Elgato Wave 3 USB Mic Review / Test (Compared to Snowball, Yeti, Quadcast, Seiren X, & more)

[@HighBrowComedy]

THIS is the review I was waiting for. Podcastage is probably the best reviewer on KZbin

[@brianmillerspeaks]

I'm an audio guy and run my own dedicated audio channel, and Bandrew is my favorite audio KZbinr. His reviews are flawless and comprehensive.

[@8lec_R]

Best audio reviewer. For certain stuff. I mean I'd love to see some shotgun mics and lavs.

[@SpoonyPizzas]

He IS the best reviewer. No probably about it. Some come close but he's the top.

[@RavenWednesday]

agree

[@j.keeley]

The consistency and testing methodology is amazing. Every review is pretty much in the same order so I can skip ahead to parts I want to focus on. Gotta watch the box toss everytime!

[@DBHOD]

Literally the most in depth review of a mic I've ever seen. Very impressed. And i love that an actual musician had the thought to test a mic with guitars. Well done!

[@thinkfaster]

Oh wow, that U67 is exactly what I need for my stream. *Quietly adjusts budget from $160 to $7000*

[@Kryptonization]

🤣

[@jeremygunkel]

El Gato on the big marketing push...so many reviews in the last week Yours is obviously the best.

[@Podcastage]

Yeah. I was shocked to see how many videos came out about the mic on Thursday. Glad I did not release a video then. So many of them in a 1 hour time frame.

[@papimuro8519]

Podcastage do you think it’s a better idea to use my blue yeti over the samson q2u for gaming voice over?

[@xxxlowerthenlowxxx]

@@alexandermeyer4950 may I ask what about it you disliked?

[@voidbunny5166]

Just wanted to say thank you for turning me into a microphone enthusiast. I watch your reviews even if I don’t want the product just because your analyses are so entertaining.

[@Podcastage]

Welcome to the dark side of microphone enthusiasmists. We’re very kind and welcome, but we’re bad with money.

[@TheFartsandCrapsShow]

Same.

[@UthacalthingTymbrimi]

@@Podcastage Says the guy with a 67 🤣 Seriously, though, great review!

[@acspectator8636]

I haven’t gotten a higher end mic to keep instead of returning it after getting hands on with several mics I’ve tried. It maybe my fear of my family being polar opposites to me being the only one into audio recording and microphones. And yet I do have lots of money at my disposal, but only consider buying and keeping one good enough mic, but I need my family’s interferences out of the way first, mostly my annoying brother who bothers me when I get anything new he never treats it normal, it gets too much attention from him.

[@JosephHerzog]

Love that you compare back to the CLASSIC Yeti Snowball (as that is what I currently own) so smart to put them side by side. Night and day difference!

[@themrjuring]

This the best comparison ever. I love how you emphasized how Elgato sounds like compared to each microphone. It's easier for us to compare directly with that method.

[@JohnGlasscock]

I'm not a fan of USB mics but I got to say I am impressed. The built in clip-guard is a brilliant feature

[@randomite]

What is this clip-guard feature? Thanks.

[@LohJiaHung]

@@randomite 7:09

[@kabloom6776]

I’m more impressed by the quality of this content more than any microphone on the market. Really comprehensive high quality guide.

[@curtisjudd]

Meow - HAHAHA! 😂 ClipGuard is surprisingly effective. Wow. I didn't expect much from this mic, but definitely shows that they worked with Lewitt.

[@Podcastage]

Yeah. Would like a little more below 100hz, but everything that is there is pretty good.

[@networkingcafe]

you BOTH are my favorites ones!!!!

[@ronnieryanpc]

Vocal wise would you recommend this than the rode nt usb mini?

[@thejasontlewis]

I'm actually really impressed. These are all features I want nearly every time I stream. In fact, I could have really used them last night.

[@russellkeith3300]

instaBlaster

[@gruntzone3605]

Great review! Really REALLY wish more people took advantage of time stamping their own video like you did. Went straight for what I needed/wanted to hear the most

[@Podcastage]

Thank you kindly. That's precisely why I do the timestamps. I respect people's time as opposed to seeking greater watch time. You get the information you want/need as quickly as possible and can get on with your life. Have a great day.

[@DuckLikePsy]

This is the best review I’ve ever seen. Thank you for taking the time.

[@GoldenUnlimited]

Hi Podcastage, I'm such a big fan! I love watching your reviews 1.) You're a really funny and interesting guy 2.) Your videos get right to the point in different sections 3.) You do whatever you can to make your reviews the best it can be 4.) There's many reasons but keep doing what you're doing! :)

[@BigMac8000]

I bought this mic immediately. I'm financially very frugal, I already have mic's, I didn't *need* a mic. Clip guard + intuitive simple software just made the decision for me, so simple, smartly done. They just did a bunch of stuff that makes so much sense. I haven't gotten it yet (still shipping) but man.... so glad to hear it was as I suspected. Glad to see it held up on podcastage, I was sweatin' having bought something so untested. Hearing such a glowing review from Podcastage made me real happy. I was waiting for him to cut it down (I expected the plastic thing to be a noteworthy negative) but maaaaaaan feeels goooood. It *does* have a unique sound pattern I can't quite put my finger on (my ears aren't as good as others) but man, it's hitting above its weight class, not on par with say a blue ember setup right or a few others but man. I'm so psyched.

[@thatsasnek]

How have you liked the mic?

[@mckaylamarie]

This was the exact review I was looking for! Thank you!!! Most people who reviewed it only talked about it in the context of streaming, but I'm so glad that you brought out the guitars and vocals to test, as well. I'm interested in streaming, as well as music recording, so this was great!

[@SueUTube]

I watched a whole SlapChop ad for you. That's respect.

[@Felipe-hl6nh]

Ok, this was the most comprehensive review of this mic I've seen Pretty much all streamers understandably focused on the software mixer because it feels like a game changer for streaming It's good to see so many testing done

[@zapojkabel9352]

Voicemeter? nope ?

[@notsobizzy]

As usual I'm here for the PIZZA PRONTO!

[@ehsanr21]

😂😂😂

[@ToobeyAmbi]

That Clipguard is definitely a big selling point. It works really well.

[@VanillaPlays]

From the Philippines with LOVE

[@arcmage23]

How in the world do you not have 500k+ subscribers! You're really personable and very detailed in your reviews! You really helped me out on the choice I'm going to make with my microphone for streaming! Thank you so much!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

26 MINUTES. HERE WE GO! I'M READY!

[@PurplProto]

Didn't even notice I spent 26 mins watching that until I saw this comment 😂

[@canIhavethishandle]

I read that with Badseedtech voice

[@Cbrrah]

I have now watched this review 3 times (I'm going to get this mic), thank you Podcastage 😂

[@dennish9543]

Working through your back catalog of reviews, this one included. You definitely enjoy what you do and it shows. Your microphone reviews are the gold standard! 🍻

[@Zerofuse]

This was one of the best reviews I’ve ever watched in general, and subscribed. I appreciate the short concerts w/singing. Was greatly in depth with great detail.

[@SpoonyPizzas]

THANK YOU for comparing to the Shure SM7B! REQUEST for your future reviews:- Controller clicks (both Xbox One X + PS4 controllers) - just to see if it picks up the clicking sounds if you're holding it down by your waist. Thanks again Podcastage #1 for Mic reviews!

[@wirormiror]

You sold me this mic. Honestly was goin for the blue line until I heard this one. Since I mostly want a mic for voiceovers in animation shots this is perfect. It handles well louder voices for intense moments and looks like it handle lower volumes as well for whispered shots. And it does higher pitched tones wonderfully. Even singing is handled beautifully and is just so versatile in that regard. And well, lets face it, I dont think I can pull off the baritone commanding voice haha. Really glad I found your channel

[@GerhardWinkler]

To keep it short and simple - I love all of your reviews. Highly professional made and also, for a " none native speaker ", easy to follow! Many thx 2 U

[@codysseusOW]

This review is INSANE wow. The most detailed review I’ve ever seen and you covered every single thing someone could think about. Thanks so much for the great video!

[@Plasma123]

The plosives are not bad even without the pop filter

[@Breadlocks]

It has a pop filter built in

[@ArtVandelay592]

Great video Bandrew. For a USB mic, it sounds pretty good. Especially compared to Blue's USB mics that I always personally found to be extremely overrated and overpriced for the sound quality you get. The Snowball especially just sounded terrible next to everything else in this video. And you can really tell that Lewitt had a hand in making this mic, because the sound quality and the feature set are both way better than any USB mic has any right to be. I'm shocked that nobody else has mentioned this yet, but dat U67 tho. Can't wait for the inevitable review of that.

[@Tylooss]

THIS IS WHAT I NEEDD !! WHAT A GREAT VIDEO, FINALLY FOUND ONE WITH COMPLETE REVIEW !! THANKYOU SO MUCH, GONNA BUY THAT MIC

[@stefanfeist9893]

Was that a clipping test?

[@eliasgarcia6576]

Actually a very in depth video without dragging which is insanely helpful in reviews. Nice job mate!!!!

[@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELO]

This guy is absolutely the best and ONLY reviewer I watch on KZbin. He's my go-to when it comes to detailed and entertaining reviews. Because of him I bought the Hyper X Quadcast and now this, the El Gato Wave 3 (Merry Christmas to me). Thanks man! You're awesome!!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours!!!

[@EremittV]

Was waiting for this. You give the most detailed reviews for microphones in all categories. Big ups to you, the mic daddy, and big ups to Elgato for providing the mic daddy with microphones Also, cool membership idea: Provide downloadable pdf documents with the stuff you type for the keyboard tests. Then people can collect documents with random letters like proper mad men

[@Podcastage]

HAHA! Just a single document with pages of random letters. It would be minconstrued as a crazy persons manifesto.

[@notnerd3]

Pretty nice microphone (especially the software). I always forget how awful the Blue Snowball (and to a lesser extent the Blue Yeti) sounds and yet for some unknown reason people still buy it. I think a video about popular microphones to never buy would be cool. Explaining what alternatives would be better. Another great video! Your videos have definitely taught me a lot more about the microphones in the market.

[@dirbyh]

Literally purchased a blue yet, it was awful. Got a replacement. Same shit. Returned that for a wave 3. Much better.

[@blackjohnny0]

For me they sound pretty similar. I just bought FiFine K688 and will see if it is better.

[@jdawg206A]

Love the singing test at 16:10! You also have a great voice too

[@Roache01]

im so glad this was the first review i watched on this mic. i dont need to go anywhere else, thank you

[@zezesilver]

The more microphones I listen, the more I fall in love with the Q2U

[@Podcastage]

The Q2u is wonderful for the price and even hits above its weight class.

[@LiraeNoir]

The Q2U is a very nice mic. I still recommend it almost every week, even if the price is higher in Europe (and obviously it's out of stock anywhere during Covid19).

[@sjustinas]

>"Now i want to make a really quick comparison" >Compares to 13 other microphones

[@opedromagico]

kkkkkkkkkk

[@filovirus1]

haven't had this much fun watching youtube vid in a while. well done and thank you.

[@Podcastage]

Thank you kindly! That really means a lot! Thanks for checking it out.

[@Cypnos]

Had to leave a like just out of respect for the effort this man went through to switch and set up all those different mics for the comparisons

[@mallaich9107]

this is one of the best reviews I have ever watched. Thank you

[@GrainTube]

You helped to decide yo buy Elgato W3, this is my first mic, thank you.

[@zenfoxtailstudios]

Was looking for an option of a mic / headset, and watched a number of your reviews. This one won out for the price point I was looking at. Thanks for the info, and thanks for being consistent and giving honest reviews! No punch ups or punch downs or buzz words, just straight up performance and info!

[@HolarMusic]

Your voice sounds so smooth and pleasant with this microphone, it's almost like it was made for you specifically

[@topemeister3000]

This is the most thorough review on any topic that I have ever seen. I appreciate your work and your efforts. Cheers

[@mrfastrack]

I rarely put comments but here I have to thank you for the work you have done for all these comparisons. This is the best video I could see, I could make my choice. Thank you.

[@wtulin1970]

That mic sounds much better than I expected it to. Also, two thank yous for you. First, thanks for another great video. Second, thanks for reminding me how much I loathe the snowball.

[@ectobeast4325]

Man thank you so much for this review, its the most in depth review ive seen for a microphone, you got a sub and ill be watching more of your videos

[@mickgames024]

1 of the most go to mics on this moment still. Very nice review thnx.

[@SkittlesBeats]

I’ve been looking for a comparison to the Snowball so I can hear the difference!! Thank you for the upgrade recommendation!

[@jae-jeromestovell5072]

Awesome review...as always. REALLY impressed with the sound of this little mic. You said it correctly: very balanced. Has now moved into my #1 spot for podcasting.

[@7jonathan]

Man!! A review with more than 20 minutes deserve respect.

[@MatthewJohnson97]

Just me who watches these over and over? Awesome stuff!

[@AwayFromTheShadow]

I think it sounds really good, but in this review I was very surprised about how good the Beyerdynamic Fox actually sounds. Didn't expect others to compare so badly

[@kazpaz8729]

I know nothing about microphones and your reviews are super thorough and the humor is on point. Thanks for your hard work!

[@SecaLoire]

Awesome review man. Admitedly, I ordered the mic before I watched, but this made me feel super comfortable purchasing it. The mic to mic comparisons and music recording tests are top notch. Thanks a million!

[@TannerBGaming]

I bought this mic for one reason and really one reason only, the USB-C! All my other usb mics that I've ever bought have had problems with the usb connection, but usb-c is super solid and is definitely not going to break as easily.

[@mindbehindtheuniverse]

USB-C is a dealmaker or killer for me at this point. Micro and mini USBs are just asking for electronic death.

[@jonathanmanseau5965]

Just bought it because of your review and just the software alone is amazing for streaming. Now i just need a good boom arm to help me hook it. Continue your great job

[@Babybarschalarm]

I have to say, the Quadcast really sounds great.

[@shnx3778]

To me it sounds similar but better more natural than the wave

[@ethereally3]

I want to make this a short comment but I really can't xD - *THANK YOU* for putting out absolutely amazing high quality in-depth and well thought out content so noobs like me can make better purchases. I can't even imagine how long it takes you to make these videos, but it's VERY apparent you do it for your viewers. I've been looking for a mic for a long time, being dumb & ADHD I can never settle down on a single product, but after watching your videos for the past 5 hours I've learned so much and I'm glad I waited. You and your channel is friggen amazing man obviously subbed and gonna be watching all your future content :)

[@Jakepf]

I gotta give it to the Wave 3, it does sound very good for a USB Microphone wow.

[@annexedcat]

Wow, that clip guard is phenomenal, I can't believe there wasn't any editing to that. Thanks for the review!

[@lisamari8361]

Oh my god. This is the most brilliantly useful review video I have ever had the pleasure of stumbling upon. Thank you!

[@aphaziaTV]

10/10 would bump "Do you really care at all?" full version here. Just sayin. Thanks for a great in depth review. TONS of data without fluff, and approachably entertaining. Subbed!

[@RedSnowProduction101]

Buying it. Watched so many reviews but this one convinced me! Thank you! I lll be back anytime you have a review of something I’m considering.

[@superyamchama5659]

Not only was just a great review an amazing video in general

[@Podcastage]

That's very kind of you Yamchama, thank you for the kind words.

[@arfmf]

I watched the whole thing.... I had to see how many mics this man has... was not disappointed.

[@ramabay]

When I first heard you taking into the mic I thought: Nice, that sound of your voice reminds me of your review from the Lewitt MTP 350. Then you mentioned Lewitt. Nice!

[@MNIJ19]

I’m even more impressed with how good this review was. Bravo my friend. Now take this SUB!

[@kalelinslo235]

IMO, the Blue Yeti Nano sounds great and it's all metal. For the price, it's hard to beat!

[@NickG6489]

Even the best reviewers, other than you, have no idea what they're doing with audio, making me think this was a mic that Lewitt should not want their name on for any reason. Instead, it's the best cardioid USB condenser...or, at least, one of them. Hats off to you, Bandrew.

[@DerMBen]

Yeah, I noticed that too, a lot of other Reviewers made it sound terrible.

[@techmed-rainer]

This Elgato mic seems to be much better than I expected. Thank you very much for this detailed review, Bandrew!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you kindly Rainer!

[@Iam__Dan]

Not gonna lie XD love it when he YEETS the boxes out the room Great Review Really Was On The Fence About The Waves But The Seem Pretty Decent

[@tugboet]

I bought a mic months ago based on your reviews and yet here I am. I really appreciate and enjoy your reviews!

[@MrStartrek5]

Between this and the Rode NT-USB i still think i like the Rode more overall gotta say. Still a good mic coming from Elgato!

[@JeefWiggo]

Mine is arriving tomorrow because of this review. Many thanks

[@gamepetals]

Hey just wanted to say thank you for such an in depth review. I finally know what mic I'm going to replace my broken one with after so much indecision. Thank you!

[@dugdru2]

This mic is about $300 dollars now...one day after you posted your review. Always a good and reliable Mic testing. Great Video!

[@bobbob83636]

Thanks for the review! I bought this mic and looked up reviews to support my decision post purchase. So thank you 🥰

[@ImabossSK]

But: is the Wave 1 the same? And how does it compare cost:quality?

[@craigabbott9525]

Great review. I was surprised to notice how bad the Snowball sounds when you do this many comparisons in a row!

[@sadelta1]

These reviews are pure science. Bravo.

[@nnsgabriel42]

What a great review! This is one of my favourite channels on YT. Thank you very much!

[@ZiaErina]

Only just found your channel but damn you do a great job dude. Im not an audio person and this was so easy to understand.

[@FreeThePenguins]

I still want you to do a review of RTX voice. Such an innovative solution.

[@SullySadface]

Maximilian Dood did a look at it. That shit is crazy. You can hear absolutely no arcade joystick mashing.

[@LunaSolarysAD]

When it works lol. It's incredible but Nvidia like with all their software needs to actually, ya know, develop it more.

[@LunaSolarysAD]

And it's not me - at least 5 other active friends have all had weird issues and noticed problems.

[@Breadlocks]

DatapawWolf yes well it is early beta so I’m impressed

[@GAMEVIDSnorwegian422]

Using RTX voice with my Snowball, it completely changed it lol. (in a good way)

[@Houndic]

These reviews are untouchable. Thank you

[@BadTakeRisan]

Lmaoo the progressively more unhinged mic comparisons to were hilarious 😂 8:45

[@Catttza]

at this point im not even looking for mics to buy i just like your voice.

[@jeanvanjaarsveld9636]

Fantastic unbiased review, you are my go-to audio guy, I always trust what you have to say. Thanks for being a champ!

[@thebreakfastmenu]

I think it sounds pretty good actually. Especially with the clipguard on. Kind of a shame it has a plastic chassis

[@mackinglouiegaming3079]

The best Wave 3 review ever!!! Thank you!!!

[@santoshpss]

This is an awesome mic! It works perfectly for podcasting and singing without having to worry about clipping!

[@dunmer26]

Thanks man I just bought this from best buy after watching this video while in the store.

[@alexcorll90]

Very smooth sound overall. I think the 96khz sampling does make a difference. The sound plus the software features make it the best choice for streamers, no question.

[@jafieldspictures]

Incredible review! I've been using a Shure Microflex with the supercardioid capsule as my computer mic and this review may convince me to switch to the Wave 3. The convenience of USB with internal mixing and monitoring are really attractive.

[@meatscraps]

I've been looking at this mic for a while, very glad I stumbled upon this video! Thanks!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you for watching, I hope it helps make a more informed decision. Happy recording.

[@GoTellJesusSaves]

Thank you so much for putting the specs on screen! So helpful!