ByGandhinagar: The Shure MV7 Plus arrives nearly four years after the original MV7, a microphone that quickly gained popularity among podcasters and streamers for being one of the early high-end USB/XLR combo microphones.
While the initial MV7 wasn’t the “USB SM7B” some might have hoped for, it carved out a significant niche. Now, the MV7 Plus aims to refine that formula, offering an updated version with enhanced functionality.
This review will discuss the nuances of the MV7 Plus, exploring its design, build quality, the crucial role of the Shure Motive Mix app in unlocking its potential, and how it stacks up against a range of other microphones.
Design and Build: A Familiar Yet Enhanced Foundation
The MV7 Plus maintains a design aesthetic strikingly similar to its predecessor, featuring the same looking capsule. The all-metal body underneath the foam windscreen conveys a sense of robustness and quality, a hallmark of Shure microphones.
The metal mesh grill covering the capsule feels solid with no give. Like the original, it utilizes a universal 5/8″ mount, making it compatible with virtually any microphone stand or boom arm, and helpfully includes a 3/8″ to 5/8″ adapter for added versatility.
However, several key design improvements set the MV7 Plus apart. One of the most welcome changes is the replacement of the frustrating micro-USB port with a modern USB-C port. This addresses a major complaint leveled against the original MV7, which, despite its 2020 release, featured the outdated connection. The MV7 Plus thoughtfully includes a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.
Another significant upgrade lies in the provided windscreen. While the capsule size remains the same, the MV7 Plus comes with a noticeably taller windscreen compared to the original.
This increased height provides more distance between the user’s mouth and the capsule, a crucial factor in mitigating plosive sounds.
While the material doesn’t appear thicker, the larger size is a practical improvement. This longer windscreen aims to address one of the primary criticisms of the original MV7: its propensity for plosives1.
Despite these improvements, the MV7 Plus doesn’t fully replicate the advanced plosive protection found in the legendary Shure SM7B. The SM7B boasts not only a larger foam windscreen (often aftermarket versions are even more substantial) but also a built-in metal grate surrounding the capsule, acting as a primary filter.
This dual-layer defense effectively prevents close proximity to the capsule, unlike the MV7 Plus (and original MV7/MV7X) where the user is more directly in front of the windscreen material.
While SM7B windscreens can fit on the MV7 Plus for enhanced plosive reduction, and aftermarket MV7-specific pop filters exist, the integrated solution on the SM7B remains superior.
The MV7 Plus, similar to the original, features an LED indicator meter light on the front, which also serves as a capacitive mute button.
The visual design of these LED lights has been updated and is considered by the reviewer in the source to look cooler than the original’s simple green lights. Notably, these lights only illuminate when using the USB connection.
On the rear, alongside the USB-C port and XLR output, is a 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring when using the USB connection. It’s important to note that the headphone port only functions when the MV7 Plus is connected via USB-C.
One minor design element where the MV7 Plus falls short compared to the SM7B is the microphone mount. The SM7B features a twisting collar that simplifies mounting.
The MV7 Plus, like the original, requires either twisting the stand or the microphone itself to secure it, a less convenient method. While the handling noise performance is reported to be similar to the original MV7 and generally good enough not to be distracting, it doesn’t reach the near-impervious level of the SM7B.
The Powerhouse: Shure Motive Mix App and USB Optimization
The Shure Motive Mix desktop app (available for Mac and PC) is absolutely essential to unlocking the full potential of the MV7 Plus when used as a USB microphone.
It functions as a plug-and-play USB microphone that can be selected in standard applications, bypassing the app. But this means missing out on its extensive suite of digital signal processing (DSP) and customization options.
The app also serves as a virtual routing software for streaming and recording. Importantly, to hear the DSP effects, you need to select the Motive Mix app as your sound source in your recording software, rather than just the MV7 Plus.
When you connect the MV7 Plus via USB for the first time, the app will likely prompt a firmware update. Please ensure the updates are done first.
The Motive Mix app offers two primary modes for controlling the microphone: Auto Level mode and Manual mode.
Auto Level Mode:
This user-friendly mode simplifies setup with just two primary choices: Near and Far.
Near mode
is recommended for distances between 0 and 6 inches, ideal for podcasters seeking a warm, rich broadcast tone and voice-over artists.
Far mode
The Far mode is designed for distances between 6 and 18 inches, suitable for scenarios where you need more distance from the microphone, such as when being filmed, gaming, or simply preferring more physical space.
Within Auto Level mode, the only other adjustment available is Tone, offering three presets: Natural, Dark, and Bright.
- Natural provides the microphone’s inherent sound with minimal processing.
- Dark boosts the low-end frequencies, creating a warmer, more bass-heavy sound reminiscent of a movie voice-over.
- Bright elevates the mid and high frequencies, enhancing clarity and intelligibility.
Manual Mode:
For users with more experience or those seeking finer control, Manual mode unlocks a comprehensive set of parameters.
Microphone Gain:
This slider controls the input level of the microphone signal. It’s crucial to monitor your levels to ensure a strong, clean signal without clipping.
Monitor Mix:
If you’re using the headphone jack on the MV7 Plus, this control allows you to blend between the direct microphone signal (for zero-latency monitoring) and the playback from your computer. This is particularly useful for vocal overdubbing or monitoring your voice alongside background music.
EQ (Tone in Manual Mode):
This section offers more granular control compared to the presets in Auto Level mode. It features settings inspired by the SM7B’s rear switches: Flat, High Pass, and Presence Boost, as well as a combination of High Pass and Presence Boost.
Limiter:
This on/off control engages a limiter designed to prevent clipping and distortion if your input signal gets too hot. However, one source noted that the limiter didn’t perfectly prevent clipping in their tests.
Compressor:
The compressor reduces the dynamic range of your audio, making quieter sounds louder and louder sounds quieter, resulting in a more consistent and often “radio-ready” sound. The MV7 Plus offers three compression levels: Light, Medium, and Heavy. Heavier compression provides a more in-your-face, dense sound often used in voiceovers and trailers. The compressor is not accessible when Auto Level is engaged.
Reverb:
A new addition to the MV7 Plus, the reverb section allows you to add spatial effects to your audio, with options for Studio, Plate, and Hall reverbs and an intensity slider. You can choose to apply reverb to the output/recording, direct monitoring, or both. While potentially useful for instruments or singing, it’s generally not needed for spoken word content unless a specific effect is desired.
Real-time Denoiser:
This powerful feature effectively reduces unwanted background noise, such as room tone or computer fans. The reviewer in the source was highly impressed with its natural sound and its ability to clean up the signal without sounding artificial. It functions as a noise gate that opens when you speak and closes when you stop.
Virtual Popper Stopper:
Addressing the plosive issue digitally, the popper stopper aims to reduce harsh “p” and “b” sounds. While not a complete replacement for good mic technique and a physical pop filter, it can significantly tame strong plosives, especially for users less experienced with microphone handling.
High Pass Filter:
Similar to the High Pass option in the EQ section, this dedicated filter offers cutoff frequencies of 75 Hz and 150 Hz to eliminate low-frequency noise. The 150 Hz setting will have a more noticeable effect on the tone of your voice.
Beyond audio processing, the Motive Mix app also allows for customization of the MV7 Plus’s LED lights, including color, brightness, and patterns like a live audio meter or a solid color to match your branding. While purely cosmetic, this adds a fun and personalized touch.
Crucially, the DSP settings configured within the Motive Mix app are stored directly on the microphone. This means you can set up your preferred processing on a computer with the Shure software and then connect the MV7 Plus to another computer (without the software installed) and retain those settings, making it convenient for work calls or using different setups.
The Shure Motive Audio mobile app (for iOS and Android) mirrors the functionality of the desktop app, providing the same comprehensive control over the MV7 Plus’s settings when connected to a mobile device.
Sound Quality and Microphone Comparisons: Strengths and Weaknesses
The Shure MV7 Plus exhibits a nuanced sound profile that varies depending on whether it’s used via USB or XLR.
XLR Performance:
When connected via XLR to an audio interface or mixer with sufficient gain (ideally 70dB or more for dynamic microphones like the MV7 Plus), the MV7 Plus delivers a sound quality that is generally well-regarded. Comparisons reveal interesting similarities and differences with other popular microphones:
Shure MV7 (Original):
While both share the same capsule, the MV7 Plus has different internal components leading to a slight tonal difference, with the reviewer in the source personally preferring the tone of the MV7 Plus.
The MV7 Plus also appears to have a slightly higher output level than the original, particularly noticeable on lower-quality interfaces. In terms of XLR functionality and settings within the Motive Mix app (when connected via USB simultaneously), the original MV7 offers significantly fewer options compared to the Plus.
Shure SM58:
Interestingly, the MV7 Plus exhibits tonal similarities to the legendary SM58 when both are used via XLR. While there’s a slight difference, it’s described as very minor. This is notable given the tonal connection often drawn between the SM58 and the SM7B.
Shure SM7B:
While both sound great, the SM7B is described as having a flatter response, making it more readily adaptable to EQ, whereas the MV7 Plus has a bit more “built-in character”.
However, the SM7B excels in rejecting handling noise and virtually eliminates plosive issues due to its superior windscreen design. The SM7B is also a purely XLR microphone, lacking USB functionality, and comes with a significantly higher MSRP.
Other XLR Microphones:
In a comprehensive comparison, the MV7 Plus holds its own against various XLR dynamic microphones across different price points. The “best” sound ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific voice and environment.
USB Performance:
The USB performance of the MV7 Plus is more complex and has been a point of contention in some reviews.
General Capability:
The MV7 Plus functions as a capable USB microphone, especially when used in conjunction with the Motive Mix app to access its DSP features. It offers significantly more USB functionality than the original MV7.
Sound Quality Concerns:
Notably, one of the reviewed sources raised concerns about the USB output sounding “funky and off,” “muffled,” “congested,” and “a bit hollow,” especially when compared to the XLR output.
This observation was corroborated across multiple reviews, suggesting it’s not an isolated issue. This is a significant drawback as the USB connection is necessary to access the advanced DSP features that are a major selling point of the MV7 Plus.
Comparison to USB Microphones:
When compared to dedicated USB microphones:
The Sennheiser Profile is lauded for its excellent sound, simplicity (no app needed), and user-friendly physical controls, making it a favorite USB-only option.
The Rode NT USB Plus is praised for its exceptional sound quality, though it lacks a physical gain dial and relies on the Rode Central app for DSP.
The Rode PodMic USB, a direct competitor as a USB/XLR combo mic, offers similar DSP capabilities through the Rode Central app and is generally considered to have a better USB output sound than the MV7 Plus by one reviewer.
The Samson Q9U, another USB/XLR combo, is seen as an underrated microphone with its own unique sound, although its USB features are less extensive than the MV7 Plus.
Who is the Shure MV7 Plus For (and Not For)?
The Shure MV7 Plus is best suited for individuals who can genuinely benefit from its dual USB and XLR connectivity.
It’s a strong contender for:
- Aspiring podcasters and streamers who may start with USB for ease of use and then potentially transition to an XLR setup later without needing a new microphone.
- Content creators who need a versatile microphone for various applications, such as voice-overs via USB on a computer and recording into a mixer via XLR.
- Users who value the comprehensive DSP features offered through the Shure Motive Mix app and are willing to primarily use the microphone via USB, understanding the reported sound quality characteristics.
- Individuals who appreciate the ability to customize the microphone’s LED lights for aesthetic purposes or branding.
- Users who need DSP processing that can be stored on the microphone for consistent sound across different devices, even those without the Shure software.
However, the MV7 Plus might not be the ideal choice for:
- Users who will only ever use XLR. In this case, a less expensive and potentially better-sounding XLR-only option like the Shure MV7X or even an SM58 might be more suitable.
- Users who will only ever use USB. Several dedicated USB microphones, such as the Sennheiser Profile or Rode NT USB Plus, are praised for their sound quality over USB and might be more compelling options, potentially at a lower cost.
- Those prioritizing the absolute best sound quality over USB. The reported issues with the MV7 Plus’s USB output might steer discerning users towards alternatives.
- Users who require superior built-in plosive protection without the need for additional accessories might still lean towards the SM7B, despite its higher price and lack of USB connectivity.
Value Proposition:
With an MSRP slightly higher than the original MV7, the MV7 Plus offers significant upgrades in terms of USB-C connectivity and enhanced DSP functionality.
While one source suggests the $30 price difference is justified, the overall value proposition becomes more complex when considering the reported discrepancies in USB sound quality compared to other microphones in its price range.
If the advanced USB features and the dual connectivity are paramount, the MV7 Plus offers a compelling package.
However, if pristine USB audio is the primary concern, potential buyers may want to carefully consider alternatives like the original MV7 or the Rode PodMic USB, both of which were noted to have better USB output in one comparison.
For purely XLR use, the MV7X presents a more budget-friendly option within the Shure ecosystem.
In the end
The Shure MV7 Plus represents a thoughtful evolution of the popular MV7, addressing key shortcomings like the micro-USB port and enhancing its digital signal processing capabilities through the versatile Motive Mix app. Its dual USB/XLR functionality remains a significant strength, offering flexibility for various recording scenarios.
The app provides an impressive array of tools for shaping your sound, from simple Auto Level presets to detailed manual controls, and the ability to store DSP settings on the microphone adds practical value.
Ultimately, the Shure MV7 Plus is a capable and feature-rich microphone. Its value lies in its versatility and the power of its integrated software.
Potential buyers should weigh the importance of these features against the reported USB sound characteristics and consider their primary use case to determine if it’s the right microphone for their needs.
If seamless transitions between USB and XLR setups and comprehensive software control are high priorities, the MV7 Plus is a strong contender, provided the nuances of its USB audio are acceptable.
FOOTNOTES
- The sudden burst of air from plosive sounds (like “p,” “b,” “t,” and “k”) can create a powerful surge of air pressure directly into the microphone. Microphones, especially condenser microphones, are very sensitive to changes in air pressure.The close proximity of your mouth to the microphone when speaking amplifies the effect of these plosive bursts. ↩︎
