Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB Condenser Microphone

About: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB Condenser Microphone

Wave:3 delivers studio-quality audio in a compact USB microphone. Inside, a Wave FX Processor powers onboard DSP effects and Clipguard 2.0, shaping your voice in real time and stopping distortion before it starts. It also enables VST inserts, routing your effects seamlessly into any app with ultra-low monitoring latency—no virtual microphones needed. Adjust on the fly with intuitive controls like tap-to-mute, then dial in your levels with visual feedback and Auto Gain. Configure device settings and command your entire audio setup directly in Wave Link, or using any Stream Deck device. Wave:3 proves professional sound doesn’t require complexity.

• Premium Condenser Capsule: Delivers focused, studio-quality vocals
• USB-C Connection: Plug in and start streaming or recording right away
• Onboard DSP: Shape your voice and hear the results in real time
• Clipguard 2.0: Multi-stage protection makes clipping virtually impossible
• VST inserts: Apply plugins effortlessly with ultra-low monitoring lag
• Wave Link Integration: Configure and enhance your mic in the free app
• Instant Control: Multifunction dial and tap-to-mute at your fingertips
• Visual Feedback: LED ring shows your levels and status in real time
• Convenient monitoring: Plug headphones directly into your mic
• Auto Gain: Takes the guesswork out of calibrating audio levels
• Iconic design: Looks great mounted on your desk or mic arm

Hear the Difference

From streams to podcasts and videos, Wave:3 delivers the clear, focused sound creators rely on every day. A premium condenser capsule with cardioid pickup keeps your voice front and center, while a built-in pop filter helps every session stay clean and controlled.

Effortless by Design

Great audio shouldn't require constant attention. Wave:3 gives you intuitive tools to dial in your sound quickly and then trust it's handled. So you can focus your energy on what actually matters: your content.

• USB connectivity: Plug in and start recording instantly on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Multifunction dial: Make quick adjustments right on your mic, without breaking focus.
• Auto Gain: Set your levels perfectly in seconds and stay confidently dialed in.
• Real-time levels: Know your sound is exactly where it should be with just a glance.
• Tap to mute: Mute your mic instantly and silently, with clear visual confirmation.
• Headphone jack: Plug in right at your mic for easy listening with fewer cable runs.

Wave FX - The Pro in the Processor

Your voice flows through Clipguard, onboard DSP, and VST effects in one continuous signal path. So you get studio-grade sound with super-responsive monitoring, but none of the routing complexity.

Clipguard 2.0 - Unclippable Audio

Our intelligent anti-distortion system creates a layered defense that makes clipping virtually impossible, no matter how loud things get. Powered by your device’s Wave FX Processor, Clipguard lets you express yourself freely without holding back or watching levels.

• How it works: As your signal moves from analog to digital, Clipguard automatically applies safeguards to prevent clipping before it can occur. Turn it on once for protection forever, without ever compromising your sound quality.
  • Multi-range capture: Stacked ADC converters work together to stop overload at the source
  • Internal 32-bit float: Massive headroom means volume spikes never hit the digital limit
  • Final output control: Digital limiters smooth out sudden peaks before they hit your system

DSP Effects - Shape your sound

Professional effects like EQ and compression run right on our Wave FX chip, processing your voice at the source. The result is instant, broadcast-ready sound that you can hear in real time and take with you to any device.

• Packed With Pro Effects: Access the same effects used in professional studios, all designed to elevate your sound and managed directly in Wave Link. Explore the full suite below to hear them each in action.
  • Low-Cut Filter: Remove low-frequency rumble from desk vibrations, traffic, and other unwanted noise to improve clarity.
  • Expander: Gently reduce low-level background noise while leaving your voice untouched, for a more natural sound.
  • Voice Tune: Get that warm, analog tube sound with intelligent compression and harmonics that adapt as you speak.
  • Compressor: Balance your audio so soft voices come through clearly while loud moments stay smooth and controlled.
  • Equalizer: Sculpt your voice with precision across four bands to add warmth, reduce muddiness, or improve clarity.
  • Full Suite: Achieve polished, broadcast-ready sound with all five effects working simultaneously on your hardware.
• Why It is a Big Deal: With effects handled on the hardware, you get professional sound faster and spend more time creating, with less guesswork along the way.
  • Instant Broadcast Quality: Sound great from the moment you plug in
  • Zero-Latency Monitoring: Hear your fully processed voice in real time*
    • *With wired headphones
  • Your Sound, Everywhere: Fine-tune once, then switch devices freely

VST Inserts - Effects Done Right

Wave FX Processor integrates VST effects seamlessly across every app you use. No virtual microphones, no workarounds—apply effects like reverb and voice changers instantly with ultra-low monitoring latency.

• How it works: Wave FX Processor connects directly to Wave Link via a dedicated, high-speed interface. Your audio is routed to Wave Link for processing, then inserted back into the hardware signal flow before reaching your applications.
• Why It’s a Big Deal: Using VST effects has always meant compromise. Not anymore.
  • No More Workarounds: Use effects in any app without added complexity
  • Natural Monitoring: Hear your fully-processed voice with less lag
    • *With wired headphones
• Expand your sound: Browse Elgato Marketplace for effects ranging from professional audio tools to AI anime voices. Just add your favorites to Wave Link and apply them to your mic—it’s that simple.
  • Tiny Phone: Turn your audio into a phone call with one press of a button.
  • Just Pitch: A simple pitch control with one slider that raises or lowers your voice’s pitch in real time.
  • CyberDroid: From vintage vocoder warmth to glitching AI distortion, CyberDroid turns your voice into a machine.
  • Lofi Loris: Go low and slow with Lofi Loris. Add character and retro warmth to your voice with a single click.
  • Voice Focus: Ensures your voice stays front and center by intelligently removing background noise, room reverb, and echo.
  • De-Esser: Remove harsh, high-frequency sounds from your mic audio in seconds.

Wave Link - One App for All Your Audio

Wave Link gives you full control over your Wave hardware, but that’s just the start. Apply and customize effects, add a soundboard to voice chat, create a separate recording mix, and so much more. Everything you need for professional sound, all in one place.

Accessories: Mount With the Best

You could put Wave:3 on any old mic arm. But for rock-solid stability and flexible positioning, creators choose Elgato mounting solutions.

System Requirements

• Windows
  • OS: Windows 11 or newer
  • Connectivity: USB-C port
• Mac
  • OS: macOS 14.2 or newer
  • Connectivity: USB-C port
• Wave FX Processor
  • Headphones (Wired): For zero/ultra-low latency monitoring

Specifications

• Capsule: 16 mm condenser (integrated JFET)
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Resolution: 24 bit
• Sample rate: 48 kHz
• Frequency response: 70 - 20000 Hz
• Sensitivity: -20 dBFS typical at 1 kHz
• Max SPL: 130 dBSPL typical at 1 kHz
• Dynamic range: 110 dB
• Connectivity: USB-C (USB 2.0 HS), 3.5 mm stereo jack (headphones)
• Mounting Point: 1/4-inch thread
• ​Weight
  • With desk stand: 1.26 lbs (570 g)
  • Without desk stand: 0.55 lbs (250 g)
• Dimensions
  • With desk stand: 8.4 x Ø3.9 in (213 x Ø100 mm)
  • Without desk stand: 1.8 x 3.3 x 6.6 in (46 x 85 x 167 mm)

What's in the Box

• Wave:3 MK.2
• Desk stand
• USB-C cable (98 in/250 cm)
• 5/8" and 3/8" adapters