If you want to create quality content for recording videos, streaming or recording a podcast, you must be careful when selecting the microphone with which to record your voice because a bad decision can ruin all your work.
Paying more money for a microphone does not mean that it is better than one that costs less. There are many aspects to consider: tone of your voice, soundproofing of the room, background noise, working space, etc.
In this article I share with you a selection of Elgato microphones that I have used to create content, as well as other accessories that will be very useful.
Elgato Wave DX Microphone
It is undoubtedly the best microphone currently available on the market. value for money to create creators with a medium budget and you can use it with both Windows and Mac.
It is a dynamic microphoneof cardioid pattern. This makes it ideal for capturing your voice, whether in a streaming, recorded video or podcast.
- High-quality dynamic capsule, optimized for voice: captures all details with clarity, warm and authentic tone.
- Works with any XLR audio interface: no signal booster needed.
- Background noise filtering: rejects unwanted background noise.
However, you should be aware that this microphone only works through a XLR cablewhich means that you can't connect it directly to your computer, but you can connect it to your computer. you need to use an audio interface.
In return, your sound will be much more realistic, as it is made with a proximity effect, which will enhance the bass of your voice.
Elgato Wave XLR audio interface
As I explained before, the Elgato Wave DX microphone must be connected to an audio interface for it to work and this brand also has its own XRL interface.
- Microphone interface: XLR to high-quality USB-C connection.
- Wave Link application: mix multiple audio sources and create two independent mixes.
- Exclusive Clipguard technology: prevents microphone sound distortion.
Its operation is extremely simple. It has 3 inputs on the rear side:
- XLR input, to which you must connect your microphone.
- Headphone input, where you will connect your headphones to monitor your audio.
- Micro-usb input, where you will have to connect your computer through the cable that comes in the box.
With a single wheel, you can control 3 different parameters:
- Microphone gain
- The volume level of your headphones
- Balancing of your headphone mix (between your microphone and your computer).
Remember that when you purchase Elgato Wave XLR you will also have access to the software Elgato Wave Linka digital mixer that will allow you, among other things, to add digital filters to your microphone (if you need them) and mix different audio sources connected to your equipment.
Of course, you have other XLR audio interface alternativesalthough they are not as easy to use.
XLR microphone cable
While it is true that there are many XLR cables available, some at a ridiculously low price, what I have found is that not all offer the same quality in the sound. Some even make interference or unbearable white noise, which you notice when you are already editing the video.
- Rugged and flexible: strong nylon braided sheath, metal connectors and gold-plated pins.
- Clear sound: optimized shielding reduces electromagnetic noise interference.
- Plug and Play: works with all XLR compatible audio equipment.
While it is not the cheapest, it is the one that has given me the best result, as it has a high-density spiral shielding that eliminates any unwanted noise and a low capacitance design, which provide a pure, natural and precise sound in all situations.
Obviously, there are other more professional options for recording studio equipment, but for the content creator environment, this is the best choice.
Elgato Wave 3 Microphone
This is Elgato's alternative for microphone with USB connection and can also be used on both Windows and Mac.
However, you should keep in mind that it is a condenser microphonewhich you should only use in environments where you have the tightly controlled noise (echo, background noise, etc.), as this microphone will pick them up as well.
Its price is perhaps a little higher than the previous one, but it will also give very good results in terms of sound quality to create your content.
- Cardioid condenser capsule: Captures voice with clarity and detail
- Wave Link application: Control your Wave:3 and up to seven additional audio sources, and create two independent mixes.
- 24-bit, 96 kHz analog-to-digital converter: Studio quality sound
This microphone also gives you access to Wave Link softwareYou will also be able to install filters for equalization, noise removal, etc.
On the other hand, the Wave3 has a number of accessories that you can purchase to further improve the sound quality.
Elgato Wave Mic Arm
Most microphone arms or stands interfere with the shot with which the creator appears on camera, since they consist of an elevated support that is assembled to the table and from there they have a part that goes down to the streamer's mouth.
However, Elgato launched a very different articulated arm, which they call "low profile" because instead of rising, it goes underneath, parallel to your tableso you can discreetly pass it under your monitor and it doesn't have to appear on the map.
- High-quality design: made entirely of torsion-resistant metal.
- Low profile: it is below shoulder height and does not block the view.
- Cable slots: magnetic covers conceal the cables and allow easy access.
The arm is fully adjustable as it can rotate 360 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically.
Seriously, you have to try it.
Elgato Wave Shock Mount
One of the drawbacks of the Elgato Wave 3 microphone is that, if you place it in a place with little stability, that you usually move a lot, typing or playing, it is likely that the microphone's sound will be heard. vibrations in the microphoneFor this reason, they designed this anti-vibration system, which is placed between the microphone and the boom or stand.
- Rumble sound: Reduces structure-borne noise when using brackets or articulating arms
- Reinforced elastic suspension: The reinforced elastic suspension ensures adequate vibration attenuation.
- Solid steel chassis: Offers reliable protection against side impacts
It comes with a 5/8 inch thread, which is the one that most microphone arms have. But in addition, in the box there are two other 3/8 and 1/4 inch adapters for other thread formats.
Elgato Wave Pop Filter
This is another accessory you need to keep an eye on for your Elgato microphone.
This is an anti-pop filter, which eliminates plosives (when pronouncing P and B) and hissing sounds that may occur when speaking into the microphone.
- Antiplosives: Eliminates pops and hisses when pronouncing consonants such as pe and be.
- Adequate sound transparency: double-layer steel mesh for optimal airflow diffusion
- Simple installation: Magnetic attachment points make it self-clamping in place
It features a double-layer steel mesh for optimal airflow diffusion.
Differences between Elgato Wave DX vs Elgato Wave: 3
While both microphones are excellent choices for content creators, each is intended for a different type of work environment.
The microphone Elgato Wave DX is a dynamic and minimalist microphone. It will pick up the voice much better and enhance your bass.. However, this microphone cannot be connected directly to your computer. You will need an audio interface (or mixer) between the microphone and the computer.
The microphone Elgato Wave:3 is a condenser microphone, from which you can control the gain and volume of the monitoring headphones. You can connect it directly to your computer via a USB cable, but you have to make sure that you are working in a noise-free environment, as it will pick up also what happens around you.
In addition, with Elgato Wave:3 you will have access to the Elgato software Wave Linkwhere you can mix several audio sources connected to your computer, add digital filters to the microphone (noise suppression, equalizers, etc).
Although this software is free and can be downloaded and installed by anyone, for it to work, your computer must recognize that an Elgato audio device is connected to it.
As I explained before, Elgato Wave DX does not connect to your computer, so even if you have this microphone, your computer will not recognize it and, therefore, the software will not work. For this you would need the interface Elgato Wave XLR.
Conclusion
The Elgato microphone is one of the best alternatives that currently exist for content creators in terms of quality-price ratio, since with a minimum investment you can get significantly improve the quality of the videos, streaming or podcasts you produce.
There are also lower cost alternatives and counterfeits that will make you spend your money uselessly since there you will appreciate a worse quality in the resulting sound.
In conclusion, don't waste your money when it comes to choosing a good microphone to create your content and bet on brands with prestige in the sector, where the success is guaranteed.
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