How to Set Up the Shure MV7+ for Rap and Vocals

The Shure MV7+ is a mic you plug straight into your computer with USB-C, but it also has an XLR output. Handy if you want to start without an interface. Here's how to set it up for recording rap and vocals.

1. USB-C or XLR?

• USB-C: you connect the mic directly to your computer, phone or tablet. No interface needed, and you set everything up in the MOTIV Mix app.
• XLR: you connect it to an interface or mixer. Heads up: according to Shure, the software settings don't affect the XLR signal. You set the gain on your interface instead.

You can also use both at the same time.

2. Install MOTIV Mix

Using USB-C? Install Shure's MOTIV Mix. That's where you control your gain, your tone and the extra features. Then choose the MV7+ as the input in your DAW.

3. Auto Level or set it yourself?

In MOTIV Mix you choose between two ways:

• Auto Level Mode: the app adjusts your gain automatically, and handles compression too. Handy for podcasts or if you want to get going fast.
• Manual: you set the gain, compression and limiter yourself.

For music you often want more control, especially if you're going to mix later. Choose Manual, rap your loudest part and set the gain so you don't hit the red. The green bar on the mic shows your gain level while you adjust it.

4. Denoiser, Popper Stopper and tone

• Real-time Denoiser: helps reduce noise from your surroundings.
• Digital Popper Stopper: detects plosives, like hard P's and B's, and softens them.
• Tone: a slider lets you pick between dark, natural and bright.

This processing ends up in your recording. Record a short test and listen back before you lay down your whole verse.

5. Hear yourself

The MV7+ has a 3.5 mm headphone output. You hear yourself there without delay. With the Monitor Mix sliders in MOTIV Mix you set how much you hear of your mic and how much of your computer, like your beat.

Hearing yourself through the mic? Then turn off monitoring in your DAW, or you'll hear yourself twice.

6. Watch out for the touch panel

Tap the LED bar on the mic and you mute or unmute it. Handy, but make sure you don't touch it by accident during a take.

More recording guides: how to fix latency when recording and how to pick your best take.

FAQ

Do I need an interface for the MV7+?

No. With USB-C you connect it straight to your computer. You only need an interface if you want to use the XLR output.

Why does nothing change when I adjust the gain in MOTIV Mix?

You're probably recording through XLR. According to Shure, the software settings don't affect the XLR signal. Set the gain on your interface instead.

Should I use Auto Level Mode for rap?

You can, but you hand over control of gain and compression. If you want to mix yourself later, Manual often works better.

Source: Shure's MV7+ user guide.