Elgato Wave Link 2.0: Voice Focus AI Plugin Review

In today's audio-driven world, clear and crisp vocals are paramount. Elgato's Wave Link software has long been a favorite among streamers and content creators, and the latest version, 2.0, brings an exciting addition: the Voice Focus plugin. This AI-powered plugin promises to eliminate distracting background noise, ensuring your voice cuts through with studio-grade clarity. This comprehensive guide dives into the features, testing, and overall performance of Elgato Wave Link 2.0 and its Voice Focus plugin.

What is Elgato Wave Link 2.0?

Elgato Wave Link 2.0 is a software mixer designed to give streamers and content creators greater control over their audio. Compatible with both Mac and PC,

it allows users to manage multiple audio sources, creating custom mixes for different outputs. This is especially useful for streaming, where you might want to send one mix to your audience and monitor a different mix yourself. Wave Link 2.0 boasts an intuitive interface and seamless integration with Elgato's Stream Deck, making it a powerful tool for audio management.

The key benefit of Wave Link lies in its ability to route audio from various applications and devices into separate virtual channels. This provides granular control over volume levels and allows for real-time adjustments during streaming or Recording. Users can easily mute, adjust gain, and apply effects to individual channels, creating a polished and professional audio experience. This level of control is extremely important to any content creator looking to elevate the quality of their audio production.

Version 2.0 introduces several enhancements including better performance and stability, but the highlight is the new Voice Focus plugin.

Introducing Voice Focus: AI-Powered Noise Reduction

The Voice Focus plugin is an AI-driven audio effect designed to reduce background noise and bring vocal Clarity to the forefront. Developed in collaboration with ai|coustics, a Generative AI audio company, Voice Focus analyzes audio in real time, identifying and suppressing unwanted sounds like keyboard clicks, fan noise, and room echo. This allows users to Record professional-sounding audio without the need for a perfectly soundproofed Studio.

Voice Focus uses advanced AI algorithms to distinguish between human speech and background noise. This intelligent approach ensures that only unwanted sounds are removed, while the natural characteristics of the voice are preserved. Unlike traditional noise gates or noise reduction filters, Voice Focus adapts dynamically to changing ambient conditions, providing consistent performance in a variety of environments.

For content creators, this means less time spent editing audio and more time creating content. Voice Focus streamlines the recording process, delivering clean, clear vocals directly from the source. Whether you are recording a Podcast, narrating a video, or streaming live, Voice Focus can dramatically improve the quality of your audio.

AI-Powered Precision vs. Broad-Spectrum Reduction

Traditional noise reduction methods, such as noise gates and EQ adjustments, often target broad frequency ranges, which can inadvertently affect the quality of the desired audio signal. These methods may remove some background noise, but they can also leave the audio sounding muffled, unnatural, or thin. Traditional noise gates operate on a threshold, cutting off audio signals below a certain level, which can lead to choppy or unnatural audio when the gate opens and closes.

Voice Focus leverages AI to intelligently differentiate between human speech and background noise. This AI-powered approach enables Voice Focus to precisely target unwanted sounds while preserving the integrity of the vocal signal. It adapts dynamically to the unique characteristics of the voice, ensuring that it remains clear and natural while effectively suppressing surrounding noise. AI's algorithms provide a more nuanced and adaptive approach, resulting in audio that sounds both clean and natural.

Here's a brief comparison of different background noise reduction techniques:

This difference in approach highlights why Voice Focus is useful for streamers.

Step 1: Install Elgato Wave Link 2.0

• Visit the Elgato website and download the Wave Link 2.0 software for your operating system (Mac or PC).
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

After the installation is complete, you may need to restart your computer.

Step 2: Connect Your Microphone and Configure Inputs

• Connect your microphone to your computer (USB or XLR with an audio interface).
• Open the Wave Link software.
• In the Wave Link interface, select your microphone as the input device for one of the virtual channels.

Verify that your microphone is properly recognized and that audio levels are displayed in the Wave Link interface.

Step 3: Enable and Adjust Voice Focus

• In the Wave Link interface, click on the Channel where your microphone is assigned.
  • Locate the effects section for that channel.
  • Enable the Voice Focus plugin.
  • Adjust the strength setting (Weak to Strong) to achieve the desired level of noise reduction.

Experiment with different strength settings to find the optimal balance between noise reduction and preserving your vocal quality.

Step 4: Create Custom Audio Mixes

• Use the Stream Mix to create an audio mix for your audience (e.g., streaming platform).
• Use the Monitor Mix to create a separate audio mix for your personal monitoring (e.g., headphones).
• Adjust the volume levels of each virtual channel in both mixes to create the desired balance.

Regularly monitor your audio mixes to ensure that everything sounds as it should and make adjustments as needed.

Step 5: Integrate with Elgato Stream Deck (Optional)

• If you have an Elgato Stream Deck, you can integrate it with Wave Link for quick and easy audio control.
• Assign Wave Link functions to Stream Deck buttons (e.g., mute channels, adjust volume, toggle Voice Focus).

This integration allows you to make real-time audio adjustments without having to switch between applications.

Free Software for Elgato Device Owners

Elgato Wave Link 2.0 software itself is free to download for owners of Elgato Wave microphones and audio interfaces, as it is designed to work seamlessly with these devices. This makes it an attractive option for content creators already invested in the Elgato ecosystem. This is one of the most advantageous qualities of the software, as it provides a comprehensive solution to all Elgato product owners.

The Voice Focus plugin is included as part of the Wave Link 2.0 download and is free to use for Elgato Wave device owners. For those using other microphones or audio interfaces, the plugin might be available as a separate purchase, but this should be confirmed at the Elgato website. As the Voice Focus plugin is powered by AI algorithms, future updates and enhanced capabilities are to be expected from the development team, providing long-term value to users.

Wave Link 2.0 Software

Elgato Wave Link 2.0 is a robust digital audio workstation (DAW) built specifically for live streamers, podcasters, and digital content creators. The audio quality is extremely high, and the ease of use is designed to be easy to master from the first time you open the software. Some of the most helpful qualities of the software include the following:

• Virtual Audio Channels: Easily manage and mix multiple audio inputs, routing them to different outputs.
• Stream Mix and Monitor Mix: Create separate audio mixes for your audience and personal monitoring.
• Intuitive Interface: User-friendly design for easy navigation and quick adjustments.
• Stream Deck Integration: Seamlessly control audio settings and apply effects directly from the Stream Deck.
• VST Plugin Support: Enhance audio with a wide range of third-party VST plugins.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Monitor audio levels and adjust settings on the fly.
• Compatibility: Supports both macOS and Windows.

Voice Focus Plugin

Elgato Wave Link 2.0's Voice Focus Plugin is the software's marquee feature, and is especially helpful for creators and streamers that require high-quality audio without ambient noise. Some of the features of this AI-powered plugin include:

• AI-Powered Noise Reduction: Intelligently eliminates background noise for clear vocal recordings.
• Adjustable Strength Settings: Tailor the noise reduction to your specific environment and preferences.
• Real-Time Processing: Apply noise reduction without introducing latency.
• Dynamic Adaptation: Adapts to changing ambient conditions for consistent performance.
• Vocal Clarity Enhancement: Brings vocals to the forefront, ensuring they cut through the mix.
• Ease of Use: Simple controls for quick and effective noise reduction.

Live Streaming

Live streamers often face challenges with background noise from fans, keyboards, and room echo. Wave Link 2.0 and Voice Focus provide a powerful solution for delivering clean, professional audio to viewers. This ensures that the content creator's voice remains clear and audible. By removing distractions, the audience can focus on the stream, improving overall viewer engagement. The real-time processing ensures that there is no lag, creating a seamless and immersive experience for both the streamer and their audience.

Podcast Recording

Podcast recording benefits greatly from noise reduction, especially when recording in non-studio environments. Voice Focus eliminates unwanted sounds, ensuring that the podcast is free from distractions. This enhances the listening experience and allows the audience to focus on the content of the podcast. With cleaner audio, podcasters can create a more professional and engaging product, attracting a larger audience and maintaining high standards. The improved audio quality also reduces the need for extensive post-production editing.

Voiceovers and Narration

Voiceovers and narration for videos require clear and crisp audio to effectively communicate the message. Voice Focus ensures that the Narrator’s voice is the focal point, eliminating distractions and ensuring clarity. This improves the overall quality of the video and enhances viewer comprehension. The easy-to-use controls allow voice artists to quickly adjust the noise reduction settings to achieve the best possible sound, saving time and effort. Consistent audio quality across different recording Sessions also contributes to a seamless viewing experience.

Online Meetings and Communication

In the era of remote work, clear communication is crucial for effective online meetings. Voice Focus reduces background noise, improving clarity and ensuring that everyone can hear and understand each other. This leads to more productive meetings and less frustration. Clear audio also helps to create a more professional impression. By minimizing distractions, participants can focus on the discussion at HAND, improving collaboration and overall team performance.