Shure MV7 review

The Shure MV7 is a microphone that's specifically built for podcasters. It packs in a cardioid condenser that's tuned to perfection for the human voice. So far, it's similar to many others out there. 

What makes this stand out is the dual USB and XLR connections which – crucially – can work in tandem. That can mean recording and backing up to two different outputs at the same time.

However, the Shure MV7 isn't cheap. In fact, it's one of the most expensive options out there right now. And with plenty of impressive competition flooding the USB microphone market, Shure needs to work hard to make that price tag worthy of more than just its famous audio branding.

So, is this the mic for you? Read our full Shure MV7 review to find out.

Shure MV7: Design and build

The Shure MV7 is a solidly built mic with a metallic housing that looks and feels great. It's super minimal with no buttons at all, thanks to a touch-controlled panel with LED lights on the top which allow you to slide the gain or tap the mic mute option to cut out audio entirely. 

Connectivity is excellent with an XLR and a micro USB port, and a headphone 3.5mm jack. The mic comes with a metallic built attachment, allowing this to be easily connected to an overhead mount. Shure also offers a podcast package that includes a Manfrotto Pixi Stand tripod which works excellently, as you'd expect from such a big-name tripod brand.

There's a two-year warranty on parts and labor for this microphone, which inspires confidence. Though you likely won't need it as the outer metal is highly resistant and the mic feels like it could take even being moved about in a bag regularly. Combine this with a decent DAW and you have all the makings of a top-end studio ready to go.

Shure MV7: Features and performance

For many people the stand-out feature will be the dual USB and XLR connectivity of this mic. The key here is that you can have both at the same time. That means you can record a high-quality file over XLR but also a lower quality file over USB, ideal for referencing quickly. This is useful for transcriptions but also if you don't have time to edit but usually record correctly first time and want to check. For photography buffs, it's the audio equivalent of shooting in RAW and JPEG at the same time.

The Shure MV7 uses the company's own voice isolation technology which does a good job of separating voices from the surrounding sounds. From other people to machinery or even cars, this will pull out the voice recording and suppress the rest intelligently. So even if you have the best audio editing software you may find it has less work to do thanks to the first-time recording quality of this mic.

There is also an auto-leveling mode which allows the microphone to mix your level in real-time. Preferences like near or far mode allow you to adapt the mic to suit your recording style, with saveable presets, so you can be comfortable and know this is working to record you accurately.

The Shure MV7 comes backed by the company's own ShurePlusMotiv app which can be downloaded to your smartphone for more control. This lets you pick manual features as you need or set up in auto level mode so everything just works as you need. The point is, it's easy to use and great to have this level of control when recording.

There are several customizable sound signatures you can pick from to give more character to your recording. These include Dark, Natural or Bright, all of which can be selected easily from within the app.

Shure MV7: Price

The Shure MV7 is one of the more expensive USB microphones out there, but it is a lot cheaper than many XLR microphones out there. Straddling the line between the two and perhaps offering the best of both worlds, this does help to justify the price tag, which you'd expect from a quality brand like Shure.

Should I buy the Shure MV7?

The Shure MV7 is an ideal option for anyone that wants a mic which plugs directly in, with no amp required, and offers a single cardioid recording style. Podcasters, vloggers and videographers alike will benefit from this mic's top quality. Anyone that could use a dual recording in two quality versions will love this USB and XLR option. It's also great for anyone that wants a solidly built mic with a decent two-year warranty. However, if what you're after is stereo recording, this is not the right choice for you.

The Shure MV7 is an expensive but very well made microphone with lots of powerful features and a build quality that helps justify the price. It's unique USB and XLR connections, paired with the controls from the dedicated app, make it a stand-out microphone ideal for beginners and professionals alike.