We’ll be taking a quick look at the the Elgato Stream Deck + and XLR Dock. It’s production console, studio controller and audio mixer, in one compact device. It features 4 programmable dials, an intuitive touch strip, and 8 fully customizable LCD keys. It’s the perfect tool for content creators, streamers, and gamers.
The Stream Deck + gives you instant, tactile, and granular control with limitless customization. You can literally trigger any action you want, such as switching cameras, mute your mic, launch apps, apply sound effects, turn on lights, change scenes, and much much more.
For content creators, you’ll be able to scrub, trim, and cut in post using your favourite apps. It’s literally a full-scale production setup on your desktop.
You can also use the Stream Deck + as an audio interface to unlock thousands of royalty-free tracks, and sound effects, using powerful Wave Link mixing software.
Pair the Stream Deck + with the XLR Dock and it becomes the ultimate audio station. Plug your professional XLR microphone for studio-quality sound. It comes with a bulit-in studio pre-amp, and offers decent gain of between 0-75dB and a sample rate of 48KHz, with a resolution of 24-bit, plus it supports phantom power of 48V DC.
Overview – Stream Deck +
Taken from Elgato’s website.
Iconic Stream Deck tech with customizable LCD keys, dials, and touch strip. Stream Deck + is your audio mixer, studio controller, production console – anything you want it to be.
Features
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more. Know that your command has been executed.
- Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc.
- Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different apps.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
- Stream Deck App and Store: drag and drop setup, download plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, SFX, and more. Regular updates and new plugins frequently added.
TAP
Trigger almost any action you want — switch cameras, mute your mic, launch apps, apply sound effects, turn on lights, change scenes, and much more.
TURN
Adjust volume levels, image details, camera zoom, brightness, white balance — any incremental app settings. Push to cycle through dial actions.
TOUCH
Control apps with a touch, swipe to change pages, and see dial information at a glance.
YOUR AUIDO STATION
Get hands-on control for all your audio sources. Stream Deck + unlocks thousands of royalty-free tracks, sound effects, and powerful Wave Link mixing software.
YOUR PRODUCTION CONSOLE
Go live, pan, zoom, change scenes, and more. Scrub, trim, and cut in post. It’s a full-scale production crew on your desktop.
YOUR STUDIO CONTROLLER
Lights, camera, satisfaction. Set the scene for perfect audience engagement, immersive creativity, or mellow chat and chill. Your favorite settings are a tap or twist away.
ANYTHING YOU WANT IT TO BE
Install over 200 ready-made plugins or map keyboard shortcuts to keys and dials. Stream Deck + integrates with any workflow from video creation, podcasting and live production to photo editing, graphic design, and beyond. Welcome to the world of Stream Deck.
Specifications
The Box and Packaging
Inside the box, you’ll find the Stream Deck +, USB-C to A cable and a quick start guide.
A Closer Look
On the front facing side, there are a total of 8 LCD keys, 4 dials, and an intuitive touch strip, all of which are fully customizable and programmable. On the back of the device, you’ll find a USB-C connector.
The Software
The Stream Deck software is simple to use and navigate. Just drag and drop the desired actions for each button or dial. You can also add extra pages, access the Elgato marketplace, as well as the ability to create profiles.
Overview – Elgato XLR Dock
Equipped with XLR Dock, Stream Deck + becomes the ultimate audio station. In back, plug in your XLR microphone for studio-like sound. Up front, customize controls to mix, monitor, or do just about anything. It’s all your audio in one place, saving you focus and desk space.
Features
- Audio interface, For Stream Deck +: Connect an XLR mic to your computer via USB. Designed to replace standalone interfaces.
- Loud and clear: 75 dB of gain to amplify your dynamic microphone. Brings condenser mics to life with 48 V Phantom Power.
- Saves space, Free a port: Stows away out of sight to minimize desk clutter. Connect both devices via one USB cable, not two.
- One for all: Control your entire setup—audio, video, anything.
- Easy install: Assemble in minutes using only your screwdriver
YOUR AUDIO CONTROLLER
Adjust mic gain, mute spotify, or switch from speaker to your headset – with ease.
YOUR MIC INTERFACE
Connect your high-end XLR microphone to any computer or laptop.
IT’S YOUR MIXER, SOUNDBOARD, SAMPLER AND SO MUCH MORE
Stream Deck + and XLR Dock bring all your audio controls together—not just hardware, but also your apps. Tap to use a voice changer or push to talk in Discord. Turn to adjust headphone volume. Even monitor audio levels in real time. Everything is customizable and it’s all in one place
EASY SNAP TO ASSEMBLE
Short on DIY skills? No problem. XLR Dock installs in a few easy steps using only a Phillips screwdriver.
Specifications
The Box, Packaging & Closer Look
On the back of the XLR Dock, you’ll find a USB-C connector, a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, and 1 x XLR input.
Elgato Stream Deck + with XLR Dock in Action
Here we have the Elgato Stream Deck + with XLR Dock in Action. What I really like about the whole setup, is the minimal amount of cables needed to get the unit working. There’s only the USB-C, which is connected to the PC, a 3.5mm headphone cable and the XLR cable for the microphone, and that’s it!
Conclusion & Verdict
After upgrading to the Rode Streamer X last year for my streaming setup (which I love by the way), the only thing I wasn’t able to do, was the ability to switch between screens, windows and cameras. I still had to use the original Stream Deck (2017 model) for this function. In the end, I had 2 devices to deal with, one for the audio interface and one for the stream control … and this just clusters my desk space.
When Elgato anncounced their XLR Dock early this year (2024), I was intrigued and very interested. Basically, the XLR Dock is an add-on for their Stream Deck +, and would turn the Stream Deck + in to an audio interface and control deck in one unit, which is exactly what I needed. However, I was worried whether this combo would be powerful enough, to drive my Shure SM7B microphone and provide decent audio output.
To my surprise, the Elgato Stream Deck + with the XLR Dock is a fantastic combo, and much better than I expected. You get ALL the functionality of the Stream Deck +, plus you get a professional audio interface and preamp that offers decent gain of between 0-75dB, and a sample rate of 48KHz, with a resolution of 24-bit, what’s more it supports phantom power of 48V DC.
Best of all, I now only have one control deck on my desk, which is exactly what I want. One control deck to rule them all, LOL! Now you’re probably wondering what about video capture via HDMI? Well, my video capture is now separately connected by Elgato Cam Link 4K, and not connected through the Stream Deck +. And this is fine for me. Because I won’t be streaming everyday, but I will be using the Stream Deck + for daily content creation and audio recording for voice overs etc.
As a content creator, I’m able to scrub, trim, and cut in post, using your favourite apps. It’s literally a full-scale production setup on my desktop. I trigger any action I want, such as switching cameras, mute your mic, launch apps, apply sound effects, turn on lights, change scenes, and much much more.
Where to buy …
- Buy the Elgato Stream Deck+ for around USD $199 from Amazon – https://amzn.to/3Z3OGYV
- Buy the Elgato XLR Dock for around USD $119 from Amazon – https://amzn.to/4g7vgZc
- Buy the Elgato Cam Link 4K for aorund USD $94 from Amazon – https://amzn.to/3znLAog
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