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Side shot of the Shure MV7+ microphone on a stand
Dave Carr / SoundGuys
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Shure MV7+ review

Modern connections require modern modifications.
By

Published onAugust 28, 2024

SoundGuys recommended badge
8.2
The bottom line
With its updated USB-C connection and extended windscreen, the Shure MV7+ provides some welcome upgrades over the original and remains an excellent option for podcasters and content creators alike.
SoundGuys recommended badge

With its updated USB-C connection and extended windscreen, the Shure MV7+ provides some welcome upgrades over the original and remains an excellent option for podcasters and content creators alike.
Product release date
April 9th, 2024
Price
$279.00
Dimensions
Microphone: 327 x 125 x 112 mm
USB-C Cable length: 3m
Weight
871g
Model Number
MV7+-K
What we like
Quality vocal reproduction
Larger windscreen design for better plosive control
Updated USB-C connection
XLR/USB-C outputs can be used simultaneously
Size
What we don't like
Windscreen still loose like the original MV7
8.2
SoundGuys Rating
8
User Rating
Rating Metric
Our Rating
User Rating
Durability / Build Quality
8.5
-
0.0
Value
8.0
-
0.0
Design
8.0
8.0
8.0
Connectivity
9.0
-
0.0
Portability
7.0
-
0.0
Feature
8.5
-
0.0

After the success of its USB/XLR hybrid MV7 microphone, Shure has launched the Shure MV7+, the second generation of this versatile microphone series popular with content creators. Promising broadcast quality audio over both XLR and its updated USB-C connection, not to mention offering a variety of controls and features via the Shure MOTIV Mix app, let’s dive into our Shure MV7+ review to see if it lives up to the hype.

Editor’s note: this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

About this Shure MV7+ review: We tested the Shure MV7+ over a period of 10 days. The Shure MOTIV Mix app ran version 1.1.2.916 BETA. The company provided the unit for this review.

The Shure MV7+ is an ideal desktop microphone choice for podcasters, streamers, and YouTubers.

What’s it like to use the Shure MV7+?

Top down shot of the Shure MV7+ microphone with windscreen removed.
Dave Carr / SoundGuys
Is it just me, or is there something unsettling about an MV7+ without its windscreen?

The Shure MV7+ dynamic microphone arrives as part of the MV7+ podcast kit. This includes a desktop-style, short, straight microphone stand and its first noticeable upgrade, a lengthy 3m USB-C cable. The previous model relied on a USB-A to micro-USB cable for any direct computer connection. Of course, it still offers the industry standard balanced XLR connection and a 1/8″ jack for real-time headphone monitoring.

Design-wise, it looks very similar to the original MV7; however, upon closer inspection, you will notice that it features a new, more extended windscreen design, which is a welcome addition. One of the main complaints of the original MV7 was its inability to deal with plosives.

While the colorful touch panel on top of the microphone still exists, Shure has eliminated the gain control function. The LED strip is now a simple mute switch that operates via a single tap. This is the only physical control you’ll find on the MV7+, and unfortunately, I found myself muting the mic by accident quite often when attempting to adjust the microphone position. Otherwise, setting up the MV7+ is straight ahead, and getting a quality voice recording for your podcast or content is easy.

How does the Shure MV7+ connect?

Top down shot of the Shure MV7+ rear panel, showing XLR, 1/4" and USB-C ports.
Dave Carr / SoundGuys
The MV7+ now features a much-needed USB-C port.

The Shure MV7+ connects to your laptop or smartphone via its updated USB-C connection or audio interface via a balanced XLR connection. As with the original, you can use both outputs at the same time, which is a valuable feature. You can essentially record via USB-C into the MOTIV Mix app and take advantage of its settings while simultaneously tracking over XLR into your favorite DAW as an unedited safety backup in case anything goes wrong.

The Shure MV7+ does not require external power.

How do you control the Shure MV7+?

Photo of the Shure MV7+ in a dim room, showing an illuminated control strip.
Dave Carr / SoundGuys
Tap the lighting strip to mute the mic quickly.

When connected analog via XLR, the MV7+ has no controls. Like any other dynamic microphone, you’ll dial in your gain settings via your interface and use your DAW for signal processing, such as EQ adjustments.

When connected over USB-C, as mentioned, the lighting strip now acts as a physical mute button, but you’ll need to download the Shure MOTIV Mix or MOTIV Audio app to control the microphone and modify its sound.

How does the Shure MOTIV Mix app work?

Remember, you can only use the MOTIV Mix app while connected via USB-C. If you’re using a laptop or computer, you can download the Shure MOTIV Mix app straight from the Shure website. It’s worth noting that the app is still in its Beta phase. On the other hand, if you want to record on your mobile device, you’ll need the Shure MOTIV Audio app. This is a different app altogether, but it offers the same features as the desktop version. iOS users can find it here, and Android users can find it here.

No matter which app you’re using, you can modify your inputs and outputs and fine-tune your microphone settings. While you record your audio directly in the MOTIV Mix app, you’ll still need to use a DAW to edit your recordings to your liking. The MOTIV apps offer a few different types of reverb (studio, plate, and hall), a high-pass filter (off, 75Hz, or 150Hz), toggle Auto gain on or off, and, of course, the option to change the color of the LED lighting strip.

While you probably won’t use any reverb on your podcast, the Auto Level feature is extremely convenient and makes operating the MV7+ a breeze once connected.

What pickup pattern does the Shure MV7+ have?

The Shure MV7+ features a cardioid polar pattern, and it helps you get a decent recording in almost any room. This pattern captures sound primarily from in front of the microphone. It rejects sound 180° behind the capsule, attenuating unwanted background noises and ensuring you’re left to hear the performance you want to capture. The cardioid pattern does offer some forgiveness from the sides, and while you’ll always get the best results speaking directly into the capsule, this does allow you to speak a bit more freely while in front of the mic.

An example of a polar chart detailing the pickup pattern of a cardioid microphone
A cardioid pickup pattern can record sound from the front and sides of the unit.

How does the Shure MV7+ sound?

Thanks to its wide frequency response, just like the original, the MV7+ does an excellent job of reproducing a warm yet detailed recording of your voice. Take a listen to the examples I recorded below. Whether you’re a podcasting pro or just getting started, connected over XLR or USB, the MV7+ simply sounds great. Since this microphone is geared towards podcasting and used as a desktop mic, I also included some shock rejection tests to see how the MV7+ handles some local activity when in use.

The handy MV7+ user guide provides you with its frequency response chart. As mentioned, its wide response makes getting a quality recording of your voice very easy.

A chart showing the frequency response of the Shure MV7+
Shure
The frequency response of the MV7+ as provided by Shure.

Shure MV7+ microphone demos:

XLR connection:

XLR shock rejection test:

USB-C connection:

USB-C shock rejection test:

As the recordings show, the MV7+ has no issues keeping plosives at bay and sibilance to a minimum.

How does the microphone sound to you?

42 votes

Should you buy the Shure MV7+?

Top down shot of the Shure MV7+ in hand.
Dave Carr / SoundGuys
The Shure MV7+ is an ideal microphone for new or casual streamers and podcasters.

There’s plenty to like about the new MV7+, from its quality sound to ease of use. If you’re new to streaming and content creation or just getting started, the Shure MV7+ makes a great desktop USB-C microphone without buying an audio interface. However, as mentioned, the USB-C connection is the only way to take advantage of all the Shure Motiv Mix app features. If you already own a quality audio interface and plan on just using the MV7+’s analog XLR output, there is another higher-quality option you should consider….

Shure MV7+
Shure MV7+
Shure MV7+
Amazing sound • Sturdy build • LED touch panel
MSRP: $279.00
Modern connections require modern modifications.
With its updated USB-C connection and extended windscreen, the Shure MV7+ provides some welcome upgrades over the original and remains an excellent option for podcasters and content creators alike.

What should you get instead of the Shure MV7+?

side profile shot of the SM7dB and extra windscreen
The Shure SM7dB features a selectable onboard +18 or +28db boost.

Another recently updated Shure product, I recommend checking out the Shure SM7dB. ($499 at Amazon) This version of the legendary, 50-year-old SM7B microphone was updated with podcasters and streamers in mind. It now features a selectable +18 or +28 onboard dB boost to ensure a decent gain level with even the most basic interfaces. Getting a clear and full-sounding vocal performance out of this microphone is incredibly easy, not to mention it’s built like a tank. If you’re into content creation for the long haul, you’ll want to spend the extra cash on this quality microphone that will last you forever.

Frequently asked questions

No, the MV7+ is a dynamic microphone.

If you are connecting via XLR and using a modern interface, a Cloudlifter preamp should not be required.

No, the MV7+ does not require phantom power.

No, the MV7+ does not require an additional pop filter.

Yes, as long as your phone has a USB-C connection (iPhone 15 and newer).

Absolutely! It’s an ideal choice.

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