Shure’s MV7 Podcast Microphone is specifically designed for podcasters, gamers and vocalists; but it’s equally at-home in professional recording applications too. It is Shure’s first hybrid XLR/USB microphone; its XLR output will connect to pro mic preamps and audio mixing consoles.
The MV7 gets its roots from the very popular Shure SM7B dynamic microphone. Like the SM7B, the MV7 is a dynamic microphone in a gimbal mount with a cardioid pattern but in a slightly smaller size—it weighs 1.21lbs. It is focused on producing the human voice with a tight pick-up pattern to reduce the annoying room sound that often plagues online blogs, YouTube videos, Zoom and Skype calls.
I tried the MV7 in two ways: first as a USB microphone for direct connection to my MAC and also in my studio as a conventional vocal mic using its XLR output. I downloaded the free, Shure MOTIV Desktop App to setup the mic and the built-in playback USB interface for my weekly Zoom meetings. All I needed was to plug in a pair of headphones or ear buds right into the mic. This is awesome for on-the-go portable work using a laptop or a tablet/phone with the optional Lightning cable.
The MOTIV App has two modes: Auto Level Mode to get an automatic mic gain setting quickly, and Manual Mode to dial in your online voice sound more specifically. I have a somewhat low nasally voice so the High Pass with Presence position in Manual Mode helped me. There is also a switchable Limiter and Compressor that kept my average voice level even and upfront! You can mute the mic, adjust gain, change playback level and more on the mic’s Touch Panel.
The MV7 has similar specifications as other Shure dynamic microphones and I wanted to hear it as a vocal mic. It has a slight lift in the high frequencies starting at about 2kHz, and that worked great for a brighter sound for my singer. With its gimbal mount, it did remind me of the SM7B along with its lower output compared to my Shure KSM8, but any of my preamps worked great.
I liked the sound of the MV7 for guitar amps, loud singers/rappers when I was looking for a warmer, less edgy sound. Good to know that beyond podcasting, I now have a great little mic for pro recording.
The MV7 Podcast Microphone comes in two colors (black, silver), a removable windscreen, optional accessories and sells for $249 MSRP.
