elgato Wave 3 Wired Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone User Guide
- June 13, 2024
- elgato
Table of Contents
elgato Wave 3 Wired Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
Product Information
The Wave:3 microphone is a plug-and-play device that does not require any software to function. However, it is recommended to use the Wave Link software for optimal performance. The microphone comes with a USB-C cable and has a USB-C port for connection. It also features a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio monitoring. The microphone capsule should be positioned facing the user’s mouth for best results. The microphone has a capacitive mute button and proprietary ClipGuard Technology to prevent audio distortion. The Wave Link software allows for control of the microphone and other audio sources, as well as creating independent output mixes. The microphone also has onboard controls, including a multifunctional dial for adjusting mic gain, headphone volume, and mic/PC mix monitor.
Product Usage Instructions
- Download and install the Elgato Wave Link Software from elgato.com/download.
- Plug in the provided USB-C cable into the USB-C port on the microphone.
- Plug the USB-A plug into an available USB-A slot on your computer.
- Connect headphones to the 3.5mm headphone jack on the back of the microphone for latency-free audio.
- To ensure optimal sound quality, position the microphone capsule facing you, slightly angled towards your mouth. It is recommended to place the microphone approximately two fists length away or around 6 inches. Wave Extension Rods and mic arms can assist in creating the proper setup.
- To minimize background noise, keep the gain as low as possible. A good reference level is 40% gain, which can be set via the Wave Link software or onboard microphone control dial.
- For muting the microphone, tap the capacitive mute button.
- Use the multifunctional dial on the microphone to adjust mic gain, headphone volume, and mic/PC mix monitor settings. Click on the dial to alternate between these settings.
- To enhance functionality with Stream Deck, install the Wave Link plugin from the Stream Deck store. This allows for easy control of gain, headphone volume, PC/Monitor mix, and more.
- To use the microphone with apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, ensure that it is plugged in and the LED indicators on the front of the microphone are illuminated. Follow the respective app’s settings to select the Elgato Wave:3 microphone device.
SETTING UP WAVE:3
Wave:3 is plug-n-play with no software required for it to function. However, Wave:3 is truly unleashed when used with the Wave Link software.
- Download and install the Elgato Wave Link Software – elgato.com/download
- Plug in the provided USB-C cable into the USB-C port on the microphone.
- Plug the USB-A plug into an available USB-A slot on your computer.
- Connect headphones to the 3.5mm headphone jack on the back of the microphone.
Pro tip
Plugging headphones into the Wave:3 headphone jack will provide clearer,
latency-free audio.
USAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Ensure that the microphone capsule is facing you, slightly angled towards your mouth.
- For optimal sound quality, is it recommended that the microphone is placed approximately “two fists” length away, or approximately 6 inches. Wave Extension Rods and mic arms can also assist with creating the proper setup.
- To keep background noise at a minimum, it is recommended to keep the gain as low as possible. A good reference level is 40% gain, which you can set via the Wave Link software or onboard microphone control dial.
FEATURES
- Tap the capacitive mute button to instantly and silently engage mute.
- Proprietary ClipGuard Technology analyzes the audio feed in real-time and adjusts levels to ensure that audio never peaks due to plosive breath sounds or shouting.
- Wave Link software allows for direct control of Wave:3 and up to eight other audio sources and enables you to create two independent output mixes.
ONBOARD CONTROLS
Wave:3 features a multifunctional dial to instantly tweak important settings. By clicking in the dial, alternate between these settings:
PRO TIP
WORKS WITH STREAM DECK
Advanced A/V automation at your fingertips.
Combined with Stream Deck and Wave Link, your Wave:3 becomes a production powerhouse. Simply install the Wave Link plugin located on the Stream Deck store, and gain the ability to change the gain, headphone volume, PC/Monitor mix, and more at the tap of a key.
USING YOUR FAVORITE APPS
Wave:3 works seamlessly with apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to provide crystal-clear audio input with just a few clicks of a mouse. To enable your Wave:3 microphone in Zoom and Teams, first make sure it‘s plugged in and the LED indicators are illuminated on the front of the microphone.
ZOOM
- While Zoom is open, locate the “Settings” menu, or the cogwheel, in the top right-hand corner.
- On the left-hand side of the Settings menu, you should locate and click in the “Audio” section.
- For the best possible experience while using Zoom, disable “Automatically adjust microphone volume” in Zoom and enable Wave Lock Gain in the Wave Link software.
MICROSOFT TEAMS
- While Microsoft Teams is open, click on your profile picture in the top right, next to the minimize button.
- In the drop-down menu, select Settings, or the cogwheel.
- On the left-hand side of the Settings menu, locate Devices in the list.
- Under Microphone, use the drop-down menu to select Mic In (Wave:3)
For the best possible experience while using Microsoft Teams, be sure to enable Wave Lock Gain in Wave Link software.