Why the Elgato Wave:3 is One of the Best Mics for Creators
I've gone through a lot of microphones in my time as a creator. It's a itch that comes every couple of years. When I just want to use a different, and often new, mic. And I'm not even a mic reviewer! I just love microphones.
I started with the Blue Yeti (before it was acquired by Logitech), Rode NT-USB, Rode NT1, Rode Procaster and Podcaster, Rode M5, Shure SM57, Samson Meteor, Shure MV88, Antlion Modmic, and Audio Technica BP40.
Each one came and went, but the one that stuck around was the Elgato Wave:3.
What the Elgato Wave:3 offers that makes me fall in love with it is the quality, the convenience of a USB, and the audio software that comes with it.
If you're looking for an easy-to-use mic that sounds amazing out of the box, consider the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2. Any links to Elgato are affiliate links.
USB mics weren't considered "great" back in the old days of YouTube.
I know I'm old... but I've started YouTube back in 2008. I became more active around 2014, starting with voice-only videos before moving on to being on camera.
I couldn't afford to buy an XLR mic (that everyone said was the better choice if you wanted amazing audio), an XLR cable, and an audio interface in the beginning. So when I heard about the rise of the Blue Yeti, and how it was considered one of the first USB mic that didn't suck, I had to buy it.
There was still a lot of effort to put into getting the Yeti to sound great, but it worked fine out of the box and it was a lot better than a laptop/camera mic.
By the time I got the Elgato Wave:3, I had already gone through the Rode NT-USB and the Rode Podcaster. I even moved onto XLR mics like the Rode NT1 and Procaster.
There was a charm to the Wave:3 in its design. I liked the look of it. It had an instant broadcast quality without the need of an audio interface.
Don't just take my words for it, search up mic tests and hear the audio for yourself. I highly recommend Podcastage since he compares the Wave:3 with various different microphones.
Elgato Wave:3 Audio Sample
However, the Elgato Wave:3 alone wasn't what hooked me in.
The Wave Link software + your mic = next-level audio.
With the Wave Link, you have the ability to turn on clipguard for the Wave:3. This prevents your mic from clipping any time you get loud. perfect for reactors and gamers.
The Wave Link has updated to version 3 since 2026, with a whole new UI layout and better audio FX like the Voice Focus.
Elgato's got their own FX for compressor, de-esser, EQ, and noise removal. All of which are very easy to set up. Even the Elgato EQ, which gives you information on where you should configure your equalizer (just click on the I button at the top right corner of the audio visualization).
If you're not a fan of the Elgato plugins, you're free to add in your own VST2 and VST 3 plugins.
The Wave Link is the biggest reason on why the Wave:3 keeps coming back into my rotation. Simple to set up. It provides you multiple audio tracks, without you needing to install virtual audio cables. You can easily make the music lower for your stream, while keeping the music loud for you in the mixes.
Traveling? Consider the Elgato Wave:3 as your companion.
It has a USB-C port, allowing you to almost always find access to any USB-C cables. It's compact enough to be placed inside your backpack or suitcase along with the stand it comes with.
I don't travel much, but when I do travel (to VidCon), I bring my Wave:3 knowing that I already have the Wave Link app on my laptop and all I gotta do is plug-and-record.
Even though I'm obviously not in my home, my audio stays relatively similar because I'm able to bring the Wave:3 with me.
Audio is the most important aspect in a video, so don't compromise yourself when traveling.
The Wave:3 Upgrade.
By the time you're reading this, Elgato isn't selling the Wave:3 anymore because it's been upgraded to the Wave:3 MK.2.
The MK.2 comes with processor upgrade like the clipguard 2.0, onboard DSP that you can monitor in real-time, and more. It also has a better dynamic range, giving you more flexibility in the gap between your quietest and loudest moments being captured cleanly.
Now, I can't tell you personally my thoughts on the MK.2 because I haven't gotten it yet. When I do get it... I'll let you know, but until then, here are some words from Andrew Kan who has used the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2.
Words from Andrew Kan
I was sent the Elgato Wave: 3 MK2 and I have to say it's one of the best microphones I have ever used. I liked it so much I got it for my friend Donnie when he needed a solution. It sounds good right out of the box, which if you compare that to some of the options, you'll know how rare that can be.
For me, I like it for travel knowing that it can be synced with me wherever I go, and that it's good enough makes it a no brainer. I have used it even when my mixer failed on me once. I thankfully had the mic nearby I plugged it in, and in seconds I sounded to quote my members: "Just as good as before."
Which for me was a shock, I spent all this time dialing in my settings and just by plugging in the Elgato Wave 3: MK2 they thought it was just as good, and some thought it sounded better. It really goes to show you the power of what the team at Elgato was able to do here.
We have a full review on the Elgato Wave: 3 MK2, but whether you're getting the Mk1 or Mk2 one thing is for sure you're getting a really solid microphone that will last you for years to come. The only thing I can say I don't like about this mic, is that I had to wait this long for it to get here.
