Shure MV7 Microphone Review — Testing with male and female voice
As a podcast producer, I’m acutely aware of how crucial it is to have a reliable and high-quality microphone.
As an avid user of microphones for over 15 years, first as a musician in the studio, and now in podcasting, I feel it’s my duty to give you some guidance and stop you from buying trashy equipment.
In this review, I will walk you through my experience with the Shure MV7, touching on its build quality, sound performance, and overall suitability for different recording scenarios.
Build Quality:
The Shure MV7 boasts a solid build quality. It features both XLR and USB inputs, making it versatile for various recording setups.
However, I must mention a rather lack-lustre feature — the pop filter.
While it reduces some plosives, it lacks the thicker foam and I’ve noticed you need to have the microphone positioned off-axis quite considerably to reduce the plosive issue.
Sound Performance:
When it comes to sound performance, the Shure MV7 didn’t overly impress me with its ability to handle plosives, but the sibilance was well taken care of.
I tested it with both XLR and USB inputs, and the difference was minimal, with both options delivering excellent sound quality.
Female Voice Test:
As a female voice, I wanted to assess how the Shure MV7 captures and portrays different vocal ranges.
Off-axis positioning proved to be key, as that’s where the microphone offered the best sound quality.
When I sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” the microphone faithfully reproduced the subtle nuances in my voice, providing a balanced and pleasing sound.
Male Voice Test:
To evaluate the Shure MV7’s performance with a deeper voice, I enlisted the help of our Lead Designer, Alex. His sentence “Please provide a stinky sandwich” allowed us to gauge how the microphone handled lower frequencies, plosives and sibilance.
The Shure MV7 captured his voice with clarity and precision, showcasing its versatility across different vocal ranges.
He sounded better on this microphone than I did, producing a richer tone.
Proximity Effect Analysis:
One common mistake many creators make with microphones is placing them too far from their faces.
The Shure MV7 excels when used in an off-axis position, about a fist’s distance away. The proximity effect, which enhances bass frequencies, is prominent when the microphone is too close, resulting in added breathiness and interruption.
It’s important to strike the right balance for optimal sound quality.
USB Input Considerations:
When using the Shure MV7 in USB mode, there are a couple of important setup steps. You’ll need to select the microphone as the input source in your computer’s sound settings, ensuring it’s recognised properly.
Additionally, you can adjust the microphone’s input level both in the computer settings and on the microphone itself. There is also a desktop app that you can download to tune your settings further to your liking.
I quite enjoyed playing around with the Motiv desktop app, and encourage you to download it, to get a more customised result.
What’s My Take?
Looking at the overall performance of the Shure MV7, I find it to be a solid microphone choice for content creators. Its compact design and dual XLR and USB inputs make it an attractive option for beginners and more experienced podcasters alike.
While I encountered some minor gripes, such as the positioning of the LED lights and plosive issues, the Shure MV7’s excellent sound quality, effective noise reduction, and versatility outweigh these drawbacks.
Ultimately, the Shure MV7 offers a reliable, user-friendly, and durable solution for anyone seeking a high-quality microphone.
Whether you’re starting small or aiming to take your content creation to the next level, the Shure MV7 will deliver satisfying results. I am of the opinion that this microphone will suit those with more complexity in their vocal register.
RESOURCES WE MENTIONED
Shure MV7 — buy on Amazon
Rode Podmic vs Shure MV7 — Microphone Battle
BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:
EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST
