Introduction

Earlier this year, Elgato, currently owned by CORSAIR, released their first two microphones specifically designed for content creators. I already reviewed the excellent Elgato Wave:3 and got the chance to play around with its less expensive albeit visually nearly identical sibling, the Elgato Wave:1.

Coming in at $120/€115, the Elgato Wave:1 is $40/€40 cheaper than the Wave:3. It comes without a capacitive mute button on top of the microphone and has a simpler front dial, which is used for headphone volume and microphone muting. The Wave:1 also technically has a lower quality ADC capable of 24-bit/48 kHz recording (as opposed to 24-bit/96 kHz recording on the Wave:3), so it will be interesting to see how it performs in comparison. In every other sense, Elgato’s two microphones are identical. Meaning, you not only get a nicely made USB microphone with a capable condenser capsule, but also one that offers a built-in digital mixer, as well as Elgato Stream Deck integration. In case you own the Stream Deck, you can easily populate it with Wave:1’s channels and most settings for complete control over the microphone and its digital mixer within arm’s reach.

Specifications

• 17 mm electret condenser capsule
• Polar Pattern: cardioid
• Sample Rate/Resolution: 24-bit/48 kHz
• Max SPL: 120 dB (140 dB with Clipguard)
• Dynamic Range: 95 dB (115 dB with Clipguard)
• Frequency Response (specified by the manufacturer): 70–20,000 Hz
• 1x 3.5-mm headphone out (direct monitoring)
• 2.5 m USB-C cable
• Windows, macOS, Elgato Stream Deck support
• Weight: 555 g (microphone + stand) / 245 g (microphone only)