A USB version of Shure's most iconic microphone is here, and it's under $160
Sep. 5, 2024The first Shure mic directly aimed at gamers was unveiled at IFA
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As if the USB gaming microphone market wasn’t already competitive enough, budding content creators will now have a top-of-the-line Shure option to consider. The new Shure MV6 brings the audio quality and iconic design of what is maybe the world’s most iconic podcasting microphone to an accessible price point, and I think it might take over the entry-level streaming scene.
If you watch enough podcast recordings on YouTube, you’ll immediately recognize one of thebest microphones for streaming and gaming. The Shure SM7B and the newer SM7dB have become heavily endorsed by content creators all over the world. They have impeccable sound quality, but their XLR connectivity and high price tags mean they aren’t exactly accessible for most folks who stream on Twitch once or twice a week.
The Shure MV6 brings with it the accessibility the brand has been missing, and it launches at a price point of $149 / £130. Not only does it look slightly like an adorable baby-sizedShure SM7dB, but it also has a 3.5mm headphone jack on its bottom - something I’m sure plenty of existing Shure customers wish they had on the more expensive version.
Along with live monitoring and a USB-C connection port, the mic also sports a capacitive tap-to-mute button on it - a helpful addition for those who don’t have one of the best streaming mixers to help them control their live audio.
Bucking the trend for this type of mic however, the MV6 opts not to include an audio or gain dial. At first, this was a bit disappointing to learn, but the folks at Shure have told me this is because they have faith in the microphone’s built-in Auto Leveler software and Digital Popper Stopper. Another piece of hardware may have added cost and upset the iconic look of the mic anyway, so I suppose I can understand.
Interestingly, Shure has also made a commitment to battle background noise. The MV6 is a Dynamic mic, which is another irregularity - usually streaming mics are designed to be a bit more forgiving and opt for a condenser capsule instead. Not only that, but the brand has included a real-time de-noiser. This will certainly create an interesting matchup between the new MV6 and theSteelSeries AliasandAlias Pro, which sailed through its launch thanks toingenious noise-rejection.
Included in the purchase of a Shure MV6 is the microphone itself, a desktop foot-stand, and a USB-C to USB-C cable. The value doesn’t end there though -Shure’s MV7+utilizes a digital mixing software called the MOTIV Mix app, and that free program can be used here to customize settings, as well as route audio sources in your PC or laptop.
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With the Shure SM7B known as “that mic Joe Rogan uses”, I imagine plenty of people will be eager to add the MV6 to theirstreaming gearselection. The new mic hits the shelves today, but I for one think it’ll be very popular, so if you’re interested in grabbing one don’t wait around.
For more streaming gear, check out thebest webcams, thebest capture cards, and thebest ring lights for streaming.
One of my earliest memories is playing SuperMario64 and wondering why the controller I held had three grips, but I only had two hands. Ever since I’ve been in love with video games and their technology. After graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Journalism, I contributed to the Scottish Games Network and completed an Editorial Internship at Expert Reviews. Over the last decade, I’ve been managing my ownYouTube channelabout my love of games too. These days, I’m one of the resident hardware nerds at GamesRadar+, and I take the lead on our coverage of gaming PCs, VR, controllers, gaming chairs, and content creation gear. Now, I better stop myself here before I get talking about my favourite games like HUNT: Showdown, Dishonored, and Towerfall Ascension.Location: UK Remote
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