Elgato Wave Link review
A free mixer for creators who need flexible routing, multiple mixes, and plugin effects.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Elgato Wave Link is free audio mixing and routing software for streamers, podcasters, gamers, and other creators. It works with any microphone or audio interface recognized by a Windows or macOS computer, including non-Elgato devices. The software separates applications and hardware inputs into channels, routes sources to output mixes, groups multiple applications, and applies effects. It is a strong fit for creators who want software-based control over microphone, game, chat, and other audio sources without a subscription.
Wave Link’s standout capability is its routing and mixing depth. It supports up to five independent output mixes, up to eight software input channels, and up to four hardware inputs. A horizontal routing matrix shows signal paths, while application grouping helps organize several sources into channels. Creators can add VST3 effects on Windows or Audio Unit effects on macOS, and AI-powered Voice Focus can remove background noise. Stream Deck integration adds controls for volume, muting, effects, and mixes, while OBS Studio fits the streaming workflow.
The Free plan includes Windows and macOS support, compatibility with any recognized microphone or audio interface, and no subscription or feature gates. That makes Wave Link particularly suitable for creators who need multiple stream mixes and flexible routing at no software cost. Its limits are platform coverage and input capacity: it is not available beyond Windows and macOS, and hardware inputs are capped at four. Plugin formats also vary by operating system. Choose Wave Link for cross-platform creator audio routing; consider another option if you need broader platform support or more hardware inputs.
Elgato Wave Link pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free on Windows and macOS with no subscriptions or feature gates
- Supports up to five independent output mixes and eight software channels
- Works with VST3, Audio Unit, AI Voice Focus, and Stream Deck controls
- Where it doesn't
- Limited to Windows and macOS
- Supports up to four hardware inputs
- Plugin support differs between Windows and macOS
Elgato Wave Link fact sheet, pricing and score →
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