@@smokusmokk Wait... Why does the MV7 sound so much better here? Every other comparison I heard made the SM7B sound much better than the MV7. The MV7 would sound thin and tinny in comparison, as where here it's the opposite. What is this trickery.
He’s right, part of the reason why I decided on the SM7dB is because I love the way it looks, and I like the idea that I look “more official” with one.
I had this weird suspicion that the "dark" setting in the Motiv app was Shure's attempt at making the MV7 sound more like the SM7b. I made two recordings of myself reading the same poem: once through the MV7 connected by USB and set to dark, and once with the SM7b through my Scarlett 2i2 with no post-processing other than normalizing them to the same volume. Then I alternated snippets of the poem back and forth - and while there's *some* difference it's crazy how seamless it turned out. The bass response and buildup are comparable. Both fought off sibilance equally well. It's shocking how similar the dark setting on the MV7 sounds to the unprocessed 7b. And I'm listening through a great pair of Adam T5Vs. So to anyone who wants that SM7b sound out of their MV7, just connect through USB and use the dark setting in Motiv.
I just got the MV7. Wow, such a difference. Been through several awful low end mics including yeti nano. This thing had me not just talking but even singing passably in just 5 minutes once I got it home! And no bizarre audio sounds like I have been overwhelmed with so often.
you are the best man. The blind test is the only truth how you can hear a difference. I bought at first the MV7+, the next day the SM7B, the day after it was my final decision the MV7+. I could here the difference, I liked both, but more the MV7+. You nailed it!!
I totally feel that way too. I had the feeling, that the SM7B just lacked “voice volume” and sounded a bit flat…. What a bummer… I was really cracked to get the sm7b and now I’m leaning more towards the MV7 😬
@@Jaburu well, I've been working with audio equipment for a few months now, and my opinion about the SM7's still is a neutral to negative one, I don't think it's a bad microphone, after all, it's not, but I absolutely hate it's default sound profile most of the time, because people don't even try to avoid the proximity effect, I've heard some people like it even, wtf? Whatever, it's too dark and bass heavy even for Dynamic Mics standards, which makes it incredible for some situations, but my choice in that price range is definitely the RE20, I mean, if it costed the price of 2 SM7dB's, I'd still rather buy a RE20 Edit: fixed some typos
I bought the MV7 The audio sounds good and I love having a microphone close to my face that I also speak into the top of. I'm also really creeped out at how what you said about us consumers wanting to validate our craft by buying the SM7B hit so hard
I was vacillating between the MV7 and a few other options out there. I made my final decision to get the MV7 after watching this video. I didn't need the USB option so I went with the more cost-effective XLR-only version; MV7x. I thoroughly enjoy your content. Keep it coming!
I have an MV7 I use to switch back and forth between a MacBook setup where I take all my work calls on a daily basis and my PC which I use for Discord and streaming. The MV7 offers flexibility with the usb/xlr that the SM7B just doesn’t.
My blue yeti broke and I've ordered a mv7 (after watching your video) as I have always wanted to try a Shure product. This seems more than enugh for me and I wanted to thank you for this amazing review, very detailed and well explained. You're a cool dude. ❤
I use an MV7 and I have no qualms about it. I upgraded the windscreen to the SM7B version which helps a good amount on the plosives. The problem with beginners and the SM7B is exactly what you mentioned, it's an expensive mic but you'll also need decent gear to power it. So if you buy everything brand new, you could easily run into $800-$1000 by the time it is all said and done vs the MV7 which is good to go out of the box. If you have the equipment already to power the SM7B, then that's a good thing, but I don't think a lot of people realize the financial investment it is. Shure knew what they were doing with this mic. It's definitely built like a tank, but needed a few compromises in order to bring in a lower price but to also ensure that they didn't completely eliminate the want for the SM7B. I could've done without the side branding but you could plastidip it if you wanted to get rid of it.
@@AudioHaze I know what you mean, Beyerdynamics and AKG did this with their headphones. Their headphones which were originally 600 ohms now have 32 or 55 ohm variants. I feel like Shure wouldn't do it because Shure has that legacy that people look up to. If they released a noob friendly SM7, people would not see it as "official" or as "high end" as the SM7 because it would then be easy to drive.
@@LeSaff Yeah I'm eating my words. I hate how the 7db has Shure branding visible on the mic. I was annoyed the MV7 did it but now one of their flagship products?
@@nerdyneedsalife8315 I admit that it doesn't bother me at all. On the other hand, I really don't see what's beautiful about an SM7b! It looks like a suppository lol. Plus, I'm always wary of products that are too successful. Especially this kind of success. Just like the blue Yeti (completely outdated) or the Scarlett solo or 2i2 (which cost double the price compared to their performance). In fact, I find the size and rounded shape of the mv7 much more attractive. A matter of taste. But above all, I think the SM7b is an excellent mic if it is tuned by a pro. A beginner is likely to be very disappointed. This is what the mv7 offers. Moreover, in the video, the criticisms made of the software to adjust it do not take this into account. This is a microphone aimed at people who want to produce quality content without being a sound engineer and who know nothing about eq, compression, etc. This is often the criticism I make of all these tests: You must first ask yourself who this product is aimed at and for what uses it is intended. It's like testers who don't understand why there is a foot that they consider too low. They complain but don't try to understand the reason. Quite simply, not everyone wants to have their mouth glued to the microphone or the microphone visible (conferences, coaches, teachers, etc.)
I have the MV7 and I use the windscreen pop filter from the SM7B as I have seen it suggested many times online. It really does help with the plosives. Your review was very good and extremely relatable on so many levels. At the end, I could totally tell that you were using XLR/USB functionalities simultaneously for the first two mics. It was impressive and they sounded nearly identical to my ears. Thanks again for your review!
I did not think twice. When I upgraded my studio I went with the MV7. I was using a blu yeti before and can say it was a massive improvement in audio. I had wanted the Shure SM7B for years. But when the time came to upgrade I found out about the MV7. After watching a few videos it became clear the MV7 was the better mic. Not only is it cheaper but it offers more flexibility and in my opinion has slightly better audio quality. As for looks I don't care for the huge Shure lettering on the sides. With that said I do like the look of the shorter canister much more then the SM7B but that's just me.
I think this is the path I'm going too, yeti to mv7. I think the dual use nature appeals to me, if I have to use it with my laptop I don't have to take a full set up, just a USB cable.
That end of video explanation of the psychology of the sm7b was intense 😆 I don't think everyone thinks like that. In fact, I have the mic and bought it for plosive rejection, flat tone and as the only mic I will ever need. 90% of the content I make doesn't involve video or with the mic in the frame.
Totally, not everyone does :) but as a mic reviewer, I can confirm that many people do! Gear lust is 100% a thing, especially in audio and music (and cameras….and bikes..so all of my hobbies….)
@@AudioHaze I see you using Open Back headphones with SM7B. I would like to know if you face issues with noise leaking out of the headphones into the mic while streaming or gaming or attending video calls etc. If yes how do you deal with it. What settings you recommend. I plan to get SM7B + iD 4 MKII setup while using my HD800S headphones. Please what will be your advise.
Listening to your audio comparison at the end and honestly I like the sound of the mv7 idk if it just sounds richer, deeper or something but I like it better
Holy crap was not expecting those results. I've used the SM7b for every album I've made with my band, and preferred Mics 1 and 2 the whole time, while really disliking mic 3 (of course, the kind of voice talking through the mic also affects the overall quality). Interesting and extremely helpful. Thanks!
this video is something I was watching when deciding between mv7+ and sm7db. so after purchase and testing I came back to offer some insight for others who may be shopping. I am a recording artist who has worked in pro studios for over twenty years. when my music began to make less money, it became far too expensive to pay studio time for my records. I started at home with the mv7 through xlr into my very cheap interface and I ended up with a sound that was actually quite enjoyable, easy to send off for mixing and very clear. The issue with the mic was as a recording artists who already has albums out that sound a specific way with a specific vocal tone, the mv7 was not able to give me that warmth that was required for me personally to achieve the sound i am used to having. I think this could be easily fixed with a better interface or something with more options. for someone who is not chasing a previous sound, I would recommend the mv7+ all day and you will craft a really clean sound for yourself that can be mixed very easily. In the end i ended up with a sm7db and the extra clean gain paired with the darkness of the sm7b is very close to the sound of raw vocals I was paying for from a pro studio with tube mics and amps.
Bueno, después de esta comparación creo que compraré el MV7. Me puse los auriculares a ver si podía escuchar alguna diferencia y si hay alguna es tan mínima que ni se nota el cambio de mic. Así que ya no tengo dudas. Me voy con el MV7. Gracias por este video💪🏻🔥🔥
I’ve tried many mics before especially since I’m in my university’s studio fairly often. I always hated the way my voice sounded on every microphone they had (yes even the really expensive ones) but when they took out the SM7b and recorded my vocals with no EQ or compression I almost cried because it was the exact sound that I wanted. I have a very high voice with a lot of treble but can sing pretty low and I loved the way my high nights didn’t sound thin like with all the other microphones I’ve used and my low notes sounded full. I’ve never used the MV7 so I didn’t want to risk buying a product that I’m not sure about when I already know what my vocals sound like with the SM7b and am happy with it.
Given the extra cost of the SM7B and also of buying an audio interface and cloud lifter, the MV7 (connected via USB) seems the far better value since the difference in audio quality seems to be very minimal to my ears.
it has a noticeable difference, i do personally think getting the sm7b + the audio interface and cloud lifter is worth it, especially for such clear audio.
@@wrevel. thanks. Have you used the SM7B in order to draw a comparison with the MV7? I’ve only used the MV7. It’s not bad but the voice on my videos still isn’t great. I’m not using it in the best acoustic environment though - in a kitchen with tiled floors and near a large patio window.
@@TheKayakCrew i have not purchased an sm7b quite yet, i do plan on getting one though. so i'll let you know. i do think the sm7b with some processing would be the best, but it also depends on how your voice sounds. however with the sm7b, theres some settings on the back that can change a few things like a bass thing, i forget exactly what. so yeah
@@wrevel. Thanks. I've had the MV7 for almost 12 months now. I did actually order an SM7B at the same time to try them both to compare but ended up returning the SM7B, cloudlifter, XLR cable and Scarlett audio input box unopened. I wish I'd at least tried them now tbh. I think what put me off was that the total cost of everything to connect the SM7B was over £600 while the MV7 was only £200, plus the MV7 was way easier to connect with just one USB cable . That said, if there was a significant improvement in the sound with the SM7B setup then I'd pay the difference.
I got 2 MV7 xlr mics.. zero regrets. When I eventually get a sm7b that will be for my host desk and the MV7s will become guest mics. They sound absolutely amazing and they look great in my opinion. I’m very stoked on them.
I liked the sm7b for the clarity and lack of crackle in your voice. I do think it sounds flatter, but clearer. I got an sm7b and have struggled a little getting out of the muddy range but people seem to like the sound better (by a comment worthy amount) than my previous mics. I lucked out though, and got a new sm7b for not much more than $100. It wasn't expensive, a cloudlifter new for only about $80. Wasn't a bad deal at all and liking the sound overall for clarity (probably why I picked it out of the lineup).
I was going to buy the SM7B but after watching your brilliant review I have decided to go for the MV7. The reason being it sounded cleaner with more presence while retaining the low end and no messing around with preamps and signal boosters.
i had been using a $40 mic + OBS filters + eq's and etc in my editing software, for over a year. It was lacking to the least, and just more time in post. But i finally had to do something, and after a bunch of research I got the mv7+ a few weeks ago. didn't even know there was additional software until a week ago... should have read that manual 😅 but it helped tuning it better than just the audio eq's and etc in my editing software. I'm still tuning a bit, but so far I'm liking it. I didn't want xlr and have to buy the xtra hardware. sure, you'd have more control, i've used mixer boards and such in the past _(not for yt)_ . But I make faceless videos and just needed good reliable solid simple mic. And I think the mv7+ gives me that. EDIT: someone should 3d Print a lower cover that makes the mv7+ to look like the SM7B then just get a longer windscreen to match the SM7B's 😂 2nd EDIT: WOW 😳 the blind test, the SM7B sounded WORSE! Was not expecting that at all. When listening to it, **I thought** mic 1 was SM7B, mic 2 was MV7+, and the 3rd mic was that one hand held one. really surprised. Even more glad I bought the MV7+ 😁 Still need to learn to tune it better.
Great video, you pushed me over the edge regarding the MV7, especially the blind test in the end. I could barely hear any difference between 1&2 (if you forced me to choose I'd prefer 1), but 3 sounded legitimately awful to me. Before the results came in, I really hoped that MV7 USB would be among 1&2, because that's what I wanted to go for. Any waddayaknow ... thanks a lot!
In the Audio test I actually enjoyed the MV7 in usb the most which I was not expecting, I thought that mic 3 was the mv7 in usb config but it was actually the sm7b.
Got an MV7. Love it. Use Reaper to adjust the gate, EQs, compressor to sound great. People think that you *need* an SM7B, but they also need post-processing to make your voice sound good. With the proper post-processor or DAW, you can get both mics to sound great.
So you have the DAW open then when you speak or how does that work? I feel like the DAW would take up too much power from the computer, at least if you are streaming or something. :) Now I haven't checked how much power it takes inawhile though since I got a new computer.
you successfully deinfluenced me, i've canceled my sm7b order and ordered the mv7+ (shure doesn't seem to have the original on their site anymore, and i like the led thingy lol). your video showed me the mv7 fits my use case just as well as (if not better than) the sm7b. thank you for making this video.
I just started production streaming and i used my singing Mic (Rode NT-1). It got on my nerves easily so i wanted a mic that fitted my voice and is a bit versatile. I went with the SM7b and i have to say, i‘m gonna send it back as soon as possible. Don‘t get me wrong, it sounds beautiful for talking, but everytime i record singing or Instruments, i always went back to the Rode. For my use it’s not worth the 400 bucks. Gonna buy the MV7 as soon as i get my money back :)
Excellent video. I do have two points though. With the SM7B having the capsule set back a few inches, you should've maybe had the mic positioned a few inches closer to you when doing the test, which would've made the sound more full/bassy (proximity effect), and maybe then the two mics would've sounded more similar, tone wise. Also, what settings did you have the switches on the SM7B set to? This may account for the two mics sounding as different as they did, if for example you had the High Pass Filter on, and/or the upper mid boost switched on. From pausing the video at 1:25 it looks like the High Pass Filter IS switched on (on the SM7B), but that may not have been the settings you used when recording the test. Either way, as a recording studio owner who has used SM7Bs thousands of times, that MV7 sounds very good to my ears. :)
I dunno...The logical part of me tells me I need to buy MV7, but I'm just in love with SM7B. Also, I've guessed SM7B correctly and really liked it more. It sounds softer, I think, which is desirable
Was considering the SM7B or the MV7 (despite not liking the design, branding like that need to go the way of the dodo bird). Ended up purchasing a SM57 with a windscreen instead. I like the sound of that one just as much, and it's durable enough to double as a hammer in an emergency. Despite being cheaper than the SM7B the price of the MV7 is still about twice that of the SM57, so in a world where the SM57/58 exist I just don't see how the MV7 makes sense in the current market (at least in my location)...
Got my SM7B with GoXLR and I love this mic. It's timeless design is really my favorite so it'll never feel old. It came out in 2001 and everyone I've asked couldn't believe it was really that old. Of course the SM7 looked the same but the SM7B was the upgraded internals of that microphone. My favorite part is the classic XLR input on the shock mount, so you don't have those XLR cables sticking out so much like other XLR mics do, it's brilliant and they nailed it with this type of design. If I were to go for vocals(I'm not a singer or nothing btw) I'd choose the Neumann u87 or the cheaper option, Neumann TLM 103 as those microphones have an even better flat frequency response making EQ'ing easier and they're brighter sounding microphones. If money wasn't an object, the SM7B still has my #1 spot and it's my #1 favorite looking microphone for sure.
Yeah man, I feel like the SM7B has the alltime best mechanical design. I love the integrated yoke with the XLR jack at the top of it. It's such a neat package that I've seen copied but never beaten. Like you said, it's a timeless design. I'm an RE20 guy, I have both, and I like being able to see through my RE20's massive shockmount - it lets me get the mic down & out of the way more than the shure. But I still love the SM7B design, they nailed it and I don't know if anybody ever beats it.
@@anthonymoscon18 Every now and then. Just checked if there was a new update and there's not, last time I had an update was maybe 2 months ago or a tad bit longer.
@no name I'm getting an audio setup and I'm not sure to get an sm7b or re20. I'm naturally a tenor so my my speaking voice is in the mid to upper range aka higher pitched do you have any recommendations you can give me?
All too often people buy mics based on popularity rather than their actual use case. The SM7b has become a status symbol rather than the right tool for the job for many creators. Not saying that the SM7b is a bad mic, it just might not be the right mic for every use. People really need to go to a store and test what mic is best for their voice and use. For most people a $20 to $100 mic will be better for them especially for TH-cam channel. I record more people than just myself so I tend to like more flat sounding budget mics. They are usually easier to eq to fit the talents voice. If the talent walks in with their own mic and says that's what they like for their voice, shure, I'll use that.
I used to rock a sm57 on my vocals since I primarily used the mic to record my amp (5150 with some v30's). I eventually just started using amp sims in the daw as it was way more convenient. Being able to change tones on the fly without having to re-amp or re-record was super nice. Since I didn't need my Sm57 anymore, sold it for a xm8500 that I rehoused in a gutted cheap condenser mic I bought off aliexpress for a few bucks. The thing was great - sounded rock solid and looked awesome too. I upgraded to a 7b about a year ago as my final desk mic and I couldn't be happier. Sounds great when I'm laying down vocal tracks and sounds great when I'm talking to friends in discord. Cannot complain. Mind you I am running the 7b through a cloudlifter and an SSL2 interface. Anyway, cool video! well done
The sound of the SM7B sounded way better. Most people don't have thousands of dollars to spend on dozens of mics and gears. They want to get the mic that will solve the problem, once and for all, that is why, when they can afford they buy the SM7B.
At first, I went with the MV7, mainly because of price. Didnt get the desired sound I was after. Luckily Best buy allowed me a refund. Ran over to Guitar Center, bought the sm7b and cloudlifter. Very glad I did. At that point in time I had a bit more money saved up so it was nice. Got a goXLR mini as well. Didnt "need" the cloudlifter but i ended up hanging onto it. Anyway, both good mics. Different people will prefer one over the other and thats the beauty of us all having different voices and preferences. I may have been mostly hit in the head with the sm7 craze as of the last few years. Regardless, im glad i didnt stay with something only to wish i would have spent more to get what I really wanted. I realize the mic setup is upwards to a thousand dollars and NO i am not swimming in cash by any means. Im mostly paycheck to paycheck. But I love my hobbies, and hey, im not out being self destructive using drugs or something so whats the harm. I recently got a 40 series GPU and that took all but a year to save up for. Things dont come fast for me but I love what I have and cherish my equipment :) By the way, I'm nearing a decade sober.... so it feels good to have nice things and not have sell them shortly after. Life is good.
I recently got the MV7 and although I think the sound quality overall is very good, I'm still heavily considering sending it back and getting the SM7B instead as honestly this was the microphone I always wanted. It was only when I saw that the MV7 was cheaper that I decided to get that instead, but I am still having second thoughts about not just biting the bullet at paying the extra for the 7B. What do you think? Is it worth spending the extra and getting the 7B instead?
Great video. I think you nailed it. The MV7 is more practical and even sounds better IMO. We just buy with our eyes and not our ears most times. I have the MV7x (because the usb and bad software are not appealing to me) and love it. I just wish it didn't have the giant shure logo on it. Actually makes it look cheaper to be honest.
Wow, I'm shocked with that result, honestly I was thinking mic 3 was like some extra mic you brought in or maybe the USB for the MV7, it sounded easily the worst out of the bunch... Thank you sooo much, you may have saved me about 300 dollars, cause I'm thinking of just getting the MV7x after hearing about it.
> it doesn't matter if the cheaper mic is just as good, you probably want the SM7B anyway Yeah, definitely. Microphones are a hobby item for me. I don't spend money on clothes, I wear $5 shirts and my wallet is a piece of cardboard folded in half inside a ziplock sandwich bag. But I like microphones and I use them daily in my line of work. With audio processing, you can ~essentially make nearly any microphone sound however you want it to. But these mics sit in front of my face all day, I see this thing and interact with it on a daily basis. I budgeted for and bought the microphones that I wanted. I'm an RE20 guy for my daily driver, but I got a variety of other mics in the locker as well to play with including an SM7B. And I'm honest with myself, I don't need any of these but I like having them in my toolkit. I enjoy the design and build quality of mics like the SM7B and am not interested in the newer budget mics. I barely use my u87ai, but man it feels good to record something every time I take it out for a spin.
I retired my Blue Yeti and bought one of these and a GoXLR. It's insane how much better the quality is. I'm really disappointed that it uses micro USB instead of USB-C though, ESPECIALLY considering one of the included cables is a micro-to-C cable.
I'm all on board... Not to be negative but I googled Gulfoss directly and got their $250 CAD price. I then followed your Gulfoss link thinking there was a fantastic deal to be found. ... The link yielded the same $250 CAD. I don't think soundtheory is honoring your discount, whether that's a time or location thing, I don't know. It might just be expired or invalid in Canada. I mean... maybe it's my browser add-ons/extensions... In any case, Gulfoss is almost certainly getting my money soon, affiliate link or discount or otherwise.
Ok, you're 100% right about psychology at the end there... At the start of the video, when the mics were visible, I liked the SM7B more - it sounded less boomy, brighter, more even in general. Then the blind tests rolled out. Mic 3 was out immediately, "WOW that's overboosted trash, the USB could be better". 1 and 2 were so close that i didn't pick out a difference in mid bass until after replaying the part a couple of times. "Huh, the 2 mics are actually much more similar than I initially thought". I can't describe how shocked I was when the results weren't: Mic 1 - SM7B Mic 2 - MV7 XLR Mic 3 - MV7 USB Got it right at the 2nd test, I've been educated. Thank you for making these videos 😭
You might have been bamboozled twice, sounded like the SM7b is further away from the source with a laidback read. MV7’s takes are full on proximity effected, with close and intimate read. The guy has pro level voice over skills…😀
Yeah, I checked in software later and my reaction of the SM7b being "overboosted" came from it being mixed a good 4-6dB louder than the MV7 in the first blind test, and its mids made that even worse :P The volume is more even throughout the rest of the video. Dunno about the difference in delivery, the takes sound about the same to me.
I've had the mv7 for 2 years now, bought the sm7b pop filter to go with it instead of the one it comes with... and I have no interest in changing it for a sm7b. some recommendations for music vocals on a mv7, I'd suggest between a 12 - 18db input on the shure app, for clean singing I go for 16.5 - 18. for my metal screamy vocals I'm usually at a 16.5 to try and prevent some clipping. If you find it difficult to get enough umph when adding compressors in daw, try going with a light/medium level compression from the shure app. light will just give enough for even audio and is great for vocals. medium is great for very poppy upfront vocals, or for a podcast type of voice, heavy... I don't really use. (don't use any of the presense, lowpass,highpass things. just leave it flat. do all of that in daw... it's much better) not saying you can never use them... you might find use for it, but not me.
If the audio is going in a video, just edit in Resolve and get your audio dialed in with Fairlight. It's all-in-one; there's not a better video editing workflow out there.
I like the mv7 more tbh, smaller and the white color is cool. I got the XLR one and really liked the way it looked, too bad I didn't realize I needed an audio interface so had to return it for the USB one.
I went with the MV7x, since I didn't need the USB option. It's fantastic. I did end up putting a cloudlifter in line for some cleaner gain, but you don't "need" it. I just liked it. I highly recommend the MV7x.
whaaaat. In blind test 1 is amazing. 2 is very hard to tell the difference from the 1, but I kinda prefer 1. And then I was like wtf is 3?? I hear the room and I just dont like it. 1 is amazing. Nice test, thanks! I just wish that mic was not so ugly.. Looks like a blender from a kitchen..
@@KINGxDAVID94 I use OBS too but just the standard limiter and the noise suppression. I’ve never had any issues at all. I use XLR though and my mic is 6 inches away from my mouth
I bought 3 of the MV7 because of the price difference and honestly don't regret my choice. Have them running through a Rodecaster Duo and IMO the very small improvement in audio quality wouldn't be worth the extra cost for mics (I do a podcast and sometimes we have guests and need extra mics).... I agree with you though, I wanted the SM7b, and had I been able to afford 3 of them at the time I probably would have bought them for exactly the reasons that you mentioned. Also, I colored the Shure logos on the sides of the mics with Sharpie... No free advertising for them LOL
Great video, I loved the thesis. I will say that I personally think there's quite a bit of difference in the sound between the SM7b and the MV7. High end is completely different, and the low end (probably due to the capsule being 3-4" closer to the grill) is noticeably bigger. MV7 is sort of a pre-baked sound whereas the SM7 is smooth and dark and usually needs compression and EQ to make it sound "finished". Couldn't agree more about the aesthetic design.
So many people are still willing to go to war over this mic and I still find it to be the funniest thing. One of my favorite ways to achieve an sm7b style (not clone but style) is with the sm57 with the a2ws windscreen, BUT I also found out recently that it also fits on the sm58!!! if you take the metal ball windscreeen off, the body is just thin enough to cover the threading from where the wind screen screws on and it looks more or less exactly like the sm57 with the same wind screen. The sm58 logo is also still visible if you're into that look. you also get the option of putting the metal ball back on and the mic looking as iconic as ever.
@@AudioHaze and to add onto it! the sm58 has a lip where the threading ends that almost acts as a stopper for the a2ws and prevents if from getting fitted to low down on the body, so similarly to the sm7b (all though not nearly as extreme) it creates a bit of distance between you and the capsule so you don't get as much proximity effect, which honestly sounds better than just using the stock metal wind screen
Not a massive fan of the SM7B, however if you use them properly and not off Axis, the MV7 lacks richness in the low mids and lows, it always sounds thin in comparison. The highs sound narrow and closed up, I did put my Sm7B foam on the MV7 just slides on and that helps plosives. The MV7X is a better price for people who are looking at a budget mic. I'm more of an RE-20 guy. I sold.both my Mv7 and Sm7B, I got the Mv7 because my interface was not playing nice with OBS and nvidia broadcast over XLR a while back. So needed a USB solution for a bit.
I had an SM7b 10 years ago. I now have a Sennheiser MKH 416 and an MKH50. I find they don’t give me the warm bass that SM7b provides without sounding muffled. The Sennheisers are to bright and powdery for my voice. They are too harsh. I’m seriously thinking of going back to the sm7b
I have the SM7B with a fet-head. I think I tried with no booster when it was new and it got loud but with a substantial noise floor, we all need more production chops.. 😊
I was extremely surprised (as others were) by the blind test. I got Mic #1 right. But, i thought for sure Mic #3 was the MV7 via USB because it sounded the worst. Wow!
Well that's surprising. I thought Mic 1 was MV7 XLR due to the dark tones, Mic 2 SM7B due to the clearer sound and Mic 3 MV7 USB due to the noise. One trick people do is to use the SM7B pop filter on the MV7, and it works much better considering the pop filter on the MV7 is useless.
as an owner of a mv7x, I just wish it had the XLR port in the same style as the sm7b since tilting it up and down on my boom arm is more of a hassle withe having to move the cable
I heard that the MV7+ allows for a great deal of plosives. Bit of a put off. So, is sibilance but am thinking both the SM7B and MV7 are better than alternatives when dealing with painful 's' sounds.
i would be proud to use the mv7 over the sm7b ...but now after reading the comparison from shure itself i'm not sure how well it will perform in the recording studio and if it will take eq as well as the sm7b....guess i have to check it out
I’m a newbie to this world. In my initial research the SM7B was recommended over and over. My work involves a lot of online interviews, etc. I travel a lot and wish to use the microphone on the road. As I learned more about the SM7B - it became obvious that it wouldn't be so easy to travel with. Seems to me the MV7 is a better option. That is to not sacrifice a ton of quality when I’m at home, but is still fairly portable. I’m I on the right track? Need help.
I still ended up getting a fethead with the MV7 😋 it's a great microphone and for new content creators it's really the go to recommendation for me. Dynamic mics are awesome for the typical streamer/youtube home office/studio. Anytime I see someone with an SM7B I feel for their wallet, if you got the money then sure, but you get 'close enough' and more value with the MV7
I just bought the MV7. I am a logical buyer. Just wanted to prove you right... and wrong at the same time. This is confusing. Thanks 4 the review anyways.
I reallllyyyyyyy think you'd get a kick out of the Se Dynacaster. I have one, I love it, I share your opinion on the Sm7b and I'd say our voices are close.
Get the MV7 if you're a logical person....and finish the video if you have no idea wtf I'm on about ----> amzn.to/3BfewuF
or a rodecaster pro II. plug&play setup:)
@@smokusmokk Wait... Why does the MV7 sound so much better here? Every other comparison I heard made the SM7B sound much better than the MV7. The MV7 would sound thin and tinny in comparison, as where here it's the opposite. What is this trickery.
@@vITALIANv I asked that question myself. The SM7B sounds almost ... bad.
Mv7 or xm8500 @audiohaze
Mv7 is great. Use it for random things and work at zoom calls and sound like I’m on the radio and the cheap laptop or headset
He’s right, part of the reason why I decided on the SM7dB is because I love the way it looks, and I like the idea that I look “more official” with one.
I had this weird suspicion that the "dark" setting in the Motiv app was Shure's attempt at making the MV7 sound more like the SM7b. I made two recordings of myself reading the same poem: once through the MV7 connected by USB and set to dark, and once with the SM7b through my Scarlett 2i2 with no post-processing other than normalizing them to the same volume. Then I alternated snippets of the poem back and forth - and while there's *some* difference it's crazy how seamless it turned out. The bass response and buildup are comparable. Both fought off sibilance equally well. It's shocking how similar the dark setting on the MV7 sounds to the unprocessed 7b. And I'm listening through a great pair of Adam T5Vs. So to anyone who wants that SM7b sound out of their MV7, just connect through USB and use the dark setting in Motiv.
I posted the WAV file in the Discord.
Thanks a lot, getting the MV7 soon and this helps a lot.
I just got the MV7. Wow, such a difference. Been through several awful low end mics including yeti nano. This thing had me not just talking but even singing passably in just 5 minutes once I got it home! And no bizarre audio sounds like I have been overwhelmed with so often.
I need this mic my nano just doesn't sound great Im sure I can tweak it more but it's just weak.
you are the best man. The blind test is the only truth how you can hear a difference. I bought at first the MV7+, the next day the SM7B, the day after it was my final decision the MV7+. I could here the difference, I liked both, but more the MV7+. You nailed it!!
I was quite surprised in the Blind Test, I was between 1 and 2 all the time, didn't prefer 3 even once
it's not the microphone, it's your ears
I totally feel that way too. I had the feeling, that the SM7B just lacked “voice volume” and sounded a bit flat…. What a bummer… I was really cracked to get the sm7b and now I’m leaning more towards the MV7 😬
I hated 3 a could swear it was the USB one. But listen again, 3 is distorted and I doubt it's the SM7B's fault. something wrong in the gainstaging
@@Jaburu well, I've been working with audio equipment for a few months now, and my opinion about the SM7's still is a neutral to negative one, I don't think it's a bad microphone, after all, it's not, but I absolutely hate it's default sound profile most of the time, because people don't even try to avoid the proximity effect, I've heard some people like it even, wtf? Whatever, it's too dark and bass heavy even for Dynamic Mics standards, which makes it incredible for some situations, but my choice in that price range is definitely the RE20, I mean, if it costed the price of 2 SM7dB's, I'd still rather buy a RE20
Edit: fixed some typos
@@altairferoli It's probably cause of the classic radio announcer which IIRC had always that proximity effect as a trademark.
I bought the MV7
The audio sounds good and I love having a microphone close to my face that I also speak into the top of.
I'm also really creeped out at how what you said about us consumers wanting to validate our craft by buying the SM7B hit so hard
It only hits hard because I'm the same way!
I was vacillating between the MV7 and a few other options out there. I made my final decision to get the MV7 after watching this video. I didn't need the USB option so I went with the more cost-effective XLR-only version; MV7x. I thoroughly enjoy your content. Keep it coming!
I have an MV7 I use to switch back and forth between a MacBook setup where I take all my work calls on a daily basis and my PC which I use for Discord and streaming. The MV7 offers flexibility with the usb/xlr that the SM7B just doesn’t.
My blue yeti broke and I've ordered a mv7 (after watching your video) as I have always wanted to try a Shure product. This seems more than enugh for me and I wanted to thank you for this amazing review, very detailed and well explained. You're a cool dude. ❤
Hahaha SAME! My yeti bit it after YEARS and I went with the MV7X!
I use an MV7 and I have no qualms about it. I upgraded the windscreen to the SM7B version which helps a good amount on the plosives. The problem with beginners and the SM7B is exactly what you mentioned, it's an expensive mic but you'll also need decent gear to power it. So if you buy everything brand new, you could easily run into $800-$1000 by the time it is all said and done vs the MV7 which is good to go out of the box. If you have the equipment already to power the SM7B, then that's a good thing, but I don't think a lot of people realize the financial investment it is. Shure knew what they were doing with this mic. It's definitely built like a tank, but needed a few compromises in order to bring in a lower price but to also ensure that they didn't completely eliminate the want for the SM7B. I could've done without the side branding but you could plastidip it if you wanted to get rid of it.
Nice take! Sometimes I wonder why they don’t make some modifications to the SM7 and call it the SM7C, if nothing else the PR on it would be huge lol
@@AudioHaze I know what you mean, Beyerdynamics and AKG did this with their headphones. Their headphones which were originally 600 ohms now have 32 or 55 ohm variants. I feel like Shure wouldn't do it because Shure has that legacy that people look up to. If they released a noob friendly SM7, people would not see it as "official" or as "high end" as the SM7 because it would then be easy to drive.
@@nerdyneedsalife8315 well bad guess lol
There is a new SM7db 🤣🤣
@@LeSaff Yeah I'm eating my words. I hate how the 7db has Shure branding visible on the mic. I was annoyed the MV7 did it but now one of their flagship products?
@@nerdyneedsalife8315 I admit that it doesn't bother me at all. On the other hand, I really don't see what's beautiful about an SM7b! It looks like a suppository lol.
Plus, I'm always wary of products that are too successful. Especially this kind of success. Just like the blue Yeti (completely outdated) or the Scarlett solo or 2i2 (which cost double the price compared to their performance).
In fact, I find the size and rounded shape of the mv7 much more attractive. A matter of taste. But above all, I think the SM7b is an excellent mic if it is tuned by a pro. A beginner is likely to be very disappointed. This is what the mv7 offers. Moreover, in the video, the criticisms made of the software to adjust it do not take this into account. This is a microphone aimed at people who want to produce quality content without being a sound engineer and who know nothing about eq, compression, etc. This is often the criticism I make of all these tests: You must first ask yourself who this product is aimed at and for what uses it is intended. It's like testers who don't understand why there is a foot that they consider too low. They complain but don't try to understand the reason. Quite simply, not everyone wants to have their mouth glued to the microphone or the microphone visible (conferences, coaches, teachers, etc.)
I have the MV7 and I use the windscreen pop filter from the SM7B as I have seen it suggested many times online. It really does help with the plosives. Your review was very good and extremely relatable on so many levels. At the end, I could totally tell that you were using XLR/USB functionalities simultaneously for the first two mics. It was impressive and they sounded nearly identical to my ears. Thanks again for your review!
Cool! Did the pop filter attach to the Mv7 in a satisfying way?
Cool! Did the pop filter attach to the Mv7 in a satisfying way?
Cool! Did the pop filter attach to the Mv7 in a satisfying way?
Cool! Did the pop filter attach to the Mv7 in a satisfying way?
Cool! Did the pop filter attach to the Mv7 in a satisfying way?
I did not think twice. When I upgraded my studio I went with the MV7. I was using a blu yeti before and can say it was a massive improvement in audio. I had wanted the Shure SM7B for years. But when the time came to upgrade I found out about the MV7. After watching a few videos it became clear the MV7 was the better mic. Not only is it cheaper but it offers more flexibility and in my opinion has slightly better audio quality. As for looks I don't care for the huge Shure lettering on the sides. With that said I do like the look of the shorter canister much more then the SM7B but that's just me.
MV7 with SM7B pop filter is much better than SM7B
I think this is the path I'm going too, yeti to mv7.
I think the dual use nature appeals to me, if I have to use it with my laptop I don't have to take a full set up, just a USB cable.
@@1Redsaphir1 Does it fit?
@@sundaynightdrunk yes :)
@@1Redsaphir1 Wow, someone answered a question on a five-month old comment! Thanks. :)
That end of video explanation of the psychology of the sm7b was intense 😆 I don't think everyone thinks like that. In fact, I have the mic and bought it for plosive rejection, flat tone and as the only mic I will ever need. 90% of the content I make doesn't involve video or with the mic in the frame.
Totally, not everyone does :) but as a mic reviewer, I can confirm that many people do! Gear lust is 100% a thing, especially in audio and music (and cameras….and bikes..so all of my hobbies….)
@@AudioHaze look at r/mechanicalheadpens.
@@AudioHaze I see you using Open Back headphones with SM7B. I would like to know if you face issues with noise leaking out of the headphones into the mic while streaming or gaming or attending video calls etc. If yes how do you deal with it. What settings you recommend. I plan to get SM7B + iD 4 MKII setup while using my HD800S headphones. Please what will be your advise.
@@KING_DRANZER does that audio interface have enough gain by itself?
@@Tony-ui2sl Audient iD4 MkII definitely has enough to not need a Fethead or Cloudlifter.
Listening to your audio comparison at the end and honestly I like the sound of the mv7 idk if it just sounds richer, deeper or something but I like it better
Holy crap was not expecting those results. I've used the SM7b for every album I've made with my band, and preferred Mics 1 and 2 the whole time, while really disliking mic 3 (of course, the kind of voice talking through the mic also affects the overall quality). Interesting and extremely helpful. Thanks!
this video is something I was watching when deciding between mv7+ and sm7db. so after purchase and testing I came back to offer some insight for others who may be shopping. I am a recording artist who has worked in pro studios for over twenty years. when my music began to make less money, it became far too expensive to pay studio time for my records. I started at home with the mv7 through xlr into my very cheap interface and I ended up with a sound that was actually quite enjoyable, easy to send off for mixing and very clear. The issue with the mic was as a recording artists who already has albums out that sound a specific way with a specific vocal tone, the mv7 was not able to give me that warmth that was required for me personally to achieve the sound i am used to having. I think this could be easily fixed with a better interface or something with more options. for someone who is not chasing a previous sound, I would recommend the mv7+ all day and you will craft a really clean sound for yourself that can be mixed very easily. In the end i ended up with a sm7db and the extra clean gain paired with the darkness of the sm7b is very close to the sound of raw vocals I was paying for from a pro studio with tube mics and amps.
Bueno, después de esta comparación creo que compraré el MV7. Me puse los auriculares a ver si podía escuchar alguna diferencia y si hay alguna es tan mínima que ni se nota el cambio de mic. Así que ya no tengo dudas. Me voy con el MV7. Gracias por este video💪🏻🔥🔥
The price difference is truly the only advantage. I don't even think about using USB connections. The mv7 sounds pretty good.
I think the USB is 100% an advantage! Makes it super mobile and budget friendly
I’ve tried many mics before especially since I’m in my university’s studio fairly often. I always hated the way my voice sounded on every microphone they had (yes even the really expensive ones) but when they took out the SM7b and recorded my vocals with no EQ or compression I almost cried because it was the exact sound that I wanted. I have a very high voice with a lot of treble but can sing pretty low and I loved the way my high nights didn’t sound thin like with all the other microphones I’ve used and my low notes sounded full. I’ve never used the MV7 so I didn’t want to risk buying a product that I’m not sure about when I already know what my vocals sound like with the SM7b and am happy with it.
Given the extra cost of the SM7B and also of buying an audio interface and cloud lifter, the MV7 (connected via USB) seems the far better value since the difference in audio quality seems to be very minimal to my ears.
it has a noticeable difference, i do personally think getting the sm7b + the audio interface and cloud lifter is worth it, especially for such clear audio.
@@wrevel. thanks. Have you used the SM7B in order to draw a comparison with the MV7? I’ve only used the MV7. It’s not bad but the voice on my videos still isn’t great. I’m not using it in the best acoustic environment though - in a kitchen with tiled floors and near a large patio window.
@@TheKayakCrew i have not purchased an sm7b quite yet, i do plan on getting one though. so i'll let you know. i do think the sm7b with some processing would be the best, but it also depends on how your voice sounds. however with the sm7b, theres some settings on the back that can change a few things like a bass thing, i forget exactly what. so yeah
@@wrevel. Thanks. I've had the MV7 for almost 12 months now. I did actually order an SM7B at the same time to try them both to compare but ended up returning the SM7B, cloudlifter, XLR cable and Scarlett audio input box unopened. I wish I'd at least tried them now tbh. I think what put me off was that the total cost of everything to connect the SM7B was over £600 while the MV7 was only £200, plus the MV7 was way easier to connect with just one USB cable . That said, if there was a significant improvement in the sound with the SM7B setup then I'd pay the difference.
@@TheKayakCrew thats understandable, but yeah i'll let you know.
I got 2 MV7 xlr mics.. zero regrets. When I eventually get a sm7b that will be for my host desk and the MV7s will become guest mics. They sound absolutely amazing and they look great in my opinion. I’m very stoked on them.
I liked the sm7b for the clarity and lack of crackle in your voice. I do think it sounds flatter, but clearer. I got an sm7b and have struggled a little getting out of the muddy range but people seem to like the sound better (by a comment worthy amount) than my previous mics.
I lucked out though, and got a new sm7b for not much more than $100. It wasn't expensive, a cloudlifter new for only about $80. Wasn't a bad deal at all and liking the sound overall for clarity (probably why I picked it out of the lineup).
I was going to buy the SM7B but after watching your brilliant review I have decided to go for the MV7. The reason being it sounded cleaner with more presence while retaining the low end and no messing around with preamps and signal boosters.
i had been using a $40 mic + OBS filters + eq's and etc in my editing software, for over a year. It was lacking to the least, and just more time in post. But i finally had to do something, and after a bunch of research I got the mv7+ a few weeks ago. didn't even know there was additional software until a week ago... should have read that manual 😅 but it helped tuning it better than just the audio eq's and etc in my editing software. I'm still tuning a bit, but so far I'm liking it. I didn't want xlr and have to buy the xtra hardware. sure, you'd have more control, i've used mixer boards and such in the past _(not for yt)_ . But I make faceless videos and just needed good reliable solid simple mic. And I think the mv7+ gives me that.
EDIT: someone should 3d Print a lower cover that makes the mv7+ to look like the SM7B then just get a longer windscreen to match the SM7B's 😂
2nd EDIT: WOW 😳 the blind test, the SM7B sounded WORSE! Was not expecting that at all. When listening to it, **I thought** mic 1 was SM7B, mic 2 was MV7+, and the 3rd mic was that one hand held one. really surprised. Even more glad I bought the MV7+ 😁 Still need to learn to tune it better.
Great video, you pushed me over the edge regarding the MV7, especially the blind test in the end. I could barely hear any difference between 1&2 (if you forced me to choose I'd prefer 1), but 3 sounded legitimately awful to me. Before the results came in, I really hoped that MV7 USB would be among 1&2, because that's what I wanted to go for. Any waddayaknow ... thanks a lot!
In the Audio test I actually enjoyed the MV7 in usb the most which I was not expecting, I thought that mic 3 was the mv7 in usb config but it was actually the sm7b.
Same!
Got an MV7. Love it. Use Reaper to adjust the gate, EQs, compressor to sound great. People think that you *need* an SM7B, but they also need post-processing to make your voice sound good. With the proper post-processor or DAW, you can get both mics to sound great.
So you have the DAW open then when you speak or how does that work? I feel like the DAW would take up too much power from the computer, at least if you are streaming or something. :) Now I haven't checked how much power it takes inawhile though since I got a new computer.
@@Aegir_D4
It's not much memory or CPU power at all. Leaving Chrome open takes up a lot more memory than that, actually.
@@daric_ Alright, cool. I have to check again next time im in my DAW.
you successfully deinfluenced me, i've canceled my sm7b order and ordered the mv7+ (shure doesn't seem to have the original on their site anymore, and i like the led thingy lol). your video showed me the mv7 fits my use case just as well as (if not better than) the sm7b. thank you for making this video.
I just started production streaming and i used my singing Mic (Rode NT-1). It got on my nerves easily so i wanted a mic that fitted my voice and is a bit versatile. I went with the SM7b and i have to say, i‘m gonna send it back as soon as possible.
Don‘t get me wrong, it sounds beautiful for talking, but everytime i record singing or Instruments, i always went back to the Rode.
For my use it’s not worth the 400 bucks. Gonna buy the MV7 as soon as i get my money back :)
Excellent video. I do have two points though. With the SM7B having the capsule set back a few inches, you should've maybe had the mic positioned a few inches closer to you when doing the test, which would've made the sound more full/bassy (proximity effect), and maybe then the two mics would've sounded more similar, tone wise. Also, what settings did you have the switches on the SM7B set to? This may account for the two mics sounding as different as they did, if for example you had the High Pass Filter on, and/or the upper mid boost switched on. From pausing the video at 1:25 it looks like the High Pass Filter IS switched on (on the SM7B), but that may not have been the settings you used when recording the test. Either way, as a recording studio owner who has used SM7Bs thousands of times, that MV7 sounds very good to my ears. :)
Is MV7 good for singing?
I dunno...The logical part of me tells me I need to buy MV7, but I'm just in love with SM7B. Also, I've guessed SM7B correctly and really liked it more. It sounds softer, I think, which is desirable
Was considering the SM7B or the MV7 (despite not liking the design, branding like that need to go the way of the dodo bird). Ended up purchasing a SM57 with a windscreen instead. I like the sound of that one just as much, and it's durable enough to double as a hammer in an emergency. Despite being cheaper than the SM7B the price of the MV7 is still about twice that of the SM57, so in a world where the SM57/58 exist I just don't see how the MV7 makes sense in the current market (at least in my location)...
Got my SM7B with GoXLR and I love this mic. It's timeless design is really my favorite so it'll never feel old. It came out in 2001 and everyone I've asked couldn't believe it was really that old. Of course the SM7 looked the same but the SM7B was the upgraded internals of that microphone. My favorite part is the classic XLR input on the shock mount, so you don't have those XLR cables sticking out so much like other XLR mics do, it's brilliant and they nailed it with this type of design. If I were to go for vocals(I'm not a singer or nothing btw) I'd choose the Neumann u87 or the cheaper option, Neumann TLM 103 as those microphones have an even better flat frequency response making EQ'ing easier and they're brighter sounding microphones. If money wasn't an object, the SM7B still has my #1 spot and it's my #1 favorite looking microphone for sure.
Yeah man, I feel like the SM7B has the alltime best mechanical design. I love the integrated yoke with the XLR jack at the top of it. It's such a neat package that I've seen copied but never beaten. Like you said, it's a timeless design. I'm an RE20 guy, I have both, and I like being able to see through my RE20's massive shockmount - it lets me get the mic down & out of the way more than the shure. But I still love the SM7B design, they nailed it and I don't know if anybody ever beats it.
Do they have new updates for the GoXLR ?
@@anthonymoscon18 Every now and then. Just checked if there was a new update and there's not, last time I had an update was maybe 2 months ago or a tad bit longer.
@@micspamgod2324 well at least someone is giving a crap since they up and abandoned a great product
@no name I'm getting an audio setup and I'm not sure to get an sm7b or re20. I'm naturally a tenor so my my speaking voice is in the mid to upper range aka higher pitched do you have any recommendations you can give me?
All too often people buy mics based on popularity rather than their actual use case. The SM7b has become a status symbol rather than the right tool for the job for many creators.
Not saying that the SM7b is a bad mic, it just might not be the right mic for every use. People really need to go to a store and test what mic is best for their voice and use.
For most people a $20 to $100 mic will be better for them especially for TH-cam channel. I record more people than just myself so I tend to like more flat sounding budget mics. They are usually easier to eq to fit the talents voice.
If the talent walks in with their own mic and says that's what they like for their voice, shure, I'll use that.
I was already down for the mv7 thinking 1 was sm7b 2 was mv7 XLR and 3 was usb. The fact sm7b sounded worst to me sold me.
Okay, the thing I actually needed from the entire video was the test in the end.
Not ONCE did I prefer option Mic 3 - therefore I’m going with MV7.
This helped me so much. I was actually saving up for the SM7B but oh boy, I'll be saving SO much by going with mv and still get great quality
Wow! I really like the sound of the MV7 over the SM7B! You have me convinced!
Hell Yeah! Also congrats on winning that contest!!
@@AudioHaze thanks my dude 😁
Beautifully constructed and presented video - Thanks Ricky!
Thank you!
I used to rock a sm57 on my vocals since I primarily used the mic to record my amp (5150 with some v30's). I eventually just started using amp sims in the daw as it was way more convenient. Being able to change tones on the fly without having to re-amp or re-record was super nice. Since I didn't need my Sm57 anymore, sold it for a xm8500 that I rehoused in a gutted cheap condenser mic I bought off aliexpress for a few bucks. The thing was great - sounded rock solid and looked awesome too. I upgraded to a 7b about a year ago as my final desk mic and I couldn't be happier. Sounds great when I'm laying down vocal tracks and sounds great when I'm talking to friends in discord. Cannot complain. Mind you I am running the 7b through a cloudlifter and an SSL2 interface. Anyway, cool video! well done
The sound of the SM7B sounded way better. Most people don't have thousands of dollars to spend on dozens of mics and gears. They want to get the mic that will solve the problem, once and for all, that is why, when they can afford they buy the SM7B.
At first, I went with the MV7, mainly because of price. Didnt get the desired sound I was after. Luckily Best buy allowed me a refund. Ran over to Guitar Center, bought the sm7b and cloudlifter. Very glad I did. At that point in time I had a bit more money saved up so it was nice. Got a goXLR mini as well. Didnt "need" the cloudlifter but i ended up hanging onto it. Anyway, both good mics. Different people will prefer one over the other and thats the beauty of us all having different voices and preferences. I may have been mostly hit in the head with the sm7 craze as of the last few years. Regardless, im glad i didnt stay with something only to wish i would have spent more to get what I really wanted. I realize the mic setup is upwards to a thousand dollars and NO i am not swimming in cash by any means. Im mostly paycheck to paycheck. But I love my hobbies, and hey, im not out being self destructive using drugs or something so whats the harm. I recently got a 40 series GPU and that took all but a year to save up for. Things dont come fast for me but I love what I have and cherish my equipment :) By the way, I'm nearing a decade sober.... so it feels good to have nice things and not have sell them shortly after. Life is good.
I recently got the MV7 and although I think the sound quality overall is very good, I'm still heavily considering sending it back and getting the SM7B instead as honestly this was the microphone I always wanted. It was only when I saw that the MV7 was cheaper that I decided to get that instead, but I am still having second thoughts about not just biting the bullet at paying the extra for the 7B. What do you think? Is it worth spending the extra and getting the 7B instead?
Got my MV7 today... Everything fine here!
Thus has been so informative. I think I'm gonna get the MV7.
I actually liked the sound better on the MV7 (option 1). Which means .... I'm buying the sm7b.
Probably the best review of an audio product I've seen, and definitely the Best sponsorship use EVER
Great video. I think you nailed it. The MV7 is more practical and even sounds better IMO. We just buy with our eyes and not our ears most times. I have the MV7x (because the usb and bad software are not appealing to me) and love it. I just wish it didn't have the giant shure logo on it. Actually makes it look cheaper to be honest.
Amazing video! So detailed, high quality, a great flow and and all while being packed with information! Smashing that sub button now.
Wow, I'm shocked with that result, honestly I was thinking mic 3 was like some extra mic you brought in or maybe the USB for the MV7, it sounded easily the worst out of the bunch... Thank you sooo much, you may have saved me about 300 dollars, cause I'm thinking of just getting the MV7x after hearing about it.
I’ve heard the mv7 and mv7x actually sound a bit different on the xlr input. Would love to see if this is true.
Interesting! I wonder why?
> it doesn't matter if the cheaper mic is just as good, you probably want the SM7B anyway
Yeah, definitely. Microphones are a hobby item for me. I don't spend money on clothes, I wear $5 shirts and my wallet is a piece of cardboard folded in half inside a ziplock sandwich bag. But I like microphones and I use them daily in my line of work. With audio processing, you can ~essentially make nearly any microphone sound however you want it to. But these mics sit in front of my face all day, I see this thing and interact with it on a daily basis. I budgeted for and bought the microphones that I wanted. I'm an RE20 guy for my daily driver, but I got a variety of other mics in the locker as well to play with including an SM7B. And I'm honest with myself, I don't need any of these but I like having them in my toolkit. I enjoy the design and build quality of mics like the SM7B and am not interested in the newer budget mics. I barely use my u87ai, but man it feels good to record something every time I take it out for a spin.
I retired my Blue Yeti and bought one of these and a GoXLR. It's insane how much better the quality is. I'm really disappointed that it uses micro USB instead of USB-C though, ESPECIALLY considering one of the included cables is a micro-to-C cable.
The dual role of a USB and XLR mic just gave the MV7 a slight bump. But it doesn't hurt to have the legendary SM7B.
Haha never hurts to have a bunch of mics I suppose
The Sm7 is legendary, the Sm7b just pretends to be
I'm all on board... Not to be negative but I googled Gulfoss directly and got their $250 CAD price. I then followed your Gulfoss link thinking there was a fantastic deal to be found. ... The link yielded the same $250 CAD. I don't think soundtheory is honoring your discount, whether that's a time or location thing, I don't know. It might just be expired or invalid in Canada. I mean... maybe it's my browser add-ons/extensions... In any case, Gulfoss is almost certainly getting my money soon, affiliate link or discount or otherwise.
Thanks for saving me from SM7B syndrome , just added MV7 to my cart 🥳
Enjoy the mic my friend!!
Ok, you're 100% right about psychology at the end there...
At the start of the video, when the mics were visible, I liked the SM7B more - it sounded less boomy, brighter, more even in general.
Then the blind tests rolled out. Mic 3 was out immediately, "WOW that's overboosted trash, the USB could be better".
1 and 2 were so close that i didn't pick out a difference in mid bass until after replaying the part a couple of times. "Huh, the 2 mics are actually much more similar than I initially thought".
I can't describe how shocked I was when the results weren't:
Mic 1 - SM7B
Mic 2 - MV7 XLR
Mic 3 - MV7 USB
Got it right at the 2nd test, I've been educated.
Thank you for making these videos 😭
You might have been bamboozled twice, sounded like the SM7b is further away from the source with a laidback read. MV7’s takes are full on proximity effected, with close and intimate read. The guy has pro level voice over skills…😀
Yeah, I checked in software later and my reaction of the SM7b being "overboosted" came from it being mixed a good 4-6dB louder than the MV7 in the first blind test, and its mids made that even worse :P The volume is more even throughout the rest of the video.
Dunno about the difference in delivery, the takes sound about the same to me.
I've had the mv7 for 2 years now, bought the sm7b pop filter to go with it instead of the one it comes with... and I have no interest in changing it for a sm7b. some recommendations for music vocals on a mv7, I'd suggest between a 12 - 18db input on the shure app, for clean singing I go for 16.5 - 18. for my metal screamy vocals I'm usually at a 16.5 to try and prevent some clipping. If you find it difficult to get enough umph when adding compressors in daw, try going with a light/medium level compression from the shure app. light will just give enough for even audio and is great for vocals. medium is great for very poppy upfront vocals, or for a podcast type of voice, heavy... I don't really use. (don't use any of the presense, lowpass,highpass things. just leave it flat. do all of that in daw... it's much better) not saying you can never use them... you might find use for it, but not me.
I use the MV7 about 6 inches away and I love it
If the audio is going in a video, just edit in Resolve and get your audio dialed in with Fairlight. It's all-in-one; there's not a better video editing workflow out there.
I like the mv7 more tbh, smaller and the white color is cool. I got the XLR one and really liked the way it looked, too bad I didn't realize I needed an audio interface so had to return it for the USB one.
Kinda considering the MV7X atm. Could become my next mic, who knows.
I went with the MV7x, since I didn't need the USB option. It's fantastic. I did end up putting a cloudlifter in line for some cleaner gain, but you don't "need" it. I just liked it. I highly recommend the MV7x.
Great review, I would wager the sm7 is purchased more often because it looks like a "broadcast" mic rather than anything to do with how it sounds
I use the SM57, but I hope to upgrade to an Electro Voice RE20 in a couple of years, fingers crossed.
NICE! Highly recommend :)
Re20 is nice, but I can hardly bear its ugliness haha
whaaaat. In blind test 1 is amazing. 2 is very hard to tell the difference from the 1, but I kinda prefer 1. And then I was like wtf is 3?? I hear the room and I just dont like it. 1 is amazing. Nice test, thanks! I just wish that mic was not so ugly.. Looks like a blender from a kitchen..
Very useful information brev ....thanks for this together so well.
Thanks for saying that dude!
They may sound similar but the sm7b wins because of its perks. Does well with sibilants and pops also picks up less room noise
If you’re using correct filters. MV7 never picks up background noise 🫠
@@SARKAZYMYT what filters do you recommend and are they on obs?
@@KINGxDAVID94 I use OBS too but just the standard limiter and the noise suppression. I’ve never had any issues at all. I use XLR though and my mic is 6 inches away from my mouth
@@KINGxDAVID94 if you use a GO XLR I’d be happy to send my stats for the filter
@@SARKAZYMYT I’m currently using obs with usb mic, planning on going to an sm7b or mv7 thougg
Nailed the 2nd test. I thought there was a plosive in the first two that wasn’t in the third, so that made my sm7b choice.
HELL YEAH
Take that windscreen on the SM7b and stick it on your MV7, they both fit. I believe the model is rk345 (NOT rk345b, that is something different)
So technically you can use the USB and XLR recordings to tastefully dub the vocal correct ?
Listening to the audio test on phone speakers, I was convinced #1 was the SM7b 😂 the MV7 is an incredible mic!
dang, great video. And super high end production considering the size of your audience
I use the SM7 Pop filter on my MV7 and it does help.
Your videos are good should I get MV7 or the other one u mentioned
I bought 3 of the MV7 because of the price difference and honestly don't regret my choice. Have them running through a Rodecaster Duo and IMO the very small improvement in audio quality wouldn't be worth the extra cost for mics (I do a podcast and sometimes we have guests and need extra mics).... I agree with you though, I wanted the SM7b, and had I been able to afford 3 of them at the time I probably would have bought them for exactly the reasons that you mentioned. Also, I colored the Shure logos on the sides of the mics with Sharpie... No free advertising for them LOL
Jokes on you, I already bought the MV7
DANGIT
why?
@@cult2 because I hate having money in my bank account apparently
So technically you still won’t buy it because you already have
@@dryelene I hate this & I hate you for being right
Lmao
Great video, I loved the thesis. I will say that I personally think there's quite a bit of difference in the sound between the SM7b and the MV7. High end is completely different, and the low end (probably due to the capsule being 3-4" closer to the grill) is noticeably bigger. MV7 is sort of a pre-baked sound whereas the SM7 is smooth and dark and usually needs compression and EQ to make it sound "finished". Couldn't agree more about the aesthetic design.
So many people are still willing to go to war over this mic and I still find it to be the funniest thing. One of my favorite ways to achieve an sm7b style (not clone but style) is with the sm57 with the a2ws windscreen, BUT I also found out recently that it also fits on the sm58!!! if you take the metal ball windscreeen off, the body is just thin enough to cover the threading from where the wind screen screws on and it looks more or less exactly like the sm57 with the same wind screen. The sm58 logo is also still visible if you're into that look. you also get the option of putting the metal ball back on and the mic looking as iconic as ever.
Oh nice!! That's good to know, you can get even more flexibility out of the 58 then buy using either cap I suppose :)
@@AudioHaze and to add onto it! the sm58 has a lip where the threading ends that almost acts as a stopper for the a2ws and prevents if from getting fitted to low down on the body, so similarly to the sm7b (all though not nearly as extreme) it creates a bit of distance between you and the capsule so you don't get as much proximity effect, which honestly sounds better than just using the stock metal wind screen
Not a massive fan of the SM7B, however if you use them properly and not off Axis, the MV7 lacks richness in the low mids and lows, it always sounds thin in comparison. The highs sound narrow and closed up, I did put my Sm7B foam on the MV7 just slides on and that helps plosives.
The MV7X is a better price for people who are looking at a budget mic.
I'm more of an RE-20 guy.
I sold.both my Mv7 and Sm7B, I got the Mv7 because my interface was not playing nice with OBS and nvidia broadcast over XLR a while back. So needed a USB solution for a bit.
I had an SM7b 10 years ago. I now have a Sennheiser MKH 416 and an MKH50. I find they don’t give me the warm bass that SM7b provides without sounding muffled. The Sennheisers are to bright and powdery for my voice. They are too harsh. I’m seriously thinking of going back to the sm7b
I have the SM7B with a fet-head.
I think I tried with no booster when it was new and it got loud but with a substantial noise floor, we all need more production chops.. 😊
I was extremely surprised (as others were) by the blind test.
I got Mic #1 right.
But, i thought for sure Mic #3 was the MV7 via USB because it sounded the worst.
Wow!
Well that's surprising. I thought Mic 1 was MV7 XLR due to the dark tones, Mic 2 SM7B due to the clearer sound and Mic 3 MV7 USB due to the noise.
One trick people do is to use the SM7B pop filter on the MV7, and it works much better considering the pop filter on the MV7 is useless.
It makes the MV7 look a lot better too
as an owner of a mv7x, I just wish it had the XLR port in the same style as the sm7b since tilting it up and down on my boom arm is more of a hassle withe having to move the cable
I heard that the MV7+ allows for a great deal of plosives. Bit of a put off. So, is sibilance but am thinking both the SM7B and MV7 are better than alternatives when dealing with painful 's' sounds.
You nailed the conclusion. And thats the exact reason i went with the SM7B than MV7X. Did you turn the mid boost on behind the SM7B for this test?
So the real question is what’s the best alternative, sm57 or mv7!
i would be proud to use the mv7 over the sm7b ...but now after reading the comparison from shure itself i'm not sure how well it will perform in the recording studio and if it will take eq as well as the sm7b....guess i have to check it out
hey thanks - doing a deep dive and the MV7 always sounds flat without as much length as the SM, imo...what's your camera please?
awesome video, well thought and carried out, instant sub! thanks a lot! :)
have you played around with the shure mv7x? other reviewers seem to all say the same thing, it sounds better then the regular mv7.
Do a video for obs with mv7, with filters! Your knowledge is huge .
nice video
I’m a newbie to this world. In my initial research the SM7B was recommended over and over. My work involves a lot of online interviews, etc. I travel a lot and wish to use the microphone on the road. As I learned more about the SM7B - it became obvious that it wouldn't be so easy to travel with. Seems to me the MV7 is a better option. That is to not sacrifice a ton of quality when I’m at home, but is still fairly portable. I’m I on the right track? Need help.
What a smart fucking way to get someone to watch an ad, bravo!
I still ended up getting a fethead with the MV7 😋 it's a great microphone and for new content creators it's really the go to recommendation for me. Dynamic mics are awesome for the typical streamer/youtube home office/studio. Anytime I see someone with an SM7B I feel for their wallet, if you got the money then sure, but you get 'close enough' and more value with the MV7
I just bought the MV7. I am a logical buyer. Just wanted to prove you right... and wrong at the same time. This is confusing. Thanks 4 the review anyways.
wow I think the white mic sounded better to me. even though both are so crisp
Gotta jump in here and say that the frequency response graph for the SM7b looks incorrect.
Thank you very much for your great video.
How did you connect the mv7 with XLR?
With which amplifier?
There is no hist at all.
I reallllyyyyyyy think you'd get a kick out of the Se Dynacaster. I have one, I love it, I share your opinion on the Sm7b and I'd say our voices are close.