Elgato - Wave:3 Wired Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone - Black

I hate audio. It was one of my least favorite things about content creation and streaming. Walking around Best Buy, trying to find something to spend my $250 gift card that my boss gave me on and passed by the Elgato section. Yes, you read that properly: The Elgato SECTION at my local Best buy. I noticed the Wave: 3, I've seen a couple people review it on YouTube, and others who proclaim that it's the best thing to happen to audio since the aux cable. So I decided to give it a shot. What a difference! This microphone (along with Elgato's Wave Link software) singlehandedly changed my entire perspective on how audio should work. I used to have to fumble around on my streaming PC looking for the proper slider to see how I sounded to my stream, now I just press the knob on the front of the mic, set it to the correct mixer, and turn the dial a Little to the left and I can monitor my mic volume. All without having to exit OBS. Idk how others have reviewed this, but for me- 10/10 would buy again.

Makes your audio quality go from average to professional by simply plugging it in. Crisp sound, clear, easy to use. Nothing much more to say than that. quick heads up about the Wave Link software though, it has different channels and if you have another headset (which I do through an Astro Mixamp) it would pick that audio up by default so your voice may echo if it’s picking up additional mics in that channel. This is NOT a negative thing, just something you may not see at first.

If you were not already using an XLR microphone with a mix-amp to power it for your streaming and content creation needs, the Project Wave devices will easily and handily fill that niche. What do you get with the product? Although the microphone itself feels like it's made out of relatively inexpensive plastic, the housing around its condenser is the solid build quality you would expect of a professional studio mic with its metallic grills. The stand the microphone comes with by default has really good weight to it to support the device, and the base can also be unscrewed and fitted with a suspension arm adapter. Recommendation would be to get both the additional (separate) Pop Filter and Shock Mount for more professional mounting. The big draw to this device is the software that is only accessible by the Project Wave microphones. The Wave Link is a software-side mixer allowing you to set up multiple audio outputs and inputs in very much the same way as a professional audio deck - thus negating the need for anything like a GoXLR with a professional XLR microphone. This is really a game-changer, especially if you were going to get into streaming. The software is missing some crucial features, such as being able to set up VST's (Virtual Studio Technology) - such as compression, noise cancellation, and equalization. Biggest drawback is, of course, availability. I was very lucky to be able to order it shipped through the store. The website will not allow you to purchase it, so you would have to actually talk with an advisor/associate inside of the store to get it ordered. That's if the system will even allow them to do so. For those of you waiting on this, hang in there! Corsair/Elgato will more than likely have more coming in soon. All in all, though, the Wave 3 is an excellent device suitable for any streamers looking to get into the hobby without needing to buy a professional XLR microphone and waiting until the GoXLR or other audio decks are no longer being price-gouged. It suits the needs of just about everyone short of the most attentive audiophile.

This mic is amazing. If you want to get into streaming and don't want to fork up money for a mixer and an XLR mic, this mic is great. The sound quality is night and day compared to my gaming headset mic in game. The software took some time to get used to but man is it great when you have everything set up. My one issue is there is auto gain where the mic is trying to hear the tiniest whisper of sound when you are not actively speaking into the mic. Playing around in app and windows settings, I believe I experience way less. Easy setup, great software, and great quality product. I would recommend this for anybody looking to get great audio quality.

This is a great quality microphone. The outer casing of the mic feels very cheap. But the quality of what is in the plastic is just superb. This has to be one of the best USB microphones on the market. Unless you have a ton of money to spend on an audio mixer and mic, this comes in close 2nd place to a GoXLR. The software that Elgato provides with this mic allows you to use multiple inputs and route audio to different channels in the software. There are faders that can be used to adjust the volume outputs to your video or in your headphone. This is a must buy for anyone looking for a great microphone.