Elgato transforms its Stream Deck Plus with new XLR dock and USB hub accessories
Elgato is launching two new docks for its Stream Deck Plus device that can add XLR microphone support or a USB hub. The Stream Deck Plus originally launched in 2022 with the usual Stream Deck buttons, a new LCD display, and additional knobs, but these docks extend the functionality even further.
The $119.99 XLR Dock slots into the rear of the Stream Deck Plus and delivers up to 75dB of gain, enough to power Shure’s popular SM7B microphone. Just like Elgato’s dedicated Wave XLR, it even has a headphone jack for zero latency monitoring.
The XLR Dock means you only need a single USB cable routing to your laptop or PC and a single device instead of having to combine an XLR interface and Stream Deck. The knobs on the Stream Deck Plus can control the microphone, and there are plenty of ways to assign mute switches and more on the main Stream Deck buttons, too.
If you don’t have an XLR microphone, then Elgato is also launching a $59.99 USB Hub that plugs into the back of the Stream Deck Plus. It includes two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and an SD or microSD card reader at the side. All four USB ports will deliver up to 5Gb/s of data transfers, so unfortunately, there are no Thunderbolt speeds here.
There is also a 65-watt uplink port that provides enough power to charge your laptop if you connect this hub to an external USB-C power supply. In fact, Elgato recommends using a USB-C power supply with this hub: “Most systems are unable to power both Stream Deck Plus and USB Hub on their own, without causing performance issues. For best results, keep USB Hub connected to a power supply at all times.”
Source: www.theverge.com