I've had a long career as a musician. That means, besides being old, I've had time to acquire many microphones. Some are stage workhorses, while others are for studio work. Each mic has special attributes and character. I can use any of them on my computer by plugging into a digital audio interface, typically a big honkin' knob encrusted box adorn with cables. In the war for less clutter, Shure has come up with a surprisingly simple and portable digital audio interface, the MVX2U.
Shure MVX2U | Mounted on a Shure 849 condenser mic.
Shure MVX2U
Shure is a leading American manufacturer of microphones and related products. Indeed, it would be tough to find a stage, studio or church without a cabinet of Shure microphones. Some models have been produced for decades, e.g., SM57 and SM58, and remain standard issue for performers of every age and style.
The Shure MVX2U XLR-to-USB Digital Interface is designed to snap into the XLR socket of any microphone. What does the MVX2U do? It's a device to capture analog audio from a microphone, convert that analog signal to 24-bit and 48 kHz digital audio and send it to a computer for recording and processing.
Digital audio interfaces have been around for decades. What separates the MVX2U from the horde of boxy devices from ProTools, Rode, Scarlett, MOTU and the like? Size. The MVX2U is a tiny USB-C powered device, similar in size and appearance to an impedance adapter or FetHead. Yes, there are even smaller adapters, but the MVX2U has an XLR input and can dance with professional microphones.
Shure MVX2U | Image courtesy Shure
Who is the MVX2U For?
The MVX2U is primarily aimed at non-musicians stepping up to XLR microphones for streaming, OBS recording, network gaming, podcasting, voiceovers and YouTube productions. The main benefit of the MVX2U over box-like audio interfaces, e.g., MOTU Ultralite, is small size and simple operation. Extra inputs and outputs, physical controls and higher sampling rates of larger interfaces are MIA, but if you don't need all that, the MVX2U makes life easier.
While the MVX2U can certainly be used for music—audio quality is excellent—it is not ideal since musicians usually want to record at higher sampling rates and use a mix of mics and instrumental inputs. With that said, sometimes I need to travel light and leave bulky audio interface and cables at home. Toss a Shure MVX2U XLR-to-USB Digital Interface in a bag with a MacBook Pro and mic and, with a minute of setup, I can work on a voiceover in a hotel room or record a guitar demo.
Build and Features
Like most Shure mics, the metal case of the MVX2U is built like bazooka ordnance and won't be crushed underfoot if dropped on a classroom floor.
The locking XLR jack, located on the front of the MVX2U, may be plugged directly into an XLR mic or placed in-line on a XLR cable. The rear of the MVX2U has a USB-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack and phantom power status LED.
Rear View | Image courtesy Shure
There is no physical phantom power switch. Shure's software, ShurePlus MOTIV, is used to toggle phantom power on and off. The headphone volume and monitor mix are also controlled in MOTIV.
RFI Resistance
That thick steel case provides great RFI shielding. Here in RFI infested downtown Honolulu, I encountered no static or rogue radio stations while using the MVX2U.
Software
Shure's software, ShurePlus MOTIV, is used to configure settings such as gain, high pass filter, compression, phantom power, etc. The high pass filter has two settings: 75 Hz and 150 Hz. I wish it was tunable or at least included a 60 Hz setting.
MOTIV sports "Intelligent DSP with Auto Level mode." In other words, it automatically adjusts mic gain. I leave that off and adjust gain manually.
ShurePlus MOTIV | The adjustment screen is a small panel.
Shure provides basic recording software—MOTIV Mix—for novices. Like MOTIV, settings such as compression, high pass filter, noise gate, phantom power, etc., may be adjusted. It's feature poor as a recording app and I won't be using it.
I noticed an interesting feature while making test recordings: 32-bit 48 kHz was the recording default. MVX2U hardware specs are listed as 16/24-Bit/48 kHz. I noticed 32 bit was also available in my other recording programs when the MVX2U was connected.
If you need more than one mic, additional Shure MVX2U units are required (or other Shure USB mics like the MV7+). Unfortunately, it's challenging to use multiple USB mics: computers and audio apps are usually designed to handle only one USB audio source at a time. MOTIV MIX can record up to five individual Shure USB mics simultaneously. If you need that many mics, it would be wiser to invest in a traditional audio interface with four or more channels and XLR inputs.
Internal DSP
Settings made in ShurePlus MOTIV are retained in the memory of the MVX2U and processed with an internal DSP. Thus, if you plug into a PA system or stream live on a friend's computer, previous settings such as high pass, compression, phantom power, etc., remain active. If recording to a DAW, you may wish to disable ShurePlus MOTIV settings and add adjustments during post production.
Beyond settings and firmware updates, you don't have to touch Shure's software. Once selected as the audio input source, the MVX2U tracked perfectly in Logic Pro, Adobe Audition, TwistedWave, OBS, QuickTime and Final Cut Pro (and I suspect most DAW software). Worked fine in Zoom as well.
USB Gain
Inside the MVX2U is a Shure preamp, advertised to be low-noise and high-gain (up to 60 dB gain). Gain may be adjusted via controls in ShurePlus MOTIV and MOTIV Mix. The MVX2U had plenty of power for gain hungry mics like the Shure SM57 but also scales down for condenser mics with stronger output. Incidentally, although the MVX2U works without Shure software, non-Shure software may not have access to gain adjustments for live streaming.
Connectivity
The MVX2U has XLR, USB-C and 3.5mm output ports. Thus, it can be used with computers, tablets, smartphones, mixers and audio recorders. A short (1m) USB-C to USB-C cable is included for desktop use. You'll need a longer cable if you plan to use a boom or mic stand.
Headphone Output
I jacked in my old Sennheiser HD 580 cans and it sounded okay for live monitoring but wasn't audiophile quality. It boasts zero-latency. I find it's not a good idea to have a headphone cable flapping against the mic and your face during recording but for streaming or gaming a few cable bumps don't matter.
Compatibility
Shure says the MVX2U is compatible with Mac and Windows. It was plug and play on my iMac and MacBook Pro under Sonoma. No drivers needed and a restart wasn't required. It worked plugged into a USB-C hub or straight into my Macs. Select MVX2U in the recording app and/or system sound panel and it works. I've used it with Logic Pro, TwistedWave, OBS, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Audition.
Downtown Honolulu | Canon EOS M3 and EF-M 18-55 3.5-5.6 IS STM
The MVX2U manual makes no mention of compatibility with Android and iOS devices. Here is Shure's comment on this matter:
We do not recommend connecting an XLR microphone to an iPhone with the MVX2U, as users cannot access the full features of the MVX2U that are available via the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop App.
The MVX2U might work on mobile devices if you can power the USB bus. Although there is no iOS or 'droid app you can program the DSP in the desktop app.
Sound Comparisons
Below are short audio samples of the MVX2U mounted on mics I've used for spoken word. XLR sound samples from each mic are included as a point of comparison with the MVX2U. Mics were mounted on a boom arm clamped to a desk in a partially treated room, and recorded into TwistedWave at 48 kHz and 24-bits. I staged gain to hit around -12 dB. No processing or normalization used. Mics were fitted with a foam pop filter unless otherwise noted.
AKG C3000B with Shure MVX2U
The AKG C3000B, circa 2009, is a large diaphragm side-address condenser mic. It remains in production as the AKG C3000 and sells for $350 USD. The lower treble frequency bump makes it too bright for classical guitar. On the other hand, that bump makes it a decent mic for spoken word, exhibiting good clarity albeit a little bright and boxy for my voice.
The C3000B was recorded with USB-C output from the Shure MVX2U. Gain was set at 46 dB in ShurePlus MOTIV.
AKG C3000B with XLR Output
The XLR output of the C3000B was recorded through the Rode X Streamer with gain set at 46 dB. C3000B XLR output sounds a little better than the MVX2U.
Deity VO-7U
The Deity VO-7U is a dynamic USB mic aimed at YouTubers and gamers. It has a small EQ bump in the lower highs, somewhat reminiscent of Shure dynamic microphones, but with more strongly rolled off bass. Rejection of off-axis sound is good—better than the Blue Yeti X. The sonic character is okay but not as pleasing as similarly priced mics such as the Shure SM137, Shure Beta 57A, Lewitt LCT 249 Pro and PodMic USM.
While there is no controlling software, the VO-7U has a limiter and powerful built-in preamp. It is a looker and sports RGB lights for mic fashionistas. The Deity VO-7U kit retails for $199 USD.
Neumann TLM 102with Shure MVX2U
The Neumann TLM 102 is a large diaphragm side-address condenser mic and a favorite mic for recording classical guitar and ukulele. Pointed at the bridge, it renders a beautifully sweet plucked string tone. For guitar, it needs little or no EQ.
While great sounding for voice, the TLM 102 is challenging to use: extremely sensitive to lip movements and tiny puffs of air! I cockroached a foam filter from the Deity VO-7U to control plosives. The 102 is also more sensitive than average to vibrations from the floor, computer fans and off-axis sounds! I used a clone of Neumann's shock mount to help nix vibrations. The TLM 102 is basically unusable without a shock mount.
The TLM 102 is at its best in an acoustically treated and soundproof room. Currently, it retails for $750 USD.
Neumann TLM 102 with XLR Output
I recorded the Neumann TLM 102 through the XLR input of the Rode X Streamer. Gain was set at 46 dB. Obviously the XLR and USB are similar in sound but, in this case, the TLM sounds slightly better through the Shure MVX2U.
Rode PodMic USB with Shure MVX2U
This is the sound of the Shure MVX2U plugged into the XLR port of the Rode PodMic USB. Nobody would do this in real life but the I was curious if there was a difference between Rode USB and Shure MVX2U USB output. The sound is smooth, balanced and natural and very similar in character to the built-in USB output of this mic. The preamp built into the Shure MVX2U has more gain available than the preamp in the Rode USB.
Rode PodMic USB with Rode USB
This PodMic USB sample was recorded through its built-in USB-C port. Gain was maxed out at 63 dB in Rode Central but is softer than Shure MVX2U USB output.
Rode PodMic USB with XLR Output
I plugged the XLR output into the Rode X Streamer and set gain to 63 dB. I kept the same 8 to 10 cm speaking distance. XLR and USB output are similar in character, but XLR output has slightly more treble bite than both MVX2U and Rode USB output. Another way to look at it, USB output is a little sweeter or warmer than XLR output.
Rode X Streamer | Mounted on a Manfrotto arm for easy port access.
Shure 849 with Shure MVX2U
The MVX2U was plugged into the XLR port of the Shure 849 and recorded in TwistedWave.
I bought a pair of Shure 849 condenser mics in the late 1990s to record classical guitar. This is an instrument mic—looks and sounds similar to the current SM137—with small diaphragm and minimal windscreen protection. It was too bright in the lower highs for classical guitar and is better suited for miking guitar amps and percussion.
The Shure 849 is a little known "sleeper" mic and was surprisingly flattering for my voice: smooth, warm, clear and very clean. With a foam windscreen or pop filter, it is forgiving of plosives and small puffs of air. Because it was designed for isolating and miking stage instruments, off-axis rejection is excellent. Among the mics I tested, the 849, SM137 and the Beta 57A were the only mics that picked up no vibrations or hum from my hard drives and nearby AC units. These mics were designed for hand held use and, thus, have internal pneumatic shock mounts. These internal shock mounts seem to benefit use in any high vibration situation.
Shure 849 with XLR Output
For this recording, I plugged the Shure 849 into the XLR port of the Rode X Streamer interface and recorded in TwistedWave. Gain was set to 54 dB.
Shure Beta 57A with Shure MVX2U
Isolation from background and handling noise and resistance to plosives are excellent—better than the Rode PodMic USB, Neumann TLM 102 and AKG C3000B. Like the SM137, this mic features Shure's internal pneumatic shock mount to smooth away minor vibrations. It ties the Shure 849 and SM137 in terms of background noise rejection, maybe slightly better. It sounds great for spoken word, singing and miking guitar cabs!
The sound is smooth and clear, needs little post processing and has a fuller and more extended frequency range compared to the SM57 and SM58. It is small and unassuming but what a studio workhorse. The Beta 57A retails for $150 USD.
Shure Beta 57A with XLR Output
To record the Shure Beta 57A, I plugged it into the XLR input of the Rode X Streamer. XLR and MVX2U output sound as close to exactly the same as it gets. I'm speculating, but I suspect MVX2U output is voiced for Shure mics.
Voiceover
In the video below, I paired the MVX2U with a Shure 849 for voiceover sections, i.e, most of the video. And that combo sounds great: smooth, warm and clear. I didn't want a mic in my face for the talking head sections, so I used a Synco wireless lav mic. It sounds weak and muffled. Utter crap. Next time, I'll use a full sized mic on a boom for talking head scenes.
Beat and Meter Basics | Professor Peter Kun Frary (7:16)
Final Blurb
The MVX2U translated the character of each mic I tried faithfully. In some cases there were small differences between the sound of the MVX2U versus XLR. However, differences are to be expected since preamps and analog to digital converters vary.
I'm not a fan of adapters but the MXV2U feels like part of the mic. Operation is simple and transparent. During the many times I used it, there were no glitches.
Of course, there are many single XLR and twin XLR input digital audio interfaces for a similar price as the MVX2U, e.g., Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface, but with more features and flexibility. If simplicity and portability are your main criteria, none of them can touch the MVX2U.
I enjoyed working with the Shure MVX2U and recommend it for anybody looking for the easiest way to connect a single XLR mic to a computer for voiceovers, video, podcasting, streaming and Zoom use
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Shure MVX2U
Build and Features
RFI Resistance 
Connectivity
Headphone Output
Final Blurb
Features & Specs
Physical
