Shure’s New MV7i Microphone With Built-In Audio Interface

Shure's MV7i is a classic dynamic USB mic with an XLR and 1/4-inch combo input for an additional microphone or instrument. With Shure's MOTIV Mix it's a mini studio.

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The new Shure MV7i has a combo XLR/TRS input for a second mic or instrument. There's no need for a ..

. [+] separate audio interface to combine the two signals. Is Shure’s MV7i the world’s first microphone with a built-in audio interface? The concept was initially developed by Shure in 2021 and it’s now received a patent.



Shure doesn’t make an XLR/USB audio interface but that is, in effect what the new MV7i is. There are already plenty of USB microphones on the market that have some kind of audio interface, but the new Shure MV7i is the world’s first microphone to include a second XLR combo input for connecting another microphone or an instrument such as a keyboard or guitar. The 1/4-inch input can even function with a TRRS stereo input.

It’s a handy feature that will appeal to podcasters or anyone who wants a second mic on location without carting around a separate USB audio interface. Shure designed the MV7i to streamline the way content creators can record audio on a computer or smartphone while still offering the kind of quality you’d get with the award-winning Shure MV7+ USB microphone. ON the backplate of the MV7i is a combo input, a USB-C output and a headphone jack for zero latency .

.. [+] monitoring.

The MV7i has an onboard digital signal processor which is controlled using Shure’s excellent and free MOTIV Mix desktop and MOTIV mobile app for smartphones The software is the MV7i’s secret sauce because it makes the microphone so versatile with effects like compression, reverb and denoising able to be applied independently operating the two mics or instruments so the user can get pristine audio recorded on a computer or smartphone. Samsung Galaxy S24 Users About To Get A New Free Upgrade, Report Claims Zuckerberg Taps UFC President Dana White To Join Meta’s Board Of Directors Monday, January 6. Russia’s War On Ukraine: News And Information From Ukraine “Whether they’re recording a podcast with a guest or tracking vocals and instruments simultaneously in their home studio, creators need technology that simplifies their workflow and makes capturing audio seamless,” says Eduardo Valdes, AVP of Global Marketing and Product Management, at Shure.

“The MV7i delivers the same renowned sound signature as the celebrated MV7+ and streamlines the creative process, saving creators from additional expenses and the hassle of confusing setups so they can focus on their craft and push boundaries, while we handle the technology. By combining Shure’s legendary microphone audio quality with an integrated interface, we’re eliminating complexity while maintaining professional standards, all in one elegant solution.” With the new Shure MV7i you can record a two-hander podcast without the need for a separate .

.. [+] interface.

The MV7i is engineered for two-channel recording and there’s a choice of Mixdown, Multitracking or Stereo options. These modes should ensure the MV7i appeals to podcasters interviewing a guest or someone working as a DJ with a mono voiceover on top of a stereo music track. It’s a neat solution for recording vocals and instruments at the same time.

The DSP engine inside the MV7i delivers studio-quality sound on both channels and there are presets for voice, singing and instrument which greatly reduces setup time. The settings are stored in the mic’s firmware so reusing saved settings is so easy. Content creators can independently adjust the DSP setting for each of the two channels.

The visual inspiration for the MV7i comes from Shure’s classic SM7B microphone, the same one that Michael Jackson used when recording Thriller with the late Quincy Jones. It has the same durable metal chassis for resisting life on the road. The microphone’s combo XLR and 1⁄4-inch input lets users connect a second microphone or instrument with 60dB gain and there’s 48V phantom power for use with condenser mics.

The new MV7i looks a lot like the Shure MV7+ but this mic has a few more tricks up its sleeve. The MV7i is intelligent enough to detect the type of input and will automatically select the appropriate DSP for the microphone or instrument. The USB-C output for connecting to Mac, PC, iOS or Android makes the MV7i incredibly flexible.

With Apple’s MFi-certification, the MV7i can plug directly into iPhones or iPads, making the whole setup super portable but still with broadcast-quality sound. A customizable LED touch panel on the body of the mic provides a mute control and there’s a dual-channel LED display for reference when making basic adjustments during recording or when livestreaming. Other clever features include an Auto Level Mode that uses SmartGate Technology.

This feature automatically calibrates the mic’s gain based on proximity, volume and a room’s dynamics. SmartGate works with Auto Level Mode to dynamically reduce the volume of a channel when either of the two users falls silent, minimizing crosstalk and guaranteeing that concurrent conversations do not disrupt the separate audio streams. The Chat setting is particularly good and offers studio-quality sound even in untreated spaces.

Mix vocals and an instrument in one take and keep the tracks separate using the Shure MOTIV Mix ...

[+] software. A Real-Time Denoiser function actively reduces ambient noise and is perfect for podcasting or home recording. A Digital Popper Stopper is another clever feature that cuts harsh plosive sounds and produces clearer audio without the need for a physical pop screen which always looks odd on video.

Meanwhile, the Adjustable Reverb feature in the MOTIV software offers three different styles of reverb with customizable intensity. Shure thinks the MV7i will address the need for more versatile and portable recording solutions that can deliver professional-grade sound. With the massive growth in podcasting, streaming and content creators producing music at home, the MV7i’s innovative dual-channel capabilities are just what the market needs.

The power behind the MV7i is Shure’s MOTIV Mix desktop app. This is such a clever piece of software and it can expand the MV7i’s potential by customizing the mic’s LED panel and accessing up to five multi-track recording and routing channels, plus it can be used to fine-tune settings such as sound signature, gain and more. You can even daisy chain more MV7i mics to extend the number of speakers or instruments.

The folks at Shure tell me they have tested the MV7i with up to 10 mics. The beauty of the Shure MV7i is that you can plug in any second XLR mic into the interface or you ..

. [+] can use the TRS input of the combi jack. Shure’s MOTIV Mix desktop app’s Mixdown Mode combines the signal from the microphone and mono input into one audio output.

This is ideal for capturing audio where no further post-production is required. The Multi-Track Mode records two separate mono audio tracks for the XLR and 1/4-inch inputs. This is handy when two tracks need to be kept separate for further editing.

Finally, the Stereo Mode is my favorite which combines the mono microphone signal with a stereo input which is then laid down to a stereo track. This preserves the stereo audio from the input and places mic input in the left and right channels, which is perfect for recording voiceovers with stereo audio in the background ort presenting music shows live. Verdict: The word “innovation” is bandied around a lot these days, but the Shure MV7i is a truly innovative product.

The onboard DSP and the MOTIV Mix software are superb and turn the MV7i into a recording studio. The audio quality from the mic’s dynamic capsule is superb and the DSP articulates music signals beautifully. This is a cracking microphone and when paired with the MV7+ you have a portable recording studio that can record top-notch sound to a computer or smartphone.

It’s not a cheap microphone, but the flexibility that the MV7i offers makes it worth every penny. Pricing & Availability: Shure is showcasing the MV7i for the first time at Pepcom CES Digital Experience in Las Vegas. The MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface is available now for $349 / £349 / €389 which includes a quick start guide, 3m USB-C to USB-C cable and download instructions for MOTIV Apps.

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