Shure MV7 Plus USB & XLR Microphone Review

The Shure MV7 Plus is an updated version of the popular MV7 microphone, designed with podcasters and content creators in mind.

Priced at around $279-$299, it sits in the mid-range of podcast microphones, offering both USB and XLR connectivity.

This hybrid approach makes it versatile for various setups, from home studios to professional environments.

What’s in the Box:

• Shure MV7 Plus microphone
• Longer, improved foam windscreen
• 5/8″ to 3/8″ microphone stand adapter
• 3m USB-C to USB-C cable
• Documentation

Build Quality / Walkthrough

The MV7 Plus maintains Shure’s reputation for solid construction. It features an all-metal body with a robust metal mesh grille protecting the capsule.

The yoke mount and tension screws are metal, providing durability and stability. The microphone has a side-address design, similar to the SM7B, with a USB-C port, XLR output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring.

A notable upgrade is the touch panel, which now features a sleek LED indicator/meter that doubles as a capacitive mute button. The panel is cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing than its predecessor, though some users may miss the physical buttons for gain control.

The on-board branding with the Shure logo is very large. If you are using video then it will be caught on camera from any angle.

Headphone Monitoring

The onboard headphone monitoring (via the 3.5mm headphone jack) can only be used when the microphone is in USB mode.

When using the XLR output, the headphone monitoring feature is not available through the microphone itself.

This means that when you’re using the microphone in XLR mode, you will need to rely on the monitoring capabilities of your audio interface or mixer for real-time listening.

Specifications:

• Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 16 kHz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Bit Depth: 24-bit
• Sample Rate: Up to 48 kHz
• Headphone Output: 3.5mm
• Mounting: Integrated yoke mount with 5/8″ thread

Shure MV7 vs. MV7 Plus

The MV7 Plus brings several improvements over the original MV7:

1. Longer windscreen for better plosive protection
2. Upgraded touch panel with improved LED visualization
3. USB-C connectivity (replacing micro-USB)
4. Enhanced DSP features in the MOTIV Mix software
5. Improved auto-gain feature for better distance and direction handling

USB vs. XLR Audio Output Quality

The MV7 Plus allows simultaneous USB and XLR output. In USB mode, users benefit from the extensive DSP features available through the MOTIV Mix software. However, some reviewers noted that the USB output quality might not be as clear or open-sounding as the XLR output.

The XLR output provides a cleaner, more professional sound, especially when paired with a high-quality preamp or audio interface. Podcasters looking for the best audio quality should consider using the XLR output, while those prioritizing convenience and built-in processing may prefer the USB connection.

MOTIV Mix Functions and Their Effectiveness

The MOTIV Mix app provides a comprehensive suite of digital signal processing (DSP) tools for the Shure MV7 Plus, including auto gain, tone control, compression, limiting, noise reduction, and LED customization, allowing users to fine-tune their audio and microphone settings when connected via USB.

1. Real-time Denoiser: Highly effective at reducing background noise without significantly altering voice quality. This feature is particularly useful for home studio setups or noisy environments.
2. Auto Gain: Helps maintain consistent levels regardless of mic position or speaker volume. It’s effective for beginners or in dynamic recording situations.
3. Tone Control: Offers a slider from dark to bright, allowing users to tailor the sound to their voice. The 40% dark setting is often recommended for a balanced, full-bodied tone.
4. Limiter: Prevents digital clipping.
5. Compressor: Offers light, medium, and heavy settings. Light compression is generally sufficient for most podcasting applications.
6. Popper Stopper: Helps reduce plosives, complementing the improved physical windscreen. It’s subtle but effective for most users.
7. High-pass Filter: Offers 75 Hz and 150 Hz options to reduce low-frequency rumble and handling noise.
8. LED Customization: While not directly impacting audio quality, it allows for personalization and can be set to indicate audio levels.

Microphone Comparisons

Samson Q2U

The Samson Q2U ($80) is a versatile and budget-friendly dynamic microphone that has become a favorite among podcasters. It offers both USB and XLR connectivity.

The Q2U delivers surprisingly good sound quality for its price point, with a warm, balanced tone that works well for vocals. Its cardioid polar pattern helps to reject off-axis sounds, making it suitable for home recording environments.

However it uses a micro-USB connection which shows its age. While it may not match the audio fidelity of higher-end options like the Shure MV7 Plus or Rode PodMic USB, the Q2U holds its own and often punches above its weight class.

ATR 2100x

The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is another popular and reliable dynamic microphone that has earned its place as a go-to option for podcasters, streamers, and content creators.

Priced at around $99, it offers both USB and XLR connectivity.

The ATR2100x delivers clear, professional-sounding audio with a balanced frequency response that favors vocals. Its cardioid polar pattern effectively reduces background noise, making it suitable for less-than-ideal recording environments.

The microphone includes USB-C connectivity. While it may not have the advanced DSP features of the Shure MV7 Plus, its an attractive choice for beginners and experienced users alike.

Rode PodMic USB (USB & XLR)

One standout alternative is the Rode PodMic USB. While the MV7 Plus comes in at a slightly higher price point (around $280-$300 compared to the PodMic USB’s $200), both offer the flexibility of USB and XLR connectivity.

Each microphone boasts its own suite of digital signal processing tools – Shure’s MOTIV Mix app for the MV7 Plus and Rode Central for the PodMic USB.

The MV7 Plus might have a slight edge in sound quality out of the box, but the PodMic USB is no slouch and can be tweaked to produce excellent results.

The PodMic USB also impressed with its tank-like build quality. Ultimately, choosing between these two comes down to personal preference and budget.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the MV7 Plus offers a refined package with arguably more intuitive software. However, the PodMic USB represents fantastic value and shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if you’re already familiar with Rode’s ecosystem.

Shure SM7B Comparison

The, XLR only, SM7B ($400) is often considered the gold standard for podcast microphones. The MV7 Plus aims to offer a similar sound profile with added convenience.

The MV7 is not quite as good as the SM7B at absorbing plosives. And while it doesn’t quite match the SM7B’s depth and warmth, the MV7 Plus comes close when used via XLR (not USB).

But the built-in USB interface and processing make the MV7 Plus more accessible and versatile for many users.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. Dual USB/XLR connectivity.
2. Versatile MOTIV Mix software with useful processing options.
3. Very effective real-time denoiser.
4. DSP settings are saved in the mic.
5. Improved windscreen for better plosive protection.
6. Customizable touch panel with LED visualization.
7. Robust build quality.
8. Similar sound profile to the SM7B (via XLR) at a lower price point.
9. USB-C connection.

Cons:

1. USB audio quality not as clear as XLR output.
2. Very susceptible to handling noise.
3. Limiter could be more effective.
4. Touch panel mute button easy to accidentally trigger.
5. No headphone monitoring, directly from the mic, while in XLR mode.
6. Higher price point compared to some competitors.
7. Branding stands out too much.
8. Cheaper alternatives if you are only going to use the XLR connection. e.g. Shure SM58.

Who is the MV7 Plus best suited for ?

The Shure MV7 Plus is ideal for podcast producers, content creators, and streamers who need a versatile microphone that can grow with their setup. It’s particularly well-suited for:

1. Beginners who want a high-quality microphone with room to grow
2. Podcasters who record in less-than-ideal acoustic environments who can exploit the built in sound processing tools, like the denoiser.
3. Content creators who need both USB and XLR connectivity
4. Those who want SM7B-like quality and looks.
5. Creators who can use it for their day jobs (Zoom calls) and their personal podcast productions.

Overall Thoughts

The Shure MV7 Plus is a solid upgrade to the original MV7, offering improved features and maintaining the hybrid USB/XLR design that makes it so versatile. Its sound quality, especially via XLR, is impressive and comes close to the revered SM7B.

The MOTIV Mix software provides powerful processing tools, with the real-time denoiser being the standout feature for home studio users.

While the USB audio quality may not match the clarity of the XLR output, it offers convenience and delivers good results for most podcasting applications. The improved windscreen and added popper stopper feature help manage plosives effectively.

Recommendation

For podcast producers looking for a versatile, high-quality microphone that can adapt to various recording situations, the Shure MV7 Plus is an excellent choice. Its dual connectivity, robust build, and powerful software features make it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced podcasters.

However, if budget is a primary concern, alternatives like the Rode PodMic or even the, XLR only, classic Shure SM58 might offer better value.

Ultimately, the MV7 Plus strikes a balance between professional-grade audio quality, user-friendly features, and versatility, making it a strong contender in the podcast microphone market.

Top Tips for Getting the Best Out of the MV7 Plus:

1. Experiment with the tone control in MOTIV Mix to find the perfect setting for your voice. Many users find a slightly dark setting (around 40%) works well.
2. Use the real-time denoiser feature when recording in less-than-ideal environments, but be sure to test its effect on your voice quality.
3. When using USB, record with the limiter on to prevent any unexpected peaks from clipping.
4. For the cleanest sound, use the XLR output with a quality preamp or audio interface.
5. Take advantage of the auto-gain feature when recording guests or in dynamic situations where levels might change frequently.
6. Use the high-pass filter to reduce low-frequency rumble, especially if you’re in a room with air conditioning or computer fan noise.
7. Consider using a boom arm to minimize handling noise and allow for easy repositioning during recording.
8. Experiment with mic placement – while close-miking (2-4 inches) often yields the best results, finding the right distance for your voice is key.
9. Use the headphone output for zero-latency monitoring to ensure you’re capturing the best possible sound.
10. Regularly update the MOTIV Mix software to ensure you have access to the latest features and improvements.