When starting a live stream, many people struggle with how to set up the audio environment, even after preparing their camera, lighting, and content. Choosing the right microphone can be particularly challenging due to the many options available.

This article compares three popular microphones from Shure, a company known for producing professional-grade microphones. Their reputation for quality means even beginners can use them with confidence.

By reading this article, you’ll be able to determine which microphone—MV6, MV7+, or MV7i—suits you best.

Editor Sudachi

Microphones used by professionals seem complicated…

Shure is indeed loved by professionals, but they also have models that are friendly for beginners.

Umazura, Gear Expert

Fookah Omoi

Finding that “just right one” is the mission this time!

If you aim for “good sound,” start with these three microphones

Editor Sudachi

I was only focusing on aesthetics, but is sound really that important?

Not just important! Poor sound quality can drive viewers away in just three seconds!

Umazura, Gear Expert

Fookah Omoi

Wait, three seconds?! Sound is that important?!
Sudachi-kun, you can’t just focus on looks!

Editor Sudachi

Yes… I apologize.

Issues such as “muffled sound” or “distracting background noise” during streaming can usually be resolved through careful microphone selection. However, many newcomers often feel overwhelmed when trying to decide which microphone to choose. Let’s start by looking at some common audio issues.

New streamers often face various sound quality problems. Using a microphone suited for your purpose can quickly resolve these issues.

• The built-in microphone in a webcam picks up keyboard typing sounds.
• The sound from headset microphones often sounds thin and compressed.
• Volume levels are inconsistent, which forces viewers to constantly adjust their volume.

Quick Specs Comparison: Three Microphones in Numbers

Now, let’s take a look at three models from Shure’s MV series, which are extremely popular among streamers. Here are the basic specs of the three microphones:

Three Key Features Behind Pro-Grade Audio

While their specs may differ, all three microphones inherit Shure’s expertise, refined over decades of professional audio development.

Here are three strengths that every Shure microphone in this lineup has in common.

Dynamic Mics That Cut Through Ambient Noise

Dynamic microphones are ideal for streaming because they’re designed to reject background noise and focus on your voice.

Shure’s Voice Isolation Technology takes this even further by using the mic’s structure and cardioid pattern to block sound from the sides and rear. This makes the microphones easy to use even in untreated rooms.

DSP That Automatically Optimizes Your Sound

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) automatically optimizes your audio inside the microphone, helping you achieve polished, professional sound with minimal effort.

Key DSP features include:

• Auto Level Mode
  Adjusts gain automatically based on your vocal dynamics, keeping your voice consistently clear.
• Real-Time Denoiser
  Reduces continuous background noise such as PC fans or air conditioning.
• Digital Popper Stopper™
  Automatically suppresses plosive sounds like “P” and “T.”

With these DSP tools, even first-time streamers can achieve broadcast-ready audio.

Easy Control with the MOTIV Mix™ App

The MOTIV Mix™ app is a free tool that enhances how you use your Shure microphone. It’s also the only way to control DSP functions such as gain, noise reduction, and processing presets.

The interface is clean and intuitive, with mixer-style sliders for each channel. You can control your mic, game audio, and BGM all from one screen—making it much easier to manage overall stream balance.

You can also update your microphone’s firmware directly through the app, ensuring you’re always using the latest features.

While MOTIV Mix™ is designed for desktop, Shure also offers MOTIV Audio and MOTIV Video apps for mobile devices.

• MOTIV Audio
  A high-quality recording app enabling advanced controls such as gain management, a 5-band EQ, limiter, and compressor—along with uncompressed WAV recording and editing.

• MOTIV Video
  Includes all audio controls from MOTIV Audio plus pro-grade video features, up to 4K recording depending on device capability, and direct live streaming to YouTube, Twitch, and more.

How to Choose Among the Three Models

As discussed above, all three Shure models deliver clear, noise-resistant vocal capture. Here’s a breakdown of who each mic is best suited for—including strengths, limitations, and use-case recommendations.

Shure MV6 — A Plug-and-Play Mic Perfect for Gamers

Recommended For

Ideal for new streamers on YouTube or Twitch who want great sound without diving into complex audio settings. If you prefer a simple “plug in and go” workflow, the MV6 is a great starting point.

Key Features of the MV6

• Simple USB-C connection
  Works right out of the box, and includes a desktop stand—no extra hardware needed.
• Auto Level Mode
  Automatically adjusts volume, keeping your voice easy to hear in any situation.
• Real-Time Denoiser
  Reduces ambient noise from fans and HVAC.
• Tap-to-Mute Button
  Mutes instantly with a light tap on the top of the mic.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely easy to use with excellent sound quality
• Clear, well-balanced audio
• The most affordable option in the lineup

It’s ready to go out of the box, delivers clean audio, and is priced well—making it ideal for beginners or as a reliable secondary mic.

Cons

• USB-C only (no XLR option)
• Included USB-C cable is 1m long (may be short depending on desk setup)
• Desktop stand does not allow height adjustment
• Real-Time Denoiser may struggle with intermittent or sudden noises
• Not ideal for music production or high-end podcasting

If you want deeper audio customization or plan to build a more advanced setup, you may eventually outgrow the MV6.

The Power of Simplicity

The MV6’s single USB-C connection is a major advantage for beginners. Multiple connection types can create unnecessary confusion, but with USB-C only, you get a clear and simple setup that “just works.”

Fookah Omoi

This looks like something even Sudachi, who’s not good with equipment, could handle!

That reaction perfectly matches our target audience. The MV6’s greatest strength is that it’s “use without hesitation.”

Umazura, Gear Expert

Editor Sudachi

For someone like me just starting streaming, or anyone not good with equipment, it’s really helpful to have a design where you don’t have to think too much!

Shure MV7+ — A Highly Expandable Mic for the Future

Who It’s For

Ideal for those starting with streaming who also want to venture into podcasts, YouTube, or music recording in the future. Perfect for users who want easy USB setup now, but eventually plan to connect to professional gear and care about the mic’s appearance.

Features of the MV7+

• Hybrid Connectivity (USB-C & XLR)
  Start easily with USB-C now and switch to XLR later for professional audio interfaces without having to buy a new mic.
• Customizable LED Touch Panel
  Functions as a live audio meter to visually monitor input levels, with touch controls for muting and other adjustments.
• Built-in Reverb Effects
  Offers plate, hall, and studio reverb, making it suitable for music production or creating atmospheric streams.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Clear and warm vocal sound
• Rich, full sound comparable to the SM7B at a relatively affordable price
• High versatility with dual outputs
• Long-lasting investment—buy once, use for years

The XLR input allows professional-level recording via an audio interface, and the rare feature of simultaneous USB & XLR output provides extremely flexible usage.

Cons

• Stand must be purchased separately (stand kits are also available)
• LED touch panel can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental inputs
• When using XLR, DSP and auto-level features available via USB are disabled

It’s unfortunate that DSP features only work with USB. Using the mic solely via XLR may feel slightly overpriced at this tier.

The Strength of Expandability

The MV7+ serves as a bridge, helping beginner streamers smoothly transition into the professional Shure ecosystem. There’s no need to replace the mic as you grow, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.

Fookah Omoi

So it can be used for both beginner streams and professional setups?

Exactly. You can start off casually, and once you get the hang of it, seamlessly step up to a full professional setup.

Umazura, Gear Expert

Editor Sudachi

“From first-time streams to pro setups” — that’s kind of inspiring…

Shure MV7i — A Microphone That Handles Two Sources at Once

Who It’s For

Ideal for those who want to record podcasts or streams in an interview or conversational format without adding extra equipment. Perfect for anyone looking to “invite guests to chat” or “connect a second microphone or instrument.”

Key Features of the MV7i

• Acts as an audio interface
  You can connect a second microphone or instrument directly to the MV7i without needing an external audio interface.
• SmartGate™ for automatic volume control
  The volume of the inactive speaker is automatically lowered, making interviews and conversations flow smoothly.
• Connects to smartphones and tablets
  Plug into your phone or tablet via USB-C for a high-quality two-channel recording setup.
• Phantom power support
  Allows connection of condenser microphones.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Two-channel support, ideal for solo performances and conversational recordings
• All-in-one solution that simplifies two-channel recording
• DSP features can be applied to the second input
• No need to purchase a separate audio interface

Its unique functionality is hard to find elsewhere, making it an excellent choice for solo performance streams.

Cons

• If you don’t need to handle multiple sources, other models may be more suitable
• Can only output via USB-C, so it cannot function as a standalone XLR mic; additional microphones are needed to take full advantage of two-channel recording
• Compatibility with mobile devices depends on the connectors

The interface for controlling two inputs can feel a bit cumbersome. A simultaneous display rather than a tab-based switch would make operation more intuitive.

The Strength of an All-in-One Solution

The MV7i isn’t just a microphone; it’s an all-in-one solution that solves the “two-source problem.” It saves you the hassle and cost of buying an external audio interface or setting up complex wiring, offering value beyond its price.

Fookah Omoi

It automatically adjusts the volume even when two people are talking!?

That’s the SmartGate™ at work. No manual tweaks or adjustments needed.

Umazura, Gear Expert

Editor Sudachi

In other words, it solves the “mute the mic when not talking” problem…!

Choosing the Right Microphone for You

So far, we’ve looked at three microphones, and you might be wondering, “Which one is really right for me?”
Here, we’ll break down the unique traits of each model and highlight recommended points based on different streaming styles.

The Personality of Each Microphone

• MV6: A simple, beginner-friendly mic (ready to use right out of the box)
• MV7+: A versatile mic for now and the future (highly expandable)
• MV7i: A multi-functional mic for multiple sources (optimized for 2-channel recording)

[Video Comparison] Hear the Sound Quality of All Three Mics

Shure MV6, MV7+, MV7i Comparison by Streaming Style

If you’re unsure which model to choose, check out the comparison table below. It helps you identify the best mic based on your streaming style and future plans.

Quick Decision Guide

• If you want a simple, easy-to-set-up mic for solo gaming → MV6
• If you’re solo for now but plan to expand later, prioritizing versatility → MV7+
• If you want to host guests or include instruments, prioritizing multiple audio sources → MV7i

Conclusion — Choose the Mic That Fits You Best

There’s no one-size-fits-all perfect microphone. What matters most is choosing a mic that suits the way you plan to use it.

Wrapping Up — Gear as Your Support

Umazura, Gear Expert

No matter how good a microphone is, mastering it depends on you!

Choosing quality gear means you can stop worrying about the equipment itself. Once you’re free from concerns about sound quality, you can focus on your content and community engagement.

However, great gear alone doesn’t make a great stream. The balance between your content and your tools determines the outcome. Selecting a mic is just part of the preparation — these Shure models help you concentrate on your content without distraction.

Umazura, Gear Expert

Ultimately, “sound” is the behind-the-scenes support — it doesn’t show, but it’s the most important part.

[During Podcast Recording] Check Out Real-World Sound Samples

We’ll be releasing podcasts using each mic on “Podcast B-Men no Tezawari” in late November.

Stay tuned and look forward to the release!

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If you’re interested in the microphones we tested, check the official Shure websites for details:
MV6: https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv6?variant=MV6
MV7+: https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7?variant=MV7%252B-K
MV7i: https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7i?variant=MV7i

Equipment provided by: Shure Japan Corporation
Review by: Umazura