Shure MV7X Microphone Review with Samples Comparing the SM7B and SM58

Does the MV7X sound like the SM7B or the SM58? ...Shure 😉 haha, but for real, how does the Shure MV7X (XLR only mic.) sound when compared to the SM7B (the mic it's inspired by) and the mic of all-time, the SM58? See all my gear @ kit.co/rayortega.
0:00 How the MV7X is different from the MV7
0:17 Why Shure Made the MV7X (fill a price category)
0:50 Disclosure (Shure sent me this mic. for review).
2:42 Disclosure
1:47 Who Would Buy the MV7X?
2:19 MV7X audio quality compared to SM58
3:00 Why a Video Creator/KZbinr/Podcaster might buy the MV7X
3:30 MV7X audio quality compared to SM7B
5:55 What is Voice Isolation Technology?
8:21 Things I don't like about the MV7X (windscreen, XLR position compared to the SM7B,)
9:44 About plosives
10:06 What I like about the MV7X (all metal, more sensitive than the SM7B)
10:51 MV7X using post processing (compression, EQ, noise removal)
12:25 MV7X windscreen hack (using and SM7B windscreen, linked below)
13:15 Final thoughts, is it a good choice?
The MV7X is the next dynamic, cardioid microphone on the Shure line up. It was inspired by the SM7B which is obvious based on its barrel shaped design but is that where the comparison stops? Not exactly. The MV7X, like the 7B and the 58, have similar designs both inside and out and as a result, it has a similar sound...at least on my voice.
You'll notice that the MV7X is brighter than the 7b or 58 but this is intentional. Shure has designed this microphone to be more resistant to low frequency rumble and to cut through a mix (brighter upper end). This is a result of what they call Voice Isolation Technology. They've shaped the frequency response in way that should help with some of the more common problems that home studio recordings can encounter. If you're a podcaster, musician, streamer or anyone that records audio content at home, Shure has tried to design a microphone that will help you get better results.
Ultimately, the room you record in, your mic. technique and gain structure will be the true determination of how your final audio sounds but the MV7X has a nice sound that will enhance your productions. Often times, with creators using the SM7B, I hear audio that is too muddy for online productions where most people are listening on cheap speakers or with plenty of background noise (e.g. in a car). The brighter frequency response of the MV7X will sound better in most cases.
Vocal post production: Adobe Audition - Compression to tame peaks - light noise reduction using Accusonus Noise Remover and iZotope RX Vocal DeNoise - parametric EQ to with light high-pass (~80Hz) and small bump up around 144Hz and 3870Hz - Match Loudness to -19LUFS - iZotope Phase Rotation.
DISCLOSURE: Shure sent this MV7X for me to review and keep and all links should be considered affiliates.
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🎥 🖥 📱🎤 GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO 🤘
► Shure MV7X Podcast Microphone: amzn.to/3oOh8fg
► Rodecaster Pro: podhelp.me/rodecasterBH
► Shure SM7B: podhelp.me/sm7bZon
► Shure RK345 Windscreen for SM7B: amzn.to/3Avl1b6
► SM58 Microphone: hamzn.to/3ACwkhI
► Aputure Light Storm LS C120d Kit: podhelp.me/120dKitvmountBH
► Rode VideoMic Pro podhelp.me/RodeVMP-R_BH
► SmallHD Sony kit: podhelp.me/smallHDfocusbundle...
► Sony a6500: podhelp.me/a6500kit1BH
► OC White Boom Arm Gen2: podhelp.me/OCWhiteBoomGen2
► K&M Boom Arm Mic Stand: podhelp.me/KMboomstandZon
► LENS: Sigma 16mm F1.4: podhelp.me/SigmaE16mmBH
► Transcend 65GB SDXC card for 4K podhelp.me/Trans64U3zon
► iZotope RX Elements 7: podhelp.me/izRXEl7BH
► Adobe Creative Cloud podhelp.me/CC1yearBHdownload
*all links should be considered affiliate links. I encourage you to shop around for the best prices at the time you are viewing this. You can read my ethics statement via thepodcastersstudio.com/ethics. Thanks!
#MV7 X#SM7B #podcasting #microphone #audioproduction #audiorecording

[@hat8918]

Ray, you are the only source I trust when it comes to microphones. Thanks!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Hat, really appreciate that. I just try to demo things for people so they can hear and make up their own minds. Glad it's valuable.

[@sung_yun]

Excellent comparison, very helpful. Thanks.

[@MrJoeGooch]

Great review and info. I would be interested to see/hear the differences between the MV7X and the MV7 especially inside, to see if there are any differences apart from the usb system and lights etc having been removed. Cheers Ray.

[@jasonlorphotofilms]

Good to see another video Ray. Looking to check out some mics, so this was perfect timing. Great review. May consider getting this one now.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Jason. Let me know which mic you end up going with!

[@volksbahn]

Thank you for a very sane overview and cutting through the marketing speak.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Syed, glad you found it helpful.

[@calvindproject]

Awesome review, and this microphone is at a price point that allows you to have a quality microphone that sounds awesome and not blow up your budget. Microphone makes you look like you're serious about your work! I want one!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Calvin!

[@faautobahna9416]

Very good review.

[@ET_Videos]

Interesting results.

[@loganmoran3887]

What is the best interface to use with the MV7X

[@ironangel7060]

do you know if the mv7x also is a large diaphragm microfone?

[@Brucelabvideos]

Very nice, clear, concise and informative review. I do run the RØDE Podmic and like it but at some point we all (ok, maybe just me) get that glazed doughnut look in our eyes with the SM7B and this looks like a reasonably priced approach to the "All Mighty SM7B". Thanks for sharing this review.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Tom. Let me know if you ever pick one of these or an SM7B up!

[@garn5t]

hey guys i want you to know when using an xlr mic the cable quality is super important for the actual sound of the mic as well, try and look for cables with neutrik plugs or do your research and try and find other high quality options

[@ihyily]

My only real question is if we're planning on doing an XLR only comparison, would the MV7X stand up to the cheaper Rode Podmic, obviously the SM7b, and maybe even my current microphone: a condenser microphone, the AT2035? I wand a dynamic microphone to limit the sound around my untreated environment but I want the quality of my voice to still be there. I like my AT2035 but it might time to upgrade or change my setup. What do you think personally? *EDIT*: I would even consider brining on the regular MV7 for it's software EQ ability if that were the better option.

[@Ohzmann]

would you have a comment on the xlr performance of mv7 vs mv7x? The x is said to be better even if it is cheaper. And this may be due to a lower impedance maybe (250 vs 320 on the MV7) Thanks!

[@RayOrtega]

Good question, I think Bandrew said he liked it a lot better than the MV7, I assume that's one place you heard that opinion, if not check out his channel Podcastage but you can hear the XLR of the MV7 on my own voice, here kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2jFq4Zvmbt_ock. I didn't notice a lot of difference, I thought the XLR on the MV7 was fine. Both sound good to me but it is curious if there is some kind of technical difference. Maybe I can find out from Shure themselves.

[@Ohzmann]

@@RayOrtega yes i did hear it at over his channel but i was curious of your individual opinion so thanks for sharing. There is a hint of difference to my ears too but it is very slight and i am nowhere a hifi entusiast. But i have a goxlr mini under my hand so i guess model x is the one for me at the end

[@IamXSublime]

Am I the only one who hears the noise in this video? Also, I'm having issues with noise on my setup with this microphone. the microphone wont even quiet with a noise suppressor on not until the noise get is set to -21db that's how loud the noise is for me. Any tips?

[@TransplantHelper]

Great video. I’d be happy with the mv7 but I’m not a fan of the oversized yoke. I know it’s silly but sometimes I care too much about the look. Keep Up the good videos.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks! And I understand about looks. You should like all aspects, life's too short and there are plenty of options;)

[@superultragiggachigga]

Since it has been a year since the release of this video, would you suggest this mic or is there anything better in the price range? I have been choosing between this and the the Audio Technica AT2040

[@RayOrtega]

I haven’t tested to 2040 outside of a conference I was at but have seen some reviews and I’d say they are pretty comparable mics in terms of quality. My suggestion would be to find some reviews from people who have a similar voice to yours (low, high, sibilant, etc) and then pic the one you think sounds best. Thx for watching

[@californiadreams9408]

it possible to use Shure MV7X with simple sound card without preamps and other things?

[@RayOrtega]

No you'd need the MV7 kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2jFq4Zvmbt_ock being USB, it has the preamps and converters in the mic itself.

[@filthfreaker_og]

Dope review. Would love to know how I can make mine sound as good as yours

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks! What's the problem you're having in terms of getting the sound you want? Since this is a review video, the audio is not processed so the sound is a result of the mic, my voice, gain staging and almost certainly the most important factor...the room I'm recording in. It's a treated space with acoustic panels that I built. The room you're in and your mic technique are going to play big factors in how the mic sounds.

[@DL-wm7uc]

Ray are you coming to Stagecoach in Santa Fe for the light training? Im a UNM film student who wanted to attend but they wouldnt let me bc I dont have a NM drivers license even though I have proof of NM residency. You dont have to pay me but can I be your assistant so I can learn the lighting stuff?

[@RayOrtega]

Unfortunately I'm not. Wasn't aware of that event but glad to find out about it. Thanks for offering to help, seems like it you might be able to find someone who needs a hand. Good luck!

[@erinsaviation1964]

I am saving up for a shure sm7b

[@rickraub5448]

Totally off subject question but I trust your opinion on video/audio subjects. Question: I'm looking at a used Canon c100 mark 2. It has 545 hrs on it. Is that too much or ok? I'm doing one hour interviews, about 2 a month. Plus shooting b rolls. Should I look for one with less hrs? I see some with under 100 hrs but they are from Japan and I'm nervous about buying out of the country. What do you think? Thank you!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Rick. Honestly when it comes to time-in on cameras, I'm not a great source, I've never really measured it or gone down that rabbit hole although I do know what you're talking about. One of the best sources for this regarding hours and the Canon C line would be Tyler Stalman kzbin.info you probably already follow him but if not, I would! Maybe hit up his twitter and see if he'll shoot a reply otherwise I can reach out to him.

[@rickraub5448]

@@RayOrtega thanks Ray. I'll check it out. Been following you for awhile and learning a lot. Thank you. 👍

[@chrisfor]

So am I correct in assuming you won't need an inline preamp with the MV7x? If so, is there a potential downside to using one. I would be running the 7x through a 3rd gen Scarlet Solo.

[@RayOrtega]

Probably no downside to using one, it can only make it better however it's likely the law of diminishing returns in that you spend a decent amount of money for very little, if any, difference.

[@DjedaiDima]

What kind of audio card do you use with this microphone?

[@RayOrtega]

In this case, the mics are going into a Rodecaster Pro podhelp.me/rodecasterBH if that is what you're asking? No processing.

[@Xrpto]

Honesty is the best policy.

[@starseed331]

I own two MV7's and I am one of those people that swapped the windscreen out. It's definitely made a difference in my set up.

[@RayOrtega]

Cool, thanks for sharing, have fun!

[@TheJamSpace]

In the video it looks like the RK345 windscreen fits loosely and is just balancing on top of the MV7X mic - Am I seeing that right? Or is it actually a snug fit? ALSO - Have you tried out the larger Shure AW7S windscreen for the SM7B on your MV7X? This is the bigger wind screen that comes with the SM7B and its supposed to be the best for plosives etc. I was wondering how it fit the MV7X. Thanks for any info you have. Cheers!

[@starseed331]

@@TheJamSpace I'm using the RK345 and the plastic ring on it fits snugly around the capsule of the MV 7. It's not loose at all and it reduces plosives quite nicely.

[@TheJamSpace]

@@starseed331 Ok, thanks for your quick and helpful reply :)

[@RayOrtega]

@@TheJamSpace Yeah I talk about how I like the way the filter clicks into the SM7B. The larger one will also fit but also sits loosely. You'd probably want to secure it some way, maybe double sided tape or something.

[@option1497]

Is it just me, or does the MV7X has less background noise? I hear some white noise in the background with the SM7B.

[@RayOrtega]

What you probably hear is the preamps of the audio interface because the SM7B is a less sensitive mic, it requires more gain and thus you'll hear more of the preamp noise than the MV7X. When using the SM7B I would do light noise removal in post production and it would be completely quite but in this test you are hearing the raw recordings.

[@TransplantHelper]

I will add I like the sound better on the mv7x than the 7b

[@radhiahadji8980]

I feel headache when I use my mv7 microphone, and I feel heavy energy (electricy or waves) comming out of it. had any of you felt this before?

[@Bang_mal]

what audio interface you use? or you plug the mv7 direct into computer? using good audio interface does give a better audio.

[@messiahshow]

I think a normal XLR mic is best for you, I am also sensitive to some newer technologies like bluetooth and even wi-fi. You have USB and a bit more electronics in the MV7 compared to the MV7X which is a pure XLR mic. Just sell your MV7 and you should have enough money for the MV7X since it's cheaper.

[@clockwerk853]

I take it it wouldnt be worth the (converted from SEK) 180 dollars for the MV7X even with the "voice isolation tech" If I can get an SM58 for a third of the price, right? Id value if it was really helpful of this "tech" in comparison to the SM58 if it was the case though.

[@RayOrtega]

Right. Stick with the SM58. The Voice Iso. Tech is not much more than a dynamic mic which is what an SM58 is and therefore its mostly the same.

[@mikkelherskind8290]

Great review! I hear little to no difference between the two - no significant difference I should say!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks!

[@dickginkowski6071]

I think I will pass on the MV7X. The SM58 (and Beta 58a) are good microphones and a Fethead makes them sound better. Pop a windscreen on and you are good to go.

[@leolausemaus5788]

Do you prefer the SM58 over the SM57?

[@RayOrtega]

Tough question although I haven't use the 57 that much. It's really a question of what you are using the microphone for. They are mostly the same but if you're doing vocals especially if you hand-holding it, the 58 is the way to go but in that case maybe even the Beta58 which has a tighter polar pattern and even better shock mount (I think). If you're mic-ing instruments, the 57 is a nice tool for mic-ing just about any instrument.

[@leolausemaus5788]

@@RayOrtegaOk, thank you verv much.

[@PlayastyleProductions]

You only missed one thing. Put the pop filter from the sm7b on the mv7x. It fits and moves your distance from the capsule. $15. my bad you got it in there.

[@RayOrtega]

12:40 👀 😬

[@Charles64]

SHURE SM58 great sound no more comparisons between mv7/x same quality sound .unless Sm7b takes all

[@ChampDrizzy]

what mic arm do you have?

[@gamezarus1349]

Vive le SM 58 !! Best Value

[@dejazO0]

why?

[@RayOrtega]

Why not 😉

[@AppAxis]

Im confused as well. I don't understand why companies canabalize their own product lines. Zoom does this with their recorders as well. Every new product is marketed to podcasters. So.... yeah, you said it best. Why? Weird.

[@RayOrtega]

@@AppAxis More options for the consumer is fine by me...the companies will be just fine ;) Thanks for watching!

[@AppAxis]

@@RayOrtega 😂. I hear you bro.

[@matthewray5343]

Not a fair comparison. The capsules were not lined up. The SM7b has it's capsule further back from the windscreen than the MV7x.

[@AppAxis]

I don't get it.

[@DiceandGlory]

I really can't hear a difference...

[@RayOrtega]

Guess that's a point scored for the MV7X! Thanks for watching and commenting, Ryan.