Elgato Wave 3

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone is a noteworthy entry into the mic market, offering high-quality sound and user-friendly controls. The Wave 3 delivers impressive performance at a price point comparable to similar microphones.
This microphone can be easily connected via USB to your PC. 

One standout feature of the Wave 3 is its native support from the Elgato Stream Deck, making it a perfect peripheral for streamers who rely on this popular streaming accessory. By itself, the Wave 3 records audio exceptionally well with its cardioid audio pattern, optimized for capturing a single person's voice directly. The recordings I made showcased professional broadcast audio quality, with crystal-clear voice reproduction and minimal emphasis on harsh sounds.

The controls on the Wave 3 are quite straightforward. With a single dial that doubles as a button, you can adjust three settings: mic pickup sensitivity, volume output for monitoring with headphones, and the mic/PC mix balance. The mic also features a convenient mute button and comes with a removable circular stand, requiring little additional setup.

In addition to its hardware features, the Elgato Wave 3 comes with a powerful software suite that enhances the overall user experience. The Elgato Wave Link software provides extensive control and customization options, allowing you to fine-tune your audio settings with ease.

With Wave Link, you can create virtual audio sources and mix them in real-time. This capability is particularly useful for streamers who want to have separate audio channels for their game, microphone, music, and other audio sources. You can adjust the volume levels of each source individually, ensuring a well-balanced and immersive audio experience for your audience.

The software also offers built-in noise suppression and microphone enhancements to further enhance the quality of your voice recordings. You can reduce background noise and apply filters to eliminate unwanted sounds, ensuring your voice comes through crisp and clear. I really enjoyed the"clip-guard" option, preventing audio distortion even during loud moments or sudden volume increases. It ensures a clean and undistorted recording, allowing you to freely express yourself without compromising audio quality.

Wave Link also provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to monitor your audio levels, mute individual sources, and even add sound effects on the fly. This level of control ensures that you can easily manage your audio during live streaming or recording sessions without the need for additional software or complex setups.

While the Wave 3 may not surpass other streaming mics in every aspect, its charm lies in its seamless integration with the Elgato Software. For those just starting out in streaming or seeking to streamline their production process, the Wave 3 offers a compelling option. It records sound admirably and allows for efficient control and customization, ensuring you can focus on delivering engaging content without interruptions.

Here you can hear how this microphone sounds!

Without any EQ (Clip-guard enabled in the Wave Link Software)
A click on the button will download a .zip-file with the audio-recording.