Elgato Wave XLR Review
The Elgato Wave XLR audio interface is a cool piece of gear for streamers, podcasters and content creators looking for a solid XLR option that doesn't take up too much space on their setup. But is it worth the investment? Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of this device.
The Elgato Wave XLR paired up with my Shure MV7X
Pros:
Sleek and compact design
Studio-quality pre-amp that can power even the most demanding dynamic microphones
"Clipguard" technology that keeps audio levels clean
Low-cut filter to get rid of unwanted lower frequencies
Wave Link software that makes it easy to control audio set up
Cons:
Not as many features as other XLR interfaces, like GoXLR Mini
A bit on the pricey side ($159.99 at time of writing)
Overall Score: 8/10
The Wave XLR is right at home next to more ‘professional’ audio gear, like this PreSonus Audiobox.
The Elgato Wave XLR is a small device with a sleek design, it has a big dial in the front that's surrounded by LEDs to show volume, mic and crossfade levels. It also has a cool touch sensor on top of the device that you can tap to mute your mic. The device can turn your expensive XLR mics into a USB mic with the help of Elgato's Wave Link software.
The Wave XLR has a pre-amp that's on par with what you'd find in a studio, it can power even the most demanding dynamic microphones and it also has 48V of phantom power for XLR condenser mics. It also has "Clipguard" technology that reroutes audio through a separate signal path to keep your audio levels clean. It also has a low-cut filter that gets rid of lower frequencies in your audio.
Features like Clipguard and the high level of software control for your mic’s settings and sound mean that the Wave XLR has a ton of stuff packed into a small form-factor.
One of the best things about the Wave XLR is the Wave Link software. It makes it easy to control your audio set up, you can separate audio channels, such as browser and game audio sources, and create multi-channel mixes for streaming and video creation. The software works seamlessly with the Wave XLR and gives you more control over the mic you've plugged in.
The Elgato Wave Link software is what really allows the Wave XLR to shine.
Overall, the Elgato Wave XLR is a cool device for streamers, podcasters, and content creators looking for a solid XLR option without taking up too much space on their set up. The Wave Link software is the real draw of the device, making it easy to control audio set up. The pre-amp is of studio quality, able to power even the most demanding dynamic microphones, and the device also provides 48V of phantom power for XLR condenser mics. The "Clipguard" technology ensures that audio levels stay clean, and the low-cut filter removes unwanted lower frequencies. However, it's worth noting that the Wave XLR is more limited in functionality compared to other XLR interfaces such as GoXLR Mini, which has multiple mixing faders. Additionally, the price of $159.99 on Amazon is on the higher end, so it may not be the best option for those on a budget.
