Is Shure’s MV7i the First Microphone with a Built-In Audio Interface in the World?

Is Shure’s new MV7i really the world’s first microphone with a built-in audio interface? That’s the claim Shure is making and it’s an intriguing question because there are already plenty of USB microphones on the market that have an audio interface built in.

However, the new Shure MV7i is probably the world’s first microphone to include a XLR combo input for chaining a second microphone or instrument to the MV7i. It’s a handy feature that’s been designed for podcasters or anyone who doesn’t want to cart around a separate USB audio interface for recording music or an interview.

It’s been quite a year for Shure, the long-established U.S. audio brand has launched quite a few new products and today sees another new product in the form of the Shure MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface. The MV7i lets users connect a second XLR microphone or musical instrument, like a keyboard or guitar, doing away with the need for an external hardware interface.

Shure has designed the MV7i to streamline the way content creators can record audio while still offering the same high quality sound you’d get with the brand’s award-winning Shure MV7+ microphone. The MV7i comes with an onboard digital signal processor and works with Shure’s MOTIV Mix desktop and MOTIV mobile apps for customising the mics and getting audio recorded on a computer or smartphone.

“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.”

Engineered for two-channel recording, the MV7i is bound to appeal to podcasters interviewing a guest, but it’s also a neat way for recording vocals and an instrument at the same time. The built-in interface lets users connect a second microphone or an instrument and then control both channels using the MOTIV apps on Windows, macOS devices or smartphones.

The MV7i’s DSP engine delivers studio-quality sound on both channels, reducing production setup time by independently adjusting the DSP setting on each channel. The inspiration for the MV7i comes from Shure’s classic SM7B microphone and it has the same style of durable metal chassis for coping with life on the road. The microphone combo XLR and ¼-inch input offers up to 60dB gain and there’s 48V phantom power for use with condenser mics.

The MV7i is intelligent enough to detect the input type and will automatically select the appropriate DSP for the recording application. The USB-C output means the mic can work with Mac, Windows and many mobile devices. The MV7i is MFi-certified so it will work directly with Apple iPhones and iPads. A customizable LED touch panel provides a mute control and there’s a dual-channel LED display for quick and simple level adjustments during recording or livestreaming.

Other clever features of the MV7i include Auto Level Mode with SmartGate Technology. This feature automatically calibrates the mic’s gain level based on proximity, volume and a room’s acoustics. SmartGate works with Auto Level Mode to dynamically reduce the volume of a channel when either of the two signals falls silent, minimizing crosstalk and guaranteeing that concurrent conversations don’t disrupt the two separate audio streams.

Secondly, a Real-Time Denoiser function actively reduces ambient noise and is perfect for podcasting or home recording. The Digital Popper Stopper is another clever feature that cuts harsh plosive sounds for clearer audio without the need to use a physical pop screen. Meanwhile, an Adjustable Reverb feature offers three different types of reverb types with customizable intensity.

Shure believes the MV7i will address the need for more versatile recording solutions that require professional-grade sound. With the massive growth in podcasting, livestreaming and people producing music at home, the MV7i’s innovative dual-channel capabilities could be just what the market wants.

Although the MV7i is innovative with what it offers, Shure’s MOTIV Mix desktop app make sit even more versatile. This clever piece of software can expand the MV7i’s potential with customization of the mic’s LED panel and accessing up to five multi-track recording and routing channels. It can also be used to fine-tune recording settings such as sound signature, gain and more.

Shure’s MOTIV Mix desktop app also has a Mixdown Mode which combines the microphone signal and mono input audio into a mono audio output. This is ideal for capturing audio when no further post-production is required. The Multi-Track Mode can render two separate mono audio tracks for the XLR-1/4” inputs. This is handy when two tracks need to be kept separate for further editing.

Finally, Stereo Mode combines microphone and stereo input audio into a single stereo track. This preserves the stereo audio from the input and places the mic input in both the left and right channels, which is perfect for recording voiceovers where you need stereo audio playing in the background.

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.

Tech Specs:

• Type: Dynamic (moving coil).
• Polar pattern: Unidirectional (cardioid).
• Frequency response: 50Hz to 16,000Hz.
• Maximum SPL: 128 dB SPL.
• Sensitivity at minimum gain: -33 dBFS/Pa at 1 kHz (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL).
• Adjustable gain range: 0 to +36dB.
• Input: SXLR, 1/4″ TS, 1/4″ TRS.
• Input impedance (XLR): 5.8kΩ.
• Input impedance (1/4″): 1MΩ.
• Adjustable gain range: 0 to +60dB, 0 to +40 dB (stereo mode).
• Maximum input level XLR: -14dBV 1/4″: 7dBV.
• Phantom power: Yes (+48VDC).
• MFi Certified: Yes.
• On-board DSP: Auto Level Mode with SmartGate, Digital Popper Stopper, Real-time Denoiser, Tone Slider, Reverb, Compressor, Limiter, High-Pass Filter.
• USB host requirements: USB Audio Class 2 (UAC2).
• A/D converter: 24-bit, 48kHz (16-bit, 44.1kHz support for iOS).
• Headphone output: 3.5 mm (1/8″).
• Weight: 567g.
• System requirements: Windows 10 and higher. MacOS 12 and higher, iOS iOS 16 and higher (USB-C devices only), Android 12 and higher.