HyperX
HyperX QuadCast 2 S
Condenser · USB-C · Cardioid, Omni, Bidirectional, Stereo
8.4
$150Nov 9
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
A plug-in USB condenser that keeps its effects and clip protection on the mic, at the cost of a fussy touch mute.
- Condenser
- USB-C
- Cardioid
PCPR score
8.3
Great
Best price we’ve seen
$135Nov 9
Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.
R1
The short version
The Wave:3 MK.2 is a USB-C condenser microphone with an onboard Wave FX Processor, Clipguard 2.0 and a multifunction dial, plus a 3.5 mm headphone jack for real-time monitoring. GamesRadar found it a clear step up from the original, with balanced, warm vocals out of the box. It records at a fixed 48 kHz/24-bit, which GamesRadar notes drops the old 96 kHz mode, and the tap-to-mute sensor can be touchy. It suits streamers and podcasters who want studio-style sound without an audio interface.
Pros
- Onboard Wave FX Processor runs effects and voice shaping on the microphone itself
- Clipguard 2.0 anti-distortion protection for sudden loud sounds
- 3.5 mm headphone jack with real-time monitoring through the onboard DSP
- Tap-to-mute and a multifunction dial for gain, Voice Tune and headphone mix
Cons
- Touch mute button is overly sensitive, per GamesRadar
- Fixed 48 kHz/24-bit capture; the original's 96 kHz mode is gone, GamesRadar notes
- AI-assisted processing can be heavy-handed at stronger settings
Best for
- Streamers who want onboard DSP without an audio interface
- Podcasters who monitor through wired headphones
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Type
- Condenser
Connectivity
- Connection
- USB-C
Performance
- Pickup patterns
- Cardioid
- Max sample rate
- 48 kHz
- Bit depth
- 24 bit
Fit
- Needs interface
- No
Features
- Mute control
- Yes
- Headphone monitoring
- Yes
Compatibility notes
- Connects to a PC or Mac over USB-C; there is no XLR output.
- Elgato's free Wave Link software configures the onboard effects and VST inserts.
P1
Where to buy
Official store
Seen Nov 9, 2026
$169.99
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Seen Nov 9, 2026
$134.99
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AV1
Video reviews
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AV2
What reviewers and owners say
GamesRadar+
PositiveJudges it a clear improvement over the first Wave:3, with well-balanced speech from the start and handy onboard processing, but warns the touch mute is too sensitive and the AI processing can overreach.
Review
Read the source
Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.
R9
Common questions
Do I need an audio interface for the Wave:3 MK.2?
No. It is a USB-C microphone that plugs straight into a computer, and the onboard DSP processes your voice without extra hardware.
What changed from the original Wave:3?
Elgato lists a Wave FX Processor and Clipguard 2.0. GamesRadar adds that the capsule is slightly smaller and the old 96 kHz recording option has been removed.
Can I monitor my voice with headphones?
Yes. The mic has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and Elgato says monitoring is real-time with the onboard DSP and Clipguard applied.
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