# Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 (Elgato) and Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X (Audio-Technica) among microphones. Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X is the cheaper of the two at $169.

## Side by side

| Spec | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 | Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $169.99 | $169 |
| Brand | Elgato | Audio-Technica |
| Released | — | 2022 |
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB-C |
| Polar pattern | cardioid | cardioid |
| Type | condenser | condenser |
| Sample rate (kHz) | 48 | 96 |
| Bit depth | 24 | 24 |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mute button | Yes | Yes |
| Mount | included desk stand; 1/4" thread adapter (3/8" and 5/8" adapters included) | included desktop stand; 5/8"-27 thread adapter included |

## Key differences

- Sample rate (kHz): Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 48 vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X 96
- Mount: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 included desk stand; 1/4" thread adapter (3/8" and 5/8" adapters included) vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X included desktop stand; 5/8"-27 thread adapter included

## What reviewers say

**Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X** — Two whitelisted hands-on reviewers (SoundGuys, TechRadar) covered this exact model; neither published measured numbers. Both praise its clear voice/sound quality, sturdy all-metal build, and silent touch-mute controls, and both fault the missing gain control plus high sensitivity that picks up room noise. Verdict: excellent for treated, quiet spaces, weak in noisy rooms. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Elgato Wave:3 MK.2: https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3 (elgato.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X: https://www.newegg.com/p/0UK-000E-009U8 (newegg.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microphones/elgato-wave-3-mk2-vs-audio-technica-at2020usb-x/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 ($169.99) vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X ($169) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microphones/elgato-wave-3-mk2-vs-audio-technica-at2020usb-x/
License: CC BY 4.0.