Wave:3 MK.2 vs MV6 Comparison
Compare Wave:3 MK.2 vs MV6 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
- Launch Price
- —
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sample Rate
- 48 kHz
- Monitor
- Yes (3.5 mm)
- Mute
- Yes (capacitive)
- Connect
- USB-C
MV6
The Shure MV6 is a compact USB-C dynamic microphone with a cardioid capsule, Auto Level Mode, a Real-time Denoiser and touch mute, sold with a round desk stand for gaming, streaming and everyday video calls.
- Best For
- Budget call and gaming desks
- Type
- Dynamic
- Launch Price
- $129
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sample Rate
- 48 kHz
- Monitor
- Yes (3.5 mm)
- Mute
- Yes (touch)
- 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 MV6 (and Vice Versa)
Why Wave:3 MK.2 beats MV6
- Better dsp engine & software: 7.1 vs 5.9 out of 10
Why MV6 beats Wave:3 MK.2
- Better mounting & shock: 10.0 vs 9.0 out of 10
- Transducer Type: Dynamic vs Condenser with integrated JFET
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 | MV6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Streaming desks that also take calls | Budget call and gaming desks |
| Microphone Type | Condenser | Dynamic |
| Release Year | 2025 Better | 2023 |
| Launch Price | — | $129 |
| Use Case | Streaming, podcasts and calls | Gaming, streaming and video calls |
Design & Build
| Wave:3 MK.2 | MV6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 250 g | — |
| Stand / Mount | Desk stand included | 12 cm round desktop stand included |
| Mount Thread | 5/8" and 3/8" adapters included | — |
| Materials | Plastic body, metal grille | — |
| Colors | Black | Black, White |
| Pop Filter / Windscreen | Internal pop filter | — |
| Boom Arm Compatible | Yes | Yes |
Audio
| Wave:3 MK.2 | MV6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capsule Size | 16 mm | — |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 70 Hz – 20 kHz | — |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz | 48 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 24 bit | — |
| Max SPL | 130 dB | — |
| Sensitivity | -20 dBFS (typical at 1 kHz) | — |
| Number of Patterns | 1 | 1 |
| Transducer Type | Condenser with integrated JFET | Dynamic Better |
| Dynamic Range | 110 dB | — |
| AI Noise Reduction | — | Yes (Real-time Denoiser) |
| Limiter / Clip Guard | Yes (Clipguard) | Yes (Auto Level Mode) |
| Onboard DSP | Wave FX processor with Clipguard | Auto Level Mode, Real-time Denoiser, Digital Popper Stopper |
Controls & Monitoring
| Wave:3 MK.2 | MV6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Headphone Monitoring | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (3.5 mm) |
| Mute Button | Yes (capacitive) | Yes (touch) |
| Gain Control | Yes (multifunction dial) | — |
| Mix Control | Yes (dial and Wave Link) | — |
| Lighting | Yes (LED ring) | Yes (status LED) |
| Headphone Volume | Yes | — |
| Touch Mute | Yes | Yes |
| Zero-Latency Monitoring | Yes | — |
Connectivity
| Wave:3 MK.2 | MV6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB-C | USB-C |
| Cable | USB-C, 250 cm | 2 m USB-C to USB-C |
| Software / DSP | Wave Link | MOTIV Mix |
| USB Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| XLR Output | No | No |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 11+, macOS 14.2+ (Wave Link) | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Phone / Tablet Support | — | Yes |
In the Box
| Wave:3 MK.2 | MV6 | |
|---|---|---|
| In the Box | Wave:3 MK.2, desk stand, USB-C cable (250 cm), 5/8" and 3/8" adapter | MV6, 2 m USB-C to USB-C cable, 12 cm round desktop stand |
| Warranty | Elgato limited warranty | Shure limited warranty |
Identifiers
| Wave:3 MK.2 | MV6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | Wave:3 MK.2 | MV6 |
Takeaways
- It's a tie on our rating (4/5) between Wave:3 MK.2 and MV6, so choose on the rows that matter most to you.
- Choose Wave:3 MK.2 for streaming desks that also take calls.
- Choose MV6 for budget call and gaming desks.
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
MV6
PROS
- Dynamic capsule rejects room noise
- Auto Level Mode and Denoiser on board
- Touch mute and headphone jack
- Desk stand and 2 m USB-C cable included
CONS
- USB only, with no XLR output
- Short stand puts the mic low
- Less detail than condensers in quiet rooms
Similar Comparisons
Quick Verdict
- Wave:3 MK.2 8.2Best overallLeads in On-Mic Hardware Controls, DSP Engine & Software
- MV6 8.1Leads in Capsule Quality & Fidelity, Mounting & Shock