Ultimate Guide: Shure MV7 USB Microphone with Tripod
The Shure MV7 microphone is a great choice, whether you’re just starting out with a Twitch live broadcast or an experienced podcaster looking to upgrade your audio setup.
A tiny device called the Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone, which will be sold in late 2020, aims to provide broadcast-ready audio right out of the box, saving content producers the time and expense of post-production.
With features like built-in leveling, volume control, and equalization, this podcast setup, which consists of a dynamic mic and interface, is prepared to serve as the hub of any home studio, live streaming setup, gaming setup, or vocal production setup.
Design
The SM7B serves as the foundation for the MV7, which has metallic enclosures available in black or silver. The front-address mic’s fundamental shape is the same as the SM7B, but the MV7 lacks the SM7B’s distinctive rectangular grille. Instead, the dynamic capsule is covered by a screw-on foam pop filter, which can be removed to reveal the true dynamic capsule. The filter is removable so that it can be changed out for another hue; the filter is necessary for the capsule to work properly.
The A/D converter can record 16-bit or 24-bit audio at 44.1kHz or 48kHz sample rates, while the MV7’s capsule has a cardioid pattern with a frequency range of 50Hz to 16kHz.
Touch Controls
On top is a control strip with touch-sensitive buttons and a slider that lets you change the settings. On the left side of the touch panel bar is a mute button, and on the right is a headphone volume/mic gain control. You can choose between headphone volume and mic gain (green LED) (orange LED).
You can lock and unlock the control panel by holding down both the Level and Mute buttons at the same time. This stops any accidental setting adjustments while the microphone is in use. These options are not usable with the XLR out; they are only accessible through USB.
Connectivity
The Shure MV7’s dual XLR and micro-USB ports at the bottom, along with a 3.5mm headphone connector for monitoring, eliminate the need to select between XLR and USB connectivity, which is one of the device’s key features. By allowing entry-level users to connect through USB and then upgrade to an XLR system, this provides good future-proofing, but it goes much farther.
It enables simultaneous recording on both XLR and USB, resulting in files with poor resolution from the USB and high resolution from the XLR. This is not only a backup plan in case the XLR system doesn't work, but it also lets you share great takes since they are already digitally compressed.
With official "Made for iPhone & iPad" branding on the package and a unique version of the ShurePlus MOTIV software for iOS and Android devices, the Shure MV7 is not only compatible with PC and Mac but also with iOS and Android devices.
As a result, the Shure MV7 is an extremely flexible recorder that allows you to record on your smartphone or tablet if you don’t have access to a desktop or laptop. This is perfect for podcasters who want to conduct interviews while they’re on the go.
Audio Excellence
The single cardioid pickup pattern of the Shure MV7 minimizes background noise and noise from off-axis. This is done by isolating the voice. It can tolerate a lot of damage and has a wide range of applications.
This microphone captures audio in great quality that rivals even some more expensive studio microphones and the best podcast mics. The automatic setting on the MV7 made a clean, piercing sound that, even though it was a bit harsh for my voice, was a nice contrast to the SM7B's smoother tone. But the auto compression and leveling settings made a good voice recording that didn't need much editing to be used in a podcast or vlog. Naturally, manual mode needs additional tinkering right away to produce a recording-ready sound.
This microphone has been fine-tuned to record spoken word and voice at a production-level quality. It has a significant presence bump in the high midrange and a gradual drop-off in response at the low end. You might be able to create a relatively bright sound that is very similar to what you would anticipate from a professionally produced voice recording when combined with the built-in EQ and compression settings.
Due to this, the MV7 is ineffective for recording basses, guitars, and other instruments with complicated low-end and lower-midrange information. In a pinch, it will undoubtedly function with non-vocal sources.
Software
Finding the sound you’re looking for is straightforward thanks to the user-friendly interface of the Shure Plus Motiv software. Nothing is left to chance with the Motiv software, which gives the user direct control through manual mode or a choice of auto mode to set it and forget it, letting the user-friendly software find the perfect balance of settings and take care of everything.
Additionally, you may choose between “near” and “far” settings, giving you the freedom to be either the intimate podcaster or the vivacious, constantly moving streamer that you like.
Using the application, you can change the microphone gain, headphone monitor level, and even completely turn off the device. Four EQ profiles are also available for selection: Flat, High Pass, Presence Boost, and a combination of High Pass and Presence Boost. Additionally, the compressor on the microphone has a sensitivity setting. Shure Plus Motive’s software is logically laid out.
Takeaway
The Shure MV7 is a fantastic high-end dynamic microphone with a cardioid recording pattern that is perfect for podcasting and streaming. It captures sound in front of it but not behind it, and it typically yields clear results.
The ShurePlus MOTIV software for PCs, laptops, and even smartphones gives users access to most of the audio recording features, including an auto mode for beginners that is surprisingly well-tuned, even though knobs and buttons are more useful than touch controls. If you use several platforms and devices, the MV7 offers a distinctive experience.
PROS & CONS
- Excellent audio quality
- Insufficient touch controllers
- USB and XLR connections
- Expensive
- Integrated headphone output
- Some learning to be done
