiple pickup patterns, it makes up for it with a high frame rate. This microphone has an audio resolution of 24-bit, an audio sample rate of 48 / 96 kHz, and a dynamic range of up to 95dB (115dB with the clipguard feature engaged), which overall gives it a broadcast-grade performance. For sure your audio recording sounds good, in fact, great when you use this mic.
Now let’s talk about the body, and in a way design, of this microphone. This microphone features a sleek, compact body that is both stylish and functional. Crafted from durable metal, it boasts a matte black finish that resists fingerprints and smudges, ensuring it looks pristine during every use. The microphone includes a built-in shock mount to minimize vibrations and an integrated desktop stand for easy setup.
Its capacitive mute button on the top offers a convenient way to quickly silence the mic, while the multifunctional dial on the front allows for precise control over volume, gain, and mix settings. The overall design of this review unit is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly practical for streamers and podcasters alike.
Lastly, we have to give kudos to the editing capabilities of this mic thanks to its custom Elgato Wavelink Software. This software is compatible with Chrome or any music app of your choice and will appear inside Wave Link as eight stereo faders to help you blend audio with the mic. Basically, all the different programs, browser windows, stream decks, and audio devices you use for streaming are rolled into one with the Wave Link app. This integrated eight-channel mixer allows you to simplify the different channels and recording software you use into one stream deck that will allow you to mix, blend, sync, and adjust your recordings into a single audio output source.
Considering that we’re just at the beginning of our Elgato Wave:3 review, it’s hard to imagine what else can we say about this microphone given the many things we’ve already discussed. But trust us, this mic has a lot more to offer, and we need to get into them in detail for you to fully appreciate it.
Benefits of the Elgato Wave:3
This Elgato mic may look simple but it’s anything but. Its impeccable sound, useful features, and thoughtful design make it a mic that any individual (amateur, hobbyist, or professional) can greatly benefit from.
Broadcast-Grade Audio Quality
The Elgato Wave:3 delivers broadcast-grade sound, making it a top choice for streamers, podcasters, and content creators. Equipped with a high-resolution, 24-bit/96kHz analog-to-digital converter, this microphone captures every nuance of your voice with stunning clarity and detail.
Its condenser capsule is designed to provide a balanced frequency response, ensuring that both the highs and lows of your voice are accurately reproduced. Whether you’re recording a podcast, streaming on Twitch, or creating YouTube content, the Wave:3 ensures your audience hears you with professional-grade precision.
Additionally, this Elgato mic incorporates advanced technology to maintain impressive sound during live broadcasts. Its Clipguard feature automatically prevents distortion by rerouting sound through a secondary signal path, eliminating the risk of clipping even during loud peaks. This means you can speak naturally and passionately without worrying about audio degradation.
Combined with its superior noise rejection and cardioid polar pattern, the Wave:3 mic ensures that your voice stands out clearly against any background noise, providing a polished and professional experience every time.
Wave Link Software
The Elgato Wave:3 comes with the powerful Wave Link software, which enhances your recording and streaming setup. This virtual audio mixer allows you to control multiple audio sources, including your microphone, game audio, and PC mic, all from a single stream deck audio interface. The software’s stream mix feature lets you balance these audio sources in real-time, ensuring your audience hears the perfect blend of sound.
Wave Link also includes a noise gate, which helps eliminate background noise, providing a cleaner audio experience. The integration with the Elgato Stream Deck allows for easy management of your audio channels, making adjustments on the fly simple and intuitive. Whether you’re setting up for a gaming stream or a podcast, Wave Link ensures your audio is professional and precisely controlled, without the need for a physical mixer or PC mix.
Sleek and Thoughtful Mic Design
The Elgato Wave:3 microphone showcases a sleek and thoughtful design that seamlessly integrates useful buttons and features. Its brushed matte texture not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also resists fingerprints and smudges, keeping the mic looking pristine. The LED ring provides a clear visual indicator of your mic’s status, ensuring you’re always aware of whether it’s active or muted.
The control dial on the front allows for easy adjustment of volume, gain, and mix settings, giving you precise control over your audio. The tap-to-mute button on the top is a convenient feature for quickly silencing the mic when needed.
Additionally, it includes an embedded pop filter to minimize plosive sounds and a shock mount to reduce vibrations, ensuring clear and professional audio. The dual-layer steel mesh enhances durability while providing an extra layer of protection against unwanted noise. For real-time monitoring, the microphone is equipped with a headphone jack, making it a comprehensive and user-friendly tool for any content creator.
While the Wave:3 doesn’t have the RGB lighting that most gamers would look for in a gaming mic, you do have the option to bag this microphone in 3 colors; black, white, and a special quadrant edition (that sells our rather fast).
Is the Wave:3 Worth It?
If you’re looking for an all-around mic that’s easy to use, and simple but packs a bunch of features, then yes, the Wave:3 is definitely worth it!
It’s most especially worth it for anyone serious about streaming, podcasting, or content creation. It offers broadcast-grade sound, a sleek and functional design, and advanced features like the Wave Link software for precise audio control. Its combination of professional audio performance and user-friendly features makes it a valuable investment for elevating your content.
Is the Elgato Wave:3 a Dynamic or Condenser Mic?
The Elgato Wave:3 is a condenser microphone, known for its ability to capture detailed and high-fidelity audio. Condenser mics, like the Wave:3, utilize a diaphragm that vibrates in response to waves, converting them into an electrical signal. This design allows for a broader frequency response and greater sensitivity compared to dynamic microphones.
Is the Elgato Wave:3 Good for Podcasting?
Yes, the Elgato Wave:3 is excellent for podcasting. Its condenser microphone captures clear and detailed audio, essential for professional-sounding recordings. The high-resolution, 24-bit/96kHz analog-to-digital converter ensures your voice is captured with precision.
Additionally, features like the built-in pop filter and shock mount help reduce unwanted noise and vibrations, while the Wave Link software allows for easy mixing of multiple audio sources. With a built-in headphone jack, monitoring audio levels while the podcast is happening becomes useful so you can adjust the volume accordingly. Its mute button is also handy in case you suddenly need to cut out sound.
Plus the easy USB C port setup makes it a breeze to set this up directly to your laptop or device of choice. The easy mounting on the included desktop stand or boom arm also makes it ideal for a podcast setup.
Is the Wave:3 Better Than Wave 1?
In our opinion, the Wave:3 is better than the Wave:1 because of the many upgrades it has compared to the former model of Elgato.
The Wave:3 offers additional features such as a multifunctional control dial for adjusting volume, gain, and mix settings, and a higher maximum sample rate of 96kHz compared to Wave:1’s 48kHz. These enhancements provide greater control and higher quality, making Wave:3 a more versatile and advanced option.
Choosing between the two and deciding which is better will still fall on your preference and mic needs though.
Pros and Cons of the Elgato Wave:3
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Broadcast-grade sound performance ✔️ Uncomplicated dials and button ✔️ Wavelink Software ✔️ Clipguard technology ✔️ Lightweight and simple design | ✖️ Plastic mount in weighted metal stand feels flimsy ✖️ Has only one polar pattern |
What People Are Saying About It
For those who have had the opportunity to try out and use the Elgato Wave:3, one cannot deny how much of a great microphone this is. May you be comparing it with USB mics or other models of its caliber, the Wave:3 has unique features that are worth raving about.
“With the sheer amount of USB mics on the market, it’s hard to stand out, but the Elgato Wave:3 makes it look effortless with its stylish retro design, high-quality build, and great sound performance. It only has one polar pattern, but for content creation, it’s one of the best I’ve tested.”
MICHELLE RAE UY – TECH RADAR
Where to Buy the Elgato Wave:3
With everything said, we don’t blame you if you want to snag an Elgato Wave:3 right away. Equipped with so many features, sporting a beautiful design, and just an overall powerful mic, this is one unit that’s flying off the shelves everywhere.
Luckily, we have a great Amazon deal for you so you can order a mic straight to your home with just a click of your mouse!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which USB mic is better: Elgato Wave:3 or Blue Yeti?
Choosing between the Elgato Wave:3 and the Blue Yeti depends on your specific needs.
The Elgato Wave:3 offers superior software integration with Wave Link, allowing precise control over multiple sources, making it ideal for streaming and podcasting. The Blue Yeti, on the other hand, provides multiple polar patterns and greater versatility for different recording situations.
Both deliver excellent sound quality, but the Wave:3 excels in software features, while the Blue Yeti offers more versatility in recording patterns.
How much input gain does the Elgato Wave:3 have?
The Elgato Wave:3 provides up to 80 dB of input gain, with a gain level that can be adjusted via the dial. This allows for fine-tuning of the mic gain to suit different recording situations and ensure optimal levels.
Does the Elgato Wave:3 have headphone volume control?
Yes, the Elgato Wave:3 has headphone volume control, which can be found in the body itself. This feature allows you to adjust the monitor level of your recordings, voice chat, sounds, and more in real-time.
Elgato Wave:3
The Elgato Wave:3 is a standout choice for content creators, offering broadcast-grade performance and a sleek design. With its condenser microphone and high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio capture, it ensures your voice is recorded with clarity and detail.
The microphone features a convenient dial for adjusting volume, gain, and mix settings, as well as various features to reduce unwanted noise. Complemented by the WaveLink software, it allows for precise audio management, integrating multiple sources effortlessly.
Overall, this mic combines professional performance with user-friendly features, making it a great investment for streaming, podcasting, and recording.
