L’Elgato streaming ecosystem grows in offer and quality. The new microphone will be available from today Elgato Wave DX and this is his review. In fact, we had the opportunity to test this promising microphone for about two weeks using it together with part of the Elgato ecosystem to get the most out of live streams, video conferences and even multiplayer games. All scenarios in which to make oneself feel good and dutiful.
How did this new troop in Elgato’s accessory army fare? let’s find out now!
Our review of the Elgato Wave DX microphone
The new microphone Elgato Wave DX is studied, in terms of design and technology, for offer the best audio quality by decreasing external noise and increasing recording and acoustic quality. Using the experience and feedback gained from previous models in the Wave family, the new DX combines the latest in technology while adapting to the constantly evolving world of streaming.
But let’s start with order.
Design
The first innovations are already found in the design. The Wave DX by Elgato comes in an all-black cylindrical shape of solid workmanship with overall reduced dimensions. We are talking about 53x53x146 mm per 440 g di peso. The body is “divided” in the receiving section of the voice and its base where its tech magic takes place, which we will tell you later in the article. On the bottom we find the XLR connector input, so make sure you have a suitable cable as it is not included in the package. On the contrary, in the package we find, in addition to the microphone, a practical guide, a swivel support and two adapters to be able to mount the microphone on different structures.
From a first touch we notice that Elgato’s Wave DX maintains the company’s high standards in terms of quality of materials and resistance. We immediately feel that we are faced with a well-made object, designed to protect the magic that happens inside it.
Technology
Precisely on this point the Wave DX gives its best. We are in front of a microphone specialized for streaming which exploits the cardioid recording to return exceptional audio. This type of recording uses the cardioid polar pattern for optimize volume and sound quality and minimize external noise. These are also reduced by a internally built pop filter which eliminates voice disturbances when pronouncing letters such as P and T.
Only your voice will be protected by the Wave DX technology indeed, it will be enhanced thanks to a voice optimizer which returns a warm and truthful sound, without altering the natural sound of your voice. Meanwhile, the built-in receiver captures both low and high frequencies isolating unwanted sounds.
The Elgato ecosystem in support of the Wave DX
The great peculiarity of the Wave DX microphone is its ability to adapt to con other Elgato streamer tools. For the writing of this review, thanks to the friends of Elgato, we had the mood to try together with the new Wave DX microphone, two old acquaintances from the company’s catalog: the Wave XLR mixer and the Wave Mic Arm LP.
Wave Mic Arm LP
LP sta per Low Profile and is the main and ingenious feature of this articulated arm by Elgato. The arm, in plastic and black metal, attaches to the desk with a classic clamp support but differs from the other supports for a minimal design that develops from the bottom instead of the top. This translates into a much wider visual freedom compared to the arms that “dangle” from above, continuing to guarantee great precision in directing the voice towards the microphone.
The LP design also allows you to easily move the microphone when not in use to avoid any kind of hindrance. A series of articulated points allow unparalleled maneuverability and versatility, for a total of 4 pivot points including the articulated head, where the microphone will be attached. Icing on the cake, the central body of the arm can open thanks to magnetic covers to contain the microphone cable and hide it from view.
Wave XLR
To complete the mix (pass us the term) of the perfect streamer, we find the Wave XLR, Elgato’s mixer with a compact USB interface to get the most out of our microphone. The audio interface offered by Wave XLR allows you to achieve excellent levels of quality and maneuverability of our audio. By attaching the microphone with XLR cable, we will be able to take advantage of the Elgato’s proprietary anti-distortion technology for even better recording quality.
The Wave XLR is in line with the colors, materials and design of the Elgato Wave line. The device consists of a single central knob with which to adjust the volume, set the gain or crossfade between PC audio and Microphone. The knob can in fact be pressed to switch from one function to another while on the upper part of the box, a touch button turn the microphone on and off in one tap.
Our test of the Elgato Wave DX microphone and supporting ecosystem
We tried the Elgato Wave DX for this review for about two weeks during which it became an integral part of our live stream setting.
To begin with, we are faced with a very simple microphone to assemble and use, a real one plug-and-play for everyone. However, this simplicity must not deceive you because the work it manages to do is complex and sensational. The audio recording quality is excellent for any use you make of it. As anticipated, we used it for our live streams (You already follow our Twitch channel … right ??), for business meetings and for serious team work on Destiny 2. In each scenario, the microphone proved to be up to the task and we have received feedback of astonishment from those who listened to us several times.
High quality materials and technology are also evident in the Wave XLR is in the Wave Mic Arm LP. The latter has made our joy in the last two weeks. Despite the hard work as a streamer we have always preferred to keep the microphones on a rather basic stand to avoid getting in the way but this fantastic arm has made us think again. There versatility, ease of use and excellent stability they converted us into big Low Profile fans.
Likewise the Wave XLR has allowed us to facilitate our movements on the screen, for example while we are playing live. We were able to turn down the audio or microphone volume so quickly that we avoided the famous alt + tab between game and desktop that can hide unexpected crashes. We also recommend combining the Wave XLR with the Wave Link, Elgato’s software to get even more from the already rich Wave family.
The Wave DX review in brief
Whether you are an experienced, aspiring streamer, use the microphone to communicate with your playmates or for business meetings, Elgato’s Wave DX microphone is the new frontier in terms of quality, ease of use and versatility. Used together with the ecosystem of the Elgato Wave line, you will be able to get the most out of an instrument that is already able to give you the best audio quality.