Elgato Wave:3 Premium Mic & Wave Arm review - Set up and stream
Whether you’re working from home communicating over video chat, conducting interviews for social media content or livestreaming a popular video game, having crystal clear audio is of the utmost importance.
Finding the right balance of cost and quality can be a challenging task and much like Elgato’s Facecam MK.2, this is where the Wave:3 Premium Microphone and Wave Mic Arm (High Rise) come into play, where quality and reasonable costs entwine.
Check out the Wave Mic Arm trailer below!
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The Wave:3 Premium Microphone is good to go straight out of the box. You can simply plug the USB-C into your PC or laptop and you’re all set. That being said, I would recommend downloading the free Elgato Wave Link desktop app because not only is this the place to install the latest updates but you can easily toggle various mic settings such as monitor and stream mix as well as overall audio volume, including a connected headset or earbuds.
The previous mic that I had been using was the Blue Yeti Nano which I purchased in 2018, and it is a good-quality mic. However, not only is the Wave:3 Premium Microphone smaller in height and width than the Blue Yeti Nano but it’s a lot lighter. Not including the detachable base, the Wave:3 Premium Microphone and its U-shaped mount weigh just 280g compared to the 630g for the Blue Yeti Nano. This not only makes it more mobile and takes up less space but it’s also more convenient taking the Wave:3 Premium Microphone on your travels.
The sleek design of the Wave:3 Premium Microphone also makes it more convenient if you want to attach it to a mobile device and of course, it includes a base to be mounted for placing on any workspace area. In terms of the audio quality, the built-in cardioid condenser capsule, the low-latency digital converter and the multilayered wave shield not only achieve crystal clear audio but also reduce outside noise. It has an easy-to-access touch-sensitive mute button and a volume dial that can switch between mic gain, monitor volume and mic/PC mix when clicked and it has the customary 3.5mm audio jack for a wired headset connection.
If you would prefer not to use the mount stand that is provided in the box, you’ll be pleased to know that the Wave:3 Premium Microphone has universal compatibility with arm mic booms. Yet, as I found out with my cheap and clunky mic arm that I purchased for £20, you pay for what you get. That cheap mic arm felt like it wouldn't support a heavier mic comfortably and it just looked ugly, which couldn't be further from the truth with Elgato’s Wave Mic Arm.
The Wave Mic Arm is made of solid metals yet feels very durable with its anti-torsion construction compared to the cheap arm that I had purchased. It's also very flexible and can be adjusted at 360-degree horizontal and 90-degree upper vertical rotation. What’s more, again unlike my cheap mic arm, the cables from your mic can be neatly tucked away under the magnetic covers so that it looks nice and tidy.
The Wave Mic Arm is also fairly easy to set up, even for someone as hand-fisted and riddled with arthritis as I. Granted, I still needed the manual but it had taken me no longer than 10 to 15 minutes to get it set up and firmly clamped onto my work desk. Speaking of the clamp, it also has a padded clamp so that you won't have to worry about it scratching your desk.
In terms of height and reach, the Wave Mic Arm has a reach of 740mm and Elgato claims it can withstand a weight of up to 750g. My Wave:3 Premium Microphone weighs nowhere near that amount, so I was unable to test the maximum weight for this review. The reach of the Wave Mic Arm is ideal for my small desk and can easily be adjusted to move closer to where I am sitting. It does come with a detachable height riser, which I did not need to use due to my small proximity. You can purchase a separate arm extension if need be.
The Wave:3 Premium Microphone represents good value for money with its RRP of £159.99, if you’re after a quality, light and versatile mic. You may even find it cheaper if you shop online. The RRP of £89.99 for the Wave Mic Arm may seem expensive for what it is but compared to the cheap alternatives that you can get, neither item featured in this review would be a purchase you’d regret.
The Elgato Wave:3 Premium Microphone and Wave Mic Arm were provided for review by Corsair Gaming.
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