MV6 Gen 2 or MV7+ - Which mic is right for you?

• MV7+ and MV6 Gen 2 both provide great audio
• MV7+ offers XLR and USB connectivity
• Latest MV6 version is perfect for streaming and gaming
• MV6 Gen 2 comes with an isolated mic stand 

Shure has been making professional microphones since…well…for over a century, and we’ve learnt a thing of two about microphones along the way. So when podcasters came along in the 2010s, it was only natural that they’d turn to us.

But while those legendary mics will get you that iconic broadcast sound that everyone aspires to, they were designed for use in professional studios. For example, an SM7 needs a beefy preamp to bring out its full potential…and not everyone has one of those just lying around.

To get around that we included an XLR & USB input when we launched the MV7+ Podcast Microphone. That means you keep the iconic Shure broadcast sound, but have the option to connect straight into a computer via USB-C. It still sounds great, but doesn’t require you to deepdive a manual in order to make it work.

However, that’s not the end of the story, because now streaming has blown up in a big way. And while you might still want the sound, budget and simplicity are bigger considerations than ever before.

Enter player two: the MV6 USB Gaming Microphone Gen 2, the latest version of a mic that is quite simply the cheat-code for gaming-changing audio.

All of which begs the question: which is right for me, the MV6 Gen 2 or the MV7+?

The Sound

Both microphones sound amazing, and they both do a great job of cutting out unwanted background noise. That said, there is a slight difference in tonality. The MV7+ keeps the warm broadcast tone of the iconic SM7 – probably the most famous and sought after voice over microphone of all time.

The MV6 Gen 2 on the other hand has a brighter tone, which makes it perfect for cutting through the noise of a frantic Fortnite session. Think of it like the lead guitar – up at the top of the mix, riding over the waves of sound.

So if you’re planning on using the mic for more than just gaming or streaming – or maybe you just love that traditional broadcast feel – then the MV7+ is the one for you. If it’s a brighter tone for cutting through gaming sounds, the MV6 is the way to go.

USB or XLR?

The MV7+ has both an XLR and USB outputs, while the MV6 uses only USB. So, if you’re just starting out and want to keep things as simple as possible, you can safely save a few bucks and select the MV6 Gen 2.

But what if you already have an audio interface? In that case, other factors come into play. For example, it’s easier to record multiple mics using XLR than with USB. And you can also use both outputs at once from the MV7+, a handy option if you’re recording and streaming at the same time.

Plug And Play

The latest version of the MV6 has been tailored to make gaming and streaming audio even better. The MV6 comes with a USB cable and an isolated mic stand that helps reduce desk vibrations. In other words, everything you need to get started is right in the box. But since the MV7+ has both podcasting, gaming and home recording in mind, we leave the stand choice (boom or desktop) up to you – although we do offer a kit option that comes with a small desktop stand to get you started.

In other words, for those on a budget that want to get going right away, we’d recommend the MV6.

Set It And Forget It

Both mics have come with clever features that make them stand out from the other microphones available.

The first of these is Auto Level Mode, which is like having a studio engineer built into the mic. If you whisper in anticipation or shout with excitement, the mic will automatically adjust the gain levels so your voice stays clear and comprehensible. It even calculates roughly how far you are from it, so the volume stays constant at all times.

Then there’s the Digital Popper Stopper, a Shure speciality. That cuts out all those breathy “p”, “t” and “b” sounds that would otherwise make your audio sound unprofessional. Usually, you’d need a large pop filter in front of your mic to achieve this; but the MV6 and MV7+ do this digitally.

As for noise reduction, both mics have inbuilt noise filters that cut out persistent sounds like computer fans and traffic rumbles that could otherwise interrupt you.

Flexibility

The MV6 does one thing, and it does it well: makes your voice sound great when you’re streaming or podcasting. If that’s all you need, then stick with this.

The MV7+, however, can turn its hand to extra tasks. For example, you can take your MV7+ into a studio and watch it transform into a recording virtuoso: snare drums, guitars, lead vocals and more besides will sound great through this mic. So, if you want one mic that can do many tasks, it’s the MV7+.

Last but not least, the MV7+ has additional tricks up its sleeve in the form of reverb, a limiter and a compressor; plus a fully color customizable LED panel to match any streaming or gaming set up.

In the end, it comes down to simplicity versus flexibility. The MV6 Gen 2 is the perfect choice for anyone who just wants a great sounding mic that can make them sound amazing from minute one. The MV7+ does that, but also offers flexibility, features and a sound that’ll get you even closer to the iconic SM7.

The choice is yours…and really, you can’t go wrong.

Learn more about the MV7+ Podcast Microphone and MV6 USB Gaming Microphone Gen 2 today.