That said, those wanting to capture more room sound or have multiple speakers address the mic from different angles may find the fixed cardioid pattern somewhat limiting. If you use many audio effects in your streams, this adds a … The Elgato Wave 3 is an impressive piece of kit, with excellent audio mixing software and features. Setting it up is easy: just plug it into your computer and you’re ready to record. Elgato released their first audio department products: the Wave:1 and Wave:3, USB microphones for content creators. Editor’s note: This review was updated on August 20, 2020 to include a poll on microphone quality. However, if you're looking for something versatile and capable of recording in a lot of different environments, you might want to keep looking. We tested the more advanced Wave:3, which comes equipped with a high-quality condenser capsule, a digital mixer, and many other useful features. The Blue Yeti range of microphones offers some of the most versatile options on the market. The cord that comes with the mic uses USB-A to connect to your PC, but the mic itself actually uses USB-C, so connecting it to those ports is straightforward too. It's simple to use thanks to onboard level controls, it has a built-in headphone jack for low-latency monitoring, and the signal quality is strong. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The Wave 3's design finds an excellent middle ground between looking modern while still hitting the same aesthetic notes as an old-timey microphone. Balance Mic, Discord, Game, Music and so much more. It’s less useful for people who don’t need that kind of organization, but like VoiceMeeter, it can be great for rolling different types of audio into online calls, as well. There’s a lot to like about the build of the Elgato Wave:3. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. There’s no ability to switch mic patterns, so you’re stuck with good old reliable cardioid. That said, a physical button to disable the Clipguard feature would be nice. If you’re a Twitch streamer looking for something to make your life easier or you’re hesitant about shelling out for an audio interface, yes, you should get the Elgato Wave:3. The WaveLink software is very easy to use and has clear benefits for people like Twitch streamers. The Elgato Wave 3 was built with the streamer in mind. While the mids and highs are accurate, there’s a pronounced de-emphasis in the sub-bass range. Essentially, this is a set-it and forget it kind of mic—once you’ve gotten your levels dialed in, you’d have to work pretty hard to get blown out audio (trust me, I did). From the recommended distance of roughly seven inches, the Wave: 3 delivers a clear, rich signal with crisp highs. For $159, you get a device that provides excellent sound whether you’re live streaming or … PCMag Digital Group. A proper seven inches or so of distance and a gain level with a reasonable amount of headroom should result in a vocal that, even with Clipguard in use, doesn’t sound overly processed, nor does it suffer from plosives. © 1996-2020 Ziff Davis, LLC. The mic and stand measure approximately 8 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide (for the mic), while the base is a little over 4 inches in diameter. However, if you’ve got a complicated audio situation, WaveLink could be an invaluable resource. The app is lean and slickly designed and clearly designed for audio source organization. You can get a decent amount of vocal low-end out of it, especially if you move in closer, but due to the lack of a pop filter, that’s not advised. At $159.99, it’s neither cheap nor too expensive, and its price is in line with its overall quality. The knob can be used to adjust mic gain, headphone volume, or the blend of low-latency audio from the mic and whatever audio is coming from the connected computer. Two bolts position the mic between the mount, and you can unscrew them relatively easily (which makes sense, given that Elgato sells a suspended shock mount separately). However, just because there are other options, doesn’t mean this isn’t a good option. It has a 24 bit depth and a maximum sample rate of 96kHz, both solid stats for this price range. All prices listed are in USD. The Elgato Wave 3 was built with the streamer in mind. There’s also a touch sensitive sensor at the top of the microphone for muting—tap it and the LED ring around the dial will turn red to indicate it’s muted; it similar to what we’ve seen from the HyperX Quadcast mic. It has a cardioid polar pattern, so it records in a heart shape around the microphone—that is, it picks up sound mainly around the front and sides, and less in the back. to your audience. Whatever apps you have open—say, Chrome and your music app of choice—will appear inside Wave Link as stereo faders (up to eight inputs), and whatever audio plays through them can be blended with the mic audio, so you can send a live stream of your voice blended with whatever else you want (like music, games, etc.) Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. While it only has one recording pattern, it’s still capable of getting very high quality recording, with 24-bit/96kHz recording, something most of its competitors can’t match. He specializes in reviewing audio products, and is obsessed with headphones, speakers, and recording gear. However, unlike everything else in this package, the plastic mount feels a little flimsy—it’s definitely something that would concern me with regards to long-term durability. Review: Elgato's Wave 3 is a great first attempt at a condenser mic Jez Corden 9/18/2020 'Life and death decisions': Native American leaders prepare for hurdles in vaccine distribution The Elgato Wave:3 comes with an adapter for connecting the mic to a boom arm, (which isn’t included, sadly). You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Interestingly, there’s no typical DSP (digital signal processing) in play, but there is something called Clipguard, an analog-digital hybrid that chooses between two analog mic signals if they peak, opting for the cleaner one. The Elgato Wave:3 is a compelling microphone. Wave 1; $129.99 Wave 3; $159.99. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. A big part of that appeal also comes from the mic’s software complement, WaveLink. If you’re interested in sitting in front of a microphone and speaking into it, this is a great option—if you want to do more, it’s less great. Sonically, the Wave: 3 delivers a hearty, clear signal with what sounds like some peak limiting here and there when things get loud. Contributing Editor Tim Gideon has been writing for PCMag since 2006. Clicking the dial lets you cycle through mic volume, monitor volume, and mic/PC monitor mix, all indicated by the row of lights. This isn’t such a bad thing for voice recordings, as it combats the proximity effect, where someone spikes the mic as they get too close—a common occurrence when you’re recording a podcast or YouTube video in a less formal recording environment. You can hear this, and while it’s admirable that the signal stays analog, it more or less sounds like typical DSP limiting the peaks. That makes it a solid tool for newbies, as well as anyone else looking for a relatively simple USB mic. An included adapter allows you to disconnect the mic from the base and screw it into a standard mic stand. Unlike other mics that offer abilities to record omnidirectionally, the Wave:3 keeps it simple, which helps avoid things like key presses, mouse … The interface for the Wave:3 is pretty straightforward. Most fundamental vocal frequencies don’t fall below 100Hz, so even the lowest voices will be minimally affected by the sub-bass de-emphasis. This product was provided by Elgato for the purpose of this review. If you’re someone struggling to keep a lot of audio source organized, it’s arguably one of your best options. Consider the Elgato Wave: 3 a solid tool of convenience. The Elgato Wave: 3 is a solid USB microphone with a user-friendly design that's better suited for podcasters and streamers than musicians. The WaveLink software is very easy to use and has clear benefits for people like Twitch streamers. A pop filter is always a great idea, but the Wave: 3 doesn’t suffer too badly for its lack of one, thanks to some damping and padding on the interior behind the grille. Aimed at the same needs as something like a Blue Yeti X, this is a mic for the podcaster, Twitch streamer, and online caller. Elgato sent us the Wave: 3, and the big difference is a 96kHz sample rate over the Wave: 1's 48kHz, and a handy capacitive mute button that lets you cut the microphone with the lightest of taps. If you're looking for a microphone to help simplify a complicated setup, the Elgato Wave:3 might be just the ticket. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. If you’re more of a podcaster or YouTuber than a Twitch streamer, having access to more than one polar pattern can be pretty useful. The back panel houses a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port for the included USB-C-to-USB-A cable. The controls all feel intuitive, and take virtually no time to get used to. The mute sensor feels very responsive and turns the LED ring around the front dial red when muted. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. The Elgato Wave:3 is a compelling microphone. It’s not a big issue, but something to keep in mind for scenarios when that would be undesirable. Its Clipguard feature and frequency response makes it as close to an idiot-proof recording device as possible, given how much they mitigate the problems of getting too close to a microphone. There’s nothing wrong with this in the slightest—Clipguard is a useful tool for most gamers and podcasters, and it can also be disabled, though it has to be done within the app. Like a lot of detached USB microphones, the Elgato Wave:3 is geared toward making your audio setup simpler. Unpacking the Elgato Wave:3. The Elgato Wave:3 has a sound profile tailored to the needs of podcasters and live streamers. The Elgato Wave:3 is great for a variety of home recording needs, but it’s really aimed at streamers, like everything else the company makes. If you’re a musician, we recommend going with a microphone that has a more pure, processing-free signal. How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Find Free Tools to Optimize Your Small Business, How to Get Started With Project Management, Humans Are Listening to Google Audio Recordings Again, But Only With Your Consent, How I Got My Stupid Album on Spotify and iTunes (and You Can Too). Like the Yeti, it also offers multiple polar patterns, though it still relies on a micro USB port. And now for something completely different, we broadcast something completely different. 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For What 's New now to get our top stories delivered to inbox... Various audio sources when Streaming setup simpler more self-contained, the HyperX Quadcast with... Indicates your consent to our Terms of use and Privacy Policy ’ re looking for completely... In reviewing audio products, and stereo and protection behind the grille, a physical button to disable Clipguard.
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