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An introduction to Elgato Wave Link, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Pro audio for all
— Elgato official site
What is Wave Link?
Wave Link is Elgato's free audio control app, billed as broadcast-quality routing and effects for streamers without complex setup.
It gathers microphones, games and chat into channels and sends them to separate mixes, such as stream, VOD and Discord. Up to five virtual mixes are available.
VST3 effects work on Windows and AU on macOS, applicable to any source. Stream Deck integration controls volume, mute and mixes.
Up to four Elgato Wave devices plus third-party mics, audio interfaces and capture cards can be combined.
Flexible routing
Send any source to any output mix, e.g. different balances for the stream and your monitor.
Up to 5 virtual mixes
Each mix has its own routing, levels, effects and label.
App volume management
Group several apps or sources into one channel and adjust it as one.
Multi-device input
Up to four Wave devices plus third-party mics, interfaces and capture cards.
VST3/AU effects
VST3 on Windows, AU on macOS, on any source; some effects may add latency.
Stream Deck integration
Control volume, mute, effects and mix switching from buttons.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 11 (x64/ARM) |
| Mac | macOS 15.0 or later |
| RAM | 8 GB (16 GB+ recommended) |
| CPU (Windows) | Intel 10th gen / AMD Ryzen 4000 series or better recommended |
| CPU (Mac) | Intel or Apple Silicon (M1+ recommended) |
| Inputs | Up to 8 non-Wave channels, up to 4 Wave devices |
| Mixes | Up to 5 |
| Audio engine | 48 kHz / 24-bit / stereo |
| Limitation | No ASIO support |
What is included and system requirements
- Free app, no subscription
- Windows and Mac
- VST3 (Windows) / AU (Mac) effects
How to use it
- Download and install Wave Link from Elgato's site.
- On launch, connected mics are detected automatically.
- Start with one mic and one channel.
- Add game or Discord audio as channels as needed.
- Set up output mixes (stream, monitor, etc.).
- Insert effects on the sources that need them.
- Set up Stream Deck integration if used.
- In your streaming software, choose Wave Link's output as the input.
Live streaming
Build separate balances for the stream and yourself.
Streaming while on Discord
Keep call audio on its own mix.
Home recording and simple mixing
Manage several inputs in one place.
Who it may suit
- Streamers organizing several audio sources
- People applying VST3/AU effects to stream audio
- Stream Deck users
Good to know before you buy
- ASIO is not supported.
- Some effects may add latency.
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS 15.0+.
Price
Free to use (Elgato official site, checked 2026-10-27).
See Wave Link on the product page
Sources: elgato.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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