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Elgato Wave DX in the test: XLR microphone convinces with sound and price

Sep 30, 2022

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Compared to the price, the Wave DX offers a very good voice reproduction. At the same time, the XLR microphone is excellently processed. It is difficult to find a real criticism of this product. This is different with the Wave XLR audio interface, which is also available – at least as far as the price is concerned.

Table of contents

Processing , design and price
Controls and connections
Technology, frequency response, pop protection
Wave XLR: The right audio interface
Sound: Very convincing capabilities
1. Sample recordings: Elgato Wave DX
2. Sample recordings of the competitors
Conclusion

Workmanship, design and price

The Wave DX, which is available at an RRP of 120 euros, easily fits into Elgato's current portfolio in terms of design. Those who already know the Wave:3 (test) will immediately recognize the Wave DX as a family member.

In contrast to its USB brother, the microphone, which is also encased in a matte black metal jacket, is shaped more like a square tube. The outer shell merges seamlessly into the protective grille of the dynamic microphone, which shows the high-quality workmanship. At the same time, the DX appears very robust.

The materials used are also reflected in the weight: At 440 g, the Wave DX is not necessarily a lightweight, but should not cause any major problems with standard microphone arms. If you don't have one yet, you can go directly to the MIC Arm or MIC Arm LP offered by Elgato for the Wave DX, which are not exactly cheap at around 100 euros each, but are extremely stable. Alternatively, it is possible to purchase one of the many available and cheaper universal mounts, which often have their disadvantages in terms of stability. However, they should initially be sufficient for beginners on a small budget.

Due to the design of the Elgato arm, however, it is difficult to attach a separate pop protection. The Wave DX, on the other hand, can be easily screwed on anywhere, the necessary adapter from 3/8'' to 5/8' provided directly by the manufacturer. However, the microphone does not come with its own table stand.

The connection for such a microphone arm is attached directly to the side of the microphone, whereby the Wave DX can be moved a little too easily – a tighter lock would not necessarily have been a disadvantage at this point. In its existing form, a light touch is enough to adjust the microphone. Elgato does not offer a spider to decouple the DX and thus prevent noise caused by vibrations. With the selected design, however, one of the countless universal solutions could work, although it must be tested in individual cases whether the microphone finds the necessary support.

Controls and connections

The term “simple” can not only refer to the exterior of the Wave DX, but also to its equipment with a view to the controls. As an XLR microphone, many connections such as for headphones, USB connection to the computer and the like are omitted, so that the test candidate only has an XLR connection on its underside. A mute switch is also usually looked for in vain with this type of microphone.

The professional claim of the Wave DX is also underlined by the fact that the manufacturer does not include any additional accessories with it. Among other things, the buyer has to provide his own cable.

Technology, frequency response, pop protection

According to the manufacturer, the Wave DX offers a frequency response of 50 Hz to 15 kHz and is therefore mainly suitable for voice recordings and less for instruments. As already mentioned, Elgato does not offer a shock mount for the microphone, although the DX already has internal decoupling. However, this does not work nearly as effectively as an external solution due to the small space: In the test, even light touches of the table were transmitted to the microphone via the arm. On the other hand, the internal filter for plosives, which the Wave DX has, does its job better. The manufacturer specifies an optimal distance of 8 to 12 cm from the sound source to the microphone, but in the test even a shorter distance didn't throw the DX out of step. If you want to get closer to the DX for a fuller vocal image, you should still use an external pop filter as a precaution.

< img src="/wp-content/uploads/353e4bb8e77395b77cab2325553e7bb9.jpg" /> Stops have little effect on the Wave DX

Wave XLR: The right audio interface

The dynamic microphone requires an audio interface with an XLR connector to operate, but no 48 volt phantom power. Elgato offers the Wave XLR for users who do not yet have an interface between the microphone and PC/Mac. Connected to the respective computer via USB-C, it forwards the recording at a sampling rate of either 48 kHz or 96 kHz in a fixed resolution of 24 bits.

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In addition, it basically offers the same operation as users are used to from some USB microphones from the manufacturer (e.g. the Wave:3): With the large rotary wheel, the input volume of the microphone and the volume of the headphones that can be connected via the rear can be adjusted separately for latency-free monitoring and the volume balance between the microphone and the sum of the other sources. A short press on the control element switches through the settings mentioned, a long press also activates the already mentioned phantom power of 48 volts. Elgato has also placed the mute function on the sloping top, which can be activated with a simple touch of the sensor button and thus operates silently.

The Wave Link software, which is also available for the Wave DX, serves as an interface between the microphone and the respective software for recording or broadcasting. It offers additional setting options such as a low-pass filter in the levels 80 Hz and 120 Hz or the integration of various effects in VST3 or AU format.

In addition, the software can be used as a mixer, with which up to nine different sources can be mixed together, which can be imported both from internal programs and from outside via the sound card. In addition to the nine input channels, the software provides two streams for further use: If desired, two different mixes for two different services or one of the two channels can be used purely as a monitor track.

However, the Wave XLR has a proud RRP of 170 euros. Here, other well-known manufacturers have significantly greater functionality and equipment for half of what is required. It is not uncommon for buyers to find two XLR inputs here, which also contain a jack connection for additional microphones, MIDI connections or additional outputs for better monitoring. The Wave XLR doesn't offer any of that.

Sound: Very convincing abilities

With the right audio interface, the Wave DX reproduces the voice in high quality and thus offers a very good sound. Compared to its USB brother Wave:3, the voice appears fuller and more direct, which means that it operates just on the level of a M 70 Pro X from beyerdynamic (test), but only costs around half. However, the Wave DX has to admit defeat compared to the manufacturer's M 90 Pro X. It builds up even more pressure and heat – which is to be expected at an RRP of around 300 euros. A typical “radio voice” is therefore not possible with the Elgato microphone without post-processing. Still, it's a good choice for podcasts, dubbing, or just streaming.

In addition, the Wave DX can hardly throw anything off course. It already gets along well with plosive sounds and even the disturbances artificially created in the test did not affect it very much. Although they can still be heard, they recede into the background, which means that the voice can still be clearly understood.