Audio Routing with Wave Link
Use Wave Link to build cleaner stream mixes and separate what you hear from what your audience hears.
Elgato Wave Link is a virtual mixer built for creators who want more control without getting buried in a complicated routing setup. It lets you manage multiple sources and send different mixes to your headphones and your stream.
If you want a cleaner dual-mix workflow without the learning curve of hardware mixers or heavier software tools, Wave Link is one of the most approachable options.
What You Need
Hardware
- Elgato Wave:1, Wave:3, or Wave XLR (required for Wave Link to function)
- Headphones (for zero-latency monitoring)
Software
- Wave Link Software
- Streaming Software: OBS Studio / Streamlabs Desktop
Core Features
- Nine audio input channels, including Game, Music, Browser, Voice Chat, Mic, etc.
- Two independent outputs: Monitor Mix (your ears) and Stream Mix (your stream)
- Per-source volume control for each output
- Drag-and-drop channel arrangement
- Integrates with Stream Deck for macro-level control
Setup Instructions
Install and Launch Wave Link
- Download and install from the Elgato website.
- Connect your Wave microphone or XLR device.
Assign Audio Sources
- Open Wave Link and assign apps like your game, browser, Discord, and music player to the correct virtual channels:
- Set System Sounds to Wave Link System
- Set Spotify to Wave Link Music
- Set Discord/Chat apps to Wave Link Voice Chat
- Set Mic input to the hardware-connected Wave device
Customize Your Mixes
- Each channel has individual volume sliders for:
- Monitor Mix: What you hear in your headphones
- Stream Mix: What your audience hears on stream
- You can mute, solo, or adjust each input without affecting the other
Configure OBS
- In OBS, set Mic/Aux Input to Wave Link Stream.
- Mute all other audio devices in OBS to prevent duplicates.
- Everything you mix in Wave Link's Stream Mix will now be sent to your broadcast.
Advanced Use Cases
Discord: Mute chat for stream, but keep it in your ears
- Mute the voice chat channel from Stream Mix while keeping it active in Monitor Mix.
Music-only in your headphones
- Keep music in Monitor Mix only if you want to hear it without sending it to the stream.
Instant audio toggles with Stream Deck
- Use Stream Deck actions to mute, solo, or adjust individual Wave Link channels on the fly.
Dual PC Setup
- Route Wave Link through a virtual cable or dedicated output if you need to send it to a separate streaming PC.
Summary Table
| Task | Wave Link Feature |
|---|---|
| Separate mix for streamer/listener | Dual Output (Stream/Monitor) |
| Assign apps to virtual channels | Drag & drop input routing |
| Real-time mic control with no delay | Hardware DSP + Wave Mic |
| Eliminate game/music from stream | Individual channel mute options |
| Seamless OBS integration | Single virtual output device |