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Elgato Wave Link
What it is
Elgato Wave Link is a free audio-routing and effects app for content creators on Windows and macOS. It works with USB and XLR microphones, third-party interfaces, headsets, and capture cards recognized by the computer. A horizontal routing matrix lets users send audio sources to output mixes, with up to five independent mixes and separate routing and volume levels. Multiple applications, including Zoom, Teams, Discord, Spotify, or Chrome, can be grouped into one channel. Wave Link supports VST3 effects on Windows and Audio Unit effects on macOS, with unlimited effects per input. Mixes can go to OBS Studio, MS Teams, or any application that accepts audio input. A Stream Deck plugin can adjust volume, mute channels, toggle effects, and switch mixes. The Wave Link 3.0 plan lists up to eight software or non-Wave input channels, four Wave-device inputs, and five virtual mixes. Windows requires Windows 11 and 8 GB RAM; macOS requires version 15.0 or newer and 8 GB RAM. ASIO is not supported, and effects may add latency.
For and against
For
- Works with multiple microphone and interface types.
- Provides up to five independent output mixes.
- Supports unlimited effects per input.
- Free, with no subscription or feature gates.
Against
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS 15.0 or newer.
- Requires 8 GB RAM.
- ASIO is not supported.
- Effects may add latency.
The verdict
Wave Link brings routing, app grouping, and effects into a free desktop workflow. Confirm its system requirements and ASIO limitation before relying on it for a setup.
Who it suits
Wave Link is designed for streamers, podcasters, professionals, and other content creators who need to route audio and apply effects. It suits users working on Windows 11 or macOS 15.0 or newer with at least 8 GB RAM.
Plans and prices
Free
Available on Windows and macOS · Works with any microphone or audio interface · No subscription or feature gates
Read 20 Sep 2026 · elgato.com
Wave Link 3.0
Windows 11 or macOS 15.0+ · up to 8 software/non-Wave input channels · up to 4 Wave-device inputs · up to 5 virtual mixes
Read 30 Sep 2026 · elgato.com
On the record
- App grouping
- Multiple applications can be grouped into one channel, such as Zoom, Teams, Discord, Spotify, or Chrome.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Audience
- Elgato describes Wave Link as designed for streamers, podcasters, professionals, and content creators.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Audio effects
- It supports VST3 effects on Windows and Audio Unit effects on macOS, with unlimited effects per input.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Independent mixes
- Wave Link supports up to five independent output mixes with separate routing and volume levels.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- Wave Link can send mixes to OBS Studio, MS Teams, or any application that accepts audio input.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Marketplace
- Audio effects can be installed from Elgato Marketplace or supplied as third-party plugins.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Microphone compatibility
- It works with USB and XLR microphones, third-party interfaces, headsets, and capture cards recognized by the computer.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Notable limit
- ASIO is not supported, and effects may add additional latency.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Wave Link provides broadcast-level audio routing and effects for content creators.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Routing
- Users can send any audio source to any output mix through a horizontal routing matrix.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security support
- Elgato says it accepts vulnerability reports through a support ticket and provides security updates for at least two years after a product's last sale date on elgato.com.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Stream Deck
- The Wave Link Stream Deck plugin can adjust volume, mute channels, toggle effects, and switch mixes.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- Elgato provides FAQ, contact, and download links for Wave Link support.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- System requirements
- Windows requires Windows 11 with 8 GB RAM, while macOS requires macOS 15.0 or newer with 8 GB RAM.elgato.com · read 30 Sep 2026
