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Customer Review
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023
A friend and I have been talking about a podcast for years, long before we even knew what to call it. We still aren't there, but close enough to begin navigating the hardware and software. I did a lot research before landing on the MV7. The MV5C was a contender and I actually tried that one first – it is a fine mic but it was a bit too bright for me. I was sorely tempted to go for the SM7B, which has a stellar reputation (and a price tag to support that reputation.) Though the SM7B is nearly twice the cost of MV7, that fact alone did not steer me away -- I learned long ago that there is a cost for quality.
In the end, my decision was based on three factors:
1. The MV7 was largely designed from the SM7B's blueprint: While the MV7 does not deliver quite the same richness as its predecessor, these two mics are very similar – honestly, given the $150 difference, they are close enough for my ears. Furthermore, Garageband with a decent audio interface should be able to compensate for any shortcomings.
2. Unlike the SM7B, the MV7 offers the flexibility of a digital (USB) or analog (XLR) connection: For me, this was a game-changer. For direct-to-computer connections, Shure provides a simple configuration app ("MOTIV") which provides some very cool configuration options (some of which are mentioned below.)
3. Variable pickup range and direct headphone monitoring: While the SM7B is amazing, it requires the user to speak directly into the mic and maintain close range. The Shure MOTIV app delivers some powerful configuration options to create presets for near and far pickup (up to 18" away). That means the mic can remain out of camera view for conference calls and still work really well. Plus, the built-in headphone monitor means you can hear yourself perfectly without the need to purchase additional hardware like an audio interface or headphone monitor.
To summarize, at $249, the MV7 has inherited enough of the pro-level quality of the SMB7 to satisfy most podcasters. In addition, the MV7 offers some unique features that "big sister" cannot provide -- notably the dual USB and XLR output options and integrated headphone monitor. Singers may prefer to spend the extra money on the SMB7 but, for spoken voice, the MV7 is an all-one-powerhouse that's hard to beat.
In the end, my decision was based on three factors:
1. The MV7 was largely designed from the SM7B's blueprint: While the MV7 does not deliver quite the same richness as its predecessor, these two mics are very similar – honestly, given the $150 difference, they are close enough for my ears. Furthermore, Garageband with a decent audio interface should be able to compensate for any shortcomings.
2. Unlike the SM7B, the MV7 offers the flexibility of a digital (USB) or analog (XLR) connection: For me, this was a game-changer. For direct-to-computer connections, Shure provides a simple configuration app ("MOTIV") which provides some very cool configuration options (some of which are mentioned below.)
3. Variable pickup range and direct headphone monitoring: While the SM7B is amazing, it requires the user to speak directly into the mic and maintain close range. The Shure MOTIV app delivers some powerful configuration options to create presets for near and far pickup (up to 18" away). That means the mic can remain out of camera view for conference calls and still work really well. Plus, the built-in headphone monitor means you can hear yourself perfectly without the need to purchase additional hardware like an audio interface or headphone monitor.
To summarize, at $249, the MV7 has inherited enough of the pro-level quality of the SMB7 to satisfy most podcasters. In addition, the MV7 offers some unique features that "big sister" cannot provide -- notably the dual USB and XLR output options and integrated headphone monitor. Singers may prefer to spend the extra money on the SMB7 but, for spoken voice, the MV7 is an all-one-powerhouse that's hard to beat.
