ReviewFinder Microphones

Elgato Wave 3

TLDR: The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Elgato Wave 3 rank #11 out of 101. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.7
Amazing

The product receives amazing reviews on average (consumer score 9.7). This is slightly above the median microphone score of 9.0.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for Elgato Wave 3 is $141.99, available here. This is slightly above the median microphone price of $116.90.
  • Lowest price: $22.22
  • Median price: $116.90
  • Highest price: $3500
  • Elgato Wave 3 price: $141.99
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.

The Elgato Wave 3 is a USB microphone that is designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers who need a high-quality microphone that produces crystal clear audio. It features a cardioid polar pattern that effectively captures audio signals from the front and sides while minimizing background noise from the back.

The microphone offers two connectivity options: USB Type-C and auxiliary connection, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices. It also comes with advanced features such as a built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, touch-sensitive mute button, and LED lights that indicate when the mic is muted.

The Elgato Wave 3 is compatible with both PC and Mac and is a reliable and versatile option for anyone looking for a high-quality microphone that is compatible with a wide range of devices. The microphone appears to be a well-constructed and durable product suitable for use in a variety of settings.

Sound Quality

The Elgato Wave 3 is a USB microphone designed for podcasters and live streamers, with a frequency response range of 70Hz-20kHz, high-resolution 24-bit/96 kHz quality, Cardioid polar pattern, noise cancellation, and anti-clipping technology.

The Elgato Wave 3 is a USB microphone that produces clear and detailed sound with a frequency response range of 70Hz-20kHz. It is designed to capture vocals with high precision and has a sound profile tailored to the needs of podcasters and live streamers. The microphone has a high-resolution 24-bit/96 kHz quality and can make voices sound clear and smooth.

It captures depth and richness of sound through its 24-bit resolution and 48/96 kHz sample rate, and its Cardioid polar pattern focuses on sound sources directly in front of the mic while reducing unwanted background noise. The Elgato Wave 3 has excellent noise cancellation and background noise reduction, making it ideal for folks sitting in a sound-proofed space and talking.

It also features proprietary anti-clipping technology that prevents sound clipping from increased volume, making it suitable for more animated, excitable streamers.

What is the frequency response range of the Elgato Wave 3?

According to a product review on Popular Science, the Elgato Wave 3 has a frequency response range of 70Hz-20kHz.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Elgato Wave 3 produce clear and detailed sound?

Yes, according to multiple product reviews, the Elgato Wave 3 produces clear and detailed sound. Several reviewers have praised its audio performance, including its excellent audio quality, clarity, and its ability to capture vocal nuances with high precision. It also has a sound profile tailored to the needs of podcasters and live streamers. According to Tom's Hardware, the Wave:3 is "full-bodied, sounds professional and will ensure your streams remain very listenable no matter how loudly you shriek as you open FUT packs or win in Fortnite."
Based on 18 quotes from 11 sources [show quotes and sources]

How good is the Elgato Wave 3 microphone at recording vocals?

According to reviews from Popular Science, criticalhit.net, and TechRadar, the Elgato Wave 3 microphone is excellent at capturing vocals. It has a high-resolution 24-bit/96 kHz quality and can make voices sound clear and smooth. The microphone is also designed to work best with voice and has proprietary anti-clipping technology that prevents sound clipping from increased volume. In addition, the microphone is lightweight and travel-ready, making it a great option for content creators on-the-go.
Based on 9 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Elgato Wave 3 microphone capture depth and richness of sound?

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone captures depth and richness of sound through its 24-bit resolution and 48/96 kHz sample rate, which allows it to capture higher-res audio than many other popular USB microphones. It also features a Cardioid polar pattern for its condenser microphone, which focuses on sound sources directly in front of the mic, while reducing unwanted background noise. The microphone also comes with proprietary anti-clipping technology, which prevents your voice from creating sound clipping from increased volume, ideal if you're a more animated, excitable streamer. According to reviews on criticalhit.net and TechRadar, the Elgato Wave 3 produces crystal clear audio that sounds smooth and transparent.
Based on 8 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Elgato Wave 3 perform in terms of noise cancellation and background noise reduction?

According to reviews on TechRadar, Windows Central, and mspoweruser.com, the Elgato Wave 3 has excellent noise cancellation and background noise reduction. Its cardioid polar pattern is designed to capture audio signals from the front and sides, while almost no signals are detected from the back. This means that it is effective in reducing sound pickup from the side and back, rejecting background noise and minimizing vibrations. Additionally, the Elgato Wave 3 features proprietary anti-clipping technology that prevents your voice from creating sound clipping from increased volume, making it ideal for more animated, excitable streamers. However, as noted in a review on criticalhit.net, while the cardioid pattern is tight enough to pick up the voice in front of it without a problem, condenser mics can often struggle with background noise. Therefore, it may be more suitable for folks sitting in a sound-proofed space and talking.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Directionality

The Elgato Wave 3 is a cardioid condenser microphone that effectively captures audio signals from the front and sides while minimizing background noise from the back, making it suitable for individuals who need a microphone for recording in a quiet environment and speaking from the front.

The Elgato Wave 3 features a cardioid polar pattern that effectively captures audio signals from the front and sides while minimizing background noise from the back. The microphone is effective at minimizing vibrations and reducing sound pickup from the side and back, making it suitable for folks sitting in a sound-proofed space and talking.

The microphone is very sensitive and can pick up sound from a few feet away with minimal gain adjustment, but it is suggested to keep your mouth at least a 2 to 3 fist distance from the mic for the best recording quality. However, the Elgato Wave 3 might not be the best option for recording in a noisy environment as condenser mics can often struggle with background noise.

What do experts say about the directional pattern of the Elgato Wave 3?

According to a review on xbitlabs.com, the Elgato Wave: 3 features a cardioid polar pattern. This means that it only captures the audio signals coming from the front and sides, similar to a heart shape around the center of the device. It picks up almost no signals at all coming from the back, making sure that even less background noise is detected.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Elgato Wave 3 microphone good at picking up sound from different angles?

According to a product review on TechRadar, the reviewer tested the Elgato Wave 3 by speaking from the front, back, sides, and different distances. The microphone was effective at minimizing or stifling vibrations and reducing sound pickup from the side and back. However, a review on criticalhit.net suggests that while the cardioid pattern is tight enough to pick up the voice in front of it without a problem, the microphone can struggle with background noise. So, the Elgato Wave 3 may be good at picking up sound from different angles, but it may be more suitable for folks sitting in a sound-proofed space and talking.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Elgato Wave 3 microphone perform in picking up sound from different distances?

According to a review on Laptop Mag, the Elgato Wave 3 microphone is very sensitive and can pick up sound from a few feet away with minimal gain adjustment. However, Elgato suggests keeping your mouth at least a 2 to 3 fist distance from the mic for the best recording quality.
Based on 6 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Elgato Wave 3 microphone well suited for recording in a noisy environment?

According to a product review on criticalhit.net, while the cardioid pattern of the Elgato Wave 3 is tight enough that it’ll pick up the voice in front of it without a problem, condenser mics can often struggle with background noise. So, the Elgato Wave 3 might not be the best option for recording in a noisy environment.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone offers high-quality audio transmission with USB Type-C and auxiliary connectivity options, making it ideal for content creators, podcasters, and streamers.

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone offers two connectivity options: USB Type-C and auxiliary connection. It is easy to switch between the two options using the push-button dial on the front of the device. The microphone is designed to deliver high-quality audio transmission with a 24-bit resolution and 48/96 kHz sample rate, and features a cardioid polar pattern to reduce background noise.

The USB-C connectivity option ensures crisp and clear audio quality. The microphone does not have any other connectivity options besides USB-C, making it ideal for users who prioritize high-quality audio transmission and do not require additional connectivity options. It is suitable for content creators, podcasters, and streamers who need a reliable and easy-to-use microphone for their recordings.

What are the available connectivity options for the Elgato Wave 3 microphone?

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone has a USB Type-C port and an auxiliary connection. It connects to your Mac or PC via a USB-C to standard USB cable. Next to the USB-C port on the back of the mic is a standard 3.5mm headphone jack that can be used to monitor audio from your computer as well as mixing in the mic itself.
Based on 13 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to switch between different connectivity options on the Elgato Wave 3 microphone?

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone has a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack located at the back of the device, and you can easily switch between the two options using the push-button dial on the front of the Wave:3. According to iPhoneLife, it might take some practice to get used to the white LED indicators as you cycle through the customized options.
Based on 7 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the quality of audio transmission vary across different connectivity options on the Elgato Wave 3 microphone?

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone supports USB-C connectivity and it is designed to deliver high-quality audio transmission. According to the product review on Latestintech.com, the microphone features a 24-bit resolution and 48/96 kHz sample rate, which ensures that the audio quality is crisp and clear. The microphone also features a cardioid polar pattern, which helps to reduce background noise and focus on the sound source directly in front of it. As for other connectivity options, the Elgato Wave 3 microphone does not have any other connectivity options besides USB-C. Therefore, there is no variation in audio transmission quality across different connectivity options.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Features

The Elgato Wave 3 is a high-quality microphone with a built-in headphone jack, touch-sensitive mute button, LED lights, and easy-to-use volume controls, making it ideal for live streaming, podcasting, and voiceovers.

The Elgato Wave 3 is a high-quality microphone that comes with a built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring. It has a touch-sensitive mute button that is easy to use and LED lights that indicate when the mic is muted. The volume controls are also easy to use, with a single dial that controls mic volume, headphone volume, and mixer crossfade.

The LED lights around the dial display sound levels, and a circular LED around the volume control knob lights up in red to let you know it's muted. This microphone is ideal for live streaming, podcasting, and voiceovers, as it provides excellent sound quality and a high degree of control over the audio mix.

Overall, the Elgato Wave 3 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality microphone with advanced features.

Does the Elgato Wave 3 have a built-in headphone jack?

Yes, the Elgato Wave 3 has a built-in high-powered headphone output jack for zero-latency monitoring, allowing you to hear what your audience hears during your live streams. According to Laptop Mag, the microphone comes already attached to its weighted circular black base with a thick 6.5-foot USB-C cable. You also get an adapter to attach the mic to a boom arm if you so desire. On the front of the Wave 3, you'll find one multifunction gain knob that, when pressed, switches to control headphone volume and, when pressed again, switches to control the mic/pc audio mix.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Elgato Wave 3 have a mute button, and if so, is it easy to use?

Yes, the Elgato Wave 3 does have a mute button, and it is very easy to use. According to various product reviews, the mute button is located on the top of the mic and is touch-sensitive, which means it doesn't create any clicking sound when pressed. The LED lights around the dial turn red when the mic is muted, making it easy to see when the mic is on or off. Some reviews even go as far as to call the touch-sensitive mute button one of the best features on the Wave 3.
Based on 7 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Elgato Wave 3 have volume controls, and if so, are they easy to use?

Yes, the Elgato Wave 3 has volume controls that are easy to use according to multiple product reviews in our database. It features a single dial on the front that controls mic volume, headphone volume, and mixer crossfade, as well as a touch-sensitive pad on the top that serves as a quick way to mute the mic. The dial allows you to easily control the gain of the mic, the volume of the monitoring component, and the mix between voice chat and monitoring, giving you a large degree of control. The LED lights around the dial display sound levels, and a circular LED around the volume control knob lights up in red to let you know it's muted.
Based on 14 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone is a versatile and reliable option for content creators, podcasters, and gamers looking for a high-quality microphone that is compatible with a wide range of devices.

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone is a versatile device that is compatible with both PC and Mac. It features a USB-C port and auxiliary connection, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices. The microphone runs well with Windows 10 and macOS 10.15 or newer operating systems, and there is no information available about any operating system or software that it is not compatible with.

This makes it a great choice for content creators, podcasters, and gamers who need a high-quality microphone that can work seamlessly with their devices. Overall, the Elgato Wave 3 microphone is a reliable and versatile option for anyone looking for a high-quality microphone that is compatible with a wide range of devices.

Which devices are compatible with the Elgato Wave 3 microphone?

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone is compatible with both PC and Mac. It features a USB-C port and auxiliary connection, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices. According to the product review on xbitlabs.com, users can rest assured knowing that the microphone is great for both PC and Mac.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is there any operating system or software that the Elgato Wave 3 microphone is not compatible with?

According to the product experts at ReviewFinder, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone runs well with Windows 10 and macOS 10.15 or newer operating systems. There is no information available about any operating system or software that it is not compatible with.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone is made of a mix of black metal and hard plastic with a brushed matte texture, and comes with a sturdy stand and shock mount to reduce vibrations and noise, making it a well-constructed and durable product suitable for use in a variety of settings.

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone is made of a mix of black metal and hard plastic with a brushed matte texture, and has a steel grille for smooth sound diffusion and to protect all of the inner components. It comes with a weighted circular black base and a thick 6.5-foot USB-C cable. While there is no information on its physical durability or resistance to drops or impacts, the microphone does come with a sturdy stand and shock mount to reduce vibrations and noise. The microphone's body is made of metal, which should provide some level of durability.

However, it is not waterproof and should be kept in a dry and safe place to avoid any damage.

What materials are used in the construction of the Elgato Wave 3 microphone?

The Elgato Wave 3 microphone is made of a mix of black metal and hard plastic with a brushed matte texture, according to a product review on SoundGuys. It has a steel grille for smooth sound diffusion and to protect all of the inner components, as mentioned on musiciannerd.com. The microphone comes with a weighted circular black base and a thick 6.5-foot USB-C cable, according to a product review on Laptop Mag.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

How resistant is the Elgato Wave 3 microphone to physical damage such as drops or impacts?

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information on the Elgato Wave 3's physical durability or resistance to drops or impacts. However, the microphone does come with a sturdy stand and shock mount to reduce vibrations and noise. Additionally, the microphone's body is made of metal, which should provide some level of durability.

Is the Elgato Wave 3 waterproof?

Sorry, I can only provide information about Elgato Wave 3. Unfortunately, Elgato Wave 3 is not waterproof. It is important to keep it in a dry and safe place to avoid any damage.

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 29 expert reviews of Elgato Wave 3. Out of the 29 reviews, 5 are video reviews. We value video reviews of products a bit more and rank them a bit higher.

Expert reviews [24]

85
Total expert reviews: 24
  • with a score: 12
  • without a score: 12
Highest score by TechRadar
100
Average score based on 24 reviews
85
Lowest score by PCMag
70

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Best Alternatives

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Expert consensus not yet generated.
The HyperX QuadCast S is a versatile and reliable USB microphone suitable for podcasting, streaming, gaming, and vocal recording, with four polar patterns, built-in pop filter and noise reduction technology, and two connectivity options. The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set is a USB microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, and several useful features, making it a great choice for streamers, podcasters, and content creators.
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Microphones above are offered because they are in the same price range as Elgato Wave 3. To browse more budget and premium microphones go to our microphone ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all microphones.

Rank Change Price Microphone
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MusicTech
IGN
Tom's Guide
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Elgato Wave 3
The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
3
1
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The Shure MV7 microphone is a versatile and adaptable option for podcasters, streamers, and content creators, offering excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and connectivity options. The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers. The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings. The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.