Elgato Wave Next: Six new audio products for streamers and podcasters

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Elgato has introduced the next generation of its audio platform. Under the name Wave Next, the Corsair brand bundles six harmonized products for streamers, podcasters, and content creators – from USB microphones and XLR interfaces to a new hardware controller.

The heart of the new platform is the Wave FX Processor, developed together with LEWITT Audio. The chip processes the audio signal directly in the hardware and, according to the manufacturer, delivers five DSP effects – including low cut, expander, compressor, and equalizer – with no latency and no CPU load. Clipguard 2.0, a function to prevent audio clipping, uses multi-layer A/D converters and works internally with 32-bit float to avoid distortion. PC-based plug-ins can also be looped into the hardware chain with low latency via a VST insert.

New Software: Wave Link 3.0

The free mixing console software Wave Link 3.0 for Windows and macOS replaces the previous view with a horizontal routing matrix. This should make it much clearer for many users to operate. Creators can now create up to five independent sub-mixes – for example, separate outputs for voice, music, chat, and game sound. Apps can be assigned with a click, and VST plug-ins can be loaded channel by channel. Users of Elgato hardware can control it via the software. Unlike pure software solutions like Soundsource 6 for macOS, which specifically reroutes app audio, Wave Link 3.0 connects software control directly to the hardware.

The software is not limited to Elgato products; it works with any microphone and audio interface, but with its hardware, it supports up to four hardware inputs and eight software channels simultaneously.

Revised Hardware

The USB condenser microphone Wave:3 MK.2 receives the new Wave FX Processor, a Supercardioid capsule from LEWITT, and a multifunction knob with an LED ring compared to its predecessor, allowing control of gain, monitoring, and the new Voice Tune directly on the device. A capacitive mute button and an Auto Gain Wizard to find the optimal volume round off the package.

The XLR interface Wave XLR MK.2 delivers 80 decibels of gain and 48 volts of phantom power with a dynamic range of 135 decibels – enough even for gain-hungry broadcast microphones like the widely used Shure SM7B or the Røde PodMic. In the review of the previous models, Wave XLR and XLR Dock, Elgato already impressed with latency-free monitoring and an intuitive rotary knob. The MK.2 versions build on this and add the Wave FX Processor with DSP effects.

The XLR Dock MK.2 is designed as an addition for the Stream Deck +: it slides in at the back and turns the controller into a compact audio interface with 80 decibels of gain, phantom power, and DSP processing. Operation is via the LCD buttons and rotary knobs of the Stream Deck +.

Stream Deck + XL and Outlook on Wave XLR Pro

New to the range is the Stream Deck + XL with 36 LCD buttons, six rotary knobs, and a touch strip. In combination with the upcoming Wave XLR Pro, it is intended to replace a classic mixing console. The Wave XLR Pro offers two independent XLR inputs, five latency-free hardware mixes, seven DSP effects, per-channel ducking, and a headphone output for impedances up to 600 ohms. Standalone mode makes it ready for use even without a PC. Elgato has not yet announced a specific price; market launch is planned for the second quarter of 2026.

With Wave Next, Elgato positions itself between consumer microphones and professional studio equipment. While Røde offers a standalone all-in-one solution with the RØDECaster Pro II and Shure focuses on classic studio microphones, Elgato relies on the integration of hardware, software, and Stream Deck as an ecosystem. For podcasters who do not want to use Elgato hardware, alternatives can be found in the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or the Røde Podcaster, for example.

Wave:3 MK.2, Wave XLR MK.2, XLR Dock MK.2, and Stream Deck + XL are available now. Wave Link 3.0 is available as a free download.

(mki)