If you’re in the market for a new microphone for your gaming or podcasting setup, you may have heard of the new Shure MV6 Gen 2. It’s a step up from the original MV6, with plenty of new upgrades and features to work with. But does your studio or content warrant this shiny new version, or does the Gen 1 offer plenty already?
With this guide, you’ll be able to decide between the original MV6 Gen 1 mic and the new MV6 Gen 2.
In a hurry?
Here are the key specs you need to know.
| MV6 Gen 2 | MV6 Gen 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Level Mode | Adjustable target levels | Automatic |
| Denoiser | Adjustable noise reduction strength | Built-In |
| Audio presets | Speech, Singing, Instrument | n/a |
| Equalisation | 5-band EQ plus tone adjustment | Tone adjustment |
| Desktop stand | Isolation base to reduce vibration | Standard |
| Voice Isolation Technology | Yes | Yes |
| USB cable (provided) | 2m | 1m |
| Available colours | Black or white | Black |
Shure MV6 Gen 2 vs. Gen 1
Who is the MV6 Gen 2 designed for?
Both MV6 microphones are ideal for avid gamers, content creators, and podcasters. With the ability to connect directly a computer or tablet, they make setting up and filming easy. Just plug in and go! The MV6 Gen 2, though, is designed for creators who want more detailed control over their sound, whether that’s through the five-band EQ or audio presets.
Auto Level Mode
With the upgraded Auto Level Mode in Gen 2, you can now manually adjust your target and response levels to your preference, instead of relying on the automatic microphone in Gen 1. It lets you keep your sound consistent and suited to the content you’re recording.
Real-time Denoiser
The real-time denoiser limits any extra background noise and interference while working, letting your voice fully cut through without distractions. Similar to Auto Level Mode, the new version lets you adjust the real-time denoiser as you like, rather than relying on automatic changes.
Audio Presets
Gen 2 comes with Speech, Singing, and Instrument modes via the MOTIV app. These allow you to optimise your mic level and input signal to suit your sound sources, and unlike Gen 1, mean the mic goes beyond spoken word and content creation, and into musical territory.
You can easily swap between the three modes and customise from there for full control over your sound – especially great if you’re using the same mic for multiple sound sources in the same session.
Customisable EQs
As well as the tone adjustment available in the MV6 Gen 1, with Gen 2, you also get a five-band equaliser to design your own tone preferences. Just use the MOTIV app and adjust your tone and sound signature.
Sound quality
While both Gen 1 and Gen 2 have solid sound quality and great denoising capabilities, the new generation, with its tone adjustment abilities and five-band equaliser, gives you a wider, more adjustable tone.
Its adaptable Auto Level Mode and preset options mean it’s especially good for achieving clear, noise-free speech, while the Voice Isolation Technology and Digital Popper Stopper reduce unwanted hum and harsh plosive sounds.
MV6 vs. MV7+
If you’re looking for a mic for gaming or content creation, you might also be considering the MV7+.
While the MV6 is geared towards game streaming, the MV7+ USB/XLR Microphone is made for podcasters. It provides a bit more flexibility in that it comes with XLR and USB connections, and it connects to audio interfaces if you want to expand your setup.
Like both generations of the MV6, the MV7+ also has great denoiser and Auto Level Modes for speech clarity. On top of that, with the MV7+’s compression and limiter abilities, you can further improve your mic’s sound quality and levels when connected to other devices.
The right mic for you all depends on whether you want a precise gaming microphone or a more flexible mic.
Author’s insight: why the change?
The new generation of the MV6 begs the question: why is an updated version needed? Well, after the original MV6 was released, Shure took feedback from users, and the overall verdict was that they wanted more customisability and control with their USB mics, without having to rely on additional external hardware or stretch their budget.
That’s why the MV6 Gen 2 focuses so much on adjustability. And it has a modernised design, swapping the classic Shure green for a monochrome palette.
FAQs
Is the Shure MV6 a good mic?
The MV6 is a great mic for streamers and content creators who wish to connect their mic directly to their computer and limit their need to edit their sound, especially as a beginner.
Which is better, Shure MV6 or MV7?
The better mic, MV6 or MV7, depends on what your requirements are. If you want a versatile setup with either an XLR or USB cable, the MV7 is the better option, but if you need a simpler, more straightforward option, the MV6 works best.
How do I make my Shure MV6 sound better?
For greater sound quality control in your MV6, use the MOTIV app to adjust and tailor the audio to suit you. It also helps to position yourself close enough and direct enough to the mic to avoid background interference.
Final thoughts
The Shure MV6 Gen 2 builds on and improves the core features so favoured in the MV6 Gen 1, such as the Auto-Level Mode and Denoiser, and it gives you new smart presets. But ultimately, the right microphone for you comes down to how specific your audio preferences are and how much control over your sound you need.
If you’re starting out in content creation, you might like the automatic settings that Gen 1 provides, but if there’s a sound you’re after, or you record different kinds of content, you might like the adjustability included in Gen 2. Whether hosting a simple gaming stream, recording a podcast, or filming a YouTube video, the MV6 will suit you perfectly!
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