Shure MV51

Shure MV51 Digital Condenser Mic Review / Test / Explained

It's been a while since I've done a supplemental write up for a review I've done, but I'm back. Today I am talking about a USB/Lightning microphone that is perfect for musicians/podcasters that are constantly on the road; the Shure MV51 Digital Condenser Microphone. 

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $200 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. 1m Micro USB to USB Cable
  3. 1m Micro USB to Lightning Cable
  4. 5/8" to 3/8" Mic Stand Adapter
  5. Documentation
  6. 2-Year Warranty

Specifications

  1. Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  2. Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  3. Max SPL: 130dB
  4. Bit Depth: 16/24-Bit
  5. Sampling Rate: 44.1/48kHz

Performance / Features

The build quality on this microphone is amazing. It's built like a tank, which is what I've personally come to expect from Shure after using their SM7B and SM48 for years. The construction is all metal, including the kick stand which is firmly attached and does not wiggle around at all. At the end of the kickstand is a rubber foot to keep the mic from sliding around, but if you want to attach the mic to a microphone stand, simply unscrew the rubber foot to reveal a 5/8" thread.

On the front of the microphone, you have a volume control slider, an LED light strip to present mic input volume & headphone output volume, a microphone mute button, a headphone volume selector, and a mode select button to switch between the five different DSP's built into the microphone.

  1. Speech - DSP Designed for speech. Great for podcasts/voice overs.
  2. Singing - DSP Designed for singing. Perfect if you're recording a vocal track.
  3. Quiet & Acoustic Performance - DSP Designed for quiet performances. If you're recording an acoustic cover, this is the mode for you.
  4. Loud Music or Band - DSP Designed for Loud Environments. The mode to use if you are recording your bands rehearsal or live performance.
  5. Flat - This DSP has no processing done to it. If you are recording something that you want to add your own effects to in a DAW, choose this mode.

On the back of the microphone you have two ports. The first is the connection port that you will use to connect to your iPhone or computer. The second port is a 3.5mm headphone jack which provides latency free monitoring.

Pros

  • Amazing Build Quality
  • Connects to iOS devices through Lightning Port
  • Sounds great on electric/acoustic/voice
  • Low noise floor

Cons

  • Fairly wide polar pattern for cardioid polar pattern

Conclusion

I love this microphone. I don't necessarily think that this is a microphone that will replace your home studio setup, but I do think that this fulfills a need that desperately needed solving. I think this is an almost perfect microphone for musicians & podcasters who are constantly on the road. Let me explain:

  • It's built like a tank so you don't have to worry about it taking a beating when you're on your tour bus, or when your bag is being thrown around by TSA.
  • You can connect this thing to your damn iPhone, so you don't have to lug around your laptop in case inspiration strikes you and you need to record an idea.
  • It sounds pretty damn good for a microphone that connects to your cell phone, meaning your demo will sound MUCH better and your podcast recorded in that hotel room won't sound like a message you left your mom in 1984.

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon
US: http://amzn.to/2g8PyE4
UK: http://amzn.to/2fsN8iD