Shure makes some of the best microphones on the market, and their portfolio just got a bit bigger. They’ve just introduced two new microphones, the Shure MV7X Podcast Microphone and the Shure MV88+ Stereo USB Microphone. Each serves a different kind of creative and, if past experience with Shure microphones holds as I expect it will, both will be awesome.
Shure has been paying close attention to how people are creating content. These new microphones are one way they are meeting that exploding need.
Shure MV7X Podcast Microphone
The Shure MV7X Podcast Microphone was designed specifically for Podcasters, Streamers, Radio hosts, and Musicians with Audio Interfaces. The $179 microphone is described as “perfect for professional and home recording studios.”
That may not sound like a large market, but many of us had to build home studios during the shutdown to work remotely. In fact, four of my staff members, myself included, did just that. I was happy with my setup, but I wish I had had the Shure MV7X.
A professional-quality XLR dynamic microphone, the Shure MV7X is designed specifically for close-mic applications that “require vocal intelligibility with a balanced tone.”
The microphone has specialized Voice Isolation Technology that ensures the microphone locks onto your voice and ignores unwanted background noise. That makes it an ideal microphone if you are recording in a room with sub-optimal acoustics.
As the company explains:
Many great podcasts are recorded in bedrooms and living rooms across the world, and the MV7X adopts Voice Isolation Technology from its older sibling, the MV7, to ensure you too can get perfect recordings in imperfect rooms. With vocalists and podcasters in mind, the MV7X has been optimized for spoken word, and with a simple XLR connection, it is compatible with almost any audio interface without the need for additional gain.
Shure MV7X Features include:
- XLR output allows digital or analog recording
- Highly directional dynamic element and Voice Isolation Technology
- Optimized frequency response for rich and natural vocal reproduction
- Rugged, all-metal construction for outstanding reliability
- Adjustable integrated yoke for easy positioning on standard 5/8 “-27 threaded stands or booms
The Shure MV7X also looks like a serious piece of kit. It has a deep, black color that lets the white Shure logo pop and is made with a durable, all-metal design. It works with a variety of microphone stands thanks to its adjustable yoke, so you get a range of flexible placement options.
Here’s a quick video look:
You can learn more and order yours here.
Shure MV88+ Stereo USB Microphone
Musicians, on-the-go producers, and sound engineers might want to spend a few dollars more and pick up the $199 Shure MV88+ Stereo USB microphone. Its small, compact size and ease of use make this a truly versatile portable microphone.
The Shure MV88+ Stereo USB Microphone is ideal for recording vocals and a variety of instruments directly to a computer, whether it is a Mac or Windows PC.
Thanks to its USB compatibility, the microphone is a simple, plug and play microphone that is surprisingly powerful. When paired with the free ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop App, users can customize their settings and get the exact sound they want.
For example, you can select from a range of pick-up patterns, including Mono, Stereo, Bi-Directional, and Raw Mid-Side. The app also lets you control Gain, Limiter, Compression, EQ, and Monitor Mix. As Shure puts it:
The MV88+ offers recording musicians a simple and quick to set-up multi-purpose microphone to cover your every home recording need. So, whether you want to record vocals, drums, guitar or any instrument in mono or stereo, we’ve got you covered.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- A foam windscreen
- 5/8″ Swivel Mic Clip
- Micro-B to USB-C Cable (10ft)
- Micro-B to USB-A Cable (10ft)
- 5/8″ to 3/8″ Euro Thread Adapter
- Zipper Carry Case
I’ve used the Shure MV88+ and have been impressed with how powerful this small, portable microphone is. It produces excellent audio, works with a wide range of capture devices, and has a 3.5mm jack so you can monitor your audio. I only wish they had updated it to include USB-C connectivity instead of its micro-USB connection. Fortunately, they include a cable that lets me plug directly into my iPad’s USB-C port. Check it out here.
