If you’re on the hunt for a no-frills podcast microphone, the Shure MV7X may be what you’re looking for. This is a straightforward option that requires no technical know-how. As long as you have a podcast mixer, you can start recording immediately.
This guide walks through the Shure MV7X so you can decide whether or not it works for your business podcast. It also lists a few alternatives if it doesn’t offer what you need.
Want a quick summary of what to expect?
Let’s get started with a high-level overview.
- The Shure MV7X at a glance
- Shure MV7X features
- Setting up the Shure MV7X
- Shure MV7X performance in podcasting
- Shure MV7X vs. MV7
- Where to buy the Shure MV7X
- Other Shure podcast microphones
- Alternatives to the Shure MV7X
- The bottom line on the Shure MV7X
The Shure MV7X at a glance
What does the Shure MV7X have to offer?
Get the details at a glance:
| Mic Type | Pickup Pattern | Connector Type | In the Box | Perks | Price |
| Dynamic | Cardioid | XLR | 1 3/8″ Euro Thread Adapter | Free shipping; 30 day return policy; tech support | $179.99 USD |
Shure MV7X features
The Shure MV7X is one of the simplest podcast microphones on the market. Although it doesn’t come with onboard controls like a power button or gain control, it provides plenty of power for recording business podcasts.
Here are some features of the Shure MV7X:
- Dynamic microphone rather than a condenser mic
- Frequency response rate of 50 Hz to 16,000 Hz
- Roughly 1.21 pounds per microphone
- Unidirectional (cardioid) polar pattern
- XLR output connection
- Mounts to stage stand, desktop stand, or boom arm with 5/8″-27 thread mount (not included in base package)
Shure MV7X pros
- Since the MV7X has plenty of replacement parts, you can maintain your investment for years after purchase. There’s also a two-year warranty available and a 30-day return policy (just in case you buy a lemon).
- The Shure MV7X is a dynamic microphone, which is ideal for voice recording and doesn’t require phantom power.
- Because the MV7X is a less-sensitive microphone, plosives, fricatives, and sibilances may have a smaller effect on your final mix. A windscreen and pop filter may help to manage this further.
Shure MV7X cons
- The MV7X doesn’t offer many bells and whistles. You need to purchase must-have accessories — think replacement grills, windscreens, XLR cables, and boom arms — separately. If you don’t want to buy parts piece by piece, you may want to consider a podcast equipment bundle.
- There are no onboard gain controls with the MV7X. This means you can’t control the output volume directly from the mic
- The MV7X isn’t compatible with the ShurePlus MOTIV app. This means you can’t make frequency response adjustments or enable Auto Level Mode.
- This mic is more expensive than many other competitors. Similar alternatives cost nearly $80 less (more on this later).
- The MV7X only has an XLR output which means it requires a podcast mixer or interface to use.
Setting up the Shure MV7X
The MV7X is a plug-and-play podcast microphone. Even if you’re unfamiliar with podcasting, you can get up and running relatively quickly.
You can set up the Shure MV7X in three steps:
- Connect the microphone to your podcast mixer or audio interface.
- Open your DAW of choice (or podcast editing software) and plug in your podcast headphones.
- Since there’s no power button on the Shure MV7X, you’re ready to hit record and promote your podcast.
Would you prefer to follow along with a video?
Here’s a visual guide to setting up the Shure MV7X:
Shure MV7X performance in podcasting
Although it’s considered a ‘starter’ podcast microphone, the Shure MV7X offers clear, crisp audio quality. Its reliance on patented Voice Isolation technology helps to eliminate distracting sounds such as fans, typing, and more.
Since the Shure MV7X is a dynamic mic, it’s somewhat less sensitive than condenser microphones. It’s a reliable option for capturing louder noises without distortion, although keep in mind you still need to lower the gain to protect your audience’s ears.
You can use the Shure MV7X to record instruments like guitars, although keep in mind it’s not expressly made for this purpose.
Shure MV7X vs. MV7
You can think of the Shure MV7X as a budget version of the Shure MV7.
What makes these microphones different from one another?
Just check out the chart below:
| Shure MV7X | Shure MV7 | |
| Price | $179.99 USD | $279.00 USD |
| In the Box | 1 3/8″ Euro Thread Adapter | microUSB to USB-A cable; microUSB to USB-C cable |
| Touch Panel | No | Yes |
| Connectivity | XLR | XLR and USB |
| Requires Mixer | Yes | No |
If you’re hosting a podcast on your own, you may want to opt for the MV7. It connects directly with your laptop or desktop so you don’t have to worry about audio interfaces.
If you need a podcast microphone to accommodate multiple guests, the MV7X may be a better option. You can set up an interface to mix raw audio, and then polish everything at once with your podcast editing software.
Where to buy the Shure MV7X
Most major audio distributors carry the Shure MV7X. However, there are certain advantages and disadvantages depending on where you shop.
You can buy the Shure MV7X:
- Directly from Shure. You also get free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- From BestBuy. Many locations carry stock in-store so you don’t have to wait to begin your podcasting journey.
- From Amazon. You have a few options for extended warranties here, including a three-year, four-year, and unlimited product warranty.
- From eBay. The price will be cheaper if you buy a used model, although keep in mind you may not get any warranties or refunds.
Other Shure podcast microphones
If the Shure MV7X doesn’t offer what you need, several on-brand alternatives may be worth your while.
This includes:
- The Shure MV7: Comes with hybrid USB and XLR outputs, headphone monitoring tools, and compatibility with the MOTIV App for $109.99 USD.
- The Shure SM7dB: Comes with a close-talk windscreen, built-in preamps, and EQ switches for $499.99 USD.
- The Shure KSM42: Comes with a Shurelock Rubber Suspension shock mount, Popper Stopper magnetic pop filter, zippered carrying case, protective velveteen pouch, and a spare set of rubber suspension shock mount O rings for $849.00 USD.
Alternatives to the Shure MV7X
Shure microphones aren’t the best fit for every podcaster.
If you’re looking for something similar (but with more bells and whistles), here are four competitors you may want to consider:
Presonus Revelator
There are several reasons why podcasters prefer the Presonus Revelator. Not only is it a USB microphone packaged with podcast editing software, but it also comes with onboard controls for presets, monitor output, and volume.
The Revelator is one of the first USB microphones to offer State Space-modeled analog processing — it comes with the same compressor, EQ, and Fat Channel gate you can get with podcast mixers. Then, you can store your presets directly on the mic and take them with you wherever you go.
If you’re not planning to pre-record your podcast, you can also use the Revelator to livestream your show. Just keep in mind you’ll need extra accessories (like a mic stand, boom, pop filter, and more).
Read more in our guide to the Presonus Revelator.
RØDE PodMic
The RØDE PodMic is a dynamic podcast mic designed to record the human voice. Each microphone comes with a built-in pop filter, internal shock mount, and swing mount for positioning.
Each RØDE PodMic has a two-year warranty so you don’t need to worry about losing your investment early. It also doesn’t require phantom power, making it an excellent option for traveling or in-the-field recordings.
We discuss this more in our guide to the RØDE PodMic.
Audio Technica AT2040
Many podcasters refer to the AT2040 as a ‘hypercardioid broadcast microphone’ due to its highly directional voice capture design. Like the RØDE PodMic, it has an internal shock mount and pop filter. It also comes with a foam mesh windscreen to better offset unwanted pops and plosives.
The AT2040 thrives in untreated recording environments, which makes it an excellent choice for field recordings. Just keep in mind it’s not as light as other microphones — the extra weight may slow down your podcasting setup.
See how the Audio Technica AT2040 compares in our comprehensive guide.
Samson Q2U
For the ultimate budget alternative for podcasting, the Samson Q2U is the model you need. This mic is half the price of the MV7X while providing a similar level of audio quality.
The Q2U comes with several accessories, including a mic clip, windscreen, tripod stand, and cables. However, you still need to purchase podcast editing software to adjust the sound or use an AI alternative such as Adobe Podcast Enhance.
The bottom line on the Shure MV7X
If you’re looking for the simplest podcast microphone, the Shure MV7X may be your best bet. It’s easy to use and straightforward to set up, and with so few bells and whistles, it’s a great option for newer podcasters.
Are you looking to kick off your podcasting journey? The Podcast Consultant can offer support. We’ve helped hundreds of people (including some of the world’s biggest brands) launch shows, improve their production processes, and put tedious tasks on autopilot.
Learn more about how we can help with your podcast by booking a discovery call today.