Make a Karaoke Connection with the MVX2U Gen 2 Interface

• Compact XLR to USB-C interface great for karaoke mics
• Connect to more devices – computers, smartphones, tablets
• Plugs straight onto a mic or use an XLR cable for more range
• +48v of phantom power for condenser mics

Singing karaoke is all about making connections – with the song you’re performing and the people listening in the audience.

Of course, it used to be an activity where you’d head to a bar or lounge. But in recent years, popular karaoke apps have made it easy to sing from the comfort of your own home – while simultaneously being part of a global community connected online.

KaraFun, Singa, Smule and other apps all have slightly different strengths and features. No matter which one you pick, your performance will benefit greatly if you sing with a high-quality microphone like the SM58 or SM86.

Yes, you could opt for a digital mic with a USB connection, but let’s be honest – if you’re doing karaoke right, you’re going to want to hold a proper mic in your hand!

Laptops, tables and smartphones

That’s where the MVX2U Gen 2 Digital Audio Interface come in. Compact and compatible with laptops, tablets and even smartphones, this tiny wonder allows you to connect any professional XLR mic to whatever karaoke app you might be using.

All you need to do is plug your microphone into the MVX2U Gen 2 and then connect its USB-C cable to your device. However, a much better option for karaoke would be to plug your mic into an XLR cable first and then plug that into the MVX2U – this setup will give you room to roam as you perform.

Another great thing is that the interface runs completely off USB power so there’s no extra cord to worry about.

You can simply tuck the MVX2U Gen 2 next to your computer, tablet or phone and start belting out your rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” And you’re good to go – this interface really is that fast and easy to use. But it can, in fact, do a whole lot more.

Advanced audio processing

That’s because this little interface is jam-packed with an impressive feature set that lets you shape your sound with advanced Shure audio processing.

Auto Level Mode keeps the mic’s gain steady even if you happen to move it closer or farther away from your mouth. And a real-time Denoiser helps cut down background noise, so your voice stays front and center. Lastly, the Digital Popper Stopper™ tackles plosives – those annoying hard consonant sounds that can really kill the vibe of your performance.

All these features are accessible through the free Shure MOTIV apps. There are dedicated ones for both video and audio, and MOTIV Mix™ gives you hands-on control over a wide range of tasks like recording, mixing, and streaming.

You can fine-tune settings such as gain, limiter, compression, EQ, and your own saved presets. And you can quickly dial in your signature sound with tone options like Dark, Natural, or Bright. 

Once you’ve got the MVX2U Gen 2 all set up, you can simply close the MOTIV app and launch your karaoke program and start singing!

One cool feature of many karaoke apps is recording and uploading your performances to an online community. Of course, once you’ve made the decision to share your vocal stylings with the world, however, you’re going to want a decent microphone.

Dynamic or condenser?

First off, you’ll need to determine what kind of singer you are. Are you loud? Do you serve up energetic rock, pop or metal tunes? You’re probably better suited to a dynamic microphone like the SM58. These mics are extremely durable and can handle all the volume you’re dishing out. They do, however, require plenty of clean gain to boost the signal and sound as good as they can.

Fortunately, the MVX2U Gen 2 offers +60dB of clean gain – which is even enough to drive even a gain-hungry dynamic microphone like the legendary SM7B.

Or maybe you’re more of a crooner or a singer with a delicate vocal style. You might consider getting a condenser microphone like the SM86or SM4. Condensers are great at picking up details, but they require an external power source.

Good news! The MVX2U also has +48V of phantom power onboard to operate condenser mics – and it all comes from the interface’s single USB-C cable.

Once you have determined what kind of professional mic is best for your brand of karaoke, you can start to take advantage of everything the MVX2U Gen 2 has to offer.

Simply plug in your new mic and let the karaoke begin.