Wave:3 MK.2 vs NT-USB+ Comparison
Compare Wave:3 MK.2 vs NT-USB+ side by side: specs, ratings, pros and cons, and which one fits your room best.
On this page
At a Glance
Wave:3 MK.2
The Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 is a USB-C cardioid condenser microphone with Clipguard overload protection, a capacitive mute sensor and Wave Link mixing software for streamers who also spend the day on calls.
- Best For
- Streaming desks that also take calls
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sample Rate
- 48 kHz
- Monitor
- Yes (3.5 mm)
- Mute
- Yes (capacitive)
- Connect
- USB-C
NT-USB+
The Rode NT-USB+ is a cardioid condenser USB-C microphone with Rode's Revolution preamp and APHEX processing, built for voiceover, podcasts and clear video calls from a quiet desk.
- Best For
- Quiet home offices and voiceover
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sample Rate
- 48 kHz
- Monitor
- Yes (3.5 mm)
- Mute
- No
- Connect
- USB-C
Review Scores Compared
Expert Score
Capsule Quality & Fidelity
Interface Versatility & Patterns
On-Mic Hardware Controls
DSP Engine & Software
Mounting & Shock
Why Wave:3 MK.2 Beats NT-USB+ (and Vice Versa)
Why Wave:3 MK.2 beats NT-USB+
- Better on-mic hardware controls: 9.7 vs 8.0 out of 10
- Better dsp engine & software: 7.1 vs 5.4 out of 10
- Mute Button: Yes (capacitive) vs No
Why NT-USB+ beats Wave:3 MK.2
- Better mounting & shock: 10.0 vs 9.0 out of 10
- Pop Filter / Windscreen: Detachable pop filter (included) vs Internal pop filter
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz vs 70 Hz – 20 kHz
Review-score leads of 0.5+ points out of 10 first, then specs where only one comes out ahead.
Full Specifications
General
| Wave:3 MK.2 | NT-USB+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Streaming desks that also take calls | Quiet home offices and voiceover |
| Microphone Type | Condenser | Condenser |
| Release Year | 2025 Better | 2022 |
| Use Case | Streaming, podcasts and calls | Voiceover, podcasts and video calls |
Design & Build
| Wave:3 MK.2 | NT-USB+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 250 g | — |
| Stand / Mount | Desk stand included | Desk tripod included |
| Mount Thread | 5/8" and 3/8" adapters included | — |
| Materials | Plastic body, metal grille | Metal body |
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Pop Filter / Windscreen | Internal pop filter | Detachable pop filter (included) Better |
| Boom Arm Compatible | Yes | Yes |
Audio
| Wave:3 MK.2 | NT-USB+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Capsule Size | 16 mm | — |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 70 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz Better |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz | 48 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 24 bit | 24 bit |
| Max SPL | 130 dB | — |
| Sensitivity | -20 dBFS (typical at 1 kHz) | — |
| Number of Patterns | 1 | 1 |
| Transducer Type | Condenser with integrated JFET | Condenser |
| Dynamic Range | 110 dB | — |
| Low-Cut Filter | — | Yes (high-pass filter in Rode Central / Connect) |
| Limiter / Clip Guard | Yes (Clipguard) | — |
| Onboard DSP | Wave FX processor with Clipguard | APHEX Aural Exciter, Big Bottom, compressor, noise gate |
Controls & Monitoring
| Wave:3 MK.2 | NT-USB+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Headphone Monitoring | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (3.5 mm) |
| Mute Button | Yes (capacitive) Better | No |
| Gain Control | Yes (multifunction dial) | Software only |
| Mix Control | Yes (dial and Wave Link) | — |
| Lighting | Yes (LED ring) | — |
| Headphone Volume | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Mute | Yes | — |
| Presets / EQ | — | APHEX processing via Rode software |
| Zero-Latency Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wave:3 MK.2 | NT-USB+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB-C | USB-C |
| Cable | USB-C, 250 cm | — |
| Software / DSP | Wave Link | Rode Central, Rode Connect, Rode Reporter |
| USB Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| XLR Output | No | No |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 11+, macOS 14.2+ (Wave Link) | Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Android |
| Phone / Tablet Support | — | Yes |
| Multi-Mic Support | — | Yes (two units in Rode Connect) |
In the Box
| Wave:3 MK.2 | NT-USB+ | |
|---|---|---|
| In the Box | Wave:3 MK.2, desk stand, USB-C cable (250 cm), 5/8" and 3/8" adapter | NT-USB+, pop filter, desk tripod, USB-C cable |
| Warranty | Elgato limited warranty | Rode limited warranty |
Identifiers
| Wave:3 MK.2 | NT-USB+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | Wave:3 MK.2 | NTUSB+ |
Takeaways
- It's a tie on our rating (4/5) between Wave:3 MK.2 and NT-USB+, so choose on the rows that matter most to you.
- Choose Wave:3 MK.2 for streaming desks that also take calls.
- Choose NT-USB+ for quiet home offices and voiceover.
Pros and Cons
Wave:3 MK.2
PROS
- Onboard Wave FX DSP and Clipguard 2.0
- Auto Gain and tap-to-mute
- Wave Link multi-app mixer
- Desk stand included
CONS
- Condenser hears more room noise than a dynamic
- Windows 11 / macOS 14.2+ for full software
- No XLR output
NT-USB+
PROS
- Revolution high-gain preamp
- Zero-latency monitoring
- Pop filter and stand included
- Natural condenser detail
CONS
- Picks up more room noise than a dynamic
- No hardware mute button
- USB-C only
Similar Comparisons
Quick Verdict
- Wave:3 MK.2 8.2Best overallLeads in On-Mic Hardware Controls, DSP Engine & Software
- NT-USB+ 7.8Leads in Capsule Quality & Fidelity, Mounting & Shock