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Comparisons / Audio interfaces / RØDECaster Duo vs Wave XLR MK.2

RØDE RØDECaster Duo vs Elgato Wave XLR MK.2

RØDE RØDECaster Duo has 2 XLR microphone inputs; Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 has 1 XLR microphone input. Count the voices you need at once. RØDE RØDECaster Duo gives up to 76 dB of gain and Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 up to 80 dB. A microphone like the Shure SM7B needs more than 60 dB.

From each maker’s own specifications; neither model was tested by this site.

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RØDE RØDECaster Duo

Two people in the room, plus a remote guest and computer sound.

Check price on Amazon ↗

Elgato Wave XLR MK.2

One XLR microphone into your computer, with Wave Link mixing.

Check price on Amazon ↗

On the makers’ own sites:

Before you choose

RØDE RØDECaster Duo

The catch: Assign the stream, headphones and guest return explicitly. Exclude the guest’s own voice from their return, then record a call to check the mix before going live.

You need:

  • A microphone: an XLR microphone and an XLR cable for each input you use, or a headset with a 3.5 mm TRRS plug, or a RØDE USB microphone it supports, or a RØDE Series IV wireless microphone
  • Headphones with a 1/4-inch plug (or a 3.5 mm adapter), or a headset in the 3.5 mm TRRS socket

Check first:

  • A USB-C port on your computer

Elgato Wave XLR MK.2

The catch: Its single microphone preamp suits one XLR speaker. Choose an interface with two independent mic inputs when two people need separate gain controls.

You need:

  • An XLR microphone and an XLR cable for each input you use
  • Wave Link

Check first:

  • A USB-C port on your computer

Everything to check before you buy

Where they differ

SpecsRØDE RØDECaster DuoElgato Wave XLR MK.2
XLR microphone inputs21
RØDE RØDECaster Duo has 2 XLR microphone inputs; Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 has 1 XLR microphone input. Count the voices you need at once.
Preamp gain76 dB80 dB
RØDE RØDECaster Duo gives up to 76 dB of gain and Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 up to 80 dB. A microphone like the Shure SM7B needs more than 60 dB.
Headphone outputs21
RØDE RØDECaster Duo has 2 headphone outputs; Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 has 1. Two people who both need to hear the mix need two.

Where they are the same

HDMI video inputs
None
Loopback
Yes

Not enough data to compare

We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: Mix-minus, Power. The site leaves these out rather than guess.

What else each needs

RØDE RØDECaster Duo

RØDECaster Duo
A microphone: an XLR microphone and an XLR cable for each input you use, or a headset with a 3.5 mm TRRS plug, or a RØDE USB microphone it supports, or a RØDE Series IV wireless microphone
Headphones with a 1/4-inch plug (or a 3.5 mm adapter), or a headset in the 3.5 mm TRRS socket
A USB-C port on your computer
  • You need: A microphone: an XLR microphone and an XLR cable for each input you use, or a headset with a 3.5 mm TRRS plug, or a RØDE USB microphone it supports, or a RØDE Series IV wireless microphone. Its microphone inputs: 2 mic/instrument/line combo inputs; 1 TRRS headset I/O; RODE USB microphone support; RODE Series IV wireless (up to two transmitters, built-in receiver).
  • You need: Headphones with a 1/4-inch plug (or a 3.5 mm adapter), or a headset in the 3.5 mm TRRS socket. Its headphone socket is 1/4-inch; the headset socket takes a 3.5 mm TRRS headset.
  • Check first: A USB-C port on your computer. The cable in the box has USB-C at both ends. If your computer only has USB-A ports, you need a USB-C to USB-A cable rated for the same speed.

Elgato Wave XLR MK.2

Wave XLR MK.2
An XLR microphone and an XLR cable for each input you use
A USB-C port on your computer
Wave Link
  • You need: An XLR microphone and an XLR cable for each input you use. Its microphone inputs: 1 XLR microphone.
  • Check first: A USB-C port on your computer. The cable in the box has USB-C at both ends. If your computer only has USB-A ports, you need a USB-C to USB-A cable rated for the same speed.
  • You need: Wave Link. The maker lists this software for the device to work as described.

Next step

Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear, or see all 10 side by side in Streaming audio interfaces compared. Plan your audio routing before you go live.

Full profiles: RØDE RØDECaster Duo and Elgato Wave XLR MK.2.

Sources