CONCLUSION

   As most of you know I'm not a streamer so i never use any of the USB microphones i test as a streamer, which is also why i didn't use any of the streaming software available today for this review (as evident from the Wave Link software page). Still i do use both Skype and Viber quite a lot and on top of that i do happen to play many online games with friends (like World of Warships, DCS World, GTA V and Modern Warfare 2 online) so testing microphones is not hard at all. Now as you may have noticed the Wave:3 has but one serious flaw, it features but a single polar pattern (cardioid) and that may actually disappoint some potential buyers who may want a USB microphone which can record audio just as well from the front/rear and/or from all sides. However, we must also not forget that the Wave:3 is aimed towards a specific segment of the market, streamers and so for like 90% of them out there cardioid is the way to go (since they all sit in front of the microphone). So, add that to the fact that the Wave:3 records extremely clear and accurate audio (check the usual audio clip i record here) and i really see no issues with it. On top of that more demanding streamers will be glad to learn that the Wave:3 can be paired with an optional front pop-filter and a shock-mount, two things/extras we don't see a lot in this industry. As for the Wave Link software well it's not perfect and i do think it needs some polishing but it's generally easy to use and that's what matters most.

   Elgato officially launched the Wave:3 USB-C microphone a couple of hours ago for a price of USD175.12 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 169.99Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de). Now at first this might seem as a bit much for a USB microphone but taking into account the build quality, audio clarity and features of the Wave:3 i don’t think that’s the case. Yes, i wouldn’t say no to a slight price reduction but that being said demanding streamers and content creators should have no problem spending a bit more for a premium product. At the same time however casual users who are after a USB microphone for Skype and Viber calls should probably look elsewhere, solely due to price concerns (some may also need different polar patterns). That being said the Wave:3 by Elgato is a very good cardioid polar patter USB microphone and that’s why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality
- Audio Clarity
- Clipguard & Lowcut Filter Features
- Headphone Output
- Realtime Monitoring & Mixing
- Internal Pop Filter
- Wave Link Software
- Capacitive Mute Button

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Single Polar Pattern (For Some)