Elgato Wave 3 MK.2 USB Condenser Microphone - Wave FX / Black

USB recording format

Onboard DSP processor

Voice-level calibration

Direct headphone monitoring

A Capsule and Position for Spoken Voice

The sixteen-millimetre condenser capsule was developed with LEWITT and uses a front-facing cardioid pickup pattern. Speak toward the front of the grille and start around the recommended working distance, then listen while setting the final position. The built-in pop filtering supports that arrangement without replacing sensible microphone placement.

Five Hardware Effects, Configured in Wave Link

Wave FX processes the voice on the microphone. The low-cut filter manages unwanted low-frequency content, the expander controls quieter passages, Voice Tune provides voice shaping, compression manages dynamics and the four-band equalizer adjusts tone. Configure these hardware effects in Wave Link, keeping them distinct from VST plugins that need the computer.

Auto Gain, Metering and Mute Within Reach

The multifunction dial selects and adjusts microphone gain, headphone level and the monitor mix. A long press starts the Auto Gain workflow, while the mute sensor provides a separate way to silence the microphone. Clipguard 2.0 helps handle sudden loud moments; this model records at twenty-four-bit, forty-eight-kilohertz rather than thirty-two-bit float.

Keep VST Inserts with Their Computer Workflow

Supported VST Inserts add computer-based processing alongside the microphone’s hardware DSP. Use the supported Wave Link setup on the recording computer for those effects. Hardware DSP settings and host plugins have different requirements; adding a plugin does not make that plugin run inside the microphone or travel automatically to a phone.

USB Recording and a Direct Listening Connection

USB-C supplies the documented recording connection, while the three-point-five-millimetre stereo jack serves headphones. Direct monitoring provides a listening path for the microphone, with the blend control balancing microphone and computer sound. Compatible mobile devices need the supported USB Audio Class 2.0 connection; software VST effects remain part of the computer workflow.

Do I need an external audio interface or Wave Link to use the microphone?

No external audio interface is needed. Connect Wave:3 MK.2 directly by USB-C and select it as your microphone. Basic operation works without Wave Link. Install Wave Link to customize hardware effects, use VST Inserts and manage audio mixes. The desktop requirements are Windows 11 or newer, or macOS 14.2 or newer.

What is the difference between onboard DSP and VST Inserts?

The five onboard DSP effects run on the microphone’s Wave FX Processor. VST Inserts run through Wave Link on your computer, then return the processed signal to the microphone’s audio path. VST effects require the computer and software, and may add latency depending on the plugin and setup.

Does Wave:3 MK.2 record at 24-bit or 32-bit float?

Its recording specification is 24-bit at 48 kHz. Clipguard 2.0 uses 32-bit float processing internally as part of its protection system. That internal processing does not change the microphone’s specified 24-bit recording output.

Can I use it with a phone or tablet?

Yes, if the device supports USB Audio Class 2.0 (UAC2). Your configured hardware effects transfer to the compatible mobile device, but VST effects do not. Reconnect the microphone to a Windows or Mac computer with Wave Link when you need to adjust hardware effect settings.

How should I position the microphone?

Speak into the front of the microphone, where the Elgato logo and control dial are located. Position it about 10–20 cm from your mouth. The included desk stand supports tabletop use, and the 1/4-inch mounting thread with supplied adapters supports compatible microphone arms.

How do I use Auto Gain?

Press and hold the front dial for 5 seconds, then speak at your normal volume while the wizard calibrates the level. When the LED ring fills and turns green, calibration is complete. If it turns red, run the calibration again.

Can I monitor my voice with headphones?

Yes. Connect wired headphones to the rear 3.5 mm jack. Wave Link lets you monitor the raw signal, hardware DSP, or DSP plus VST effects. Raw and onboard DSP monitoring are zero latency; VST monitoring may add delay. Headphones up to 250 ohms are supported, with lower available volume at higher impedance.

Are the stand, cable and shock mount included?

The box includes Wave:3 MK.2 Black, a desk stand, a 2.5 m USB-C-to-USB-C cable, and 5/8-inch and 3/8-inch thread adapters. Wave Shock Mount, microphone arms, headphones and Stream Deck are sold separately.

Does the original magnetic Wave Pop Filter have the same compatibility list?

The original separate magnetic pop filter is specified for Wave:1 and Wave:3 MK.1. Wave Shock Mount explicitly supports MK.2; use the exact accessory compatibility list rather than transferring one accessory’s fit to another.