Where they differ
| Specs | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 | Elgato Wave DX |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB | XLR |
| Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 plugs straight into a computer; Elgato Wave DX needs an audio interface and an XLR cable. | ||
| Capsule | Condenser | Dynamic |
| Elgato Wave DX 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 | Yes | No |
| Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 comes with a desk stand; Elgato Wave DX needs a stand or boom arm. | ||
Where they are the same
- Pickup patterns
- Cardioid
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. The site leaves these out rather than guess.
What else each needs
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.
Elgato Wave DX
Wave DX
An audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input
An XLR cable
A microphone stand or boom arm
- You need: 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.
- You need: An XLR cable. None comes in the box.
- You need: A microphone stand or boom arm. No stand comes in the box; it mounts on a 5/8-inch, 3/8-inch or 1/4-inch thread.
Next step
Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear. Test your microphone before you go live.
Full profiles: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 and Elgato Wave DX.