Where they differ
| Specs | RØDE Streamer X | Elgato Wave XLR Pro |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI video inputs | 1 HDMI 2.0 | None |
| RØDE Streamer X also takes HDMI video (1 HDMI 2.0); Elgato Wave XLR Pro is audio only. | ||
| XLR microphone inputs | 1 | 2 |
| RØDE Streamer X has 1 XLR microphone input; Elgato Wave XLR Pro has 2 XLR microphone inputs. Count the voices you need at once. | ||
| Preamp gain | 76 dB | 80 dB |
| RØDE Streamer X gives up to 76 dB of gain and Elgato Wave XLR Pro up to 80 dB. A microphone like the Shure SM7B needs more than 60 dB. | ||
| Headphone outputs | 1 | 2 |
| RØDE Streamer X has 1 headphone output; Elgato Wave XLR Pro has 2. Two people who both need to hear the mix need two. | ||
Not enough data to compare
We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: Loopback, Mix-minus, Power. The site leaves these out rather than guess.
What else each needs
RØDE Streamer X
Streamer X
An HDMI cable for each camera or computer
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 port that fits the cable
- You need: An HDMI cable for each camera or computer. Its video inputs are HDMI: 1 HDMI 2.0.
- 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: XLR/TRS mic or instrument; 3.5 mm TRRS headset; RODE Series IV wireless; RODE USB microphone support; HDMI audio.
- 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 port that fits the cable. A USB-C cable is in the box; check its other end against your computer’s ports.
Elgato Wave XLR Pro
Wave XLR Pro
An XLR microphone and an XLR cable for each input you use
A USB port that fits the cable
Wave Link 3.0+
- You need: An XLR microphone and an XLR cable for each input you use. Its microphone inputs: 2 XLR; 3.5 mm stereo line.
- 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.
- You need: Wave Link 3.0+. 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 Streamer X and Elgato Wave XLR Pro.