Many people have been wondering – is the Shure MV7 comparable to the more expensive SM7B? Which is the best podcast microphone for streaming? These two mics look similar on the surface, but there are definitely differences when you take a closer look. If you’re looking for a microphone for podcasting, vocal work, or content creation, you’re going to want to keep reading. Today, we’re going to take a look at these two microphones, their similarities, and their differences.
Best Podcast Microphone For Streaming – The Shure MV7
No matter what sort of media you create, upgrading your microphone is a sure-fire way to increase the quality of your content. The MV7 is a versatile dynamic mic that’s got a cardioid pickup pattern with a wide appeal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re doing some gaming at your desk or playing with your band at a gig – the MV7 can handle it all. Thanks to the XLR connection on the back, it’s at home both in the studio and on the road.
The MV7 draws inspiration from the popular Shure SM7B, which itself is based off of the original SM5. The SM5 was a staple in the television and broadcasting industry until it was replaced by the SM7, which then continued on unchanged for many years. So why the need to add another microphone? We think it’s pretty obvious – the new digital revolution of streaming has changed the way people get their voice out.
Best Podcast Microphone For Streaming – An up-close look
Enough history, let’s take a look at this mic! The build quality is what we’d expect from Shure – a high-quality, all-metal enclosure that feels solid. The XLR output is a name brand Neutrik connector that is sure (get it? Shure?) to stand up to some abuse. It also has a USB output for studio use as well as a 3.5mm headphone output for monitoring. There is onboard DSP built directly into the microphone to allow you to shape your sound to your liking.
The cardioid pickup pattern we mentioned earlier, combined with the MV7‘s voice isolation technology, allows users to speak into the mic while blocking unwanted background noise. Nobody wants their stream to be interrupted by loud keyboard clicking or a noisy environment! It also has an “auto-level” mode that will lock in your volume at the beginning of a session and keep it constant if you move around. This saves you time and effort in post-processing and editing.
The built-in yoke can be used with a boom arm or desktop stand, which is not included. Shure includes a couple of USB cables in the box as well as a thread adapter for mounting. You even have a color choice! Pick your favorite between the black and silver finish!
So what’s the difference?
The biggest difference between the MV7 and SM7B is the connection. With the MV7, you don’t need anything else to get started with recording to your computer except for the microphone and the included USB cable. It’s completely plug-and-play and extremely simple to use. The SM7B, on the other hand, is just a microphone – It needs to be plugged into a USB line mixer or an audio interface. This means increased cost and (potentially) increased space on your desk.
At the end of the day, the MV7 was made for a much larger audience than the SM7B. Some of the internal components just aren’t the same quality as the SM7B. This is most evident when you listen to the sound differences between the two microphones. While the MV7 has a manual mode that will allow users to tweak various settings, the electronics inside are the major thing keeping it in a separate price tier.
In our opinion, the SM7B is really only necessary for a truly professional environment where quality cannot be compromised. If you’re recording with the intent to master your recording, duplicate, and distribute them, then the SM7B is probably the right choice. For the average podcaster, creator, streamer, and gamer the MV7 is a great option. It delivers great quality audio in a streamlined interface that’s easy to use. We give the MV7 two thumbs up and give it our vote for the best podcast microphone for streaming!
Questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below or feel free to contact us directly. You can also purchase the Shure MV7 dynamic microphone by visiting our partner site DJEVentGear.com
We’ll see you on the flip side!
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