ElgatoWave XLR - Audio Mixer and 75 db Preamp for XLR Mic to USB-C, Control Interface with 48V Phantom Power, Tap-to-Mute, Digital Mixing Software for Streaming, Recording, Podcasting on Mac and PC

The Elgato Wave XLR is a great piece of equipment for your sound setup.While deciding whether or not to get this, I had to look at the benefits and drawbacks this device had in comparison to the GoXLR Mini. A drawback of this device is that, compared to the GoXLR Mini, the Elgato Wave XLR isn't as convenient because it lacks physical faders (the sliders for different sound sources). This could be a deal-breaker for some people, but it wasn't enough for me to ditch the option.In my opinion, the Wave XLR has many more benefits than the GoXLR Mini. The compact design of the Wave XLR makes my setup nice and tidy compared to the size of the GoXLR Mini. It fits perfectly on top of my computer, and its cable management is perfectly fine since all its ports are coming off the back.The Elgato Wave Link software is incredibly intuitive. It separates the audio into two potentially identical tracks: the monitor track and the stream track. Because of this, you can adjust your sound levels for your stream track (what the stream may hear or what an audience might hear) separately from what you hear (the monitor track). You can also switch between what track is currently playing through your headphones right on the software so that you can properly adjust the sound levels.The Wave XLR has VSTs for all audio sources, so you can add limiters, equalizers, noise gates, etc. to your microphone or any other sound. It also allows you to use your microphone with the VSTs on any program, so you can speak to your friends through Discord for example with your VSTs.There is a knob on the front of the device that lets you adjust the gain for the microphone you have plugged in. Fortunately, the Wave XLR has enough gain to power power-hungry microphones such as the Shure SM7B, so there is no need to worry about whether your microphone will ever be too quiet. You can push the knob to switch it from adjusting your microphone to your headphone level, and you can push it again to adjust how much of your microphone you hear back and how much of your system you hear back. Keep in mind that monitoring your microphone directly through the Wave XLR and NOT through the Wave Link software will NOT have any of the VSTs you put on.Overall, this is an amazing device, and for $40 cheaper than the GoXLR Mini, you are definitely getting enough bank for your buck. It has everything the GoXLR Mini has except the physical faders (sliders), and more. I would recommend this to any streamer who is looking for an audio interface that is compact and powerful enough to power a microphone like the Shure SM7B.

Easy to use. Best audio quality and integrations. Great bang for buck and usability. Zero Audio latency and easy to use.

The Elgato Wave XLR has been a great audio interface for my Shure SM7B. It’s a bit pricey, but this is because of the preamp it has inside. With this audio interface, you don’t really need a cloudlifter, or any other gain booster.This audio interface has a preamp with max of 75dB. Granted, you wouldn’t want to ever use 75dB with this as it will max out the preamp and introduce lots of white noise. With my Shure SM7B, I keep it at 57dB, but anywhere from like 55-60dB should work. You can even use an external preamp if you have extra money and want to have your elgato’s preamp lower.The size is great as it’s very small. It won’t occupy much of your desk.The software, wave link, is amazing too. You can use VST’s in wave link to further tune your voice or audio recording. No need for other software. Just add your VST’s into wave link and use the monitoring to hear the difference. These effects can also be put into game chats if you select the FX input. Very helpful to introduce some noise suppression in game. You can also get some usage of higher impedance headphones with this.There has been one concern though. While using it, I have noticed some popping or crackling whenever I speak randomly. I’m not sure if it’s because of my PC, the audio interface, my microphone, or my XLR cable. It could be any of those factors, I believe. Just keep this in mind that this could happen to you as well. I’m not sure if others can hear this crackling/popping, or if it’s just me. I use monitoring always so it could be from that.

A photo would not add much to my review. They show it quite well in the listing. I like this for so many reasons. It interfaces my mics (phantom powered or not) with my computer. It comes with a USB-C cord. Caution! Do not lose that cord. Some other ordinary USB-C cables will not pass the needed data for the Elgato! When mine failed to setup I discovered that I had accidentally changed cables. It was fine when I used the one, they sent with the unit. It has cool software that can incorporate other USB audio devices and controllers, and within the serious limitations of Windows handling of advanced USB audio, it can almost do miracles. Before getting the Elgato I struggled to find a consistent and reliable mic preamp. I use with a DAW (digital audio workstation) and simple audio editors alike. It has pretty loud headphone audio and you can mix live with program audio easily with the single big knob. It mutes almost too easily, as it just takes a tap on the backside to mute or unmute. Three back ports; Cannon 3-pin balanced mic, an eighth-inch stereo headphone jack and the USB-C which both powers the Elgato and manages audio. Simple and elegant. Well made. Happy I got one.