What else you need to use it
Worked out from Elgato’s own specifications and box contents for this model. The setup builder checks the same parts against your computer and the rest of your gear.
Check first
- A USB-A port on your computer. The cable in the box is USB-C to USB-A. If your computer only has USB-C ports, use a USB-C to USB-C cable instead.
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, 3/8-inch or 5/8-inch thread.
When this model makes sense
If you already own the Elgato Wave:3 (first generation), add it in the setup builder and test it the way you actually use it; nothing here says a working unit needs replacing.
- If it still records and shows everything you stream, keep it.
- Lost a cable or mount? Replace that part before replacing a working device; the connectors and size for this version are listed below.
- After an app or system update, test it once before you go live. If it still works for a whole stream, keep using it.
The USB versus XLR guide weighs it against the other ways to fill the same role.
Connections and specs
- Full name
- Elgato Wave:3 (first generation)
- Still sold
- No longer sold: keep it if you own one
- Type
- Microphones
- Connection
- Connector shape
- USB-C; 3.5 mm stereo headphonesA plug’s shape doesn’t tell you its speed →
- Connects by
- USB
- Microphone type
- 17 mm electret condenser
- Pickup pattern
- Cardioid
- Bit depth
- 24-bit
- Sample rate
- 48/96 kHz
- Frequency response
- 70–20000 Hz
- Max SPL
- 120 dB; 140 dB with Clipguard
- Dynamic range
- 95 dB; 115 dB with Clipguard
- Cable length
- 2.5 m
- Headphone output power
- 75 mW at 16 ohms
- Size and mounting
- Mounts
- 1/4,3/8,5/8 inch via boom adapter
- Dimensions
- 153 × 66 × 40 mm
- Weight
- 280 g microphone and U-mount; 305 g base
- In the box
- Included parts
- Wave:3; USB-A to USB-C cable, 250 cm; Desktop stand; Boom arm adapter; Quick Start Guide
Check these conditions first
Not yet confirmed from Elgato’s documents: operating systems, power draw. The builder treats them as unknown, never as a yes.
For a microphone, set your distance and input gain before adding any processing. Speak as loudly as you will on stream, listen back to a recording and leave some headroom. Judge a USB/XLR microphone in the mode you will use: its USB voice processing does not carry over to XLR.
What is included, and what may be missing
- Wave:3
- USB-A to USB-C cable, 250 cm
- Desktop stand
- Boom arm adapter
- Quick Start Guide
This original-generation package list comes from the White model page. The Wave:3 MK.2 package and onboard processing belong to a separate model.
Both cable ends and the data rating matter more than the plug shape: streaming cables and ports explains how to match them.
Place it in the complete setup
Every connection
- Webcam USB outUSB cable → A USB port on your computer
- Microphone USB outUSB cable → A USB port on your computer
- Microphone / interface headphone out3.5 mm or 6.3 mm headphone connection → Headphones (what you hear)
- Computer Ethernet portEthernet cable → router; your upload → Platform (check the stream preview)
- Wall socketThe maker’s power supply, or USB power → Computer and devices that need their own power
The diagram shows a simple USB setup. Find where the Elgato Wave:3 (first generation) goes, then follow each input back to what feeds it and each output on to where it goes. HDMI and XLR gear needs a capture card or audio interface between it and your computer; it doesn’t plug straight in the way this USB example does.
The setup builder turns this into a connection list for your own computer and gear, and the pre-stream checklist covers the rehearsal once it is wired.