Wave XLR MK.2: Give Your Mic Superpowers

The original Wave XLR brought XLR microphones into the Wave ecosystem. Wave XLR MK.2 takes it further with Wave FX Processor, adding onboard DSP effects, Clipguard 2.0, and VST Insert support directly on the hardware.

It handles any XLR microphone with 80dB of gain, processes your voice with onboard DSP effects that run in real time, and gives you direct hardware control over monitoring and mixing. Whether you are recording, streaming, or in meetings, Wave XLR MK.2 gives you broadcast-ready sound without the complexity. Wave FX Processor, developed in partnership with LEWITT Audio, powers the entire signal path.

Wave Link is free audio mixing software that works with any microphone. When paired with Wave XLR MK.2, it unlocks deeper integration, including direct hardware controls, auto-gain setup, and Wave FX Processor settings.

One of Wave Link's most powerful features is its support for up to 5 independent mixes. Create a personal mix for monitoring, a stream mix, a recording mix, and more. Each mix gets its own routing and levels. Apply effects to any input channel for complete sound control.

Wave XLR MK.2 delivers 80dB of ultra-low-noise gain. That's plenty of power for dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B without needing a Cloudlifter. If you need 48V phantom power, you can enable it through Wave Link.

It also works with popular mics, including Shure MV7 X, RØDE PodMic, RØDE Procaster, Electro-Voice RE20, Audio-Technica AT2020, and RØDE NT1.

Wave FX Processor brings together three key technologies: Clipguard 2.0, onboard DSP effects, and VST Insert support. All three work in one unified signal chain, which means your mic sounds the same across every app you use.

Add plugins like noise suppression or voice changers, and they automatically work everywhere without virtual microphones or complex routing. Your audio stays consistent whether you're streaming, in a meeting, or recording.

Clipped audio is permanent. Once your signal distorts, it cannot be fixed in post. Clipguard 2.0 uses a three-layer protection to prevent distortion before it happens, so unexpected laughs, raised voices, or excited reactions stay clean. Clipguard runs on Wave FX Processor and works alongside all DSP effects without adding latency.

We pushed Clipguard into some extreme scenarios to see how far it could go before breaking. It didn't.

To learn more about how Clipguard works, check out our deep dive on Clipguard 2.0.

Wave XLR MK.2 runs professional audio effects directly on the hardware. Effects process your voice at the source with zero-latency monitoring:

• Low-Cut Filter: Removes low-frequency rumble from vibrations and unwanted noise
• Expander: Reduces low-level background noise while leaving your voice untouched
• Voice Tune: Adds warm, analog-style compression and harmonics that adapt as you speak
• Compressor: Balances audio so quiet moments come through clearly while loud moments stay controlled
• Equalizer: Sculpts your voice across four bands to add warmth, reduce muddiness, or improve clarity]

All five effects can run simultaneously on the hardware. When monitoring through the dedicated headphone outputs, you hear your processed voice in real time with zero latency.

Wave FX Processor connects directly to Wave Link through a dedicated low-latency path. Your audio routes to Wave Link for plugin processing, then gets inserted back into the hardware signal chain before reaching your apps. Effects like noise suppression, reverb, or voice changers work in every application without virtual microphones or extra routing.

To learn more, check out our guide on VST Insert or find additional audio effects at Elgato Marketplace.

For a deep dive on Wave FX, check out our guide.

Great audio starts with the correct microphone volume. Auto Gain Wizard analyzes your voice and automatically sets the optimal level. Speak at your normal volume, and the wizard adjusts gain and initializes DSP effects like Voice Tune based on your voice characteristics.

This removes guesswork, especially if you're new to XLR mics.

The control dial switches between four modes: microphone gain, Voice Tune, headphone volume, and mic/PC mix. The LED ring shows real-time metering and adjusts colors based on your current mode. You can customize LED colors for each mode in Wave Link.

Tap the back panel to mute your microphone instantly.

High Power Mode delivers up to 170 mW for driving high-impedance or less sensitive headphones. Enable it in Wave Link when you need extra volume.

Stream Deck connects through the Wave Link plugin. Assign keys to control gain, toggle effects, switch monitoring modes, or adjust headphone volume without opening software.

Wave XLR MK.2 brings pro audio to any XLR microphone without the complexity. Your mic, your effects, and your audio processing all work together. Plug in your mic and start shaping your sound today.

Get Wave XLR MK.2.