Is that this entry-level streaming mic price a purchase, or must you save up for one thing higher? Up to date: Aug 13, 2024 3:02 pm WePC is reader-supported. While you purchase by means of hyperlinks on our website, we might earn an affiliate fee. Costs topic to alter. Study extra Desk of Contents Desk of Contents The Elgato Wave Neo is the microphone factor of the Elgato Neo vary, which compromises 5 completely different merchandise designed as an reasonably priced entry-point answer for streamers and different on-line productiveness customers. This mic is marketed as a plug-and-play, no-frills gadget, with good audio high quality contemplating the funds asking worth. Let’s see whether or not or not it measures as much as this declare! Specs Sensitivity : -23 dBFS (min acquire) | 7 dBFS (max acquire) Pattern fee : 24 Bit/48 kHz, 24 Bit/96 kHz Frequency response : 20 Hz – 20 kHz Mounting threads: 1/4″, 5/8″, 3/8″ Dimensions: 92 x 92 x 282 mm / 3.6 x 3.6 x 11.1 in (with riser) Weight: 520 g / 18.4 oz (with riser) Max SPL : 120 dB Dynamic vary: 94 dB Connection: USB-C (digital), 3.5 mm stereo jack (headphones) Present extra What We Suppose The Elgato Wave Neo is a superb entry-level streaming mic with good-quality audio for the value, post-processing performance, and a pleasant clear aesthetic. Though there are a good few areas the place the cheapness of this microphone is clear, specifically the shortage of adjustability of the stand and its lower than stellar construct high quality, the virtually full lack of controls on the mic itself, and the shortness of the cable, finally that is all forgivable contemplating the value level. That being mentioned, if you could find an affordable sufficient Elgato Wave 3 for beneath its typical asking worth, you would possibly take into account choosing that as an alternative. Execs Good high quality audio for the value Easy to make use of Good clear aesthetic Cons Stand isn’t correctly adjustable Capacitive mute button simple to press accidentally Pricing The Elgato Wave Neo has an MSRP of $89.99 on the time of writing. That is solely 60% of what the Elgato Wave 3 prices at its official MSRP of $149.99, which is kind of a distinction; that being mentioned, you may typically discover the Wave 3 at a decreased worth and it does include superior construct high quality, bodily controls, and barely higher audio high quality, so that you would possibly wish to take into account this as properly should you’re not so bothered about having a uniform white Elgato Neo aesthetic in your setup. Design The Wave Neo is available in the identical all-white, minimalist aesthetic as the remainder of the Elgato Neo vary, and should you’re considering of shopping for a number of merchandise on this line then they do look fairly good altogether. That being mentioned, that is the one coloration possibility, so should you’re after one thing in black or one thing else you then’re out of luck. The mic has a foam pop-filter included that attaches to the highest of the mic however is detachable in case you must clear it. The entrance of the microphone includes a single capacitive button that mutes/unmutes the mic and turns a reddish/orange coloration when muted. The Wave Neo comes with a stand with a round base that may be assembled within the full-height setup or shorter so it basically has two peak settings, however these can’t be switched between mid-use as they require you to take the stand aside. There’s a rubber cable administration becoming on the again of the stand column that can be utilized to tidy away two wires. The wires in query are the included USB-C (which plugs into the again of the mic) to USB-A (which plugs into your laptop) cable, which is absolutely removable, and in addition any 3.5mm headphone cable you would possibly wish to jack into the port within the again (not included with the mic). As a substitute of utilizing the stand, you may at all times take away the thread adapter from the highest part after which screw the mic onto a distinct stand or microphone arm with the traditional thread mount should you like. The 1.5m cable is a bit on the quick facet for versatile use, although it’s a minimum of removable and you would at all times change it with an extended one if wanted. The construct high quality is respectable for an inexpensive mic, however the steel stand is a bit vulnerable to rattling and the fittings can really feel a bit on the free facet. The pop filter particularly feels a bit brittle round its connection level, actually when in comparison with the sturdy Lewitt-designed cardioid condenser capsule that you just get on the Wave 3. Audio Efficiency & Software program The uncooked audio high quality on the Elgato Wave Neo is sweet, regardless of the cheaper asking worth. The closest comparability could be the Wave 3, which is just marginally higher to our ears. In technical phrases, the Wave Neo really has a broader frequency response than the Wave 3, however the responsiveness is decrease by comparability. Each can report and output in multi-channel audio. Just like the Wave 3 and the remainder of Elgato’s audio line, the Wave Neo makes use of the ‘Wave Hyperlink’ software program to manage enter and output settings for the mic. This software program is intuitive and offers a great diploma of management, together with the power so as to add voice results and varied different post-processing, all of which is on par with the dearer mic. Many of the variations that mark this mic out as funds are in its bodily design. Whereas the Wave 3 has a bodily, multi-function knob and button to alter acquire, headphone quantity, and use as a multi-channel mixer, the Wave Neo has all these controls throughout the onboard software program. Each include capacitive switches for muting the mic simply with out creating any handing noise in your stream or recording, nonetheless whereas the Wave 3 has this on the highest of the mic, the Wave Neo has it on the entrance, and it’s a little bit of a clumsy place if you wish to transfer the mic at any level given it’s very simple to by chance mute/unmute your self.
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