The producer Elgato presents in its vary the whole lot {that a} content material creator’s coronary heart needs. From webcams to seize playing cards, inexperienced screens to lighting and the virtually legendary Stream Deck. Nonetheless, there was nonetheless one factor lacking from the lineup: knowledgeable XLR microphone. This example has now been corrected and, after the Elgato Wave:3 (our check) and Wave:1 USB microphones, an XLR mannequin has been added. What this holds for us and whether or not the acquisition is value it clarifies our Take a look at Elgato Wave DX.
Technical information
| Sampling price | 96 000 Hz |
| Bit price | 24 bits |
| Connexion | XLR (3 broches) |
| Impedance | 600 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 2,5 mV/Pa, -52 dBV/Pa |
| Directivity | Cardioid |
| Frequency vary | 50 Hz – 15 kHz |
| Dimensions (H x L x P) | 146 mm x 53 mm x 53 mm |
| Weight | 440 grammes |
| Prix | 119,00 € * |
Elgato Wave DX evaluation: scope of supply
The Elgato Wave DX microphone is delivered, like all the producer’s peripherals within the meantime, in a easy and stylish blue field accompanied by white lettering. As typical with Elgato, the supply contents are neatly divided and tidy.
We have been much more shocked at how little content material was within the field. Along with the XLR microphone itself, solely a fast begin information and the compulsory security directions are included.
You will not discover a cable or desk stand for utilizing the microphone in any respect, and in the event you do not have already got one, you will should buy it individually and pay additional.
For the check, the producer supplied us with an entire and worry-free package deal…
…nonetheless, the scope of the microphone’s supply is greater than manageable.
Which means you can not even use the microphone with what’s included within the supply. For our check, the producer additionally supplied us with the Wave XLR audio interface, the low-profile Wave Mic Arm LP microphone arm, and the Elgato . I already haven’t any in your configuration.
Design and ending
- Top quality end
- Minimalist design
- Microphone with out buttons or controls
The design of the Elgato Wave DX is straightforward and minimalist, roughly echoing the appear and feel of the Wave sequence’ USB siblings. You may count on a black metallic microphone, two-thirds of the physique of which is roofed with a metallic grille, behind which is the microphone diaphragm.
On the entrance, under, is the producer’s brand in white. It appears to be like like a pimple, nevertheless it’s not. Harm. On the again is the mounting bracket, which you need to use to connect the microphone to a stand, microphone arm or related utilizing 1/4″, 3/8″ or 5/8″ threads.
This one can be manufactured from metallic, could be very sturdy and may even be eliminated if desired. In line with the packaging, a 3/8″ and 5/8″ threaded adapter must be included within the supply – nonetheless, this was not the case with our check mannequin for inexplicable causes.
The design is minimalist. The microphone itself presents no controls.
The high-quality workmanship is superb and sturdy.
General, the Elgato Wave DX weighs 440 grams, with out the cable, which speaks to a sturdy construct. The pure microphone measures 144mm excessive, 53mm vast and 53mm deep. The connection for the XLR cable is on the backside.
The microphone presents no controls or quantity dials, relying fully on an XLR audio interface like Elgato’s Wave XLR, at round 170 euros. In any case, the end of the microphone is of top quality. Every part appears to be made in a single piece.
Commissioning and operation
- Simple begin
- Considerate and intuitive operation with Wave XLR audio interface
Working the Elgato Wave DX is kid’s play when mixed with the Wave XLR. First, you join the audio interface to your PC or laptop computer by way of a USB-C to USB-A cable and join the microphone on the again by way of an XLR cable. The audio duo is able to use with out having to put in any drivers.
As an possibility, we suggest downloading the producer’s Wave Hyperlink software program, which lets you additional affect the sound traits, however we’ll get to that later.
Sensible: You may also join headphones or headphones to the again of the Wave XLR by way of a 3.5mm jack, which you need to use for mic monitoring. And all this at once. The Wave XLR may also be used with all different XLR microphones, just like the FDUCE SL40, which we first reviewed again in July.
The Wave XLR acts as an audio interface and presents a spread of convincing capabilities.
You may even join headphones for mic monitoring.
The audio interface sits securely on the desk because of a rubberized backside and presents some sensible options. For instance, it presents low-noise microphone acquire of as much as 75 dB and is ready to keep away from unpleasant sound dropouts because of Clipguard.
So in the event you communicate too loudly, leading to stage distortion, Clipguard redirects the sound to a second sign path with decrease quantity to make sure clear acoustics always.
Considerate operation
Additionally it is used to function the Elgato Wave DX microphone. Within the middle, you will see a big button that has a number of inherent capabilities. Urgent it switches between adjusting the enter acquire, output quantity for monitoring, and you may crossfade between the microphone and PC mixes.
All that is indicated by a brilliant ring of LED dots across the button. The extra LEDs lit, the upper the acquire or quantity. In case you maintain the button down, you can even flip the 48V phantom energy on and off. That is – briefly – charging a condenser microphone in order that it may be used. Within the case of the Wave DX, nonetheless, you do not want it.
A capacitive mute button on the highest of the audio interface additionally helps you to rapidly mute the microphone, when you can change the colour of the LED lighting by way of the companion app. This makes connection and operation fairly easy, all you might want to fear about is a microphone stand or increase.
Elgato Wave DX recording high quality
- Glorious, dynamic and heat vocal replica
- Excessive quantity and stage stability
The Elgato Wave DX dynamic capsule microphone data with a cardioid sound sample, so it ought to do an awesome job isolating your individual voice and mixing in with ambient noise. Nonetheless, it’s needed to talk in entrance of or above the microphone. Elgato recommends a distance of roughly 8 to 12 cm between the Wave DX and the mouth.
A frequency vary of fifty Hz to fifteen,000 Hz is roofed, with a formidable sensitivity of two.5 mV/Pa, -52 dbV/Pa. The producer additionally guarantees speech optimization, which permits for a very warm and pure presentation. The pop filter, which softens excessive and plosive sounds, can be built-in immediately into the microphone.
One of many benefits of an analog XLR microphone is after all the modularity of the system. Not like a USB microphone, you’ll be able to choose the microphone, amplifier and converter individually and thus immediately affect the sound high quality. However what does the Elgato Wave DX sound like?
The quick reply: Glorious. With a most high quality of 24 bits and 96,000 Hz, it reaches studio high quality and it rapidly turns into obvious that the producer has not promised an excessive amount of right here. Notably outstanding is the dynamic vary with which the microphone picks up voice.
As well as, the utmost quantity, particularly together with the amplifier built-in into the interface, can persuade all through the road and picks up the voice even from 2-3 meters away, at all times crystal clear and with out reverberation no noise, no downside.
Software program connection: Elgato Wave Hyperlink
- Overwhelming software program
- Intensive customization choices by way of VST plugins
The complementary Elgato Wave Hyperlink software program, which presents a transparent and concise interface, will not be compulsory, however very sensible. Right here you’ll be able to, for instance, carry out firmware updates for the Elgato Wave DX, alter the pattern price or high quality and set numerous audio enhancements. Moreover, RGB lighting could be set right here and saved on to the {hardware}.
On the similar time, the software program additionally permits audio mixing of as much as eight audio sources – which is especially vital if you wish to work professionally. Moreover, you’ll be able to optionally set up numerous VST plug-ins that open up further prospects.
For instance, there are numerous AI-powered equalizers, compressors, noise discount plugins, or small instruments obtainable so as to add further results to your voice. Very sensible to get essentially the most out of your microphone.
Take a look at de l’Elgato Wave DX : conclusion
With the Elgato Wave DX, the producer lastly brings the know-how of its profitable USB microphones to the XLR analog microphone phase. Technically, the Wave DX does a wonderful job and may rating sonically with heat, detailed and pleasantly loud voice transmission.
Particularly within the Elgato ecosystem, together with the Wave XLR and the corresponding software program, there are nearly countless prospects for influencing the sound.
Together with the clever capabilities and ease of use of the Wave XLR, Elgato constitutes a coherent total package deal, which in the end seems to be comparatively costly. Nonetheless, if you’re already a part of the ecosystem or need to use different Elgato merchandise sooner or later, you should buy it with out hesitation and will certainly benefit from the audio high quality.
