Microphones / Compare
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 vs RØDE NT-USB+
Product A: Elgato
40 of 61 known
Change Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
Product B: RØDE
42 of 61 known
Change RØDE NT-USB+
28 of 53 fields differ
- 17 different values
- 11 known for one only
- 14 the same
- 11 missing for both
Size, drawn to scale
Front and side.
- AElgato: 85 × 167 mm
- BRØDE: 62 × 184 mm
Weight
0 to 1,000 g
Microphone weight
A250g
B540g
All 61 fields
Every value links to where we found it.


General
5 of 8 differ
Model numbers
10MAO9901, 10MAO9911, 20MAO99011Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026SKU 10MAO9901. The FAQ says the bottom of the microphone shows Wave:3 MK.2 and model number 20MAO9901. SKU 10MAO9911 is the white MK.2 in the page's Audio Bundle Builder data.7Retailer pageholdan.co.uk/products/details/ELG10MAO9901Read 14 October 2026
GTIN / EAN
Announced
Not available
Status
Available1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026The US page sells the NT-USB+ at 179 USD.7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/rode-nt-usb-review-who-needs-an-xlr-micRead 14 October 2026Available now.8Retailer pagethomann.de/gb/rode_nt_usb_554868.htmRead 14 October 2026In stock and can be shipped immediately.
Predecessor
Not available
Not available
Successor
Not available
Not available
Launch price (US)
$1696Press releasepodnews.net/press-release/rode-nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026Priced at US 169 dollars. The release gives no euro price.7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/rode-nt-usb-review-who-needs-an-xlr-micRead 14 October 2026Review of 2022-11-15: available now for 169 USD. MSRP 169 USD.10Reviewwindowscentral.com/accessories/microphones/rode-nt-usb-plus-condenser-microphone-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review of 2022-12-09: 169 USD MSRP.
Launch price (EU)
Markets
Not available
Not available
Colours
Black, White1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026Black is SKU 10MAO9901. The page data labels a Wave 3 MK2 White with SKU 10MAO9911, and Amazon US sells a white MK.2 sold by Corsair. No colour is named on the product page itself.9Retailer pageamazon.com/Elgato-Wave-Condenser-Microphone-Effects/dp/B0HJG21YLXRead 14 October 2026Listing titled Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 White USB Condenser Microphone. The black listing is B0GGYLFHPS.
Capsule and pickup
1 of 4 differ
Capsule size
12.7mm8Retailer pagethomann.de/gb/rode_nt_usb_554868.htmRead 14 October 2026Spec tab: 1/2 in condenser capsule, gold-plated. Stored as 12.7 mm. ComputerBase says the same. RØDE's own pages give no capsule size.9Reviewcomputerbase.de/2022-12/rode-nt-usb-test-mikrofon-klang-preisRead 14 October 2026The condenser capsule is half an inch in size and gold-sputtered. Thomann says 1/2 in too.
Capsules
Polar patterns
Address type
Side address1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026FAQ: speak into the front, the side with the multifunction dial. The mic captures sound from the side, not the top.4Owner's manualelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave3-mk2-quick-start-guideRead 14 October 2026Wave:3 is a side-address mic. Speak into the front, not the top.
Sound specs
5 of 10 differ
Frequency response
Min70 HzMax20 kHz1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026
Sensitivity (analog)
Not available
Not available
Sensitivity (digital)
Not available
Max SPL
Max SPL distortion limit
Not available
Self-noise
Not available
Not available
Digital noise floor
Not available
Not available
Signal-to-noise ratio
Not available
Not available
Dynamic range
Output impedance
Not available
Not available
Connectivity
1 of 7 differ
Outputs
USB1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026USB-C connectivity. Class-compliant USB output for computers, smartphones and tablets.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 2026Output connection: 3.5 mm headphone connection and USB-C connectivity. Computer connectivity: USB-C. Power: 5 V at 500 mA over USB bus power.
Inputs for other sources
Not available
Not available
USB and XLR at once
Not available
Not available
USB port
USB-C1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 20264Owner's manualelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave3-mk2-quick-start-guideRead 14 October 2026
USB-C1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026USB-C connectivity with high-resolution analog-digital conversion.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 20263Owner's manualrode.com/en-us/user-guides/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026Plug the included cable into the USB-C port at the base of the microphone.
Cable host plug
USB-C2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 2026Included accessory: 1 x SC29 USB-C to USB-C cable. The computer end is a USB-C plug. Tom's Hardware and Windows Central say the same.7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/rode-nt-usb-review-who-needs-an-xlr-micRead 14 October 2026USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.
Cable length
2.5m1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026USB-C cable 250 cm. Videoguys and Amazon print 150 cm next to 98 in, so the maker value is used.2Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/wave3-mk2-a-new-era-of-digital-audioRead 14 October 20267Retailer pageholdan.co.uk/products/details/ELG10MAO9901Read 14 October 2026
3m7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/rode-nt-usb-review-who-needs-an-xlr-micRead 14 October 2026Spec table: USB-C to USB-C cable, 9.8 ft or 3 m.8Retailer pagethomann.de/gb/rode_nt_usb_554868.htmRead 14 October 2026Scope of delivery: USB-C to USB-C cable (3 m).10Reviewwindowscentral.com/accessories/microphones/rode-nt-usb-plus-condenser-microphone-reviewRead 14 October 2026The box has a 3m RØDE SC29 USB-C cable.11Reviewsenses.se/en/review-rode-nt-usbRead 14 October 2026A three-meter USB-C to USB-C cable is in the box.
Phantom power
Not available
Not available
Digital audio
0 of 3 differ
Max bit depth
Max sample rate
Monitoring
0 of 2 differ
Headphone output
Yes1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026High-power headphone output with zero-latency monitoring and versatile controls.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 2026Analog outputs: 3.5 mm headphone jack.3Owner's manualrode.com/en-us/user-guides/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 20263.5 mm headphone output.
Zero-latency monitoring
Yes1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026Compare table: real-time monitoring of system audio and voice with onboard DSP. Quick start guide: zero-latency monitoring of mic and system audio.2Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/wave3-mk2-a-new-era-of-digital-audioRead 14 October 2026Effects and Clipguard are applied before the headphone output with zero latency.4Owner's manualelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave3-mk2-quick-start-guideRead 14 October 2026
Yes1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026High-power headphone output with zero-latency monitoring.3Owner's manualrode.com/en-us/user-guides/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026The top control adjusts how much direct microphone signal goes to the headphones. The direct signal has no latency.
Controls and processing
2 of 2 differ
Onboard controls
Gain, Headphone volume, Monitor mix, Mute1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026Multifunction dial: gain, Voice Tune, headphone volume, monitor mix. Tap the top of the microphone to mute.2Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/wave3-mk2-a-new-era-of-digital-audioRead 14 October 2026Press the dial to cycle input gain, Voice Tune, headphone volume and monitor mix. Turn to adjust. Tap the top to mute.4Owner's manualelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave3-mk2-quick-start-guideRead 14 October 2026
Headphone volume, Monitor mix3Owner's manualrode.com/en-us/user-guides/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026Features: monitor mix control (top) and headphone level control (bottom). There is no gain or mute control on the microphone.7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/rode-nt-usb-review-who-needs-an-xlr-micRead 14 October 2026Two dials for mix and headphone volume. The review notes there is no on-mic gain control and no mute switch.
Onboard processing
Compressor, Noise gate, EQ, High-pass filter, Clip protection1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026Wave FX Processor with built-in DSP and Clipguard 2.0. Effects run on the microphone and the FAQ says DSP works independent of the computer. The expander is stored as noise gate. Clipguard 2.0 is stored as clip protection, not also as a limiter. Voice Tune has no matching option and is not stored.2Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/wave3-mk2-a-new-era-of-digital-audioRead 14 October 2026Five onboard effects run together: low-cut filter, expander, Voice Tune, compressor and 4-band equalizer. Clipguard 2.0 uses digital limiters (what's-the-difference article).3Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/wave3-vs-wave3-mk2-whats-the-differenceRead 14 October 2026Five onboard DSP effects with no CPU load. Clipguard 2.0 has stacked ADC converters, 32-bit floating-point internal processing and digital limiters. Settings are stored on the microphone.
Compressor, Noise gate, High-pass filter, Exciter or bass enhancer1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026RØDE Reporter text: unlock the on-board processing, including the compressor, noise gate, high-pass filters and the APHEX Aural Exciter and Big Bottom. Settings can be saved to the NT-USB+ and persist after it is unplugged. Aural Exciter and Big Bottom are stored as exciter or bass enhancer.6Press releasepodnews.net/press-release/rode-nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026Internal DSP with a high-pass filter, a noise gate, a compressor and the Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects, activated through RØDE Central or RØDE Connect.7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/rode-nt-usb-review-who-needs-an-xlr-micRead 14 October 2026The compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter and the Aphex enhancements can be unlocked but not adjusted at the time of the review.
Mounting and accessories
2 of 4 differ
Mount threads
5/8 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/4 inch1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 20261/4-inch thread under the mic. 5/8-inch and 3/8-inch adapters are in the box.4Owner's manualelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/elgato-wave3-mk2-quick-start-guideRead 14 October 20261/4-inch thread underneath the mic, 3/8 and 5/8 inch adapters included.
5/8 inch, 1/4 inch3Owner's manualrode.com/en-us/user-guides/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026Inside the ring mount is a 1/4 in to 5/8 in thread adaptor that can be removed. The ring mount also fits other tripods and studio arms. ComputerBase says the adapter is 3/8 in to 5/8 in, and the maker wording is followed.8Retailer pagethomann.de/gb/rode_nt_usb_554868.htmRead 14 October 2026Scope of delivery: mounting ring with tripod mount. No thread sizes are printed.
Shock mount
Not available
Not available
Pop filter
Internal1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026Compare table: pop filter Internal.
Internal, External screen1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026Detachable pop filter included.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 2026Included accessory: 1 x pop filter.3Owner's manualrode.com/en-us/user-guides/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026The detachable pop filter sits between the microphone and the ring mount.7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/rode-nt-usb-review-who-needs-an-xlr-micRead 14 October 2026A blue mesh internal pop filter sits under the grille. The box adds a detachable pop shield, a rounded metal screen with a plastic frame.8Retailer pagethomann.de/gb/rode_nt_usb_554868.htmRead 14 October 2026Scope of delivery: detachable metal pop shield.
Desk stand included
Yes1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026Detachable pop filter and desktop stand included.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 2026Included accessory: 1 x desktop tripod.3Owner's manualrode.com/en-us/user-guides/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026The NT-USB+ comes with a desk stand that screws into the ring mount.8Retailer pagethomann.de/gb/rode_nt_usb_554868.htmRead 14 October 2026Scope of delivery: table stand, footprint 140 x 140 mm.
Design and build
2 of 3 differ
Housing material
Not available
Metal7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/rode-nt-usb-review-who-needs-an-xlr-micRead 14 October 2026Housed in a solid black metal body under a black metal mesh grille.9Reviewcomputerbase.de/2022-12/rode-nt-usb-test-mikrofon-klang-preisRead 14 October 2026The materials are mainly metal.11Reviewsenses.se/en/review-rode-nt-usbRead 14 October 2026The microphone is made entirely of metal.
RGB lighting
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available
Not available
Software
2 of 2 differ
Software
RØDE Central1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026RØDE Central is the companion app for desktop and mobile. RØDE Connect, RØDE Reporter and UNIFY also work with it.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 2026RØDE software compatibility: RØDE Central, RØDE Connect, RØDE Reporter and RØDE UNIFY.4Owner's manualedge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/0927-0829-02-09%20NT-USB%20QSG_FINAL%20ARTWORK-WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026The quick start guide points to RØDE Central.
User firmware updates
Not available
Yes1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026The RØDE Central text says it allows updating to the latest firmware. The quick start guide says to download RØDE Central to update the firmware.4Owner's manualedge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/0927-0829-02-09%20NT-USB%20QSG_FINAL%20ARTWORK-WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026Download RØDE Central to apply processing, change settings and update your firmware.
Compatibility
2 of 2 differ
Works with
Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026Works with computers, smartphones and tablets, iOS and Android. A Lightning Accessory Cable such as the SC19 is needed for iOS devices with Lightning. RØDE Central needs macOS 11 or later or Windows 10 version 1803 or later.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 2026Minimum OS requirements: macOS 10.14, Windows 10, iOS 14, Android 11. The user guide also covers iPad.3Owner's manualrode.com/en-us/user-guides/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026Smartphones or tablets with USB-C, including iPad Pro. iPhone and iPad with Lightning need a Lightning Accessory Cable.
Dimensions and weight
3 of 3 differ
Microphone dimensions
Width85Height167Depth46mm(3.3 × 6.6 × 1.8 in)1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026Without stand: D 46 x W 85 x H 167 mm.2Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/wave3-mk2-a-new-era-of-digital-audioRead 14 October 2026
Width62Height184Depth50mm(2.4 × 7.2 × 2 in)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 2026Length 184, width 62, depth 50 mm, with a drawing of the microphone alone showing 184 mm high and 62 mm wide on the front and 50 mm deep on the side. The microphone is spoken into from its front, which is the side of the upright body, so the length is the height.7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/rode-nt-usb-review-who-needs-an-xlr-micRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 184 x 62 x 50 mm, listed height, width, depth.8Retailer pagethomann.de/gb/rode_nt_usb_554868.htmRead 14 October 2026Microphone dimensions (W x D x H): 62 x 50 x 184 mm.10Reviewwindowscentral.com/accessories/microphones/rode-nt-usb-plus-condenser-microphone-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 184 x 62 x 50 mm.
Microphone weight
250g(8.8 oz)1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026250 g without desk stand.2Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/wave3-mk2-a-new-era-of-digital-audioRead 14 October 2026
540g(1.2 lb)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 2026Weight NT-USB+: 540 g. Total with all accessories: 730 g. The total includes the cable, so no weight with stand and without cable is given.7Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/rode-nt-usb-review-who-needs-an-xlr-micRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 540 g not including accessories.8Retailer pagethomann.de/gb/rode_nt_usb_554868.htmRead 14 October 2026Microphone weight: 540 g.9Reviewcomputerbase.de/2022-12/rode-nt-usb-test-mikrofon-klang-preisRead 14 October 2026The solid body weighs 540 g and is 18.4 cm long.10Reviewwindowscentral.com/accessories/microphones/rode-nt-usb-plus-condenser-microphone-reviewRead 14 October 2026About 540 g without accessories. The spec table prints 730 g with all accessories.11Reviewsenses.se/en/review-rode-nt-usbRead 14 October 2026540 g without accessories.
Certifications
1 of 1 differ
Other certifications
Not available
CE, UKCA, FCC Part 15 Class B, VCCI Class B4Owner's manualedge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/0927-0829-02-09%20NT-USB%20QSG_FINAL%20ARTWORK-WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026The guide prints the FCC Part 15 Class B statement, CAN ICES-3 (B) and VCCI Class B.5Regulatory filingedge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB+%20-%20EU%20Declaration%20of%20Conformity.pdfRead 14 October 2026EU Declaration of Conformity for the NT-USB+, dated 21 November 2022. RØDE also lists a UKCA Declaration of Conformity for it.
In the box
1 of 1 differ
In the box
Wave:3 MK.2, Desk stand, USB-C cable (250 cm / 98 in), 1/4" to 5/8" and 3/8" adapters1Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3Read 14 October 2026Page spells the adapters as 5/8" and 3/8" adapter. The launch article words it as 1/4" to 5/8" and 3/8" adapters.2Maker product pageelgato.com/us/en/explorer/products/wave/wave3-mk2-a-new-era-of-digital-audioRead 14 October 2026
NT-USB+, Pop filter, Ring mount, Desktop tripod, SC29 USB-C to USB-C Cable1Maker product pagerode.com/en-us/products/nt-usb-plusRead 14 October 2026The page text names a desktop stand and a pop filter. The full list is in the datasheet.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)edge.rode.com/pdf/products/1053/NT-USB%20_ds_V02.pdfRead 14 October 2026Included accessories: 1 x desktop tripod, 1 x ring mount, 1 x pop filter, 1 x SC29 USB-C to USB-C cable. The box picture also shows the NT-USB+.
Links
Not compared
Product page
Spec sheet
Not available
Manual
EPREL registration number
Not available
Not available
Warranty
1 of 1 differ
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Not available
Both are also in the API. Back to all microphones.















