Elgato Introduces Wave Next, New Modular Audio Platform

Elgato has announced Wave Next, a significant update to its audio platform designed for professional creators and streamers in digital production. This marks the most significant evolution of the Wave system since its debut in 2020.

The new ecosystem integrates 6 components, including hardware and software: the Wave Link 3.0 program, the Wave:3 MK.2, Wave XLR MK.2, XLR Dock MK.2, Wave XLR Pro devices, and the new Stream Deck + XL control surface. The goal is to offer a coordinated solution that manages audio acquisition, processing, and control within a single environment.

For Professional Creators and Streamers

At the heart of the entire system is Wave Link 3.0, completely redesigned and now available for free for Windows and macOS. The software allows you to manage microphones, interfaces, and audio sources in a single interface, creating up to 5 separate mixes for streaming, recording, or monitoring. Each channel can also use VST plugins to customize the sound.

One of the main innovations is the Wave FX Processor, a chip developed in collaboration with Lewitt Audio that manages part of the processing directly on the hardware. This approach allows effects such as compression, equalization, or noise reduction to be applied in real-time without burdening the computer's processor.

Among the new devices are the Wave:3 MK.2 USB microphone, the Wave XLR MK.2 interface for professional microphones, and Wave XLR Pro, designed for configurations with multiple audio sources. The platform is completed by Stream Deck + XL, designed to quickly control mixes, levels, and functions directly from a physical console.

Wave Next is available now via the official website and authorized retailers.