Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 Review: Audio interface with ingenious new features

The Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 is an all-in-one microphone interface and mixer that combines XLR microphones with 80 dB gain, a built-in DSP processor and seamless stream-deck integration – and aims to set a new standard for desktop audio in the creator sector.

A few years ago, with the first Wave XLR, Elgato launched a professional audio interface for XLR microphones such as its own Wave DX, which combined a compact design with an incredibly beginner-friendly operating concept. With the new Elgato Wave XLR MK.2, the manufacturer is sticking to this concept and expanding it with a whole range of useful improvements that should not only delight streamers and creators. Our test.

Technical data of the Elgato Wave XLR MK.2

Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 review: design and workmanship

At first glance, the Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 looks just like the first version. Same black plastic housing, same large rotary control at the front, same connections at the back. However, a second glance reveals some improvements to the details of the compact audio interface, which measures 93 mm x 118 mm x 73 mm and weighs around 320 grams.

The compact housing blends elegantly into any setup and stands out clearly from its predecessor with its striking, illuminated encoder ring. The most striking new design element is the LED RGB encoder ring, which surrounds the control knob and changes color dynamically depending on the activated control mode.

This means you know at a glance whether you are adjusting the gain, the headphone output or the mic/PC mix without even having to look at the screen. Compared to its predecessor, the LED ring is easier to read than the dot display on the first edition.

The touch-to-mute function on the top of the Wave XLR MK. 2 reacts capacitively, i.e. without mechanical pressure. A single tap is enough to mute. In everyday use, this is one of the features that you won’t want to do without after a short time: lightning-fast, silent and reliable.

There are the familiar connections at the back: one XLR for the microphone, one USB-C for connecting to a PC or notebook and one 3.5 mm jack for headphones and headsets for monitoring.

Another exciting innovation that is sure to please many: The Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 is modular. The front knob and faceplate can be easily removed and replaced with other colors or designs. According to Elgato, there will be many new design options after the launch. Great for anyone who appreciates an individual look.

The new features of the Elgato Wave XLR MK.2

When it comes to the design of the Elgato Wave XLR MK.2, the manufacturer has opted for the tried and tested. However, the second edition has made significant technical improvements in direct comparison. The first Wave XLR was already a technically convincing audio interface that impressed with its clear and detailed sound. But, spoiler alert, the Wave XLR MK.2 should meet even the most demanding requirements.

The biggest innovation is the Wave FX Processor: a dedicated DSP chip that processes professional effects such as EQ, compressor, expander, low cut and voice tune directly on the hardware. This means that effects do not run on the computer’s CPU, but on the device itself. The result is an optimized, perfectly tuned voice reproduction. And in real time, without the interface having to go through the software first.

In practice, this means that you have all the effects directly on the microphone. No matter which program, game or app you use it in. This also makes it much easier to select the recording device, as a virtual “Wave FX” device containing the effects is no longer created. They run directly via the connected mic. Fewer audio devices, even more intuitive use. Great for amateurs, brilliant for professionals, as this is even faster and more reliable in practice.

This processor was developed in cooperation with LEWITT Audio, a renowned Austrian microphone manufacturer. And with the RAY or LCT 440 PURE, for example, they have really convincing XLR microphones on offer, which I can only warmly recommend. Here you get the valued LEWITT sound directly in your interface, for every microphone (and yes, this can make even a cheap XLR microphone sound much better). The signal chain runs seamlessly through Clipguard, DSP onboard effects and VST inserts in a single, uninterrupted path. Without virtual microphone detours or complicated routing workarounds.

And then there’s Clipguard 2.0: the intelligent anti-distortion system has been further improved compared to its predecessor and now protects the signal from clipping on several levels simultaneously – no matter how loud it suddenly gets. Anyone who has ever spoken too loudly in the middle of a live stream due to excitement and then had to save the distorted recording knows how valuable this is. Another new feature is the Auto Gain Wizard: press and hold the encoder for five seconds, speak briefly into the microphone and the device sets the optimum gain value fully automatically. No more tedious manual leveling, no more trial and error with new microphones.

The monitoring has also been fundamentally revised following feedback from the community. The improved monitor mixer now allows much finer control over what exactly you hear in the headphones – mic/PC mixing modes and effect monitoring can be set separately if wired headphones are connected.

Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 in practical test

I have been using the first Wave XLR for many years because I appreciate the audio interface for its clean, detailed sound and intuitive operation, especially in combination with the powerful Wave Link software.

After weeks of use with various microphones, from dynamic classics such as the Shure SM7B to the Elgato Wave DX or RODE PodMic, I can say that the Wave XLR MK.2 delivers what it promises. The 80 dB gain reserves are sufficient to drive any standard XLR microphone with low noise. And offer more than enough reserves to drive even gain-hungry mics. This is a noticeable step up from its predecessor.

The intuitive and beginner-friendly commissioning and use is particularly pleasing. Connect the interface to your PC or notebook, plug in the XLR microphone and you’re ready to go. Almost the convenience of a USB microphone, but via XLR. No Focurite or Audioent can do this in such a beginner-friendly way.

Although the Elgato Wave XLR MK. 2 is of course limited in its choice of connections. Some competitors, some of which are cheaper, come with two XLR inputs, additional 6.3 mm inputs and other ports, which are conspicuous by their absence here. If this is important to you, you’ve come to the wrong place. But: Elgato also (finally) has a solution for this – in the form of the new Elgato Wave XLR Pro audio interface.

Onboard effects and monitoring

But back to the Wave XLR MK. 2. The onboard effects such as compressor, EQ, expander and low cut can be adjusted directly via Wave Link and don’t sound like cheap post-processing, but noticeably improve the sound. In a high-quality, reliable way. The compressor in particular is pleasantly transparent: if you’re not specifically looking for it, you’ll hardly notice that it’s active – and that’s exactly the aim.

The VST insert function via the Wave FX Processor is a real highlight for advanced users: plugins such as Reverb or Voice Changer can be seamlessly integrated into the signal chain without virtual microphones or workarounds and with ultra-low monitoring latency. A number of VST plug-ins can be found in Elgato’s Marketplace or online, which can be quickly and easily applied directly to the microphone.

The Auto Gain Wizard is also an ingenious new feature. Simply press and hold the rotary control for five seconds to start a recording test that adjusts the gain (i.e. the microphone amplification) perfectly. This means that clipping can no longer occur. Ideal for getting the perfect sound if you frequently change the position of the microphone.

In addition, the Elgato Wave XLR MK. 2 in combination with the Wave Link software provides access to one of the best features in the world of microphones: Voice Focus.

Voice Focus works with artificial intelligence to keep your voice clearer. For example, by minimizing reverberation, background noise and the like. And to be honest: I’ve loved this feature for years because it works incredibly reliably and significantly improves the sound quality (of both expensive and cheap microphones).

Voice Focus can be used with any microphone if desired. However, the VST3 plugin normally has to be purchased for 49.99 US dollars. In combination with an Elgato device, such as the Wave XLR or the Wave microphones, you can use it without having to pay extra.

The headphone output delivers a powerful, clear sound that provides sufficient level even for demanding over-ear headsets. Zero-latency monitoring in DSP mode is not a PR promise, but is actually noticeable in everyday use. Anyone who has worked with inexpensive interfaces where a slight echo from the monitoring disturbed their concentration will immediately notice the difference.

Wave Link 3.0 as a game changer

Elgato’s Wave Link software has enjoyed enormous popularity as a powerful audio tool among streamers and creators for years, but the new Wave Link 3.0 takes the functions to a whole new level, even though it is still in the beta stage.

Wave Link 3.0 is much more than a simple driver software. It is a fully-fledged broadcast mixer designed specifically for content creators, not music producers. While other interfaces rely on complex DAW environments, Wave Link comes with an intuitive interface that combines precise audio routing, effects chain management and source mixing in one app.

The native integration between Wave Link and the Wave XLR MK.2 is particularly noteworthy: the app recognizes the device immediately, all parameters can be controlled directly and the Auto Gain Wizard can be started with a single click. Routing multiple audio sources such as microphone, game sound, music, Discord chat to different mix outputs works so intuitively that even beginners can achieve a professional-sounding result in just a few minutes.

Sample recording Elgato Wave XLR MK. 2 WITH audio effects (Shure MV7+):

Sample recording Elgato Wave XLR MK. 2 WITHOUT audio effects (Shure MV7+):

Stream Deck integration rounds off the package: volume, mute status and effects can be assigned to the Stream Deck buttons and controlled simultaneously with lighting, camera and other sources via single-touch or multi-action commands. Once you’ve experienced what it feels like to control the entire live mix with one hand, you’ll never want to do without it again.

Elgato Wave XLR Dock MK.2

Keyword Stream Deck: Anyone who owns the manufacturer’s Stream Deck+ and doesn’t feel like setting up an additional audio interface in the form of the Wave XLR also has reason to rejoice. Because with the Elgato Wave XLR Dock MK.2, the manufacturer is offering a new version of its docking solution that simply screws onto the back of the Stream Deck.

Technically, the second-generation XLR dock features the same improvements as the Wave XLR MK.2, i.e. 80 dB gain, phantom power, Clipguard 2.0 and Wave FX processor, but takes up less space on the desk.

The only things you have to do without (in direct comparison) are the rotary control (including Auto Gain Wizard) and the capacitive mute button. In return, the Elgato Wave XLR Dock MK.2 costs 50 euros less than the dedicated interface.

Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 Review: Conclusion

The Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 is not a radical new start, but an extremely well thought-out (and powerful) further development that makes adjustments in exactly the right places. The dedicated Wave FX Processor with DSP onboard effects and VST insert function, the revised monitoring, the Auto Gain Wizard and the visual LED encoder ring turn an already good audio interface into a real power tool for streamers and creators.

For streamers, podcasters and YouTubers who use an XLR microphone and don’t want to learn a complex DAW environment, there is hardly a better choice on the market today. The seamless integration into the Elgato ecosystem with Stream Deck and Wave Link 3.0 also provides a workflow advantage that no pure audio interface can offer. If you already own a Stream Deck+, you should take a look at the XLR Dock MK.2: Here you save space and USB cables and get virtually all the features of the Wave MK. 2, but you have to do without the physical encoder ring.

PRO

• Compact design
• Powerful Wave FX processor
• Unique features (Clipguard 2.0, Voice Focus,…)
• Intuitive operation
• Outstanding sound
• Great software

CONTRA

• Few outputs
• Plastic construction

Elgato Wave XLR MK.2

Design & Workmanship

Features

Sound quality

Software

Value For Money

93/100

With the Wave XLR MK.2, Elgato delivers an impressive and beginner-friendly audio interface that should also inspire professionals technically and offers unique features.