Elgato Wave Link

Elgato launched Wave Link as a mixer companion for their Wave microphone line, but the 3.0 rewrite opened it up to any USB mic, XLR interface, or headset the operating system recognises. That makes it one of the more flexible free audio routing tools on Mac and Windows in 2026.

The model is straightforward: route every audio source — mic, browser, game, Discord, system audio — into independent channels, then build up to five independent output mixes for stream, monitor, recording, audience, and Discord feeds. Each channel can hold multiple apps for unlimited software inputs, and supports up to four hardware inputs plus eight software channels.

VST3 plugins on Windows and Audio Unit plugins on Mac mean you can drop a real compressor or EQ on your mic channel, which is genuinely useful for podcast voice work. The 3.1 release added the ability to rename, copy, paste, and reorder effects across channels and devices.

Stream Deck integration turns physical keys into faders, mute buttons, and mix switches. For a podcaster who also streams, Wave Link is the missing piece that makes simultaneous live and recorded workflows clean.

The trade-off is that it's built for streaming and broadcast workflows, not multitrack capture for later editing. If you want each guest on a separate file, you still need a DAW or a tool like Audio Hijack alongside it.