Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone: Crisp and versatile sound for content creators

Professionals, enthusiasts or even newcomers who spend extended hours with the microphone might find the Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone to be an option worth considering over built-in microphones in laptops or smartphones.

At a glance, the Shure MV7 offers superior recording quality in a minimalistic design. With many simple features, this could very well be your first external microphone, keeping in mind the S$339 price tag.

Simple setup with almost any device

The ports on the microphone cover both the consumer and professional spectrum – Micro-B USB for digital capture and an XLR port for analogue capture. There’s also a 3.5mm monitor output so that you can connect to your headphones or earphones.

Thanks to these, the microphone can be connected to virtually any device, from computers to smartphones (with the help of the ShurePlus MOTIV app). It is worth noting that iPhone users will need a Lightning to USB-C adapter.

To utilise the best of both worlds, the XLR and USB outputs can be used at the same time – USB audio for referencing and the XLR audio for actual edits. Regardless, we do find the digital output via the USB audio good enough since the XLR output would require an audio interface for recording.

Comprehensive app for adjustment and optimisations

The main point of entry into the device’s settings is via the ShurePlus MOTIV app which controls all aspects of the microphone. It includes the mic levelling, EQ modes, and compressor mode for better dynamic range – which will be remembered within the microphone (through a DSP) for cross-device usage.

You can either engage the auto or manual mode in the settings. The manual mode contains 4 EQ profiles, with a limiter toggle to reduce audio clipping – especially if you will be recording within a breathing distance with the mic.

If you are recording a speech, it may be logical to shift the compressor slider (between off, light, medium and heavy) to restrict the dynamic range. As this will reduce the peak pitch, we do not recommend singing Chandelier by Sia on heavy – like how one of our team members tried doing.

For the most part, we find ourselves using Shure’s auto mode since it offers comprehensive adjustment to help adjust the levels on the fly. There also exist three presets titled Dark, Natural and Bright to adjust the frequency response of the microphone, while a monitor mix slider allows you to increase or decrease the loudness of your headphones.

Modern additions might seem counter-intuitive

Whilst our team appreciate the modern and sleek design of the MV7, we still find the touch panel a hindrance – it does not match up to smartphone screen sensitivity. Occasionally, it would take multiple, harder touches to set the controls, as opposed to the tactility of a physical adjustment knob.

The frequent, harder touches cause the tapping sound to be picked up during recording, which the audio settings might not be able to remove. Therefore, it would be advisable to adjust the settings through the app, or simply stop recording before doing so.

Sample Audio Recording

Pricing & Availability

You can now get hold of the Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone for S$339 from the official online store, Shopee or at Shure authorised dealers.

Be sure to also check out the Shure Brand Week, happening from 22 April to 1 May 2022 for their limited offers and promotions here:

Visit the Shure Brand Week 2022