The Shure MV6 microphone promises an easy-to-use solution for anyone seeking high-quality audio during video calls. This claim intrigued me, as I’ve always wanted improved audio for my calls without the hassle of setting up standalone microphones. Did the Shure MV6 live up to its promise, and did it become my go-to microphone? Let’s find out.
While I primarily use the Shure MV6 for video calls, it’s not its sole purpose. Shure designed the MV6 as a gaming microphone, targeting gamers and streamers who want high-quality audio similar to the technology found in their other renowned microphones. The MV6 benefits from Shure’s extensive history in audio recording. Before diving into the audio technology, let’s talk about its design. It’s an incredibly stylish piece of kit that looks great on my desk. Inspired by Shure’s professional-level MV7 and SM7 microphones, the MV6 retains a classic aesthetic with a modern twist, appealing to those who don’t want a recording studio look. Its weighted circular base, which you screw the riser into before attaching the microphone, makes it a substantial piece. Weighing over 1.2 kilograms, the MV6 stays securely on your desk, ensuring no unwanted movement.
The microphone boasts a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the back. The USB port connects to your device, and the 3.5mm jack allows for real-time monitoring using headphones. A touch-sensitive button on the microphone’s top provides a quick mute option. Setting up the MV6 was a breeze. I simply connected the bundled USB-C cable to my Apple Mac Mini M1, adjusted a few settings in Mac OS, and it worked without any further interaction. Shure truly delivered on its promise of effortless setup.
While the MV6 is incredibly user-friendly, it’s not just a simple plug-and-play device. The microphone features advanced technology that makes it worth considering. It utilizes a cardioid pattern to focus on your voice while minimizing background noise. The MV6 also filters out disruptive sounds like air conditioners or fans. For gamers, Shure includes Auto Level Mode, which automatically adjusts gain based on your distance and voice volume, ensuring consistent audio. Its Digital Popper Stopper eliminates unwanted sounds from your speech that can disrupt the audio, eliminating the need for a physical pop guard.
If you prefer using headphones for monitoring, you can customize the audio mix in Shure’s Motiv Mix desktop software. The software offers a Tone Slider that works with Auto Level mode, allowing you to choose from three tones: Dark, Bright, and Natural. While the initial setup process was seamless, I found the Motiv Mix app a bit confusing, unlike the otherwise straightforward setup. Similar to the Shure Motiv Video and Motiv Audio apps for the MoveMic system, the software lacks the polish of the hardware. Perhaps I expected more obvious customization options. While recording an audio file was simple, understanding the mixer’s functionality required some additional knowledge. However, after closing the Motiv Mix app, the microphone worked flawlessly, and I haven’t had any issues since. For those who prefer a different software, the Shure MV6 is certified for Open Broadcasting Software (OBS).
Now, let’s talk about how it sounds. Is there anything negative so far? The foam covering the microphone isn’t securely attached and has fallen off a few times when I moved the microphone around my desk. Additionally, the included 1-meter USB cable is a bit short, even for desktop use. The 12cm riser works for my setup, and the microphone pivots up and down, but there’s no extension for further adjustments. If you need to raise or lower the microphone significantly, you’ll have to invest in a boom arm. Despite these minor drawbacks, I genuinely enjoy the MV6, and you can hear an example of its sound by listening to the file below.
During Microsoft Teams and Google Meet video calls, I consistently receive positive feedback about the audio quality. My voice sounds clearer to those who usually hear it through microphones like Nothing Ear Stick, Apple AirPods Pro, or Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. Newcomers to my voice during video calls haven’t expressed any complaints. I no longer want to use any of those other microphones, especially after hearing recordings made with the MV6. The audio quality is superb, and the Shure MV6 has become my go-to microphone. It looks good, works effortlessly, and makes my voice sound fantastic. That’s all I need in a microphone.
The price is a consideration, as the Shure MV6 costs $149, or 129 British pounds. This price puts it in competition with other top gaming microphone models like the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma, Blue Yeti Aurora, Elgato Wave:3, and the HyperX QuadCast series. The Shure MV6 is now available for purchase through Shure’s online store.
Overall, the Shure MV6 delivers on its promise of ease of use and produces high-quality audio. While the price is a factor, if you prioritize audio quality and a simple setup for video calls or streaming, the Shure MV6 is a worthy contender.
