I was ecstatic to try out Shure’s newest USB microphone, the MV7+. Having relied on its predecessor, the MV7, since its release in late 2022, it has become my go-to for podcasting, as well as for various meetings, social gatherings, and telehealth consultations.
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The Ultimate USB Microphone: Shure MV7+
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If youâre looking for a desktop microphone for podcasts or streaming and donât mind investing a bit of cash, but donât want to bother with a separate audio interface (mind you, thereâs also XLR on-board, if thatâs your thing), youâd be hard-pressed to beat the MV7 â until now, that is.
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If you’re in search of a top-notch desktop microphone for podcasting or streaming, the MV7+ is a must-see. And with the added bonus of XLR compatibility for those who prefer it, it’s easy to see why this mic has been the top choice for many — until now.
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An Evolutionary Upgrade
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As the name suggests, Shureâs MV7+ doesnât represent a massive departure from its predecessor. If youâve asked me at some point over the past year and a half to recommend a USB mic, I likely suggested its predecessor. If you happened to heed my advice during that time, no worries. The new hardware doesnât present a sufficient enough departure to recommend an upgrade at this stage. More than anything, the MV7+ is the refinement of an industry-leading mic.
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The MV7+ maintains its heritage with a name that suggests only minor changes from its predecessor. For those who have followed my recommendation of the MV7 in the past year and a half, have no fear. The MV7+ has yet to advance to the point of warranting an upgrade. Rather, it is an enhanced version of its already remarkable predecessor.
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A Surprising Second Act
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I was frankly a bit surprised when Shure reached out to offer the new microphone for review. Itâs a (relatively) fast follow-up to a well-received product. Thatâs not to say the MV7 didnât have its shortcomings, of course. In fact, there was one glaring issue about the product. Itâs the first question I asked the company when it told me the new product was coming.
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I was taken aback when Shure offered me the chance to review their latest microphone. Coming so soon after the success of its predecessor, the MV7, I couldn’t help but wonder if there were any flaws that needed to be addressed. As I questioned the company about the new product, one major issue stood out in my mind.
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Yes, the MV7+ has USB-C. It was, frankly, bizarre that a $300 or so device released at the end of 2022 didnât. With day-to-day use, this oversight was more of an annoyance. But the longer I used the product as my daily driver, the more pronounced the issue became. I am my own podcast producer. This generally doesnât present a huge issue for the shows I record, but every so often, something will happen to the sound quality and I wonât be able to respond in real time, as Iâm too focused on the conversation.
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Thankfully, the MV7+ addresses this issue by implementing USB-C. It was quite odd that a product worth around $300, released back in 2022, didn’t include this feature. While it may have caused small inconveniences in daily use, it was an even bigger issue while recording my podcast, as I often found myself unable to fix any sound quality problems in real-time while managing the conversation.
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It took me a bit to realize why my audio quality suddenly went on the fritz for a few episodes. Turns out the micro-USB cable was coming loose. Upon closer inspection, the cord was beginning to split at the connector. I invested in a longer, braided micro- to USB-C cable to fix the issue, but the damage had already been done for those episodes. Looking online, it appears Iâm not the only person to have that issue.
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I struggled to figure out why my audio quality had suddenly declined in a few episodes. As it turned out, the micro-USB cable was loose and the cord was starting to fray at the connector. While I managed to fix the issue with a longer and more durable cable, the damage had already been done to the quality of those episodes. A quick search online revealed that I wasn’t the only one who experienced this problem.
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I havenât had any accidental unplugs with the MV7+ â though, granted, Iâve only been using the microphone for a couple of weeks at this point. That said, USB-C cables are, as a rule, more robust and durable than their predecessors and generally more up for the sorts of wear and tear youâll put a cord through when attached to something like a swiveling mic arm. Of course, if robustness is your only concern, both systems also support XLR cables, for those who want to take an extra step beyond plug and play functionality.
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I have yet to encounter any accidental unplugging with the MV7+ — although I’ve only been using it for a couple of weeks so far. Thankfully, USB-C cables are known for their durability and are more equipped to handle the wear and tear that comes with attaching them to a swiveling mic arm. And, for those who require extra durability, both systems are also compatible with XLR cables, taking plug-and-play functionality to the next level.
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Impeccable Sound Quality
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As for sound, Iâve been quite pleased with the MV7+. I unintentionally put the mic through the ultimate test last week, when I had producer Don Was on my show. The guy has produced some of the all-time greats, including Dylan and the Stones, runs legendary label Blue Note Records and has a hit or two of his own in front of the mic. Naturally, his first question to me was which microphone I was using. Rather, he asked whether it was the SM7B â Shureâs much-loved vocal mic, which has become something of a gold standard in the podcast world.
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The MV7+ lives up to its reputation with impeccable sound quality. I unintentionally put it to the test when I had legendary producer Don Was on my show last week. Producing for icons like Dylan and the Stones, and owning Blue Note Records, it’s safe to say the man knows a thing or two about mics. Naturally, his first question was which mic I was using. However, he quickly recognized it as Shure’s beloved SM7B — a vocal mic that has become the gold standard in the podcasting world.
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The two mics do look fairly similar, though the USB version is a bit more compact. Thatâs not to say that the MV7+ competes with the SM7B when connected via USB. The more traditional mic has a richer, warmer tone â thereâs a reason so many people consider it the best. You can get closer to the MV7+ when itâs connected via XLR. The truth is, however, that the Shure mics are not designed to be in competition with one another.
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While the two mics may seem similar in appearance, the USB version is more compact. However, it cannot compete with the SM7B when connected via USB. The traditional mic offers a warmer, richer tone that is widely considered to be superior. When connected via XLR, the MV7+ comes closer to the SM7B, although it’s important to note that these two Shure mics are not intended to be in competition with each other.
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Designed to Stand Out
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The MV7+âs real competition is other USB microphones. This is where it truly shines, as a plug-and-play device for the proliferation of amateur podcasters and streamers out there. The microphone sounds great out of the box, and while it does feature EQ settings beyond input volume, you have to dig in to access them. While that may sound like a knock against the product, the truth is some of the biggest sound issues in podcasting are a product of having settings that are way too easy to access.
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The MV7+ excels in its true competition: other USB microphones. It proves to be the ultimate plug-and-play device for
