In this Shure MV7 review, I’ll show you that it is a mic designed to impress. It is feature-packed and ready to give you great performance. In this Shure MV7 review, I’ll be breaking down the key aspects of the Shure MV7, with particular attention paid to its features. I have also included a handy pros and cons list should you be in the market for a new mic.
The sky is the limit for entry-to-intermediate-level consumer microphones. With so many mics available in this bracket, any entry needs to deliver on a number of key elements like ease of use and applicability across applications. I think that the Shure MV7 does exactly that.
As a brand, Shure has one of the best reputations in the world of professional audio. They have a huge following of podcasters and radio pros who swear by Shure products.
If you’re just starting out in the world of podcasting or game streaming, then setting up something like the formidable SM7B can be a mammoth task, and often an expensive one to boot. This is where the MV7 holds its own. Check out our review of the Shure SM7B to make your own comparison.
It has a simple-to-use USB connectivity, rather than needing to invest in a USB interface with XLR inputs, making it perfect for newbies.
Shure MV7 Review: What Bang Do You Get for your Buck?
Whilst the Shure MV7 is a budget-friendly option when compared to an SM7B, it’s worth noting that it is on the top end of a budget. Considering the price, there aren’t that many extras in the box, either.
The Shure MV7 ships with a pair of 3 m cables, a USB-A and a USB-C, and a mounting bracket with the standard 5/8 inch thread for attaching the mic to a stand. One downside is that you’ll have to supply the stand yourself, the use of a mic stand is highly recommended, as Shure does not include one as standard.
In terms of build quality, for the price, it’s honestly brilliant. It looks and feels extremely well-made, with a solid all-metal barrel to keep the internals protected. There’s also a metal grille that houses the mic’s dynamic recording cartridge.
Around the barrel, there’s a touch-sensitive strip in between the bracket attachment points. This strip makes quickly controlling mic and headphone levels a breeze. It also has a lock function to prevent accidental level changes.
The MV7 comes with various ports, located on the bottom of the mic. There’s a Mini USB port for connections to your computer, a headphone jack intended for real-time monitoring, and an XLR connector if you want to integrate the mic with a professional-level arrangement.
I find it strange that Shure went for a Micro-USB connection over the increasingly popular USB-C. They claim that the MV7 doesn’t require a faster data transfer speed as their rationale behind sticking with the Micro-USB connection.
One of the MV7’s key features is its ability to use the XLR and USB ports simultaneously. In practical terms, this means that you can record a low-resolution file for previewing whilst laying down a high-res file at the same time.
Shure MV7 Review: How Does It Sound?
The Shure MV7 is designed to be used at close range, with the mic directly in front of you. Whilst this is ideal for applications such as podcasting or streaming, it does have limitations. One such limitation is that it can’t record group discussions or similar settings, as there’s no omnidirectional mode.
I found the noise-cancelling on the Shure MV7 to be excellent. It picks up sounds that are right in front of it, almost exclusively. It ignores noise from the sides and the rear of the mic very effectively and completely banishes background noise.
At this price point, the sound quality of the Shure MV7 is exceptional. Even in a side-by-side comparison with a mic in the same category, for example, the Blue Yeti X, the Shure MV7 holds its own. It is capable of producing balanced, rich vocals that aren’t too dark or bright.
Shure MV7 Rveiew: Set Up Requirements
Setting up the Shure MV7 was, in short, a dream. Shure has stuck by the definition of a plug-and-play mic to the letter. This point alone will make the Shure MV7 appealing to novices, as it takes minutes to set up.
Whilst the Shure MV7 is true to the plug-and-play functionality, there are always certain requirements for recording professional-quality audio. The first one is a microphone stand. This isn’t included with the Shure MV7. For desktop users, a small mounted boom arm will do the trick.
The second requirement comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking to create balanced audio, then you should probably invest in a dedicated XLR cable. Shure provides all that you would need to record audio through USB.
Shure MV7 Review: ShurePlus MOTIV App
To get the most out of the Shure MV7, it’s vital that you download the ShurePlus MOTIV app. The MOTIV app can be used with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows as you might expect.
Some may feel restricted by having to use the MOTIV app, but in reality, the app gives you a wide range of options and have brilliant functionality. The ease of use and functionality of the MOTIV app makes it ideal for those of us who are less tech-savvy.
Shure MV7 Review: Specs at a Glance
- Integrated Touch Controls
- XLR, Micro USB Connectivity
- Dynamic Microphone
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- 24-bit/48kHz Audio Quality
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- XLR and USB Interface: I think it’s fair to say that being able to use both the XLR and USB connections simultaneously is a power move from Shure. Being able to record a low resolution file over USB and a high resolution one over XLR means that if you don’t have time to edit an audio file, you’re covered.
- Ease of use: Shure stand by the plug and play application of the MV7. It took me about fifteen minutes to get the mic up and recording.
- Sound Quality: This is worth repeating as it’s the main stay of any mic. The MV7 delivered exceptional sound quality, arguably close to professional studio quality, at an unbeatable price.
Cons:
- XLR Cable and Stand Sold Separately: Whilst this might be beneficial to those who want the option of choosing their own setup, I think that including at least one of these items would have made the MV7 a truly exceptional purchase.
- Touch Controls: I found the touch sensitive controls to be a little fiddly and not as user-friendly as you might expect. Whilst there is a separate lock button which allows you to lock the controls to avoid accidental changes, I felt that Shure opting for touch controls instead of manual ones was an oversight.
Shure MV7 Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Shure MV7 Suitable For?
There’s no simple answer to this question, as amateurs and professionals alike will get great use out of the Shure MV7. Either as your main source of recording or as a spare dynamic microphone for the studio.
What Features Does the MOTIV App Have?
The MOTIV app is essential to the MV7. The only way to update the mic’s firmware is through the app, plus the manual is included for reference. It has an Auto Level mode if you’re in a rush to get the recording completed.
This mode does all the tweaking for you and has a mic orientation choice. There’s also a manual mode for a more hands-on approach, with four different EQ profiles to choose from.
What’s the Pickup Pattern Does the MV7 Have?
Inside the Shure MV7, there’s a dynamic cartridge with a cardioid pickup pattern. The cardioid pickup pattern is extremely flexible and perfect for all-purpose use.
Does the Shure MV7 Require A Preamp?
To function over USB, the MV7 does not require a preamp or any kind of hardware interface for that matter. It handles loud noise really well (laughing loudly whilst recording a podcast won’t distort the signal).
Final Thoughts
Straight out of the box, I found that the build quality, ease of use and feature-packed MOTIV app were enough to sell this mic to me. The MOTIV app gave me everything I needed to produce and edit audio, despite having my own interface.
Not to mention the amazing sound quality, excellent vocal reproduction, and its astounding ability to capture near-perfect audio in an imperfect environment.
In short, the Shure MV7 is a magnificent choice for the budding podcaster or streamer. Even professionals will get great use out of the MV7 as an additional studio mic.
If you would like to know more about microphone choices for your home studio, check out our articles about the Best Microphones for Home Studio and the Best Microphone for Recording Vocals.