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Elgato Wave DX Dynamic XLR Microphone, Cardioid Pattern | Speech-optimized capsule, Room noise rejection, No signal booster needed, Swivel mount included, Broadcast-ready
Elgato

Elgato Wave DX Dynamic XLR Microphone

Bottom line: The Elgato Wave DX Dynamic XLR Microphone ($79.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 04:20 UTC): Dynamic capsule tuned for speech, with condenser-like detail on highs; main trade-off: needs an XLR interface and cable, both sold separately.

$79.99

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Buy on Amazon — $79.99 Compare to similar streaming gear

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Dynamic capsule tuned for speech, with condenser-like detail on highs
  • ✓ 2.5 mV/Pa sensitivity runs clean on any XLR preamp, no inline booster
  • ✓ Cardioid pattern has a wide acceptance angle, forgiving off-axis
  • ✓ Room noise rejection cuts keyboard and untreated-room reflections

Cons

  • ✗ Needs an XLR interface and cable, both sold separately
  • ✗ 50-15,000 Hz response rolls off music and instrument recording
  • ✗ 600 Ohm impedance suits voice, not high-impedance vintage preamps
  • ✗ 440 g on a 146 mm body demands a boom arm rated for the weight

Manufacturer description

The speech-optimized capsule covers 50-15,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 2.5 mV/Pa (-52 dBV/Pa), high enough that any standard XLR interface drives it cleanly with no inline signal booster in the chain. Its cardioid pattern has a wide, forgiving acceptance angle, so you can drift off-axis mid-sentence without your voice dropping out, while room noise rejection keeps keyboard clatter and untreated-room reflections out of the take. At 53 x 53 x 146 mm and 440 g, the Wave DX is a compact desk mic that still feels substantial on a boom. Elgato includes a mono swivel mount with a 5/8 inch thread…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Elgato Wave DX Dynamic XLR Microphone using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. Elgato's streaming gear lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a preamp or a Cloudlifter for the Wave DX?

No. At 2.5 mV/Pa (-52 dBV/Pa) sensitivity, the Wave DX is designed to reach usable gain on any standard XLR preamp or audio interface. Elgato states no signal booster is required.

Does the Wave DX plug into USB?

No. It uses a 3-pin XLR connector, so it requires an XLR audio interface and an XLR cable, neither of which is included in the box.

Will it pick up my mechanical keyboard and room echo?

The cardioid dynamic capsule includes room noise rejection to reduce background sound from the sides and rear. It reduces, not eliminates, off-axis noise, so mic placement close to your mouth still matters.

Does it fit my existing boom arm or mic stand?

Yes, for standard stands. The included mono swivel mount uses a 5/8 inch thread and ships with 3/8 inch and 1/4 inch adaptors. The swivel lets you angle the mic without jamming the cable.

Is the Wave DX good for singing or recording instruments?

Its capsule is speech-optimized with a 50-15,000 Hz frequency response, which is tuned for voice rather than full-range music. For streaming, podcasting, and voice chat it is broadcast-ready out of the box.

Key Features

  • Premium Dynamic Capsule, Speech Optimized: captures exceptional detail and clarity, warm, true-to-life sound character.
  • Works with any interface: any XLR preamp or audio interface, no signal booster required
  • Room Noise Rejection: reduces unwanted background noise.
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern: wide, forgiving acceptance angle for off-axis speaking.
  • Mono Swivel Mount: 5/8" mount with 3/8" and 1/4" thread adaptors included. Adjust the mic position without jamming your cable, attach to any mic stand.

Full Specifications

BrandElgato
Colorblack
Impedance600 ohm
Model NameElgato Wave DX
Model Number10MAH9901
Power SourceCorded Electric
Audible Noise10 db
Polar PatternUnidirectional
Built-In Media3/8" and 1/4" Thread Adaptors, Quick Start Guide, Swivel Mount, Wave DX
Connector TypeXLR
Frequency Range50 hz - 15 khz
Item Dimensions2.09 x 2.72 x 7.32 inches
Mfr Part Number10MAH9901
Number of Items1
Special FeatureStand
Antenna LocationStreaming
Hardware PlatformPC
Mono Swivel Mount5/8" mount with 3/8" and 1/4" thread adaptors included. Adjust the mic position without jamming your cable, attach to any mic stand.
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer, Laptop, Gaming Console
Enclosure MaterialMetal
Full listing titleElgato Wave DX Dynamic XLR Microphone, Cardioid Pattern | Speech-optimized capsule, Room noise rejection, No signal booster needed, Swivel mount included, Broadcast-ready

Ready to buy?

Elgato Wave DX Dynamic XLR Microphone, Cardioid Pattern | Speech-optimized capsule, Room noise rejection, No signal booster needed, Swivel mount included, Broadcast-ready is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $79.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

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Elgato Wave DX Dynamic XLR Microphone, Cardioid Pattern | Speech-optimized capsule, Room noise rejection, No signal booster needed, Swivel mount included, Broadcast-ready
$79.99
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