Where they differ
| Specs | RØDE PodMic USB (Black) | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB and XLR | USB |
| RØDE PodMic USB (Black) also has an XLR output for an audio interface; Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 connects over USB only. | ||
| Capsule | Dynamic | Condenser |
| RØDE PodMic USB (Black) is dynamic, which picks up less of the room; Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 is a condenser, which suits a quiet room. | ||
| Stand in the box | No | Yes |
| Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 comes with a desk stand; RØDE PodMic USB (Black) needs a stand or boom arm. | ||
Where they are the same
- Pickup patterns
- Cardioid
- Best USB recording format
- 24-bit, 48 kHz
- Processing on the microphone
- Yes
- Headphone socket
- Yes
Not enough data to compare
We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: Preamp gain needed, XLR cable in the box, USB cable in the box. The site leaves these out rather than guess.
What else each needs
RØDE PodMic USB (Black)
PodMic USB
For USB: a USB cable
For XLR: an audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input
For XLR: an XLR cable
A microphone stand or boom arm
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
- Check first: For USB: a USB cable. Our record of the box lists no USB cable. Check the box before you plan the connection.
- Optional: For XLR: an audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input. A computer has no XLR input. The interface’s preamp raises the microphone’s signal and sends it to the computer over USB.
- Optional: For XLR: an XLR cable. None comes in the box.
- You need: A microphone stand or boom arm. No stand comes in the box.
- Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
Wave:3 MK.2
A USB port that fits the cable
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
- Check first: A USB port that fits the cable. A USB-C cable is in the box; check its other end against your computer’s ports.
- Optional: A boom arm, if you want it closer. A desk stand is in the box. An arm lets you bring the microphone nearer your mouth without it sitting in the camera shot; check the arm fits its 1/4-inch, 5/8-inch or 3/8-inch thread.
- Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.
Next step
Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear, or see all 27 side by side in USB microphones for streaming compared. Test your microphone before you go live.
Full profiles: RØDE PodMic USB (Black) and Elgato Wave:3 MK.2.