(UPDATED) Today Shure unveiled the MVX2U (U$129), a really highly effective inline dockable USB interface for analog XLR microphones of any sort (condenser, dynamic and even ribbon -after deactivating the 48-volt phantom energy, because it ships energetic), which transforms them into top quality digital USB mics, with built-in latency-free monitoring, in addition to optionally available results together with compressor, limiter and EQ (equalization). Unlike many different inline XLR-to-USB interfaces I’ve coated beforehand, the brand new MVX2U options a number of essential benefits. Ahead, I’ll share these benefits, specs, pricing, my opinions, in addition to check recordings with probably the most gain-hungry dynamic mics on the planet, the SM7B, in contrast with the identical mic linked to the Zoom F3 (U$350). I additionally examined the MVX2U with the Saramonic SR-HM7 handheld dynamic mic.
Specific benefits within the MVX2U
The following are particular benefits within the MVX2U in comparison with different inline multi-platform interfaces (i.e. the iRig Pre HD) I’ve examined and reviewed previously. I’m excluding the RØDE iXLR (reviewed in 2016) because it was restricted solely with units that use the Lightning port and didn’t provide phantom energy, solely bias voltage, aka “plugin power”.
- The producer is definitely prepared to state the utmost achieve in dB, and it’s formally 60dB of unpolluted achieve.
- Dockable to a microphone with no coupler (beforehand, this required the iRig Pre HD so as to add an XLR coupler to make it dock to a mic) as coated in additional element forward.
- Selectable limiter (excellent, examined forward)
- Selectable dynamic compression: off, gentle, medium, heavy (excellent, examined forward)
- Variable EQ (not examined)
- Selectable computerized achieve management (see feedback within the applicable part)
Acknowledgements
The MVX2U was despatched to me by Shure beneath a non-disclosure settlement for testing previous to the announcement, with a purpose to publish the evaluate the day of the announcement.
The Shure SM7B was lent to me by Elite Music Studios for this and different assessments and opinions.
Although Saramonic has supplied different fashions for evaluate, the Saramonic SR-HM7 mannequin used on this check was bought by me with my very own funds.
Dockable versus inline (MVX2U does both)
In the previous, with a purpose to dock an inline interface just like the iRig Pre HD, it was needed to accumulate and use an XLR coupler, as I coated in Directly attach iRig Pre HD to an ENG omni dynamic mic (illustrated above). Fortunately, the MVX2U is able to being linked both docked or inline. Docking will be achieved with any handheld XLR microphone, and with practically any studio microphone. However, some versatile booms (together with the RØDE PSA1+ ) might stop it with the SM7B. In that case, you’ll be able to join the MVX2U inline as an alternative of docked.
In the above picture, the Saramonic SR-HM7 dynamic cardioid handheld microphone is docked to the MVX2U.
What comes within the field
- MVX2U Digital Audio Interface
- a 1m USB-C to USB-C cable
- a printed quick-start information
Common elements with all check recordings
All recordings have been made at our standard 48 kHz sampling price. Because the 2 microphones used within the check are dynamic, I had the 48-volt phantom energy deactivated. I’ve little question that the selectable 48-volt phantom energy will work high quality, when required.
The recordings made through the Shure MVX2U have been made at 48 kHz/24-bit in uncompressed WAV in Hindenburg Pro. They have been trimmed and normalized earlier than publication in uncompressed mono WAV at 48 kHz/24-bit.
The comparability recordings made on the Zoom F3 have been made at 48 kHz/32-bit float (32-bit float is presently the one possibility with the F3). They have been trimmed and normalized earlier than publication in uncompressed mono WAV at 48 kHz/24-bit.
Both DIP switches within the SM7B with A7WS have been set to flat mode for all assessments.
Normalization was performed, part by part. However, no EQ (equalization) or noise discount was carried out.
Audio assessments to find out cleanliness and transparency
Above, SM7B with A7WS recorded through MVX2U. The MVX2U was set to handbook achieve at 60dB, because the SM7B required all of it to realize a correct recording. Compression and equalization have been inactive within the MVX2U.
Above, comparability recording of the identical SM7B with A7WS recorded through the Zoom F3.
Above, Saramonic SR-HM7 (revealed sensitivity: 52.4 dB) recorded through MVX2U. The MVX2U was set to handbook achieve at 52dB. Compression and equalization have been inactive within the MVX2U.
Above, comparability recording of the identical Saramonic SR-HM7 recorded through the Zoom F3.
MY TAKE ON THIS SECTION:
In this mode, the MVX2U fulfills Shure’s providing of getting ample achieve even for the SM7B. In addition, to my ears, it sounds very clear and clear. I discover it barely completely different from the one made with the Zoom F3, however not higher or worse. Of course, the F3 can also be a standalone recorder, along with being an interface (with preamps and A-to-D conversion). I’m impressed with the efficiency of each units. If you hear any variations, please remark under.
Audio check of MVX2U dynamic compressor
The above recording was made with the SM7B and A7WS with handbook achieve set to 60dB. The recording progressively assessments compressor inactive, gentle compression, medium compression and heavy compression.
MY TAKE ON THIS SECTION:
All sounded as they need to. For most content material, I might use gentle or medium compression. I might solely use heavy compression for a brief promo or 30-second radio spot.
Audio check of MVX2U distant mute operate
The above recording was made with the SM7B and A7WS with handbook achieve set to 60dB. The distant is presently accessible (to my data) solely from the ShurePlus MOTIV desktop app.
MY TAKE ON THIS SECTION:
The mute operate sounded very clear, with none audible click on. I reiterate my earlier request to Shure so as to add a keyboard shortcut for muting to the Shure MOTIV desktop app.
Audio check of MVX2U limiter operate
I applaud Shure for together with a hardware-based limiter within the MVX2U. This function prevents overmodulation or clipping if and when an sudden a lot greater quantity (i.e loud snigger or scream) is skilled throughout a recording or stay broadcast. The final time I noticed this uncommon function in an interface was again in 2014 with the now discontinued Tascam iXJ2 (evaluate here), and the Tascam iXJ2 was not appropriate for balanced XLR mics, however unbalanced TRS mics and was for Lightning solely. The final time I noticed this uncommon function in a microphone was in 2017 with the now discontinued Sennheiser HandMic Digital (reviewed here).
MY TAKE ON THIS SECTION:
In my testing, the MVX2U certainly has a hardware-based limiter which works even with out being actively linked to the ShurePlus MOTIV desktop app. As with the opposite DSP features, the software program is just to assign the settings within the {hardware}. Then the MVX2U {hardware} works independently of the software program, because it ought to.
Audio check of MVX2U AGC (computerized achieve management)-UPDATED
The above recording was made with the SM7B and A7WS in computerized achieve mode, “Close”. The above recording is the brand new model, after a firmware replace to model 1.1.0.388 launched later within the day on 2023-08-05 which improved the AGC high quality. Be positive to replace your firmware to the newest model.
MY TAKE ON THIS SECTION:
This doesn’t sound nearly as good because the prior recordings made with handbook achieve. However, it really works adequately for conditions the place handbook management will not be possible. If potential, it’s higher to set ranges manually, however each time that’s not possible. the AGC is nice to have.
3.5 TRS headphone jack for latency-free monitoring-UPDATED
After the 1.1.0.388 firmware, I retested the MVX2U’s 3.5 TRS headphone jack for latency-free monitoring utilizing two completely different pairs of headphones, each with 32Ω impedance (pretty low). They have been the RØDE NTH-100 (reviewed here) and the Maono AU-MH601 (reviewed here).
MY TAKE ON THIS SECTION:
After the 1.1.0.388 firmware replace launched later within the day on 2023-08-15, there’s loads of accessible quantity. What I hear is clear and latency free to my ears. Please remember that past the steadiness between the microphone sound heard for the headphones and the playback from the host pc, which we will set within the ShurePlus MOTIV desktop app, the headphone quantity for the MVX2U’s headphone output should be set within the host pc’s quantity after setting the pc to observe to the MVX2U. This quantity management on the host pc continues to regulate the amount stage of the MVX2U’s headphone output even when the ShurePlus MOTIV desktop app will not be energetic.
Platform compatibility
According to Shure, the MVX2U is for macOS and Windows. I did my testing on macOS. So far, Shure has not talked about whether or not the MVX2U will work correctly with Android, iOS or iPadOS. I’ll replace this text or publish one other if I hear of any change.
Ratings
Build high quality
Dockability or use inline
Clean achieve as much as 60dB
Cleanliness and transparency of audio high quality
(inside its worth vary)
Hardware limiter
(inside its worth vary)
Mute operate (remotely accessed)
Hardware compression results
(inside its worth vary)
Automatic achieve management (with firmware 1.1.0.388-Be positive to replace your firmware to the newest model.)
Headphone output quantity with a 32Ω headphone (with firmware 1.1.0.388-Be positive to replace your firmware to the newest model.)
Image credit score
The picture was taken by Allan Tépper.
Conclusions
I’m very impressed with practically all the options and worth proposition for the value of the MVX2U. I like the truth that it may be docked or linked inline. The clear 60dB achieve and clear audio output at 48 kHz/24-bit are nice, in addition to the selectable {hardware} limiter and selectable dynamic compression choices.
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FTC disclosure
Shure will not be paying for this evaluate, though Shure despatched the MVX2U to Allan Tépper to facilitate the evaluate. Some of the producers listed above have contracted Tépper and/or TecnoTur LLC to hold out consulting and/or translations/localizations/transcreations. So far, not one of the producers listed above is/are sponsors of the TecnoTur, BeyondPodcasting, CapicúaFM or TuSaludSecreta applications, though they’re welcome to take action, and a few are, could also be (or might have been) sponsors of ProVideo Coalition journal. Some hyperlinks to 3rd events listed on this article and/or on this internet web page might not directly profit TecnoTur LLC through affiliate applications. Allan Tépper’s opinions are his personal. Allan Tépper will not be responsible for misuse or misunderstanding of knowledge he shares.
