Elgato Wave XLR Streamer Interface Review / Explained

Рет қаралды 104,083

Күн бұрын

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the Elgato WaveXLR. This thing essentially turns any XLR mic into a Wave3. This has 75dB of gain for your microphone (so yes it can drive the Shure SM7b), it has a digital mixer to mix multiple digital sound sources, and also has a clipboard feature to ensure you don’t distort your analog to digital converters. Regarding the A/D converters it is 24-bit 48/96kHz, which is great.
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00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure
00:30 - Signal Chain for Testing
00:56 - What’s in the Box
01:13 - Build Quality
01:48 - Walkthrough of Features
04:05 - Specifications
04:53 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
06:00 - Clipguard Test
06:49 - Low-cut / High Pass Filter Test
07:45 - Interface Mute Test
08:35 - Preamp Gain Noise Test
09:30 - Latency Test
10:23 - Software Walkthrough
14:49 - Pros & Cons
17:57 - Recommendation
20:59 - Outro
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Пікірлер: 327

@christiantheimprovguy1769 2 жыл бұрын

Elgato really has their youtube reviewer game dialed in, and there have been a bunch of reviews of the WaveXLR out for a while now. But I've been waiting to for your review to know how it actually sounds, cuz you do such good (and trustworthy) work. Thank you for all your hard work on this channel. That was another great in-depth review!

@ELJefeReviews 2 жыл бұрын

I don't say this to you enough. Thank you for all the hard work on videos like this. You are a gem for people in need of help with a purchase decision!

@TabulaRasaRol 2 жыл бұрын

Got this interface/mixer since release to upgrade my USB Q2U to XLR and I'm very happy. Looked forward to your video to double-check my decision of buying it. 10/10 :D Thanks for the video, Bandrew!

@itscarlosreally 2 жыл бұрын

Okay, I've been waiting for your opinion on this. Now I can decide!

@mikokb 2 жыл бұрын

Been using this for about 3 weeks now with my SM7b and I love it. Can't wait for VST support!

@margagomezcomedy 2 жыл бұрын

I just got the Rode NT-1 and excited to see you using it. Your reviews are awesome.

@piggradio1766 Жыл бұрын

Hi there. I've watched a few of your reviews of various things and just had to let you know how much I appreciate them. I love your style, your presentation, your wonderful sense of humor, and how helpful and well organized your information always is. Thank you very much for all your work and energy that you put into this. Cheers!

@theofficialsara 2 жыл бұрын

Let me just add that I love you and your content. Long time viewer and even though I haven't been in the market for audio equipment for a while I still watch your videos. Awesome content and I appreciate you.

@ChrisSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

this was a product I expected to be somewhat underwhelmed by compared to other interfaces at it's price range.... but... honestly.... this fits the use case it was designed for incredibly well. I personally need a more flexible interface from an I/O standpoint, but even with my additional needs for a combo of voice over and playing with instruments this is something I would consider as a pure streaming tool if I was making an income in that area and wanted to be able to store stream settings (for the combos of in ear/stream mixing) and a (good) mute button. So, well done elgato on a decently made very specifically targeted product.

@xray111xxx 2 жыл бұрын

What an awesome piece of kit. This the streamer king for all it does and how easy it is. Elgato is doing all of us a great favor. Bravo to them. I love the easy Mute control too. Super Portable too which is great. I know for what it is and I don't need anything else. A new recommendation for my friends that want to stream at work and they are not tech geeks. So easy and smart. I like it!

@JusttheWatch 2 жыл бұрын

I've been using a Yamaha AG06 mixer as my audio interface, but it's a bit overkill for what I typically do. I got it for streaming our church services so that I could also broadcast the piano playing. Thinking of getting a simpler interface for my computer for recording voice overs and doing live streaming for my KZfaq channel.

@michaelj.akaswifty 2 жыл бұрын

Andrew hits another home run...well done!

@dickginkowski6071 2 жыл бұрын

This reminded me at times of the Evo 4 (which I bought on your recommendation). I kept thinking would be nice to have that much gain on the Evo 4!

@lucasb409 2 жыл бұрын

I wish this had two XLR inputs! I would love to just have VST support & with TWO microphones utilizing the 9 channels to produce podcasts without all that extra gear. WOW. This would have made it a killer in the podcasting industry. Elgato is definitely getting a lot of things right though

@Kyeorii 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I would love to see a buying guide for audio interfaces in the future. I'm pretty new to the audio space and wanna get into using an XLR mic but there are so many entry interfaces nowadays.

@JunkBondTrader 2 жыл бұрын

Behringer UMC202HD is excellent for its price. Very low noise floor, and clean outputs. Better than the Scarlett 2i2, but that's also a good choice.

@chocolatemooki4172 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this review Bandrew! The one I was waiting for. I'm going to get this along with an Electro-Voice RE20!

@PakGM 2 жыл бұрын

Do you have suggestion which one should I get? Wave 3, or Shure SM7B with Wave XLR? I mostly use it for livestreaming and content creating for gaming

@Podcastage 2 жыл бұрын

If money is no object in this situation, it really comes down to which one you like the sound of.

@TisMeBc Жыл бұрын

@@Podcastage this comment here helped me immensely, i never really considered the "what do i like" always just what was most popularly conceived as good. I fell in love with the Ethos when i heard it and thats what i picked up. As well as the Wave XLR because mute buttons are kinda important. thanks bandrew!

@AJ_Stone 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I am late watching it because I wasn't sure I would get one. Then today Alpha Gaming (Senpai Gaming) touched on the new updates. I'd love to see you revisit this with the updates. You are far more in depth, and I appreciate that.

@conkerbunker 2 жыл бұрын

Great review and info as always!

@xxwallstreetxx 2 жыл бұрын

Having been the kid that named my iPod Dookie way back I'm the day. I appreciate your name selection.

@iamdriy 2 жыл бұрын

I've been waiting for this review to drop for a minute lol.

@hilmethan 2 жыл бұрын

If I didn't have the goxlr mini this would be absolutely perfect for me, I don't stream often but the volume controls and mixes are so nice for day to day use.

@CrispyTuckley Жыл бұрын

Thank you for such a comprehensive video!

@KasuyaMofu 2 жыл бұрын

that's I've looking forward review. nice heavy box

@andreaspeas Жыл бұрын

Great video for people that are not audi-geeks but just want something that sounds good! Thank you! :)

@Podcastage Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome. Glad it was accessible and easy to understand. I'm very happy to learn that. Happy recording.

@greatwolftactical1793 2 жыл бұрын

I hope Elgato is making a full but small mixer with the Elgato Wavelink software. 2 XLR/combination ports, line in, monitor out, etc. I think they might be able to sell quite a few at the $300 price range.

@torugonza 2 жыл бұрын

Impressive audio, men

@OpusWolf 2 жыл бұрын

Something people should know is that there is audio bugs even with the 1.3 version of the software. 1.2.1 is a decent work around till it's fixed. Basically, it's constantly resetting your windows audio. Streaming music, saved music, youtube, all unable to even attempt to play. Constantly loading or just straight says "Unable to play the audio". Saved audio just kept restarting @ 0.01 into any given song.

@OpusWolf 2 жыл бұрын

@@ghostedsuicide I tried using that, but I don't have a wave mic, so that was a bust

@sefa3560 2 жыл бұрын

Great videos thanks!

@fca6596 2 жыл бұрын

0:18 I always like it when Bandrew tells me the price right in the beginning.

@LucaDePazzi 2 жыл бұрын

Soo nice! Incredible review! Quick question: does it work good on Mac (m1)? Thanks

@wtchree 2 жыл бұрын

The software features which come with this interface look cool and easy to use! However, the separate audio mixing for applications can be achieved with similar results by using an ASIO-supported interface and Odeus ASIO Link Pro software, which is used to route audio into virtual ASIO channels. Also a bunch of ESI audio interfaces (ESI MAYA22, for example) have DirectWIRE software driver with WDM, MME and ASIO routing options, unfortunately that one seems to be Windows-only.

@alfrancismanaloto 2 жыл бұрын

Love the Black Bay and hoodie!

@Podcastage 2 жыл бұрын

thank you very much. i love the bb58.

@AldousTyler 2 жыл бұрын

There's just ONE vital thing this needs is the ability to let each audio device hear the whole mix MINUS that channel - very handy if you are taking a "caller" via any number of sources.

@AJCoReTV 2 жыл бұрын

Goxlr routing table allows this. That’s what I use, but as I transition to Mac… I’m searching for a Mac compatible goxlr, which doesn’t exist yet.

@healthyinspirations6692 2 жыл бұрын

As I have a Heil PR40 and am looking for a high gain interface for Zoom meetings, this seems perfect. Thanks for a great review. Any tips using it with Zoom would be great.

@RingoFreakingStarr 2 жыл бұрын

For a push to talk/push to mute pedal, I've been using this "throne pedal" because it has very little "clip" when you engage it. Those push to talk/push to mute pedals on Amazon all have very audible clip sounds when you engage their switch.

@ImNotTheCar 2 жыл бұрын

I've been wondering about a mute pedal.. What kind of "throne pedal" do you mean?

@JCerris 2 жыл бұрын

Hi @Podcastage recently an update came out that officially adds I think VST 2 & 3 plugins to this interface and the Wave microphones. I'm not well versed in this space, but I believe this is a great addition.

@Podcastage 2 жыл бұрын

I heard this and checked but it's not available yet for Mac. I want to try it out and demo it so bad.

@JCerris 2 жыл бұрын

@@Podcastage Darn, hope they at least release a beta for Mac soon. Love your channel btw, came for the reviews and stayed for the personality. Happy Holidays!

@cyberdefenseddi 2 жыл бұрын

Good review!

@back_number 2 жыл бұрын

clipguard feature is amazing

@sirnigelcogs 2 жыл бұрын

I bet at some point they're going to come out with a Wave XLR Pro which comes with extra IO. The preamp seems pretty good and the EIN rating looks good, except I notice it's dBv instead of dBa. How do dBv and dBa compare?

@yourforeignlocal 2 жыл бұрын

Wow the Wave Link app seems to consolidate all the key streaming features/options in a really easy to understand, user-friendly format. Was thinking of getting a Yamaha AG06 but maybe not anymore :p

@DJ-Vixo 2 жыл бұрын

man i would love for you to finally review the shure sm35 xlr been waiting a couple years XDD

@andrews.9286 2 жыл бұрын

I preferred the sound of the NT-1 over the SM7B.

@drewcastillo7746 2 жыл бұрын

i know you can add EQ to OBS when streaming. but it would be nice to have EQ on the software

@TabsOnTech 2 жыл бұрын

Patiently waiting on your Presonus io24 review before pulling the trigger on the Wave XLR because I want to see which one plays nicer with an iPad Pro (USB-C). Pretty sure the Presonus is bus powered but not sure how much juice it draws and whether or not an iPad can power it directly via USB-C.

@TheFrankinspain 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Sir!! I love the way you deliver your videos...nice and nitty gritty!! Which interface would you recommend a mere mortal to use for recording music, of course, and that can intergrate with OBS to feed Zoom/Skype/ Meet etc. that is to say; something that can route music, video and online media (KZfaq?). I teach online and have to put audio and video into the lessons....yes...I want it all!! The waveXLR only does one of these and seems to do it well...I had an excellent interface but it decided to move on to monitor heaven RIP it was really good although old.....I nearly forgot!! it needs enough power to run a dynamic Mic as well as Condensor of course. At the moment my interface died I rushed out and bought a cheap interface I thourght would get me through the crisis (Presonus Audiobox 96) it's mane is all I have to say about that paper weight...Thanks for your vids even if you don't answer....at least noboby else has...Life as a mere mortal I suppose.

@somecallmetim2580 2 жыл бұрын

Gotta love the barebones approach for folks who don't need/want all the extras. Also, ate two 2oz bags of chips while watching this.

@JorgeLG 2 жыл бұрын

It is made for just one person using it with one mic XLR and all the features of the wave link software

@caiuVOD 2 жыл бұрын

Great review. For virtual audio mixing I will still use Voicemeeter Potato. Can I use the Wave software only for clipguard and route Wave link audio inside voicemeeter?

@lvc394 2 жыл бұрын

For me it looks like the one button control could cause mistakes and confusion, but the computer interface looks good. Still it is not a future proof item. Once you need more inputs you will buy something else and this will sit on the shelf or get sold for half what you paid for it.

@KiranTheSecond 2 жыл бұрын

16:25 If you have a stream deck there is a cool plugin in it that can mute the Microphone input or any input / output device that you select in the settings. I use that to mute my mic.

@pip5528 2 жыл бұрын

Pretty cool but I'm happy with my Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen and plan on getting outboard gear in the future.

@onlymyopiniontech 2 жыл бұрын

The mute is a nice touch. It sounds like you’re rolling a volume control up and down. Much less in your face.

@Pentti_Hilkuri 2 жыл бұрын

"and also has a clipboard feature to ensure you don’t distort your analog to digital converters" Looks like you have some auto-correction going on in the description =)

@ivanmdzz_6300 2 жыл бұрын

bro please do an special video for what mics and setting use to beatbox

@ericmels9366 2 жыл бұрын

Can you make a comparison of the microphone Rode nt1 and Neuman tlm 102 What would be better for recording vocals? Thank you!

@jacobisalemon 2 жыл бұрын

The whole time I was wondering why this even needed to exist and then you mentioned the digital inputs. Much easier to have someone set that up than use VAC or voicemeter, so I can at least see some value. My question is whether or not you could use a wireless headset like the G pro X from logitech with this without any issue. If anyone knows please lemme know, i know this was an issue with the original launch of the wave 3

@SecretlySeven 11 ай бұрын

I just wanted an interface for my mic that had a big knob. Glad to know it's decent.

@Podcastage 11 ай бұрын

Yeah it's a very functional device. Glad the video could help.

@damolin77 2 жыл бұрын

I feel you get more with the Behringer um2 and is half the price.

@luckydony6375 2 жыл бұрын

What I like the most about this is that I don't need to get a cloudlifter for my Sm7b since I didn't.have the budget for a cloudlifter and a Scarlett 2i2

@JunkBondTrader 2 жыл бұрын

if you ever did need an inline booster in the future, don't get the cloudlifter. May I suggest the DM1 Dynamite? It's half the price, offers slightly more gain than the cloudlifter, and most people feel it is as, or more transparent than the cloudlifter. it's fairly new and made by a lesser known company, bu they can be found on Amazon. It works great. makes my RE20 sound so much better. Plus they are made to look like dynamite :p

@RubenGallegoRodriguez 2 жыл бұрын

I have downloaded the software, I have installed it but I do not get the message that according to the instructions should appear to activate the extension. When I open the Security and Privacy folders, this extension does not appear, so the controls do not work and I cannot add more channels. Could you help please

@daltonkjensen 2 жыл бұрын

Is this a good interface for the RODE NTG3? If not, what would you recommend?

@Snwyball 2 жыл бұрын

My problem is that my stream mix part (stream output), will not work at all. I get no sound there and when I try to stream I cant hear anything. Can anyone help me with this?

@HayesGamingTV 2 жыл бұрын

Can I use a xlr mic and wave 3 USB mic at the same time?

@stevetimko1461 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like it would work well for a ribbon microphone.

@maichouking5826 2 жыл бұрын

Please take a review of budget dynamic mic JBL CSH10

@kenyontech 2 жыл бұрын

One group might be a single audio book or Voiceover artist. I am considering this for someone who is totally new to all the recording gear But I would like to have the option of different mics. Do you think this will work well for that? The preamps are powerful but are they quiet enough? Thanks

@lilScruffers 6 ай бұрын

heya Mister podcastage! i'm wondering if i should get the sm7db or sm7b for this elagto wave xlr, since it seems pretty user friendly, and i'm not that knowledgeable on all the buttons some xlrs have! i just wanna use it to stream, and do fun voice over, as an upgrade to my 10 yr old rode nt usb, i wanna get a dynamic so that background and side audio doesnt pick up as much noise.

@MichaelZwahlen 2 жыл бұрын

Podcastage is the Wave xlr Software the best solution for hybrid Schooling? Teacher with a Mic and some soundbox for the voiceaudio to the classroom from students sitting at home? What solution/softwaremhardware is recomended?

@mchl_mchl 2 жыл бұрын

Will this software allow me to monitor my modmic wireless with zero latency? Can you add a input source?

@hypxr3285 2 жыл бұрын

would personally recommend a scarlett solo gen3 for the price.

@MissKalunji Жыл бұрын

what's the purpose of the actual device if you have to control everything with your mouse in the App? just connecting your microphone to it?

@blackraen 2 жыл бұрын

16:15 As someone whose primary home mic usage is for remote work Conferencing, Presentation, and general voice communication with some side streaming mixed in, a physical mute button is pretty much mandatory. Nobody wants to listen to my dogs bark for 20 seconds while I hunt for the software mute, and knowing that I'm muted at the hardware level can be really important when having local conversations. I've been dying to replace my Blue Yeti for a long time, but because of my use nature, I was having a hard time finding an interface that would fit into my use-case. This looks like *THE* interface I needed. That capacitive touch, fade-in/fade-out mute feature is probably my highest priority, and knowing that it has the amps to run even an SM7b means I can keep my setup nice and simple. I'm not particularly fond of Elgato because I feel like they make and market products to "The Streamers(tm)" the same was Razer makes and markets for "The Gamers(tm)" -- That is, the bare minimum effort in terms of product with a dependency on the label to carry the sale. This interface however seems perfect.

@lillettuce 2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree, I'm thinking of picking this up simply for the mute feature.

@bassyey 2 жыл бұрын

Elgato is one of those gamer trash.

@blackraen 2 жыл бұрын

Ended up getting this interface. The built-in zero-latency monitor has a very strange sound to it and does not give a good representation of what your recording will sound like. In the end, probably good enough for streaming, but the monitor is not very good at giving you an idea how your recording will sound.

@stevemiles6451 2 жыл бұрын

Please can you review the Vault ai22 interface, it has an impressive price, has two channels. But need to know how it performs

@npfitnesstx Жыл бұрын

What other interface do you recommend for Mac to Sm7b? Currently got the Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen but don’t like the software apps for it.

@johnkotches8320 2 жыл бұрын

Seems like the product is well targeted. Is it just me, or do the Audient eVos and this have superficially similar designs?

@Jbzy3000 Жыл бұрын

I’m late to the game but I really like this module. I use the podtrak p4 for m game streaming but I really don’t like to run it for 4-6!hours. Hmm I like this a lot. Thanks for review and honesty.

@Podcastage Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome. IT's a pretty neat device if you don't need some of the features which are missing. Happy recording.

@LeonithOneil 2 жыл бұрын

can you review the Tech Recording X8 Condenser Microphone?

@RiantoEffendi Ай бұрын

if sm7b with cloudlifter and wave xlr , is better? or no need cloudlifter caused waste money?

@boomerbob 2 жыл бұрын

My sole issue with this… as mentioned on another video, is the lack of any included processing in the WaveLink software. Seems like an easy add.

@Podcastage 2 жыл бұрын

In harris' video they said they were working on vst plugins. I don't know if they mean real time processing or if it's computer based processing. Who knows.

@redjack2629 Жыл бұрын

Eeeey, I have a physical mute for similar reasons, but mine is a pedal. Mine needs to be held, but it also can be set to pust-to-talk mode with a switch.

@maichouking5826 2 жыл бұрын

Hello ... Can u please take a review of dynamic mic JBL CSHM 10

@Sedeerah 2 жыл бұрын

What is the name of the jam at 13:47 (or 14:11)? It slaps like crazy and I need it!

@AngelAngelesIII 2 жыл бұрын

Please review the Presonus Revelator IO

@definitelylukadoncic 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, can you tell me if you have any cord problems with the ksm8? thanks!

@esaedvik 2 жыл бұрын

You could just bind Discord's mute keybind to anything, even an external button, foot pedal or Streamdeck?

@saqlaq96 2 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know if through wave link one could emulate the loopback functionality of some interfaces (recording computer audio into a DAW)?

@mudstuff 2 жыл бұрын

Can you control studio monitors through this if they have usb? I figured I could connect speakers to pc via USB and then assign them to the system/3rd toggle on the wave xlr? I'm thinking for non-stream productivity - if I am video editing using speakers and a phone call comes through, I could mute the speakers with the wave xlr and put my headphones on? I know people have assigned usb mics to the device so I figure/hope you can assign speakers and use the 3rd toggle for them instead of stream mix? I suppose I could use the stream deck to mute the speakers but it would be great if they could be assigned to the wave xlr and use the volume dial and mute function.

@RedBeardedRabbit 2 жыл бұрын

There's a constant bass hum/buzz throughout this video... maybe around 60Hz? Did nobody else notice? I think it was a fan or something in your room but it made me think for a while there was 60Hz mains hum being picked up somehow by the interface, which wouldn't make any sense at all.

@SKIMER 2 жыл бұрын

12:30 How do you know that the background is red, if you can't see that color? I still can't really figure out how do colorblind people name the colors they can't see

@Podcastage 2 жыл бұрын

You can see red, certain shades are just difficult to see or impossible to differentiate. Look up the ishumura test (i think that’s what it’s called). After the first few slides, you just don’t see any numbers if you’re red green color blind.

@DalionHeartTTV 2 жыл бұрын

Lets Players in general could use it. I just bought one myself. I hope it is as good as the reviews claim.

@Maddocklifts07 2 жыл бұрын

You should re review the se electronics v7 cuz u didn’t do handling noise

@temskee6792 2 жыл бұрын

Can you use this pluging straight the usb c in the wall socket?

@MaskedMarble Жыл бұрын

What generation of NT1 were you using?

@Podcastage Жыл бұрын

Gen 4.

@wagonet 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@lukaslhg Жыл бұрын

hi could i set the wave xlr so that i listen to music and they can listen to my music on discord?

@TheSodingen627 7 ай бұрын

is it worth changing from my yamaha ag03 to this? or are there better options?

@Jwebbplayz 3 ай бұрын

Is this what I need to hear and send audio for dual pc audio ???

@prodbylemitri 2 жыл бұрын

can you review the MAONO A03T microphone please?

@orgz9589 8 ай бұрын

does it work the same for when recording gameplay and commenting on it as doing live streams, ( or only for live streams) **I just wanted to make sure am trying to record my ps5 gameplay and adjust the audio from game chat, in game audio and my voice