Elgato Wave XLR - Audio Mixer and 75 db Preamp for XLR Mic to USB-C, Control Interface with 48V Phantom Power, Tap-to-Mute, Digital Mixing Software for Streaming, Recording, Podcasting on Mac and PC

Got this after deciding I wanted to upgrade to an XLR microphone for the streaming setup, and I made the right choice. I wanted something simple, but still high quality like other Elgato products I have used. It is simple, looks very good, and it has given me no issues thus far with audio, sound, or anything like that. Plus, the dial is super fun to use and feels great.

Easy to use, I almost deafened my friend because I accidentally put the mic volume on max. It is good for lowering your headphone volume and mic volume. Works as well as I expected

So far I've had great results from this thing. It has a nice small footprint and is the same size as the Stream Deck Mk2 if you have one of those, making it fit perfectly if you have other Elgato products. The headphone output of up to 250 Ohms is perfect as well, as I use Sennheiser HD58X headphones and these provide enough power for my to not need a seperate amp/dac. The software is where this shines, as it provides amazing control and great functionality that works well with the product.

My main use case for this mixer is to split audio channels in Windows, so I can have system sounds divided into more than one channel. For example: game sound on 1 channel and chat sound on another. I'm not a streamer, but I record gameplay videos that are much easier to edit if I'm able to independently change the volume of the game and voice chat in post. This device allows you to have multiple channels within Windows via their software, which is great. These are recognised by recording programs like OBS too, so it works how you'd imagine: you can add each respective channel as an audio source, just making sure they're recorded to individual tracks. I'd personally much prefer it if this multiple channel system wasn't totally based on the software, because I have had it randomly stop working mid session and ruin my capture. My previous method of making system sounds divide into more than one channel was hardware based, via a mixer that had both USB and optical ports - each of these providing an individual channel in Windows. This never failed because it was literally the cables and device that gave me the 2 channels, and not software that can crash or have driver issues. Overall, the Elgato is probably better than my previous hardware solution, because you can have more than 2 channels for your system sound and it also takes an XLR input - so currently this mixer replaces two things in my setup which is a bonus. Aside from some random issues like I described with the software, the main thing about this mixer that bothers me is the 3.5 output. It's totally adequate if you're using desktop speakers and not doing anything serious in regards to audio production - but when used with earbuds or headphones the noise flaw is very noticeable. A constant hiss that doesn't go away when you turn down the volume. That bugs me to no end, but I put up with it because of how useful I find the other main features. I think with some updates to the software to make it more reliable, and perhaps a change to the output situation this would be a device every content creator needs. Right now, I'm constantly wondering if the software is working properly and while it usually does, it only takes one ruined recording for it to constantly be on your mind. As for the hiss, it doesn't impact recordings because it's the output, so I suppose you have to live with that until they do a mark 2.

I livestream as a hobby. I prefer to have less equipment for a more minimal setup. A good alternative to a GoXLR mini which is what I had before. The mute button on the back is really simple, and the Wave software is very smart.

Ok

I bought this but couldn't get it working. The email based customer service provided was superb, and had me up and running in very acceptable time.

The wave xlr is what i wanted for streaming. XLR for my mic and easy to use software is what sold it for me. I have multiple of channels and can change it with no hassle. I only the device for mic input so I can not comment on the headphone input. Mic is controlled with the dial which is smooth but no click or sound que for when its at its max or min. I still love this product.