MUNICH, Germany – Elgato, a brand of CORSAIR, today unveiled Wave Next, a comprehensive overhaul of its audio platform designed for creators and professionals. The launch, announced on March 3, 2026, represents the most significant evolution of the Wave system since its initial release in 2020.
Wave Next introduces six integrated products: Wave Link 3.0 software, Wave:3 MK.2, Wave XLR MK.2, XLR Dock MK.2, Wave XLR Pro, and Stream Deck + XL. The system aims to streamline audio capture, processing, and control, addressing complexities identified through feedback from hundreds of thousands of users, according to Elgato.
At the core of the new platform is Wave Link 3.0, a redesigned audio mixing application now available as a free download for both Windows and macOS. The software is compatible with a wide range of microphones, mixers, and audio interfaces, offering users the ability to create up to five independent submixes for routing voice, music, chat, and game audio. Wave Link 3.0 also supports VST plugins for per-channel effects processing and features native integration with Elgato’s Stream Deck.
“When we launched the first Wave microphone in 2020, we set out to make audio workflows easier for creators,” said Julian Fest, SVP and General Manager of Elgato. “Since then, hundreds of thousands of real-world setups have taught us what works, what is still too complicated, and where the real bottlenecks are. Wave Next is the synthesis of everything we have learned, reimagined into a single platform offering powerful software that is now free for everyone, hardware that processes audio at the source, and physical controls that make managing it all feel effortless.”
Powering the new hardware is the Wave FX Processor, a custom-developed chip created in partnership with Lewitt Audio. This processor optimizes the audio signal path by handling processing at the hardware level where possible, and integrating software-based effects when appropriate. Key features include Clipguard 2.0, a layered architecture designed to prevent distortion, and a suite of five onboard DSP effects: Low Cut Filter, Expander, Voice Tune, Compressor, and EQ. The system also supports VST Insert technology for low-latency processing of studio-grade effects.
The hardware lineup includes the Wave:3 MK.2, a USB condenser microphone featuring a supercardioid capsule tuned by LEWITT; the Wave XLR MK.2, an interface designed to equip XLR microphones for digital production; and the XLR Dock MK.2, designed exclusively for use with the Stream Deck + to integrate professional XLR audio directly into a modular control surface.
Elgato also announced the Wave XLR Pro, slated for release in the second quarter of 2026. This device features two independent XLR inputs, hardware-based mixes, a Maximizer effect, and per-channel ducking. It also includes high-power headphone outputs and USB Aux connectivity.
Rounding out the Wave Next ecosystem is the Stream Deck + XL, which, when paired with Wave Next hardware, provides a control surface with 36 customizable LCD keys, six multifunction dials, and an ultra-wide touch strip for adjusting levels, muting inputs, and toggling effects.
Wave:3 MK.2, Wave XLR MK.2, XLR Dock MK.2, and Stream Deck + XL are available for order starting today on elgato.com and through authorized retailers. Wave Link 3.0 is available as a free download from the same source.
