Elgato Wave DX Review

When it comes to high-end and innovative PC peripherals, I immediately think of Corsair and Elgato. From high-end gaming hardware to essential streaming technology, they’ve got it all taken care of. However, while I loved their preview microphones, it seems they’re going all out with their latest one, the Elgato Wave DX, as well as an impressive range of supporting hardware, with the Elgato Wave XLR interface, and Wave Mic Arm LP mount.

Elgato Wave DX

Now, I must say straight up that this is a premium setup, with the whole bundle of three items coming in at around £300 with a discount for buying it altogether. So while it’s unlikely to appeal to your average gamer wanting to cuss their mates on discord. However, if you’re a fan of Elgato products such as the very popular Stream Deck, there’s more than a good chance you’re interested in streaming and content creation. With green screens, control interfaces, lighting and so much more in their range already, adding to that ecosystem with a premium microphone solution makes absolute sense.

Wave DX

Their new “Dynamic Vocal Microphone” comes with an XLR interface, which means it will work with an existing XLR interface you may have.

Features

• XLR Interface
• Removable Logo
• Hardened Steel Chassis
• Mono Swivel Mount
  • 5/8″ mount with 3/8″ and 1/4″ thread adapters included

Specifications

• CAPSULE – Dynamic
• POLAR PATTERN – Cardioid
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE – 50 – 15000 Hz
• SENSITIVITY – 2.5 mV/Pa, -52 dbV/Pa
• IMPEDANCE – 600 Ohm
• CONNECTOR – 3-pin XLR 
• DIMENSIONS – 53 x 53 x 146 mm | 2.1 x 2.1 x 5.7 in
• WEIGHT – 440 g | 1 lb
• MOUNTING – 5/8″ mount with 3/8″ and 1/4″ thread adapters included

Wave XLR

Elgato’s own XLR microphone interface and digital mixing solution. A perfect pair for their own microphone, of course.

Features

• Anti-Distortion Technology
• Capacitive Mute Button
• Multi-Function Control Dial
  • Set Gain
  • Output Volume
  • Crossfade
  • Toggle Phantom Power
• Wave Link Mixing Software
• XLR Input
• Headphone Out
• USB C PC Connection
• Interchangeable Faceplates

Specifications

• FREQUENCY RESPONSE – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• DYNAMIC RANGE – 100 dB (120 dB Clipguard engaged)
• EQUIVALENT INPUT NOISE (EIN) – -130 dBV @ 60 dB gain
• GAIN RANGE –  0 – 75 dB
• PHANTOM POWER – 48 VDC, 7mA
• MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL – 10 V @ 0 dB gain (Clipguard engaged)
• MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL – 77 mW
• RESOLUTION –  24-bit
• SAMPLE RATE – 48 / 96 kHz
• INTERFACE – USB-C

Wave Mic Arm LP

There are three mounts available, the Mini Mount, the Wave Mic Arm and the Wave Mic Arm LP, which one is best suited to you, well that’s your call, but it’s great to see Elgato have their bases covered here.

Features

• Fully Adjustable Arm
• Adjustable Ball Head
• Low Profile (LP) Design
• 60mm Desk Clamp
• Compatible with 1/4, 3/8 and 5/8-inch mic mounts
• Supports microphones weighing up to 2 kg/4.4 lbs.

Specifications

• HORIZONTAL REACH – 740 mm / 29.1 in
• LOWER ARM DESK CLEARANCE – 70 mm / 2.8 in
• UPPER ARM DESK CLEARANCE – 160 mm / 6.3 in
• HORIZONTAL ROTATION – 360 degrees (base and elbow)
• VERTICAL ROTATION –  90 degrees up / 60 degrees down (elbow)
• DESK CLAMP – expandable up to 60 mm / 2.4 in
• MAXIMUM LOAD –  2 kg / 4.4 lbs (mic and accessories)