elgato Wave DX Dynamic XLR Microphone with Cardioid Pickup and Noise Rejection

For podcasting, streaming or broadcasting, the elgato Wave DX is designed for spoken audio captured through an XLR connection. Its dynamic capsule and cardioid pattern are intended to focus on speech while reducing unwanted room noise.

It works with an XLR preamp or audio interface without a separate signal booster. The microphone is supplied with a swivel mount and thread adaptors, but the XLR cable, interface and stand or boom arm are separate requirements.

Need a mic for a desk-based voice setup rather than an all-in-one USB option? The Wave DX is aimed at the former, with a mounting arrangement that can be adjusted without jamming the cable.

Key points

The Wave DX combines a dynamic capsule with a unidirectional cardioid pattern. The stated frequency response is 50–15,000 Hz, and the 3-pin XLR connector means it needs an audio interface or preamp with an XLR input. The manufacturer says no signal booster is required, which keeps the setup simpler than one that depends on an additional booster.

Its room-noise rejection is relevant if your recording space is not acoustically treated, although it should not be taken as a promise that all background sound will disappear. The wide acceptance angle is intended to be more forgiving when speaking slightly off-axis. Buyers commonly praise the sound and speech performance, and some say it works easily with OBS and other software. Feedback on noise is mixed: some find room noise less troublesome, while others mention breath sounds being picked up.

The included swivel mount has a 5/8-inch mounting point, with 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch thread adaptors. This gives you options for attaching it to a compatible stand or boom arm. Worth considering if you want a dedicated XLR microphone for voice recording and already have, or plan to add, the supporting equipment.

Best use cases

This microphone is suited to spoken-word setups such as podcasts, streams and broadcasts, where a close voice recording and control over mic position matter. For example, it can be mounted beside a computer for a streaming session and angled towards the speaker, the interface then connects it to the recording or streaming setup.

If you prioritise a single cable straight into a computer, an XLR model with a separate interface is a different kind of setup. It may not suit you if you need a complete kit out of the box: the interface, XLR cable and stand or boom arm are not included. The included parts are the Wave DX, swivel mount, thread adaptors and quick start guide.

Tips for day-to-day use

Position the microphone towards your voice and use the swivel mount to adjust its angle without forcing the cable. Its cardioid pattern is designed to accept speech across a forgiving angle, but sensible placement still matters when you are trying to limit room sound. As some buyers mention breath sounds, adjust the mic position if those are distracting in recordings.

The mount adaptors are useful when your stand or arm uses a 3/8-inch or 1/4-inch thread, the mount itself is 5/8-inch. Check that your setup has an XLR input and the necessary cable before planning a recording session. The microphone is listed as compatible with personal computers, and the product name also specifies Mac and PC.

Before you decide

What else is needed to use the Wave DX? An XLR audio interface or preamp, a 3-pin XLR cable, and a mic stand, boom arm or similar support are required, these are sold separately.

Does it need a signal booster? No separate signal booster is required, according to the product details, but an XLR interface or preamp is still needed.

Can it attach to different mic stands? The swivel mount is 5/8-inch, and 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch thread adaptors are included for other mounting threads.

Is it worth it?

The Wave DX makes most sense for someone choosing an XLR microphone specifically for speech and who is comfortable assembling the rest of the recording setup. Its dynamic capsule, cardioid pickup, included swivel mount and stated lack of a booster requirement are practical advantages for that use. If you need a ready-to-connect computer microphone with the cable and support included, this product does not provide that complete setup.