Why Gaming Audio is Different than Podcasting

• Gaming and podcasting need different approaches to audio processing

• Gaming and streaming are primarily live disciplines

• Whereas podcasting audio is polished in post-production

• The MV6 has onboard signal processing perfect for gamers and streamers

Many people often don’t realize there are fundamental differences between gaming and podcasting audio and that each requires a specific approach to achieve high-quality sound.

Of course, it’s easy to see where the confusion comes from: Gaming and podcasting are both spoken word applications, so they appear to have some similarities at the surface level. But whereas one is primarily a live discipline (gaming), the other normally involves considerable post-production (podcasting) efforts.

This means you’ll need to take a distinct approach to audio processing for each. For gaming and streaming it’s important to have a microphone with onboard digital signal processing (DSP) that can help shape your audio on the fly. Podcasting audio, on the other hand, can be massaged and manipulated in your DAW or with audio processing software after you’ve finished your recording.

Why the MV6 Gaming Microphone Gen 2 is great for gamers

The latest version of the MV6 from Shure has been tailored to make gaming and streaming audio even better. Built with Voice Isolation Technology, this mic is designed to let you capture great audio in even acoustically challenging spaces. A dynamic capsule and cardioid polar pattern reject off-axis sound while an isolated mic stand works to reduces desk vibrations.

But it’s the onboard audio processing that truly sets the MV6 Gaming Microphone Gen 2 apart as a gaming and streaming microphone. So, what exactly does that mean? Well, since the digital signal processing happens inside the mic your audio is being improved instantly as you capture it rather than after it’s been recorded. This is crucial for live activities such as gaming and streaming where you can’t enhance your sound in post-production.

Some microphone brands offer audio processing via their own software ecosystems. But this will not help in most gaming or streaming situations, since their digital signal processing (DSP) solutions are not incorporated into the mic like the MV6.

The MV6 has powerful onboard audio processing

So what’s actually inside the new Gen 2 version of this stylish USB-C microphone? Top of the onboard processing list has to be Auto Level Mode: This incredibly useful feature automatically keeps your voice volume steady as you gyrate from loud screaming and quiet whispering. You can even choose between a speedy response for competitive gaming or a smoother change in the gain for long-form streams.

But there’s a lot more audio processing tucked inside every MV6 that dramatically improves the gaming and streaming experience. Take, for example, the real-time Denoiser. This powerful audio signal processing is great for reducing or completely eliminating background noise. Yes, that expensive keyboard you recently bought might feel great to type on, but it sure is loud! Fortunately, you don’t have to let it destroy your stream. Simply dial up the Denoiser until you get the mix just right.

READ: 7 GAMING AUDIO PROBLEMS THE MV6 GEN 2 SOLVES

Speaking of which, the MV6 also has potent onboard tone controls to shape your own signature sound. Use the 5-band EQ to adjust brightness, presence, warmth and body of your voice. Or simply move the tone slider between the convenient Dark, Natural or Bright presets to quickly refine your audio.

Even better, these onboard settings work across your devices, so you can set everything up with your desktop, but still take your sound with you when you plug the MV6 into a laptop, tablet or USB-C smartphone.

Tap-to-mute and conferencing compatibility

Another great feature for gaming and live streams is the MV6’s handy tap-to-mute button on the top of the mic. A single tap cuts the audio signal instantly – with zero latency, no software and no audible click. It’s exactly what you need to keep everyone from hearing your mom calling you to dinner…just kidding, we know you don’t live with your parents anymore.

But you might work from home all the same, which why it’s great how compatible the MV6 is with most popular video conferencing platforms. So your boss understands you just a clearly as your fellow gamers will, once you’ve logged off from work for the day.

The easiest way to get the most out the MV6 onboard processing is to download the free MOTIV apps for Video and Audio or the useful MOTIV Mix™ audio software for desktops or laptops. 

Microphones built for podcasting: MV7+, M7X, MV7i

While there’s nothing keeping you from occasionally recording great audio for a podcast with your MV6, there are other mics in the Shure stable that are potentially a better fit if podcasting is your main focus.

The MV7+ Podcast Microphone gives you the flexibility of both a USB-C and pro audio XLR connection. The innovative MV7i acts as an interface to let you plug in another mic or instrument in your USB-C microphone. And the MV7X is the way to go if you need several mics for a multi-person podcast.

But for pure gaming excitement and streaming ease, nothing beats the MV6 Gaming Microphone Gen 2.

Learn more about the MV6 Gaming Microphone Gen 2 and how it can improve your stream’s audio today.