Getting started is as simple as plug and play, but you’ll need software to go deep into any setting. I’m not a big fan of Reason Mix software recommended on the box. Before I could download it, Shure required my full name, city and state, postal code, and email address for updates about the software, which seemed unnecessary.

The software gives you the option to switch to manual gain, adjust a tone slider from Dark to Bright, with Natural in the middle, and turn on or off the denoiser and plosive reducer, as also adjusting a high pass filter for background noise. There are also settings for monitor and mute if you choose to record with Motiv Mix. Nothing groundbreaking here, but there doesn’t seem to be any way to access these settings otherwise. I wish there were knobs on the mic.

Can You Hear Me?

As far as I know, the settings you change will remain even when the software is not open, so feel free to make adjustments, then close it and go back to whatever you were doing. I ran a few tests to compare different settings while recording myself, and after listening back I generally felt that the default settings worked well. There is nothing here that I think is out of the ordinary or crazy in any way. The plosive reducer works well so I don’t need a pop filter for my Ps. I didn’t notice a drastic change from disabling the denoiser, though that might have helped with the mic’s rear rejection, which helps keep my keyboard noise at bay.

The auto level made me go up a bit when I suddenly shouted after whispering, but it adjusted quickly, and brought me down easily when I spoke quietly. It’s nice not to have to worry too much about levels, as there’s no interface for a quick check, and the MV6 lacks any onboard controls or feedback.

People who listen to recordings or chat with me on Discord notice that my voice is clear and crisp, a noticeable improvement my usual gaming headset. I think you can easily use this microphone for occasional streaming or podcasting, and you won’t get any complaints. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything good if I use this instead of mine Audio-Technica AT2035at least when it comes to regular speech quality. Professional audio engineers may feel differently, but unless you’re inspecting waveforms or recording audiobooks, you can’t.

Photo: Brad Bourque