{"id":6744,"date":"2026-03-16T11:15:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T02:15:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alive-project.com\/en\/streamer-magazine\/?p=6744"},"modified":"2026-07-17T14:38:27","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T05:38:27","slug":"14448","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alive-project.com\/en\/streamer-magazine\/article\/14448\/","title":{"rendered":"Elgato WAVE NEXT Event Report: The Shift from Hardware to Software-Driven Streaming"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Shift from Hardware to Software<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For streamers active as game broadcasters or VTubers, delivering high-quality audio and creating visually polished screens are essential for building deeper connections with viewers. In reality, however, simply buying a microphone or camera does not guarantee a satisfying streaming setup. Difficult settings, juggling multiple software applications, compatibility issues between devices &#8212; many streamers face this &#8220;post-purchase wall.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through the WAVE NEXT event, Elgato presented one answer to these challenges: a concept centered on completing the streamer experience through software, with hardware as the starting point. Beyond maximizing equipment performance, the event&#8217;s core message was about experience design &#8212; creating an environment that makes people want to stream more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This report covers the WAVE NEXT event overview and the significance of Elgato&#8217;s vision, explained in a way that is accessible even to streaming beginners. For hands-on product reviews, please see our separate article. Here, we focus on understanding the concept and direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Equipment review: <a href=\"https:\/\/alive-project.com\/en\/streamer-magazine\/article\/14248\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Making Stream Audio &#8220;Easy&#8221;: Wave XLR MK.2 \/ XLR Dock MK.2 \/ Stream Deck + XL<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-word-balloon-word-balloon-block\"><div class=\"w_b_box w_b_w100 w_b_flex w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_wrap w_b_wrap_talk w_b_L w_b_flex w_b_div\" style=\"\"><div class=\"w_b_ava_box w_b_relative w_b_ava_L w_b_col w_b_f_n w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_icon_wrap w_b_relative w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_ava_wrap w_b_direction_L w_b_mp0 w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_ava_effect w_b_relative w_b_oh w_b_radius w_b_size_M w_b_div\" style=\"\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp_icon_okaki02.png\" width=\"96\" height=\"96\" alt=\"Okaki, Editorial Staff\" class=\"w_b_ava_img w_b_w100 w_b_h100  w_b_mp0 w_b_img\" style=\"\" \/>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w_b_name w_b_w100 w_b_lh w_b_name_C w_b_ta_C w_b_mp0 w_b_div\">Okaki, Editorial Staff<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w_b_bal_box w_b_bal_L w_b_relative w_b_direction_L w_b_w100 w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_space w_b_mp0 w_b_div\"><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"1\" height=\"38\" viewBox=\"0 0 1 1\" fill=\"transparent\" stroke=\"transparent\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" class=\"w_b_db w_b_mp0\"><polygon fill=\"transparent\" stroke=\"transparent\" points=\"0,1 0,1 0,1 0,1 \"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"w_b_bal_outer w_b_flex w_b_mp0 w_b_relative w_b_div\" style=\"\"><div class=\"w_b_bal_wrap w_b_bal_wrap_L w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_bal w_b_relative w_b_talk w_b_talk_L w_b_shadow_L w_b_ta_L w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_quote w_b_div\"><p>This is a report on the event where Elgato unveiled their new vision!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-word-balloon-word-balloon-block\"><div class=\"w_b_box w_b_w100 w_b_flex w_b_mla w_b_jc_fe w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_wrap w_b_wrap_talk w_b_R w_b_flex w_b_jc_fe w_b_div\" style=\"\"><div class=\"w_b_bal_box w_b_bal_R w_b_relative w_b_direction_R w_b_w100 w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_space w_b_mp0 w_b_div\"><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"1\" height=\"38\" viewBox=\"0 0 1 1\" fill=\"transparent\" stroke=\"transparent\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" class=\"w_b_db w_b_mp0\"><polygon fill=\"transparent\" stroke=\"transparent\" points=\"0,1 0,1 0,1 0,1 \"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"w_b_bal_outer w_b_flex w_b_mp0 w_b_relative w_b_div\" style=\"\"><div class=\"w_b_bal_wrap w_b_bal_wrap_R w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_bal w_b_relative w_b_talk w_b_talk_R w_b_shadow_R w_b_ta_L w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_quote w_b_div\"><p>There were so many influencers there &#8212; it was such a glamorous event!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w_b_ava_box w_b_relative w_b_ava_R w_b_col w_b_f_n w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_icon_wrap w_b_relative w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_icon w_b_icon_R w_b_icon_T w_b_icon-M w_b_direction_R w_b_div\" style=\"width:40%;height:40%;\"><div class=\"w_b_icon_effect w_b_w100 w_b_w100 w_b_h100 w_b_div\" style=\"\">\n<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 128 128\"><path fill=\"#e22255\" stroke=\"\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M48,118.1c-3.2-5.2-3.2-10-0.8-14.4s6-6.4,10.4-6.8s8.4,1.6,11.6,5.6s4.4,8,2.8,12.4s-4.4,7.2-9.2,8.8 C58,125.3,53.2,123.7,48,118.1z M50.8,82.5c2-19.6,2.4-46,1.2-78.8l30.4,6.4c-5.6,30.4-10,56-13.6,76L50.8,82.5z\"\/><\/svg>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w_b_ava_wrap w_b_direction_R w_b_mp0 w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_ava_effect w_b_relative w_b_oh w_b_radius w_b_size_M w_b_div\" style=\"\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/wp_icon_fookah06.png\" width=\"96\" height=\"96\" alt=\"So Fuka\" class=\"w_b_ava_img w_b_w100 w_b_h100  w_b_mp0 w_b_img\" style=\"\" \/>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w_b_name w_b_w100 w_b_lh w_b_name_C w_b_ta_C w_b_mp0 w_b_div\">So Fuka<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-word-balloon-word-balloon-block\"><div class=\"w_b_box w_b_w100 w_b_flex w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_wrap w_b_wrap_talk w_b_L w_b_flex w_b_div\" style=\"\"><div class=\"w_b_ava_box w_b_relative w_b_ava_L w_b_col w_b_f_n w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_icon_wrap w_b_relative w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_icon w_b_icon_L w_b_icon_T w_b_icon-M w_b_direction_L w_b_div\" style=\"width:40%;height:40%;\"><div class=\"w_b_icon_effect w_b_fade_out_down w_b_w100 w_b_h100 w_b_div\" style=\"\">\n<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 128 128\"><path fill=\"#19e0ff\" stroke=\"\" stroke-width=\"1\" d=\"M64.7,3.8c-0.4,0.8-0.4,1.6-0.8,2C58.7,18.2,53.5,31,48.3,43.4c-3.2,7.6-6.4,14.4-8.4,23.2c-4.4,19.2-1.6,36.8,8,48.8 c11.2,14.4,27.6,11.2,36.8-7.2c3.2-6.4,4.8-13.6,5.2-22.4c0-10-1.6-19.6-4.4-28C81.1,45.4,76.3,33,71.5,21 C69.5,15.4,67.1,9.8,64.7,3.8z\"\/><\/svg>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w_b_ava_wrap w_b_direction_L w_b_mp0 w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_ava_effect w_b_relative w_b_oh w_b_radius w_b_size_M w_b_div\" style=\"\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp_icon_okaki01.png\" width=\"96\" height=\"96\" alt=\"Okaki, Editorial Staff\" class=\"w_b_ava_img w_b_w100 w_b_h100  w_b_mp0 w_b_img\" style=\"\" \/>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w_b_name w_b_w100 w_b_lh w_b_name_C w_b_ta_C w_b_mp0 w_b_div\">Okaki, Editorial Staff<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w_b_bal_box w_b_bal_L w_b_relative w_b_direction_L w_b_w100 w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_space w_b_mp0 w_b_div\"><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"1\" height=\"38\" viewBox=\"0 0 1 1\" fill=\"transparent\" stroke=\"transparent\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" class=\"w_b_db w_b_mp0\"><polygon fill=\"transparent\" stroke=\"transparent\" points=\"0,1 0,1 0,1 0,1 \"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"w_b_bal_outer w_b_flex w_b_mp0 w_b_relative w_b_div\" style=\"\"><div class=\"w_b_bal_wrap w_b_bal_wrap_L w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_bal w_b_relative w_b_talk w_b_talk_L w_b_shadow_L w_b_ta_L w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_quote w_b_div\"><p>I wanted to take a photo with them&#8230;<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-word-balloon-word-balloon-block\"><div class=\"w_b_box w_b_w100 w_b_flex w_b_mla w_b_jc_fe w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_wrap w_b_wrap_talk w_b_R w_b_flex w_b_jc_fe w_b_div\" style=\"\"><div class=\"w_b_bal_box w_b_bal_R w_b_relative w_b_direction_R w_b_w100 w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_space w_b_mp0 w_b_div\"><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"1\" height=\"38\" viewBox=\"0 0 1 1\" fill=\"transparent\" stroke=\"transparent\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" class=\"w_b_db w_b_mp0\"><polygon fill=\"transparent\" stroke=\"transparent\" points=\"0,1 0,1 0,1 0,1 \"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"w_b_bal_outer w_b_flex w_b_mp0 w_b_relative w_b_div\" style=\"\"><div class=\"w_b_bal_wrap w_b_bal_wrap_R w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_bal w_b_relative w_b_talk w_b_talk_R w_b_shadow_R w_b_ta_L w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_quote w_b_div\"><p>That&#8217;s totally off-topic!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w_b_ava_box w_b_relative w_b_ava_R w_b_col w_b_f_n w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_icon_wrap w_b_relative w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_ava_wrap w_b_direction_R w_b_mp0 w_b_div\"><div class=\"w_b_ava_effect w_b_relative w_b_oh w_b_radius w_b_size_M w_b_div\" style=\"\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp_icon_fookah05.png\" width=\"96\" height=\"96\" alt=\"So Fuka\" class=\"w_b_ava_img w_b_w100 w_b_h100  w_b_mp0 w_b_img\" style=\"\" \/>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w_b_name w_b_w100 w_b_lh w_b_name_C w_b_ta_C w_b_mp0 w_b_div\">So Fuka<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is WAVE NEXT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine-en.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DSC00247-1024x683-1.jpg\" alt=\"WAVE NEXT event venue\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Event Overview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WAVE NEXT was a product announcement event for streamers hosted by Elgato. Founded in Germany in 1999 and acquired by the Corsair group in 2018, Elgato is a streaming equipment manufacturer trusted by content creators worldwide for its USB microphones, capture devices, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company has developed a wide range of streaming products centered on the WAVE series of USB microphones, along with the Stream Deck physical controller and capture devices. As its name suggests, WAVE NEXT was an event showcasing &#8220;the next step&#8221; &#8212; going beyond a simple product announcement to present Elgato&#8217;s vision for the future of streaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>KEY POINT:<\/strong> The &#8220;NEXT&#8221; in &#8220;WAVE NEXT&#8221; refers not only to new hardware, but also carries the meaning of advancing the streaming experience itself to &#8220;the next stage.&#8221;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why This Event, and Why Now?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the rapid growth of game streaming and VTuber culture, the number of streamers continues to increase globally. What was once an image of &#8220;professional streamers using premium equipment&#8221; has evolved into an era where &#8220;even casual streamers need a certain level of quality.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet streaming setup remains complex and presents a high barrier for beginners. Even after purchasing a microphone, questions arise: Where do I configure noise removal? How do I adjust gain? How do I integrate with OBS? Many streamers give up, unable to find answers to these questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elgato identified this &#8220;post-purchase wall&#8221; as the biggest challenge in the streamer experience, and WAVE NEXT was the event that directly addressed this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does It Mean to Shift from Hardware to Software?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine-en.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DSC00260-1024x683-1.jpg\" alt=\"Elgato software ecosystem presentation\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Limitations of the Traditional Hardware-Centric Approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the streaming equipment market, the focus has traditionally been on hardware spec competition &#8212; developing higher-quality microphones and offering more powerful cameras. However, user sentiment has consistently been: &#8220;No matter how good the specs are, they are meaningless if you cannot use them effectively.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microphones in particular are heavily influenced by placement and room acoustics. Even with a high-end microphone, air conditioning noise or room reverb can be persistent issues. Having to open a settings app each time and wrestle with complex equalizer and compressor settings is a significant burden for most users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Elgato&#8217;s Software-Centric Ecosystem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What Elgato presented at WAVE NEXT was a framework enabling anyone to unlock the full potential of their hardware through software. This allows streamers to spend less time troubleshooting audio settings and more time focused on content creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Specifically, the WAVE Link software deeply integrates with WAVE series microphones, enabling real-time mixing of multiple audio sources and intuitive noise cancellation and audio correction. This software is not a mere accessory &#8212; it is designed as the &#8220;brain&#8221; of the hardware, responsible for maximizing the equipment&#8217;s capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>From a Streamer&#8217;s Perspective:<\/strong> For example, being able to manage game sound effects, your voice, BGM, and chat text-to-speech on separate tracks makes post-stream editing dramatically easier. WAVE Link aims to achieve this without complex configuration.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leveraging AI and Automation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another key pillar of WAVE NEXT is AI-powered automatic optimization. For instance, microphone gain and noise gate settings are automatically recommended based on AI analysis of your room&#8217;s acoustic characteristics. For beginners who previously stumbled on questions like &#8220;What is gain?&#8221; or &#8220;How do I set noise gate thresholds?&#8221;, the software now provides support to achieve &#8220;great sound&#8221; without technical knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This represents a significant directional shift for Elgato. While the brand previously carried an impression of &#8220;equipment with granular settings for advanced users,&#8221; it now aims for a dual approach through AI automation: &#8220;accessible to everyone, yet satisfying for professionals.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concrete Benefits for Streamers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine-en.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DSC00257-1024x683-1.jpg\" alt=\"Streamer benefits demonstration\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Dramatically Reduced Setup Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simply connecting and powering on your equipment automatically configures basic audio settings. Many settings that previously required manual configuration in OBS or separate audio software are now consolidated within the WAVE Link interface. This is especially beneficial for VTubers and others who prefer to minimize pre-stream preparation time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Audio Quality That &#8220;Naturally&#8221; Improves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine-en.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DSC00276-1024x683-1.jpg\" alt=\"Audio quality improvement demo\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simply enabling noise cancellation and audio correction can significantly reduce room reverb and PC fan noise. Being able to improve the audio quality reaching your listeners without investing in an expensive studio environment is a major advantage for home streamers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Unified Management of Game Audio, Voice, and BGM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With WAVE Link, game audio, your voice, BGM, and notification sounds can each be managed as individual channels. Issues like &#8220;game audio is too loud and drowns out my voice&#8221; or &#8220;I cannot figure out the right BGM volume balance&#8221; can be resolved intuitively from a single interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Stream Deck Integration Simplifies Mid-Stream Controls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elgato&#8217;s Stream Deck is a device that automates various operations with the press of a physical button. Within the WAVE NEXT ecosystem, Stream Deck is designed to call up WAVE Link settings, switch scenes, and adjust volume with a single touch. Being able to mute your mic or lower volume during a stream without taking your eyes off the screen is a significant advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>What Is Stream Deck?<\/strong> A physical controller that lets you execute common streaming operations &#8212; scene switching, muting, BGM playback, and more &#8212; with a single touch. It is valued by streamers who want to keep their broadcasts running smoothly without looking away from the screen.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Elgato&#8217;s Vision for the Future of Streaming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine-en.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DSC00258-1024x683-1.jpg\" alt=\"Elgato future vision presentation\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Toward &#8220;Equipment-Invisible Streaming&#8221;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the message of WAVE NEXT could be summarized in one phrase, it would be &#8220;achieving streaming where you do not think about equipment.&#8221; The vision is a state where software ensures great audio while you immerse yourself in content creation &#8212; without spending time on complex settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a shared need for game streamers, VTubers, and aspiring podcasters alike. From a situation where &#8220;I own great equipment but cannot use it effectively&#8221; to one where &#8220;simply owning it means automatic optimization&#8221; &#8212; Elgato aims to serve as that bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Co-Creation with the Community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine-en.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DSC00279-1024x683-1.jpg\" alt=\"Community interaction at WAVE NEXT\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The WAVE NEXT event also highlighted Elgato&#8217;s emphasis on community feedback. Features are designed based on real input from streamers, and the philosophy of &#8220;making professional-grade equipment accessible to everyone&#8221; clearly underpins their product development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For new streamers, the reassurance of &#8220;buying Elgato equipment means joining an ecosystem&#8221; could become a guiding principle for future purchasing decisions. For existing users, the benefit lies in their current equipment becoming more useful as the software evolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WAVE NEXT was not merely an event for announcing new hardware. It was a proposal from Elgato about &#8220;the very nature of being a streamer.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned veteran, the concept of software supporting an environment where you can feel &#8220;easier, better streaming is possible&#8221; will likely be remembered as a pivotal turning point in Elgato&#8217;s product direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/alive-project.com\/en\/streamer-magazine\/article\/14248\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">hands-on review of the microphones and other products<\/a> will be published separately. That article will cover actual sound quality, usability, and setup procedures in detail, so please check it out as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is an editorial report based on coverage of the <em>WAVE NEXT<\/em> event.<br\/><br\/>Photography: Jun Sumitomo<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Shift from Hardware to Software For streamers active as game broadcasters or VTubers, delivering 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