Elgato
Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 USB Audio Interface and DSP Mixer
Bottom line: The Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 USB Audio Interface and DSP Mixer ($119.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 80dB of gain drives low-output XLR dynamic mics without a separate inline preamp; main trade-off: single XLR input rules out two-person podcast setups on one unit.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 80dB of gain drives low-output XLR dynamic mics without a separate inline preamp
- ✓ Wave FX Processor chains DSP effects and VST plugins in one signal path
- ✓ 24-bit/48kHz ultra-low-latency monitoring keeps mic and game audio in sync
- ✓ Capacitive touch strip mutes and adjusts level without alt-tabbing mid-stream
- ✓ Customizable LED bar shows input level and mute state at a glance
Cons
- ✗ Single XLR input rules out two-person podcast setups on one unit
- ✗ 48kHz ceiling limits it for music tracking that expects 96kHz or higher
- ✗ Effects and routing depth depend on installing Wave Link and Stream Deck software
Manufacturer description
Wave XLR gives your mic superpowers. 80dB gain, onboard effects, touch to mute, and Stream Deck control—all with ultralow-latency monitoring that keeps you in sync.
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 USB Audio Interface and DSP Mixer 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.
Key Features
- 80dB Gain for Any XLR Mic: Drive any XLR microphone with a massive 80dB gain; enjoy loud, clear amplification for any headphones with powerful amp output
- Ultra-Low-Latency Monitoring: Experience ultra-low-latency monitoring like never before; hear what your audience hears with 24bit, 48kHz audio resolution
- Onboard Effects: Enhance your voice with built-in voice enhancer, compressor, EQ, and more; Wave FX Processor unifies DSP effects and VST plugins in one signal chain
- Touch Control with LED Feedback: Adjust levels and mute instantly with a touch; get instant visual feedback with customizable LED lighting to see levels and status at a glance
- Wave Link App: Works with Wave Link software for easy, powerful audio control; natively integrated for precise routing, effects, and monitoring
Full Specifications
| Brand | Elgato |
|---|---|
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Audio Input | XLR |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | 20MAN9901 |
| Wave Link App | Works with Wave Link software for easy, powerful audio control; natively integrated for precise routing, effects, and monitoring |
| Onboard Effects | Enhance your voice with built-in voice enhancer, compressor, EQ, and more; Wave FX Processor unifies DSP effects and VST plugins in one signal chain |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Personal Computer |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Supported Software | Elgato Wave Link (Requires Windows 11 / Apple Silicon Mac) |
| Included Components | Quick Start Guide, USB-C to C cable (150 cm | 59 in), Wave XLR MK.2 |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 192 KHz |
| Warranty Description | 2 year manufacturer. |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 10MAN9901 |
| 80dB Gain for Any XLR Mic | Drive any XLR microphone with a massive 80dB gain; enjoy loud, clear amplification for any headphones with powerful amp output |
| Ultra-Low-Latency Monitoring | Experience ultra-low-latency monitoring like never before; hear what your audience hears with 24bit, 48kHz audio resolution |
| Touch Control with LED Feedback | Adjust levels and mute instantly with a touch; get instant visual feedback with customizable LED lighting to see levels and status at a glance |
| Full listing title | Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 USB Audio Interface and DSP Mixer | 80dB gain, Onboard voice effects, LED level feedback, Touch mute, Ultra-low-latency monitoring, Works with Stream Deck |
Ready to buy?
Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 USB Audio Interface and DSP Mixer | 80dB gain, Onboard voice effects, LED level feedback, Touch mute, Ultra-low-latency monitoring, Works with Stream Deck 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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