Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $116

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$100

$401+

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Elgato Wave:3 USB-C Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your audio game with the Elgato Wave:3, a premium USB-C condenser microphone designed to meet the demands of professional podcasters, streamers, and musicians. With its high-grade Lewitt-made capsule and cardioid polar pattern, the Wave:3 captures your voice with unmatched clarity, ensuring every nuance is heard. Perfect for content creators, this microphone offers a seamless user experience with its intuitive controls and convenient USB-C connection.

The Wave:3 doesn't just deliver exceptional sound quality; it also provides comprehensive control over your audio environment. Thanks to the included Wave Link software, you can manage up to nine independent input channels, blending game audio, music, and voice chat effortlessly. Whether you're recording a podcast or streaming live, the software's compatibility with third-party VST plugins and Elgato Marketplace ensures your audio effects are as unique as your content.

Designed with practicality in mind, the Wave:3 features a multifunction control dial for quick adjustments to mic gain, headphone volume, and mic/computer blend. Its capacitive mute button offers on-the-fly sound management, while the built-in Clipguard technology prevents distortion, keeping your output clean even when input levels peak. Plus, the microphone's robust construction includes a steel grille that reduces plosive noise, ensuring your voice remains clear and intelligible.

Key Features:

  • Lewitt-made condenser capsule with cardioid pickup pattern
  • 24-bit/96 kHz analog-to-digital conversion
  • USB Type-C connection for modern compatibility
  • Multifunction control dial for easy adjustments
  • Capacitive mute button for instant sound control
  • Wave Link software for multichannel audio management
  • Clipguard technology to prevent audio distortion
  • Compatible with most mainstream boom arms and accessories

Product specs

Microphone Type Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 70Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 120dB SPL
Connector USB-C
Dimensions 6.0" x 2.6" x 1.6"
Weight 1 lbs.

FAQs

Is the Elgato Wave:3 suitable for streaming and podcasting?

Yes, the Elgato Wave:3 is designed specifically for streaming and podcasting, offering studio-quality sound with a cardioid polar pattern to capture clear vocals while minimizing background noise.

What connection type does the Elgato Wave:3 use?

The Elgato Wave:3 uses a USB-C connection, providing easy plug-and-play functionality with both Mac and PC systems.

Does the Elgato Wave:3 come with software for audio mixing?

Yes, the Elgato Wave:3 includes free mixer software that allows for real-time audio mixing and the use of sound effect plugins, enhancing your streaming or recording experience.

How does the Elgato Wave:3 handle loud sounds?

The Elgato Wave:3 features anti-distortion technology and can handle sound pressure levels up to 120dB SPL, making it effective at capturing loud audio without distortion.

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

The Elgato Wave:3 has a frequency response range of 70Hz to 20kHz, ensuring a wide range of vocal and instrumental clarity for professional-quality recordings.

Podcastage

Podcastage

Elgato Wave 3 USB Mic Review / Test (Compared to Snowball, Yeti, Quadcast, Seiren X, & more)

Video thumbnail for Elgato Wave 3 USB Mic Review / Test (Compared to Snowball, Yeti, Quadcast, Seiren X, & more) by Podcastage

Elgato Wave 3 USB Mic Review / Test (Compared to Snowball, Yeti, Quadcast, Seiren X, & more)

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for Elgato Wave 3: THE streaming microphone by CNET

Elgato Wave 3: THE streaming microphone

CNET

CNET

Video thumbnail for Elgato Wave 3 vs Blue Yeti [USB Microphone] | Direct Comparison by Nick930

Elgato Wave 3 vs Blue Yeti [USB Microphone] | Direct Comparison

Nick930

Nick930

Video thumbnail for Elgato Wave 3 vs HyperX Quadcast S - mic sound tests and feature comparisons by The Provoked Prawn

Elgato Wave 3 vs HyperX Quadcast S - mic sound tests and feature comparisons

The Provoked Prawn

The Provoked Prawn

Video thumbnail for Wave DX vs Wave 3 - Raw Sound Comparison by PixelFire

Wave DX vs Wave 3 - Raw Sound Comparison

PixelFire

PixelFire

Video thumbnail for Is the Elgato Wave 3 the BEST Microphone for Streaming? by Brandon - Darkened Cyrus

Is the Elgato Wave 3 the BEST Microphone for Streaming?

Brandon - Darkened Cyrus

Brandon - Darkened Cyrus

Video thumbnail for Elgato Wave 3 Long Term Review by The Quirky Engineer

Elgato Wave 3 Long Term Review

The Quirky Engineer

The Quirky Engineer

Reviews

PROS

  • Crisp, clear sound quality perfect for streaming and podcasting

  • Cardioid polar pattern minimizes background noise effectively

  • Complimentary software acts as a powerful virtual mixer

  • Clip Guard feature prevents audio clipping

  • Easy to set up with USB-C connectivity

  • Compact and lightweight design, not bulky

  • Mute button is conveniently placed and easy to use

  • Sleek and trendy design enhances desktop aesthetics

  • Eliminates need for additional hardware, simplifying studio setup

CONS

  • Software can be complex and time-consuming for initial setup

  • Software dependency can be problematic; issues without it

  • Stand height may be too short for some users

  • Material quality may not suit use with boom arms

  • Audio crackling issues reported by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Elgato Wave:3 USB-C Microphone.

Features and functionality

  • The Elgato Wave: 3 is known for its high sensitivity, easily picking up background noise such as voices from other rooms and household appliances.

    Source
  • The Wave Link software supports third-party VST plugins, allowing users to customize their audio setup extensively, unlike some competitors that lack this capability.

    Source
  • The Elgato Wave: 3's touch-sensitive mute button and headphone jack are highlighted as practical features for streamers and content creators.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some users report that the included software allows for effective testing of echo and acoustics, aiding in clearer sound even in rooms with poor acoustics.

    Source
  • Users with Nvidia graphics cards can leverage real-time noise canceling plugins, significantly enhancing audio quality by reducing background noise like yelling or barking.

    Source
  • The Wave Link software allows users to assign programs to specific audio channels, enabling separate volume control for stream audio and headphone audio.

    Source
  • The latest software update introduced an AI-powered noise focus feature that enhances noise suppression capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While designed for streaming, this mic is seen as a good introductory option for voiceovers, providing a learning platform before upgrading to XLR setups.

    Source
  • The mic is well-suited for YouTube content creation and live streaming due to its software support and VST plugin compatibility.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention the mic's tendency to be overgained, suggesting that lowering the gain can prevent distortion during louder vocal performances.

    Source
  • Some owners describe the default sound of the Wave:3 as "boxy" but note that applying EQ, compression, and noise reduction transforms it into an average-quality mic for spoken word.

    Source
  • Owners note that using IEM earphones with the mic helps adjust speaking volume, especially useful for quiet environments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The BEACN Mic, a comparable option to the Wave:3, stores tuning settings directly on the mic, offering more flexibility for multi-device users.

    Source
  • The Sennheiser Profile offers better out-of-the-box sound and build quality but is limited by its software compared to the Wave:3's versatile software capabilities.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Elgato Wave:3 review - SoundGuys

soundguys.com

The Elgato Wave:3 stands out for its solid sound quality and user-friendly WaveLink software, making it a streamlined option for streamers and podcasters. However, it falls short with only one recording pattern and an under-emphasized bass response, limiting its versatility for other recording needs. While it excels in simplicity and build quality, those seeking a more adaptable microphone may want to explore alternatives.

Elgato Wave:3 review | TechRadar

techradar.com

The Elgato Wave:3 blends stunning retro aesthetics with impressive audio quality, making it a standout USB microphone for content creators. Its robust build and effective noise rejection enhance the overall recording experience. However, it's limited by only offering a single polar pattern, and its accompanying software can be a bit finicky. Despite these drawbacks, the Wave:3 is a valuable investment for those serious about their audio, though budget-conscious users might find cheaper alternatives lacking in sound clarity.

positive

Elgato Wave: 3 Review | PCMag

pcmag.com

The Elgato Wave: 3 delivers clean audio and excellent user-friendly features, making it a prime choice for podcasters and streamers. Its onboard controls and low-latency monitoring shine in practical use, while innovative Clipguard processing helps prevent signal clipping. However, musicians may find its fixed cardioid pattern limiting, and the absence of a pop filter could lead to issues with plosives. At its price point, the Wave: 3 is a solid investment but might not meet the needs of all users, particularly those seeking a more straightforward, unprocessed vocal sound.

positive

3.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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See how Tim Ferriss uses Elgato Wave:3 USB-C Microphone

Tim Ferriss

Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via YouTube

In an episode of The Random Show together with Kevin Rose, the two of them go back and forth trading holiday gift ideas. Around 1:12:10, Tim Ferriss recommends the Elgato Wave:3 Microphone as his travel mic of choice, and speaks very highly of it:

I got this microphone for travel called the Elgato Wave:3, it is a gorgeous piece of design, it makes me think of Braun design back in the day. And it actually solves - somehow - bounce and echo better than this fancy Shure mic that I’m speaking into right now. It is really impressive. I don’t know what they do with the firmware, software, whoever the hell designs these types of things, but this has become my favorite travel mic, is the Elgato Wave:3. Also, not that expensive... I rely on it, to the extent that I’m professional, for professional recording.

See how Justine Ezarik (iJustine) uses Elgato Wave:3 USB-C Microphone

Justine Ezarik (iJustine)

Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via YouTube

Justine Ezarik, also known as iJustine, uses the Elgato Wave-3 USB-C Microphone. This is confirmed by the description in her YouTube video titled "Hi, I'm iJustine 👋🏻," where she lists the lens as part of the equipment she uses to make videos.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Elgato Wave:3 USB-C Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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