Does The Shure MV7 Need A Cloudlifter?

In this video, we test to see if you need a Cloudlifter (or another inline preamp) with the Shure MV7. During the quiet parts of this video, we boosted the gain by 24 dB to help you notice the differences between both options.
PRICING FOR EQUIPMENT FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:
► Shure MV7 Hybrid Microphone: currentprice.io/shure_mv7
► Cloudlifter CL1 Inline Preamp: currentprice.io/cloudlifter
► Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface: currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
► Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Headphones: currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
► XLR Cable: currentprice.io/xlr_cable
► TRS Cable: currentprice.io/trs_cable
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► Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: currentprice.io/psa1_plus
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:10 - Pricing & Specs
0:25 - USB Mode
0:35 - XLR Mode With Interface / Mixer
0:49 - What Does A Cloudlifter Do?
1:23 - Testing With Scarlett 2i2
2:15 - Noise Without A Cloudlifter
3:53 - Noise With Cloudlifter
4:25 - No Cloudlifter vs Cloudlifter
4:41 - Summary
5:25 - Final Thoughts
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#cloudlifter #mv7 #shuremv7

[@tytustolshemdestroyed4743]

Your videos are very informative and helpful. You definitely deserve more views. Thank you for your excellent and straightforward explanations

[@haies09]

This channel gives so much great information. Keep up the great work

[@MorfeoylaPildoraRoja]

I have watched so many of your videos and you are ALWAYS right on point. Thanks so very much for sharing your knowledge and valuable information with all of us. Much appreciated!

[@kettnercreative]

Thank you very much for the comment. I do my best!

[@marianasantos9349]

Great video! Watching this video it was possible to notice that the pattern of the gain knob of my scarllet solo is normal. I had noticed that the gain variation from 95% to 100% is very big. The gain range in this interface does not seem to be linear

[@biggerfishTX]

Awesome! Just the exact info I needed. Looking at a new MV7 from Colorware

[@greenyeh9492]

Thank you for the test, it helps a lot.

[@NoobsCreations]

would this support the mv7 with an XLR and the d990 pro 250 ohm? Please and thank you. Im talking about the amp if its powerful enough

[@empirenagasmule7101]

Always waiting for new videos from you..

[@kettnercreative]

Glad you like them!

[@locamente]

Much helpful video advice. Thank you.

[@yugol.5812]

Thank you , you have guided my decision not to get it and I appreciate it. Mind clear. 👍🏼

[@MicTimeWithMike]

Thank you. Answered my questions.

[@kimothemo]

After 3 weeks, youre back!

[@kettnercreative]

Ahah, a couple other priorities this month. Back at it!

[@tvnathreviews]

Thanks for this

[@darren2589]

Good demo thanks for that. and you've saved me £150 :) To be fair, I've found the USB output to be very good, plus you get the benefits of the Shure Motiv software.

[@Ryvalry]

I guess they make different versions because I have this exact microphone but no USB slot🤯

[@PROF3TIK]

Thanks for this video. I was unsure if I need a cloud lifter but now I’m sure I don’t need one. Thanks for saving me $150

[@nathan2244]

great explanation thanks

[@troelsnielsen2848]

Great video i would have liked you too have included the noise floor of it in USB mode also, just so you know what too expect

[@KeepingScoreWithLeezy]

literally bought this entire set up.... i got the cloud lifter right before seeing this :( so im using it now!

[@kapaaaau]

Thanks bro you made me save money today.

[@viloriotvpodcast]

Excelente aporte, gracias por compartir..!

[@betopenacoach]

Great Explanation! Thank you Buddy.

[@abennett]

I have the exact setup except it’s a Solo. But when I record my video and audio using QuickTime, it is SO LOW even at 75%. I have to crank my volume up all the way to even hear it. Any ideas?

[@lugnut4001]

I'm having the same issue

[@Alex-jt2pn]

Same for me... i don't know how youtubers can have louder sound with that mic, it's SOO LOW...

[@Samcanplaymusic]

Dude same here. I just bought an in-line preamp that I’m hoping will fix it. I’ve tried both USB and XLR and they’re both SO QUIET. I’ve tried using Equalizer APO and even with the Scarlett Solo and Equalizer APO cranked, it’s so quiet. Idk how these KZbinrs reviewing this mic aren’t having the same issue. I thought maybe the preamps in their interfaces had more gain but this guy’s is so similar to mine.

[@Samcanplaymusic]

I was able to solve this issue. Got a Klark Teknik Microphone Preamp (MIC BOOSTER CT 1) and found that it was STILL low. Adding a -12dB threshold compressor in my DAW (Audacity) made the signal plenty loud.

[@RHYMA24]

@@Samcanplaymusic Wait, so you’re saying that a scarlett + the mv7x wont work? Have you found any other tips/tricks to this problem? By the way, im getting the mv7x cuz i dont need the usb port but im thinking we’ll have the same results

[@wenprodutora3585]

Agradeço muito sua ajuda, comprei 4 mv7 para meu studio de podcast, Você me ajudou muito esclarecendo essa dúvida. Thank you for your help, i bougth 4 mics mv7 for my podcast studio, you very help me clarifying my question .

[@CTRadventures]

I have the mv7 using it with usb with the sm7b pop filter. Im doint voice overs in davinchi resolve. Maybe i have too many filters aka compressors, noise gate, etc but im amazed how i see yalls videos and your mic is like 2 feet from your mouth and the mic sounds like you're right on jt snd its so clear! Maybe my eq is a little of or something but even upclose it sounds nothint like yours

[@CTRadventures]

Might need to start from scratch, maybe use a different program to record? Not sure if XLR is better than the USB. My room is pretty padded, I have foam all around my desk and ceiling and I'll be right up on the mic not 3 feet away. Thanks for any help

[@kettnercreative]

I used to film with my mic on a table stand and with the camera angle/lens it greatly exaggerated the distance between the mic and my face.

[@CTRadventures]

@@kettnercreative you know I have noticed that before when filming, it's like an illusion! Good call

[@AustnTok]

(Edit: I got the Scarlett 2i2 4th gen with 69db of gain and its much better now.) well, I have an MV7 and I made the mistake of getting the Fifine $50 XLR mixer. It supposedly has 50db but I have it cranked and if I'm not talking with my lips nearly on the windscreen, I'm very quiet. I dont wanna have to shell out the money for something better. but It looks like im gonna have to.

[@neotheek]

Can you make a video on eliminating echo/loop on different scenarios you've witnessed?

[@StefanGenov7]

Epic Mic!! I use the USB but great video!!

[@kettnercreative]

Nice 👍

[@sparketech]

I use the USB to PC but the mic headphone out to the camera. Not sure if there are any better options when using a Sony ZV-1... Considering the Elgato Wave XLR for the boost using the headphone out port but is there a better cleaner option to get audio to the camera and prevent hiss.

[@andrewp1513]

Even if you needed the cloudlifter, my thinking would be to sell the focusrite and just get a unit with appropriate preamps. The two stage process must affect the transparency or freq response a little as well 🤷‍♂️

[@abennett]

What is a better prep amp?

[@andrewp1513]

@@abennett SSL 2 I believe, for a cheap interface. Small Allan and Heath USB mixer could be nice too. More expensive, Apollo interfaces I think, or even a mix pre 3 if you want external recorder. Could look at channel strips like dbx286s instead of a cloud lifter. Or just rob a bank and get a shelford channel 😂🤷‍♂️ So many options. The power of the SSL is nice, but I love the limiter of the mix pre for live stuff

[@StartToFinishPodcastingTV]

@@abennett I use a DBX286 and it does the job well but I still use a cloudlifter with the DBX 286 and my audio has NO HISS even when I turn it up to its highest volume. The Cloudlifter is not needed with the DBX286s but it definitely assures you that you will never hear any hissing. with the DBX and Cloudlifter I keep my gain on my focusrite interface at 1% and the output of my recordings are professional quality. Also another imprtant reason I use the DBX286s is for its expander. The Expander will take out just about any background noise. I live near an airport and the fly over my house all the ime and the recording never picks the plane noise up in the recording. My recordings never pick up AC/Heat blowing from the vents nor does it pick up the children outside screaming. I m telling the DBX286s is the truth!

[@travmagnet]

Hi Sir Jodan, I need your recommendation. I got a shure mv7 mic and I need a mic preamp to connect to my Maono AM-200 sound car d since the gain is too weak. May I know what connection is best for this concern? Than kyou in advance.

[@ricardogausdorf3059]

Thanks for this video. You saved me a 150€ 🎉

[@burhan7260]

Hello. Could you please make a video for the FDUCE SL40 vs MV7 comparison?

[@KenzieEther]

can i use the scarlett solo with berodynamic dt 990 pro's and the shure mv7 at the same time? currently i use the amp for just my headphones and use usb for my shure mv7

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@Kettner Creative thanks for the video. Do you think the Shure MV7 would benefit from using a Cloudlifter with the Presonus Audiobox USB96? I'm looking for a new microphone and have watched a few of your videos, including the Presonus Audiobox USB96 & Rode Podmic video.

[@kettnercreative]

Depends on what you're doing. For the money, you are probably better off getting a Elgato Wave XLR audio interface instead of a Cloudlifter. If you're just recording solo podcasts, streaming, etc. - It's perfect. currentprice.io/wave_xlr

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@@kettnercreative Thanks for the quick response! I am looking for the best mid-range microphone setup, hopefully spending between $200-$300 total. I'm currently looking at the Shure MV7 and Earthworks ICON USB. I like the Shure MV7 better because it has XLR, whereas the Earthworks ICON USB is only USB. The Shure MV7 may require an additional preamp, which is what I'm trying to determine before purchasing. The preamp adds to the cost significantly. I was not aware of the Elgato Wave XLR preamp, which definitely looks better than the Cloudlifter. What setup would you get if you were going to spend $200-$300? I would love to get your opinion!

[@jop2727]

Any chance to review Apollo solo or twins heritage ?

[@aimreadings]

I have my mv7 connected to a cloud lifter and the Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen. And the mic won't turn on, it doesn't have any power for some reason even though everything is working on the Scarlett, any idea how to fix this issue so I can have my mic functioning again?

[@andiyassiin2308]

Thanks for the explanation. I've got some problems using my MV7 in Zoom video conference, the sound is clear, but it's soooo small, it got overwhelmed with even ppl using a webcam/headset. Any idea how to improve the sound of MV7 in Zoom apps? Thanks.

[@urbnctrl]

Use the app that comes with it and EQ your voice

[@Lita1]

Nice helpful video I liked this video yes!!!!👍😅

[@jayray1714]

Not sure how yours is so different; I have mine cranked to the top and I'm shouting into the mic and I can't get the dial to turn any color, let alone green.

[@jhon4ntony]

thanks you save me to waste my money, you deserve heaven

[@osaket]

Shouldnt this be tested on the 45% gain since that is what the cloudlifter allows you to reach with good audio levels?

[@kastriotleci]

EXACTLY, the whole point is that the cloudlifter allows you to not stress the interface as much , which in return should reduce the hissing sound..... comparing both with the interface all the way cranked up is obviously gonna have the same noise

[@caradaotica]

I get a tech tec tec tec noise in my headphones plugged in the monitor port behind the mic 😭

[@galxyafterman2849]

I'm using an audio box interface and max gain is 50 and when I turn it all the way up my voice is finally loud enough but there's a lot of hissing and when I turn it down toget rid of the hissing you can barely here me, do I need a new interface that can handle more gain or is there just something with my microphone

[@vujcichh]

wish someone answered this cause i wanna know too

[@limpbizkit5968]

interface audio X desk sound plz

[@Allrithin]

I can't believe how sensitive this thing is, yet my voice is so quiet, very frustrating with XLR so far

[@42doodoochips]

Where you able to fix your problems? Was thinking of getting this mic with the xlr connection

[@PedalPlayhouse]

Same the XLR was why I was excited about this and it’s so quiet and low. I need to lift it somehow so no videos have been helpful in helping us use the XLR even the instructions totally ignore it that came with the mic.

[@Allrithin]

@@PedalPlayhouse so I ended up getting it with XLR, but it is using the focusrite scarletbox. It loud enough for videos and Discord. You'll have to crank it almost max, but I get no feedback or anything. One warning though if you get the Focusrite Scarletbox thing, your XLR cable will become ONE with the box. It will get stuck. You'll see if you get it

[@PillowheadCreations]

As a man with a low voice the cloud lifter helps

[@frenchfriedshow]

Starting a podcast and am leaning towards the mv7 mic. Do I need to get an interface to pair with it to add gain or is the mic good enough on its own? Thanks in advance!

[@MrLOUTER94]

I have it on its own right now, without the intent of self plugging my channel I can send a link to my video so you can hear it yourself if you want. It does sound pretty nice without an interface

[@darren2589]

I use the built in USB output, which I found to be very good, plus you get to use the Shure Motiv settings which you cant when using XLR.

[@LuX7251]

is a cloudlifter worth it if i'm simply not able to drive the mic to a desired gain? with my current setup my mv7 is on the quiet side no matter what i do

[@kdawgin]

Did you find a fix? I got a mv7x with a goxlr mini and I need to ramp up the gain to 62db just to get some decent volume out.

[@LuX7251]

@@kdawgin I ended up getting a cloudlifter, haven’t been bothered by it since

[@kdawgin]

@@LuX7251 damn I might have to do that as well then… thanks

[@xingzhexin8843]

I have a focusrite 4i4 and when I'm streaming with xlr my audience says I'm too quite. Ended up switching back to usb mode and turning up the compression way up for a good volume level...

[@fmonel]

How do you have all the answers to my prayers?

[@matthewdeward1984]

cloudlifters are 99% unnecessary esp depending which version of Scarlette one can ennable the AIRZ function which is VERY similar to the 4k button pon the SSL2+. i do not recomend using this preamp on Each track, however it deffinately brings recordings alive

[@rayray9865]

Hey you seem to know about this stuff do you think the shure mv7 will pick up a lot of background noise? Like a running pc or game console? I'm planning to move from USB microphones into xlrs

[@matthewdeward1984]

@@rayray9865 if using the sure it should be pretty darn stable, esp if you have the 'wind/dust' cover on, and properly stabilized on something that wont get any vibration from it 'ground noise' however yes, it would be a definite step in the right direction, awesome mic, better than what i am currently using.

[@rayray9865]

@@matthewdeward1984 thanks for the feedback I do like my USB microphone but there's so much you can do for background noise reduction with it

[@yinYangMountain]

What… you set the recording level to what? Oh my, no -12dB was too low! Do this: * Set the gain in each configuration so your levels average to -9dB with max peaks at -6dB. What’s gonna happen? - Without a CL, FetHead, etc. you’re gonna need to set the gain on the Scarlet to 100% and there’s gonna be unacceptable preamp noise as opposed to setting the Scarlet to less than 75% with a CL / FetHead. Best Practices: - Average -9dB with max peaks at -6db. - If you’re worried about going above -6dB... use a limiter. I.e., the -12dB solution will not work in the end-especially if you plan to add compression and then normalize to -3.2 dB (the Goldilocks zone).

[@LairdScott]

@yinYangMountain I'll post this for whatever it's worth, a lot of interfaces use -18 to equal 0 from the analog world, so if an analog console VU is reading 0, your software will read -18 and if you're hitting +6 on your VU, it should register at -12 in the software. When multitracking these levels sum pretty well but if you're doing a single voice, you're going to have to raise your level, either at preamp or in the software. Some preamps sound great when pushed, others crack, so it's good to follow guidelines, then experiment with what works best for your situation.

[@yinYangMountain]

@@LairdScott For whatever it's worth, voice-over producers and audio engineers will reject recordings unless they meet certain basic guidelines as I've described above. Why? Because they want to engineer the final product.

[@krizzyd]

So are you saying there's a benefit to using a Cloudlifter with the MV7/MV7X?

[@yinYangMountain]

@@krizzyd The answer to your question is not a simple “Yes” or “No.” It ultimately depends upon who the audience is-which could even be yourself. WHAT TO KNOW - ‘Gain Hungry’ mics (dynamic mics, mostly) and a noisy preamp with less than 65dB of gain are (generally) a bad combination. - Record at (minimum): levels between -12db and -6dB in 24-bit / 32-bit float at 48 kHz. (Get as close to -6dB as you can without going over.) - Add a bit of EQ (to suit) and a bit of Compression (to suit). - With regards to voice (voice-over): Put on headphones (not earbuds), listen to your audio at -3.2dB. If there is a noticeable audible hiss, your audio won’t be accepted for voice-over. - Gates and Noise Reduction are not fixes-unless you are on a budget and are not too worried about professional sound. So, for example, if the audio is ‘good enough,’ most KZbinrs won’t notice. MY SETUP Preamp: 75dB of Gain / -128 noise Mic: Audio-Technica BP40 (Dynamic - 48dB grain required) Note: This mic works well for voice, but does not play well with those having sibilance or mouth saliva. 32-bit float NOTE The MV7 and MV7X do ‘not’ have the same internal EQ settings. I.e., it’s not true the MV7X is just the MV7 without USB/Computer connectivity.

[@krizzyd]

@@yinYangMountain I have no audience, the audience is myself and I want to do whatever it takes to optimize what I have :) haha. I mean I talk to friends on personal time and what not but they are too normie to notice anything so it doesn't matter for them. Current setup is the Shure MV7X with the Scarlett Solo (which I assume is a noisy pre-amp based on your description). There is noise when bumping the gain knob to about 85%, approx -48 db cause I have an air purifier running in the background, but I need the gain knob to be at 85% in order to peak at -6db and avg around -12db like you mentioned (I personally like this range too). I currently apply a gate -> eq -> compressor to suit, it sounds great but I'm not satisfied with the noise. That said, would a cloudlifter help increase the signal to noise ratio? So I can peak at -6db while minimizing the amount of noise?

[@qw-]

You are too far from that microphone, stay closer and turn down the gain. 35 dB is more than enough for the MV7

[@desijankari2674]

I buy dm1 se electronics dyanamite

[@kettnercreative]

That's a good choice.

[@ilikehiking]

These isn't a single microphone that needs a cloudlifter.