Since its launch in 2020, Shure’s MV7 microphone has been a reliable choice for podcasters and presenters. With this microphone, the company has launched the first microphone to feature both USB and XLR connectivity. This hybrid setup can easily be connected to a computer or a more powerful recording setup if needed. It’s also $150 cheaper than Shure’s workhorse SM7B, which you might see in pro podcast videos. Now, the company is back with a new version of the MV7, called the MV7+, which features a “sleeper design” and a host of software features designed to improve audio before launching any editing workflow.
The most noticeable change is the new multi-color LED touch panel. Shure says the component is fully customizable and features more than 16.8 million colors to visually indicate your sound levels. You can also select the “Ambient Pulse Effect”. Additionally, when you need to cough, sneeze or clear your throat, tap the LED panel to mute the MV7+.
Dubbed an “instant noise canceller” by Shure, the MV7+ uses digital signal processing (DSP) to eliminate background interference. The company says this works together with the microphone’s sound isolation feature to produce excellent sound in noisy environments. The MV7+ also comes with a digital popper stopper to combat the dreaded plosives, but this mic can pretty much do it without unsightly filters in your live stream.
Shure says it has improved the Auto Level mode on the MV7+, which adjusts gain based on distance, volume and room characteristics to automatically balance the sound profile. There’s also onboard reverb, which offers three settings (Plate, Hall and Studio) before you start tweaking it in your portable DAW. Just like the MV7, the MV7+ still has hybrid XLR and USB outputs for connecting to mobile devices and laptops, in addition to being a more powerful audio mixer. While the previous model had a micro-USB port for both USB-A and USB-C cables, this new model is all USB-C.
With the MV7+, Shure also released the MOTIV Mix app. In addition to adjusting the color of the LED panel, the software also provides a five-track mixer and the ability to adjust settings such as sound characteristics and gain. There’s also a sound check tool to help you find optimal gain settings, while monitor mix sliders allow individual adjustments to microphone output and system audio playback.The company explains that the new Mix app will work with older microphones like the MV7 and MVX2U, but it’s currently only available in beta for use with the MV7+
The MV7+ is now available in black, with a white version coming “in the coming weeks.” Both are priced at $279, which is $30 more than the price of the MV7 when it launched. Shure also sells a “Podcasting Kit,” which bundles the MV7+ with a basic Gator desktop microphone stand for $299. If you prefer a more versatile boom mount, this kit is available for $339. Whether you buy the standalone microphone or one of the kits, a three-meter USB-C to USB-C cable is included in the box.
