We have tested a few mics over the years, but we have never had the pleasure of utilizing an XLR mic. For the uninitiated, the XLR form is perhaps the more traditional shape that microphones can take, as the connector has been available since the 1950s and is the de-facto standard for most audio devices, including microphones, among professionals. As streaming has grown in popularity, XLR microphones have found new life as content makers strive to provide the greatest video possible, with audio playing an important role.
As a result, there have been a number of excellent XLR mics released for professional use that streamers have began to use, such as Shure’s SM7 and Rode’s Procaster. In recent years, other firms have joined the party, such as Elgato, a Corsair-owned brand that has created a name for itself with some of the greatest all-around hardware for streamers, ranging from the Stream Deck to their keylights.
But, back to the point: the Elgato Wave DX is the latest (and maybe finest) addition to their microphone collection, and, as you might expect, it’s an XLR one! The Wave DX was a little tricky to set up because it’s an XLR mic; it’s not the most plug and play item in the world in the sense of plugging in one cable and the mic works. Instead, it’s a multi-step process that requires you to have a few items on hand.
Elgato Wave DX review: Design
The Elgato DX epitomises minimalism, so don’t expect it to garner much attention on stream. Because it’s an end-address microphone, its rectangular body fires directly into your mouth. It’s complete black with a matte finish that won’t reflect light. There is no lighting because it uses an XLR connection without phantom power. The only trim is a removable Elgato logo that may be swapped between sides when the mounting bracket is switched.
The Wave:3 received the same simple design treatment when we examined it in 2020. With its RGB LED ring, even its mic has a little of personality. The philosophy appears to be to strip back and dissolve into the background. Man, it’s all about the content. (Or, at the very least, that’s what I imagine this mic would say if it could speak.)
That isn’t to say it doesn’t have some nifty tricks under its sleeve. A dynamic microphone capsule selected in collaboration with Lewitt Audio is concealed behind its reinforced steel shell. Lewitt is a well-known company, and microphones are at the center of everything it does. Its products may be found in recording studios all around the world, have received countless positive reviews, and the team did an excellent job collaborating with Elgato on the original Wave mics. When all history indicates to Lewitt knowing its stuff when it comes to microphones, it’s logical to expect excellent things.
Sound Performance
The Elgato Wave DX is stunningly sharp when functioning at the suggested 45dB, and probing the higher limits of its input made me feel like a fledgling ASMRtist. Remember that the Elgato Wave DX is a dynamic microphone, so it can hold its own without the assistance of 48V phantom power.
Condenser mics are perfect for small, soundproofed offices, but if your streaming setup is in your living room or community space, you can almost guarantee that any background noise will make it into your recording unless you use something like Nvidia Broadcast. In comparison, the Elgato Wave DX can filter out as much background noise as needed with a few Wave Link changes without harming your speech quality. It excels at reducing the dull thumps and thuds of doors closing and pets getting up to trouble.
The sound quality of an XLR microphone is definitely superior to that of a conventional USB microphone, although the type of sound produced by a dynamic microphone can sometimes be described as a bit flat in compared to the richer tones of a condenser microphone. This is also true for the Elgato Wave DX, but I believe it is better suited to separating voice commentary against the background of music, speech, and sound effects generated by a videogame.
Elgato Wave DX review: Connectivity
Because the Elgato Wave DX is an XLR microphone, it connects to your audio interface in this manner. Because it is the sole port on the mic, there is no other way to use it. You can use the Elgato Wave XLR with the Wave DX to connect to your PC using the provided USB cable.
Elgato Wave DX review: Price
If you also have a stream deck (which you should if you’re buying an Elgato Microphone), you’ll have much more power because the stream deck has practically unlimited Wave Link controls, allowing you to mute any source, shift to a predetermined degree of gain, and so much more. It has a big benefit over something like the Rodecaster Pro II in this regard due to its much smaller profile and much lower price point.
The Elgato Wave DX costs $99 USD, which is more than reasonable for the gadget. Elgato has a great reputation for producing high-quality mics at reasonable rates. The price is comparable to that of several other popular XLR microphones, making it much easier to justify the purchase of an XLR interface if you choose an XLR solution over a USB microphone. If you also want a Wave XLR, it will cost you $159.99 USD, which is still less than many mics on the market.
Conclusion
The Elgato Wave DX appeals to me. It has excellent background noise rejection. The audio is clear and detailed, and it doesn’t require much boost. 60% of the power from my Wave XLR was more than adequate. The only issue is that there is a better-value microphone on the market with a very similar sound characteristic. The Samson Q2U is a dynamic microphone with USB and XLR inputs. It includes a desk stand, a wind guard, and an XLR cable. Furthermore, it is significantly less expensive than the Wave DX. It also outperforms in terms of background noise rejection. Even though the Wave DX is excellent, I prefer the Samson Q2U.