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.
You need
- An XLR microphone and an XLR cable for each input you use. Its microphone inputs: . USB versus XLR
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.
When this model makes sense
If you already own the Elgato Wave XLR (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 Interface versus mixer guide weighs it against the other ways to fill the same role.
Connections and specs
- Full name
- Elgato Wave XLR (first generation)
- Still sold
- No longer sold: keep it if you own one
- Type
- Audio interfaces and mixers
- Connection
- Connector shape
- USB-C; XLR; 3.5 mm headphonesA plug’s shape doesn’t tell you its speed →
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz–20 kHz
- Dynamic range
- 100 dB; 120 dB with Clipguard
- Input noise (EIN)
- −130 dBV at 60 dB gain
- Preamp gain (dB)
- 75
- Supplies 48 V phantom power
- Yes
- Phantom power
- 48 V DC, 7 mA
- Max input level
- 10 V at 0 dB gain with Clipguard
- Headphone output power
- 77 mW at 16 ohms
- Bit depth
- 24-bit
- Sample rate
- 48/96 kHz
- In the box
- Included parts
- Wave XLR; USB-C cable; Quick Start Guide
- Computer
- Operating systems
- Windows 10 64-bit+ at launch; macOS 10.15+ at launch
Check these conditions first
Not yet confirmed from Elgato’s documents: dimensions, power draw. The builder treats them as unknown, never as a yes.
For an interface, count the microphone inputs and headphone outputs you need. Loopback sends your computer’s sound back in so you can record or stream it; mix-minus sends a guest everything except their own voice. They solve different problems, so check for the one you need.
What is included, and what may be missing
- Wave XLR
- USB-C cable
- Quick Start Guide
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 XLR (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.