Customer reviews from elgato.com
Elgato - XLR Dock MK.2 for Stream Deck + - Black
Average customer rating
4.6
(22 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 22 reviews
5 Stars
18
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Star
1
89%of customers recommend this product.
(
17 out of
19)
Customer Reviews for Elgato - XLR Dock MK.2 for Stream Deck + - Black
Customer Rating
4
Exceptional Audio, Let Down by Power Noise
on October 4, 2026
Posted by: Drayke
The Good: Seamless Deck+ Expansion & Stellar Audio
If you already use an Elgato Stream Deck+, the XLR Dock Mk.2 is easily one of the cleanest upgrades you can make to your desktop audio stack, be it looking to upgrade to an XLR mic or if you are upgrading an existing setup. Routing the mic input directly into the back of the Stream Deck+ footprint frees up valuable desk space while keeping physical control over gain, mute, and monitoring right at your fingertips.
If you already use an Elgato Stream Deck+, the XLR Dock Mk.2 is easily one of the cleanest upgrades you can make to your desktop audio stack, be it looking to upgrade to an XLR mic or if you are upgrading an existing setup. Routing the mic input directly into the back of the Stream Deck+ footprint frees up valuable desk space while keeping physical control over gain, mute, and monitoring right at your fingertips.
The depth of customisation on offer here is fantastic—when you combine direct audio control with all the extra third-party software actions, shortcuts, and custom plugin controls available on the Stream Deck+, having everything fully tailored and consolidated into a single physical interface is exceptional.
Audio clarity is equally impressive. The preamps are whisper-quiet in normal conditions, clean, and deliver more than enough clean gain to drive low-output dynamic mics without needing inline boosters like a Cloudlifter.
The Flaw: Lack of Power Isolation at a Premium Price
Despite being marketed and priced as a top-tier, "home studio" grade solution, Elgato missed the mark on electrical isolation. Because the unit relies entirely on a single USB-C cable for both bus power and data, it is susceptible to ground loops and electromagnetic interference (EMI/EMF).
Despite being marketed and priced as a top-tier, "home studio" grade solution, Elgato missed the mark on electrical isolation. Because the unit relies entirely on a single USB-C cable for both bus power and data, it is susceptible to ground loops and electromagnetic interference (EMI/EMF).
While the background audio sounds spotless when sitting on an idle desktop, firing up a high-power system under heavy CPU/GPU load tells a different story. Electromagnetic noise from high-draw motherboards and power supplies can bleed into the USB power rail, manifesting as an audible coil whine, hum, or high-frequency static in the monitoring feed.
Why power rail isolation wasn't included at the manufacturing stage is puzzling. Adding galvanically isolated power filtering or a dedicated auxiliary power input is a standard engineering step for high-end audio hardware—especially at this price point.
The Fix
After testing across multiple PCs, USB ports, and host controllers, the issue was solved by inserting an iFi SilentPower iDefender MAX between the host system and the XLR Dock Mk.2, powered by an external, ground-isolated power feed. Breaking that dirty USB power loop completely eliminated the buzz and restored clean audio. If you run a high-draw gaming or rendering rig, budget for a power isolator alongside the dock.
After testing across multiple PCs, USB ports, and host controllers, the issue was solved by inserting an iFi SilentPower iDefender MAX between the host system and the XLR Dock Mk.2, powered by an external, ground-isolated power feed. Breaking that dirty USB power loop completely eliminated the buzz and restored clean audio. If you run a high-draw gaming or rendering rig, budget for a power isolator alongside the dock.
Software Note: Wave Link & Phantom Power
A quick head-up for users running dynamic microphones (like the Elgato Wave DX): Elgato Wave Link automatically turns on 48V Phantom Power by default upon setup. While modern dynamic mics are generally built to handle phantom power without damage, it isn't required and should be toggled off in the software settings as a best practice before plugging in.
A quick head-up for users running dynamic microphones (like the Elgato Wave DX): Elgato Wave Link automatically turns on 48V Phantom Power by default upon setup. While modern dynamic mics are generally built to handle phantom power without damage, it isn't required and should be toggled off in the software settings as a best practice before plugging in.
The Verdict
The Elgato XLR Dock Mk.2 is an outstanding piece of kit that elevates the Stream Deck+ into a legitimate audio hub. However, Elgato's decision to skip power rail isolation holds it back from a full 5-star score. If you're willing to work around the USB noise on high-power rigs, it’s a brilliant product—just be ready to isolate that power line.
The Elgato XLR Dock Mk.2 is an outstanding piece of kit that elevates the Stream Deck+ into a legitimate audio hub. However, Elgato's decision to skip power rail isolation holds it back from a full 5-star score. If you're willing to work around the USB noise on high-power rigs, it’s a brilliant product—just be ready to isolate that power line.
Written by a customer while visiting elgato.com
Customer Rating
2
Works but the Wave Link is problematic
on September 13, 2026
Posted by: czaszi
The XLR Dock is a great concept and it partially works - it gets the XLR mic to route through the dock. The issue is the software that is required to avail of the full functionality. Unfortunately from version 3 Elgato decided to ignore Windows 10 user base. Elgato states that Wave Link 3 was developed from ground up for Win 11 - that is fine but Win 10 users were left with some bugs in version 2. I do not plan to change my system until I upgrade my PC and find it pointless to do full system reinstall and re-configuration just for one software.
I needed to downgrade Wave Link to version 1 as I was getting no output in any of the versions 2 software and it was not the easiest thing to get it to work again.
To summarize:
Operation: 5/5 (it works)
Software: 1/5 (issues working through Wave Link installation)
Price: 3/5 could be cheaper for an addon to the deck.
I needed to downgrade Wave Link to version 1 as I was getting no output in any of the versions 2 software and it was not the easiest thing to get it to work again.
To summarize:
Operation: 5/5 (it works)
Software: 1/5 (issues working through Wave Link installation)
Price: 3/5 could be cheaper for an addon to the deck.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from elgato.comBy Victor, Tech-Marketing, October 8, 2026
Thank you for this balanced and honest write-up. We completely understand that upgrading an OS just for one piece of software feels like a big ask. For context on the decision: Wave Link 3 was built for Windows 11 at a point where Microsoft itself has ended support for Windows 10. Building new software on a platform that no longer receives security updates wasn't a sustainable path, and earlier Wave Link versions no longer receive updates for the same reason. We know that doesn't change your situation today, and we're glad the Dock itself is doing its job for you in the meantime. When you make the move to Windows 11, the full Wave Link 3 feature set will be waiting, and our team at help.elgato.com is happy to help with the transition.
Written by a customer while visiting elgato.com
Customer Rating
1
Unreliable - It Stopped working
on February 17, 2026
Posted by: forwardrolling
Gender:Female
Less than six months ago I bought a bundle during that has a small Elgato pad and this base. I have a large Elgato system and thought this would be great for my bedroom workstation. Sadly, it already has stopped working. IMHO, this is not worth it. The device no longer connects to my ipad or laptop. Initially, I was thrilled with this device as it lets me attach a xlr microphone or if one obtains an XLR adapter, a 3.5 trs mic adapter.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from elgato.comBy Victor, Tech-Marketing, April 17, 2026
We're really sorry to hear this — investing in a setup you're excited about and then running into issues so soon is genuinely frustrating, and we take that seriously. Please reach out to our support team at help.elgato.com and they will look into your specific configuration and make sure this gets resolved for you. We want to make sure your Elgato setup works the way you envisioned it.
Written by a customer while visiting elgato.com
Customer Rating
5
More room for activities
on February 25, 2025
Posted by: KarebearXp
Gender:Female
Added this to my Stream Deck + was the best thing I could do. Being able to make the Stream Deck + an all in one for me XLR Mic, Im able to adjust my audios the way I want quickly as well as any mix for stream AND making more space on my desk by combining 2 items makes my desk look less cluttered & more room for activities. Highly recommended adding this to you Stream Deck + if you have an XLR mic you wont be sorry.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting elgato.com
Customer Rating
5
Super clean audio solution
on February 15, 2025
Posted by: Heavynomore
Gender:Male
This product is great for anyone looking to add an XLR port on the back of the stream deck +.
You do need to have a Stream Deck + to use this.
It's simple and clean. This makes a lot of sense if you want a minimalist setup because, with Stream Deck + and XLR Dock, you can control your audio all in one device.
Wave link 2.0 with Voice focus is the best noise removal I ever used. This XLR dock will work with any mic you want to put with it. I used the Wave DX and SM7B and I didn't have any issues.
At the time of writing this review, you can't use Wave XLR and XLR Dock at the same time. So if you're planning to use your Wave XLR still then just stick with that.
So since it's a Wave XLR on the back of your Stream Deck + you will get
-Clipguard so you don't clip your microphone
-Wave link 2.0 with all its features for audio mixing, monitoring, and adding VSTs to every source ( been a user of Wave link for 3 years now and elgato is always adding features.)
-75DB of gain even the most gain-heavy mics will work.
If you have or planning on getting a Stream Deck + this is well worth looking into
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting elgato.com
Customer Rating
5
XLR Dock changed my whole setup!
on February 13, 2025
Posted by: Lionheartx10
Gender:Male
Using the XLR Dock in combination with the Stream Deck+ has completely overhauled my audio setup for content creation and streaming! It's replaced 3 separate items i was using previously into 1 neat and powerful package! Plus combined with the powerful Wave Link Software it's honestly a Game Changer! Love the XLR Dock!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting elgato.com
Customer Rating
5
First XLR Device and I’m happy!
on February 10, 2025
Posted by: Shotou
Gender:Male
I’ve been using the XLR dock as my introduction to XLR microphones and have never been happier. Paired with my Wave DX, the XLR dock is so easy to get set up and use. It also serves as a headphone jack and with my PC at the range it is, it helps having something closer.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting elgato.com
Customer Rating
5
A must have for Stream Deck +
on February 8, 2025
Posted by: Vantanart
Gender:Male
If you’re purchasing a Stream Deck + and you have an XLR mic… get this dock! It saves a ton of space in my desk compared to having a separate interface. This was something I didn’t know I needed. A must have for stream deck lovers!
Written by a customer while visiting elgato.com