Elevate Your Game: An In-Depth Look at the Sleek Shure MV6 Microphone

Initiating use is quite straightforward, essentially plug and play, although software is required to explore deeper settings. Personally, I’m not particularly keen on the Motiv Mix software suggested on the packaging. Prior to downloading, Shure asked for my full name, city and state, zip code, and email address for software updates, which felt excessive.

The application allows manual gain adjustment, facilitates a tone slider ranging from Dark to Bright, with Natural positioned centrally, and enables toggling of the denoiser and plosive reducer, in addition to modifying a high pass filter for ambient noise. Monitor and mute settings are also available should you opt to record using Motiv Mix. Nothing revolutionary here, but accessing these settings otherwise appears unfeasible. I wish there were simple knobs on the microphone.

Can You Hear Me?

From what I can ascertain, the modifications you apply will remain active even when the software is closed, so feel free to make changes, exit, and return to your prior activities. I conducted several comparisons with varying settings while recording myself, and upon playback, I generally felt the standard settings were adequate. There’s nothing here I would characterize as unusual or silly in any respect. The plosive reducer sufficiently mitigates the need for a pop filter for my Ps. I didn’t observe a particularly significant difference when the denoiser was turned off, although that’s likely aided by the microphone’s rear rejection feature, which minimizes keyboard noise.

Auto-level caused me to peak slightly when I suddenly raised my voice after whispering, but it compensated quickly, adjusting my volume just as swiftly during quieter speech. It’s comforting not to have to be overly concerned with levels, as there’s no interface for quick monitoring, and the MV6 has no built-in controls or feedback.

Individuals who listened to my recordings or conversed with me via Discord remarked that my voice was clear and sharp, a marked enhancement over my regular gaming headset. I believe you could easily utilize this microphone for intermittent streaming or podcasting without receiving any complaints. I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing sound quality by opting for this instead of my Audio-Technica AT2035, at least regarding regular speaking clarity. Audio professionals might perceive it differently, but if you’re not scrutinizing waveforms or recording audiobooks, you’re likely fine.

Photograph: Brad Bourque