KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards
Elgato has announced Wave Next, a major expansion of its audio ecosystem and the biggest update to the Wave platform since its debut in 2020. The new lineup brings together six products – Wave Link 3.0, Wave:3 MK.2, Wave XLR MK.2, XLR Dock MK.2, Wave XLR Pro, and the Stream Deck + XL.
Wave Link 3.0 sits at the centre of the update as a fully redesigned, free audio mixer for Windows and macOS. It works with almost any microphone or interface and supports up to five independent submixes for streaming, recording, calls, and monitoring. A new horizontal routing table provides a clearer overview of the signal path, while per‑channel VST support allows detailed shaping of individual sources. Native Stream Deck integration automatically generates control profiles based on a user’s setup.
All new Wave hardware is powered by Wave FX Processor, a custom chip co‑developed with Lewitt Audio. It moves key processing into hardware, starting with Clipguard 2.0 to prevent distortion, followed by five onboard DSP effects with zero latency. VST Insert support creates a low‑latency loop between hardware and software, injecting processed audio directly into any application without virtual devices.
The hardware lineup includes the Wave:3 MK.2 USB microphone, the Wave XLR MK.2 interface for XLR mics, and the XLR Dock MK.2 module for Stream Deck +. The flagship Wave XLR Pro arrives in Q2 2026 with dual XLR inputs, five hardware mixes, dual headphone outputs, USB Aux for a second PC or console, and standalone operation. Stream Deck + XL rounds out the ecosystem with 36 LCD keys, six dials, and a wide touch strip for tactile control.
The Wave:3 MK.2, Wave XLR MK.2, XLR Dock MK.2, and Stream Deck + XL are all available now. Meanwhile, the Wave XLR Pro will start shipping sometime between April and June. The new Wave Link 3.0 software is freely available to download on the Elgato website.
KitGuru Says: What do you think of Elgato's new line-up?
