Getting started is as easy as plug and play, but you need the software to dive into any setting. I’m not a fan of the Motiv Mix software that is recommended on the box. Before I could download it, Shure required my full name, city and state, zip code, and email address for software updates, which seemed unnecessary. The software gives you the option to switch to manual gain, adjust the tone slider from Dark to Bright, with Natural in the middle, and turn on or off the denoiser and plosive reducer, as well as adjust the 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 is no way to access the settings. I wish there were only buttons on the mic. Can You Hear Me? As far as I know, the settings you change will persist even if the software isn’t open, so you have to make the adjustments, then close and come back. to whatever you do. I ran some comparison tests with different settings while recording myself, and after listening again I generally felt the default settings were good enough. There is nothing here that I find unusual or silly. The plosive reducer might be enough to not need a pop filter for my Ps. I did not notice a particularly strong change from turning off the denoiser, although it was probably helped by the restriction behind the mic, which helped to keep out the sound of my keyboard. Auto-level caused me to peak a bit if suddenly shouting after whispering, but . it was arranged quite quickly, and brought me up just as quickly when I spoke quietly. It’s nice not to have to worry too much about levels, since there’s no interface for quick checks, and the MV6 doesn’t have controls or feedback on board. , better than the usual gaming headset. I think you could easily use this microphone for streaming or podcasting occasionally, and you won’t get any complaints. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything sound-wise if I use this instead of my Audio-Technica AT2035, at least when it comes to regular speaking quality. A professional audio engineer might feel differently, but unless you’re reviewing waveforms or recording audio books, you probably won’t. Photo: Brad Bourque
