The Shure MV7 is a modernized take on one of the most popular broadcasting mics of all time, the Shure SM7B. It has a distinct shape that you have likely seen with popular YouTubers and on radio broadcasts. If you want to take your podcasting game to the next level, this microphone will make any vocal sit front and center of your recordings, so you only have to worry about creating engaging content.
What Can the Shure MV7 Do?
The Shure MV7 is a so-called dynamic microphone. As opposed to condensor microphones, dynamic microphones are more suitable for direct voice recording, without picking up too much nuances and background or environment noise. Many microphones you see in live concerts (such as the popular Shure SM58) are good examples of dynamic microphones.
The MV7 has an added Voice Isolation feature, surpressing background noise even further, so that you don’t need a lot of post-processing on your vocals.
The Auto Level mode makes sure your vocal volume is consistent whether you’re at a small distance or talking directly into it from an inch away.
Another upside of the MV7 is that the microphone can be simply connected with a USB cable to your computer. You don’t need an external audio interface or special microphone cable (XLR) to get going.
Fine-tuned control over the signal happens via the associated ShurePlus Motiv app which lets you control mic gain, eq and signal compression in a handy interface.
Shure MV7 VS Shure SM7B
It’s clear the MV7 is considered a modern-day equivalent to the SM7B. So how do these 2 microphones stack up against one another? Does the MV7 sound exactly the same as the SM7B or do they have different characters? Check out these helpful video reviews to see a comparison between the classic SM7B and the new MV7.
MV7 VS SM7B Feature Comparison
| Shure model | MV7 | SM7B |
| Price | $249 | $399 |
| Color | Black or Silver | Black |
| Construction | Metal | Enamel-covered aluminum and steel |
| Weight | 0.55 kg (1.21 lbs) | 0.764 kg (1.69 lbs) |
| Type | Dynamic (moving coil) | Dynamic (moving coil) |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Outputs | USB, XLR, headphone | XLR |
| Impedance | 314 Ω | 150 Ω |
| Frequency response | 20 to 20,000 Hz | 50 to 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | -55 dBV/Pa | -59 dBV/Pa |
It’s safe to say that the MV7 has a lot more bells and whistles in the form of connectivity and control options than the SM7B. It also has a more compact form factor and takes a lot less in equipment to properly drive it.
That said, the SM7B seems to have a bit more body to it in the sound department and will therefore remain a staple in broadcasting and professional music recording.
MV7 Features
- Dynamic, cardioid microphone
- USB + XLR connection
- 24-bit recording
- Direct headphone monitoring
- Frequency reach 50 Hz – 16 KHz
- Includes wind cover
- -55 dBV / PA
- Touch control for mic- and headphone-volume
- Available in silver or black
- App controlled
Who is the Shure MV7 For?
The Shure MV7 is clearly targeted to podcasters who want to up their game from their sub-100$ microphones or iPhone headsets. The level of control, small form factor and bright character make this the best choice for vocals in this price range.
Professional broadcasters might not leave their trusty SM7B unless they need something more friendly for on-the-road recording.
Shure MV7 vs. Samson Q9U
A cheaper alternative to the MV7 is the Samson Q9U. Just like the MV7, the Samson Q9U is a mic dedicated to broadcasting your voice. And they also have the same option of being able to connect it via XLR or USB. The Q9U has the better connection offering USB-C over the mini-USB jack on the MV7.
The Q9U provides onboard control to EQ the incoming signal, although it has a tad aggressive high pass filter, which might require additional processing in your software.
The headphone monitoring (which only works over USB) on the Q9U is a bit louder than on the MV7 which might have your preference.
Soundwise, the Q9U is really tailored to voice for broadcasting and less for musical purposes. Here’s where the MV7 has the upper hand as the frequency is a bit more balanced so you can use it for more than just podcasting.
Where Can I Buy the Shure MV7?
The Shure MV7 is available (in both Silver and Black) with major music gear retailers and online on Amazon, via the link below.
Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone for Podcasting, Recording, Live Streaming & Gaming, Built-In Headphone Output, All Metal USB/XLR Dynamic Mic,...
2 used from $199.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
- USB OR XLR CONNECTIONS: Dual USB/XLR output allows digital or analog recording.
- CLOSE MIC APPLICATIONS: Great for podcasting, recording, live streaming, and more.
- INTUITIVE TOUCH PANEL CONTROLS: Intuitive touch panel for control over gain, monitoring volume, headphone mix, and mic muting.
- BUILT-IN HEADPHONE OUTPUT: The Built-in headphone output allows for direct headphone monitoring while recording.
- RICH & NATURAL VOCAL REPRODUCTION: Optimized frequency response for rich and natural vocal reproduction.
If you’d rather spend a bit less money, the Q9U is our recommendation.
