Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic Microphone, OBS Certified

Antes del review, un disclaimer:
En los amplificadores de audio existen varias fuentes de ruido
* Ruido blanco (cuando los equipos de sonido se calientan, por el mismo calor van metiendo ruido, entre más equipos procesen la señal, mas ruido)
* Distorsion (Vease curva del transistor y zona lineal, sobre todo en componentes mal polarizados o que saturan el audio y llegan a la zona no lineal de los amplificadores)
* Ruido de fondo (en el caso de micrófonos)
* Baja frecuencia de muestreo
* Baja resolución de bits
Con esos criterios, mi opinión de este micrófono:
Pros.
– Aisla bastante bien el sonido de fondo (recomiendo que la ganancia se configure automáticamente y hablar cerca del micrófono para mejor aislamiento)
– tiene un buen manejo de ganancia automática
– Incluye todo lo necesario para empezar con un podcast (procesa internamente la señal y entrega señal digital)
– Al incluír dentro del mismo micrófono el procesador de señales, la señal queda en digital desde el origen, por lo que no hay que preocuparse por nada mas, al haber pocas etapas analógicas, el ruido blanco es mínimo
– El software tanto en el micrófono como el incluído para mac y windows es excelente y permite todavía más procesamiento de la señal
– El formato digital es bastante bueno, buena frecuencia de muestreo para rangos vocales y buena resolución (32 bits según el manual, 24 bits según la página web, deberían dar la información correcta)
Contras.
– Deberían desarrollar la aplicación también para ubuntu

En conclusión.
– Es un micrófono muy bien diseñado para su propósito (podcast fuera de un estudio de grabación)
– Si decides comprar un micrófono más sensible (un capacitivo por ejemplo), vas a tener que gastar dinero en acondicionar un estudio contra el ruido y el eco y vas a tener que comprar equipos para quitar el ruido que está captando tu micrófono sensible.

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.

Only problem I’ve noticed with this mic is settings-wise it can be a bit annoying getting the gain right, but just adjusting the settings in whatever software you’re using if it ends up being too quiet isn’t that big of an issue. I have a good boom arm for this (Rode PSA1+) which allows me to maneuver this mic anywhere I’d want practically and that might also be helpful in getting it positioned perfectly for your voice. IMPORTANTLY I know people have had problems with the micro USB port on the device, however, after about a month and a half I have not had this issue. My advice is that you will likely be fine assuming 1. You do not constantly plug/unplug the cable from that port. 2. You are careful when touching that part of the cable to not be too rough. 3. You leave some slack in the cable (specifically RIGHT behind the mic before it snakes up your boom arm) because if the cable is too tense then it could cause the plug to push more into one side of the interior of the port than it ought to.

In summary, take precautions, be careful when moving it (NEVER grab it by the cable when moving it, grab onto the microphone or better yet the boom arm) and also be careful plugging/unplugging it, a good boom arm is advisable for a good mic, also the gain can be an issue but there are many ways to adjust that either in software or moving the mic closer perhaps or whatever is needed.

The quality of the sound is excellent. My old microphone was a HyperX Solocast and for me I felt like it had a problem with sibilance sounds (i.e. ‘S’ sounds coming through poorly), but the Shure MV7 has no problem with sibilance or plosives from my experience (might vary for other setups I am sure, but for me it is solid).

Probably the best option unless maybe you can afford a mega expensive Shure SM7B setup and all the stuff it requires, but if you want a mic that can plug into a USB of your computer and the Shure MV7 is affordable enough then just be careful and go for it. (Side note: I heard you can improve the MV7 quality even more by separately buying a SM7B-style microphone cover and putting it on instead. Haven’t tried it myself, but seems like it would work as far as I can tell.)

OH! Also it should be noted that when you receive this microphone it will have an awful chemical-like smell at first, but do not worry. Just let it air out in a room or something. The smell should go away in a day or a few days. It’s only temporary. Not sure what causes the smell, probably something with how it is packaged.

I’ve gone over a few problems in this review, but none of them stop me from giving this microphone a 5/5 because all of its problems have solutions I find. Also the mic quality is amazing once you mess with its settings.

I’ve included a picture to show roughly how you should have the mic’s cable be not too tight. (As you can see, if it was too tight here, the cable would be pulled up and thus the end of the cable inside of the mic would try to do the same meaning the end of it would be pressing down against the lower part of the port inside the mic. Having it loose means the cable is straight as it enters the mic, and thus because it is not entering the port at an angle is not really pushing against any areas against the inside of the port. Now, I probably do not need quite this much loose cable, but just make sure the thick end of the cable going into the mic is straight and probably also at least a tiny bit of the cable that is behind the wider and thicker end. This will also probably make it easier the unplug and make unplugging it less risky.)

I opted to upgrade as my Yeti microphone was starting to have issues. I opted to go to Shure route as I’ve used their SM57s and the like back in my performing days and this has been great. I plan to try out their arm as well when the time comes cause my current arm is just a cheap thing that’s a bit difficult to use.

Highly recommend whether you want for just work, calls, recording, streaming, podcasting, whatever. It’s a great microphone with a solid build!

The only problem I have with it is the inconvenient location of the button for muting. It kind of forces you to have the mic upwards instead of hanging down like I prefer for my setup. Not a deal breaker, just awkward to get at the mute button.