At a glance
| Type | Condenser |
|---|---|
| Pattern | Cardioid |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz |
| Monitor | Yes (3.5 mm) |
| Mute | Yes (capacitive) |
| Connect | USB-C |
- Model Wave:3 MK.2
- Released 2025
ElgatoLast updated on November 2026
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 Review
- 16 mm cardioid condenser
- 24-bit / 48 kHz
- 3.5 mm monitoring
Prices, shipping and returns are handled by the retailer.
On this page
Overview
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.
- Onboard Wave FX DSP and Clipguard 2.0
- Auto Gain and tap-to-mute
- Wave Link multi-app mixer
- Desk stand and USB-C cable included
Key Takeaways
- Clipguard 2.0 catches shout peaks in hardware
- Wave Link splits game, chat and mic mixes
- Stand in the box for a quick desk start
Best For
- Streaming and podcast desks
- Creators who also join Teams
- Wave Link users
Avoid If
- Your room is loud and untreated
- You need an XLR upgrade path
Pros & Cons
The Wave:3 MK.2 is the easiest condenser to live with if your PC runs Wave Link. Clipguard and the multifunction dial make levels hard to ruin, and the software mixer splits call audio from stream audio. In a noisy room a dynamic like the Shure MV7+ will sound cleaner.
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
Review Scores
Score Breakdown
8.2/10 Expert Score
- Capsule Quality & Fidelity8.0/10
- Interface Versatility & Patterns7.7/10
- On-Mic Hardware Controls9.7/10
- DSP Engine & Software7.1/10
- Mounting & Shock9.0/10
How this score is calculated
Each criterion is the weighted average of its available spec scores (0–10) from our Microphones scoring matrix. Empty specs are skipped, not scored as 0. The Expert Score is the weighted average of the scored criteria, shown out of 10; stars = Expert Score / 20, rounded to the nearest half star.
| Criterion | Weight | From specs | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule Quality & FidelityTransducer Type: Condenser with integrated JFET → 7.5; Sample Rate: 48 → 7.5; Bit Depth: 24 → 9.5; Frequency Response: 70 Hz – 20 kHz → 6.0; Max SPL: 130 → 8.5 | 40% | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Interface Versatility & PatternsConnection: USB-C → 10.0; XLR Output: No → 4.0; Polar Pattern: Cardioid → 9.0; Number of Patterns: 1 → 6.0 | 20% | 7.7 | 7.7 |
| On-Mic Hardware ControlsGain Control: Yes (multifunction dial) → 10.0; Zero-Latency Monitoring: Yes → 10.0; Touch Mute: Yes → 10.0; Headphone Monitoring: Yes (3.5 mm) → 8.0 | 15% | 9.7 | 9.7 |
| DSP Engine & SoftwareOnboard DSP: Wave FX processor with Clipguard → 7.0; Software / DSP: Wave Link → 6.0; Limiter / Clip Guard: Yes (Clipguard) → 10.0 | 15% | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Mounting & ShockMount Thread: 5/8" and 3/8" adapters included → 10.0; Stand / Mount: Desk stand included → 10.0; Pop Filter / Windscreen: Internal pop filter → 6.0 | 10% | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Expert Score | 8.2/10 | ||
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 Review
Elgato’s original Wave:3 arrived in 2020 and became a fixture on streaming desks largely because of its software mixer. The MK.2 keeps the 16 mm capsule and familiar shape, and moves to a USB-C connection with a longer 250 cm cable.
Capsule Quality & Fidelity 8.0/10
- Element Condenser with integrated J…
- Sample Rate 48 kHz
- Bit Depth 24 bit
- Freq. Range 70 Hz – 20 kHz
Interface Versatility & Patterns 7.7/10
- Connect USB-C
- XLR No
- Pattern Cardioid
- Patterns 1
On-Mic Hardware Controls 9.7/10
- Gain Yes (multifunction dial)
- Zero Lat. Yes
- Monitor Yes (3.5 mm)
DSP Engine & Software 7.1/10
- DSP Wave FX processor with Clip…
- Software Wave Link
- Limiter Yes (Clipguard)
Mounting & Shock 9.0/10
- Thread 5/8" and 3/8" adapters incl…
- Stand Desk stand included
- Pop Filter Internal pop filter
Full Specifications
General
| Best For | Streaming desks that also take calls |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Use Case | Streaming, podcasts and calls |
Design & Build
| Weight | 250 g |
|---|---|
| Stand / Mount | Desk stand included |
| Mount Thread | 5/8" and 3/8" adapters included |
| Materials | Plastic body, metal grille |
| Colors | Black |
| Pop Filter / Windscreen | Internal pop filter |
| Boom Arm Compatible | Yes |
Audio
| Capsule Size | 16 mm |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 70 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 24 bit |
| Max SPL | 130 dB |
| Sensitivity | -20 dBFS (typical at 1 kHz) |
| Number of Patterns | 1 |
| Transducer Type | Condenser with integrated JFET |
| Dynamic Range | 110 dB |
| Limiter / Clip Guard | Yes (Clipguard) |
| Onboard DSP | Wave FX processor with Clipguard |
Controls & Monitoring
| Headphone Monitoring | Yes (3.5 mm) |
|---|---|
| Mute Button | Yes (capacitive) |
| Gain Control | Yes (multifunction dial) |
| Mix Control | Yes (dial and Wave Link) |
| Lighting | Yes (LED ring) |
| Headphone Volume | Yes |
| Touch Mute | Yes |
| Zero-Latency Monitoring | Yes |
Connectivity
| Connection | USB-C |
|---|---|
| Cable | USB-C, 250 cm |
| Software / DSP | Wave Link |
| USB Connector | USB-C |
| XLR Output | No |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 11+, macOS 14.2+ (Wave Link) |
In the Box
| In the Box | Wave:3 MK.2, desk stand, USB-C cable (250 cm), 5/8" and 3/8" adapter |
|---|---|
| Warranty | Elgato limited warranty |
Identifiers
| Model Number | Wave:3 MK.2 |
|---|
Product Details
| Brand | Elgato |
|---|---|
| Model | Wave:3 MK.2 |
| Model number | 10MAO9901 |
| Release year | 2025 |
Price Comparison
| Store | Price | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Elgato.comOfficial Elgato store | See price | View deal (opens in a new tab) |
The Verdict
I’d pick the Wave:3 MK.2 if you stream or record on the same PC you use for meetings, because Wave Link keeps those mixes separate. For a noisy room, the Shure MV7+ rejects more background sound.
FAQs
What capsule does the Wave:3 MK.2 use?
A 16 mm cardioid condenser capsule with an integrated JFET.
What sample rate and bit depth does it support?
24-bit at 48 kHz.
Does it include a stand?
Yes. The desk stand, a 250 cm USB-C cable and 5/8″ and 3/8″ thread adapters are in the box.
Do I need Wave Link?
No for basic calls, since it works as a standard USB mic. Wave Link adds per-app mixing and effects.
What is Clipguard?
Overload protection that switches to a quieter signal path on sudden peaks, so loud moments do not distort.
What is the frequency response?
70 Hz to 20 kHz, according to Elgato.
How heavy is it?
About 250 g without the stand and around 570 g with it.
Does it have an XLR output?
No. It connects over USB-C only.
