Let’s be real here: You’re looking at the Shure MV7 for one of two reasons:
- You don’t want to spend $400+ on the Shure SM7B.
- You need a broadcast-quality USB microphone.
Most people fall into the first category. If that’s you, and you’ve stumbled your way into this article, chances are you’re looking for an even cheaper option.
Well friend, I’ve got you covered. Here are some Shure MV7 alternatives to help you save even more money.
Quick Look: The Best Shure MV7 Alternatives
The MV7 is a combo USB/XLR microphone. So we’ve divided our MV7 alternatives into three groups: XLR-only, USB-only, and combo mics.
XLR-Only Options
- Shure MV7X — Same Mic, but XLR-Only
- Rode Procaster — Top Pick
- Rode PodMic — Also Great
- Behringer XM8500 — Budget Pick
USB-Only Options
- Rode Podcaster — Best Dynamic USB Mic
- Rode NT-USB+ — Best Condenser USB Mic
- Samson C01U — Budget Pick
USB/XLR Combo Mics
- Samson Q9U — Top Pick
- Rode PodMic USB — Also Great
- Samson Q2U — Budget Pick
XLR-Only MV7 Alternatives
These XLR microphones work great with any audio interface or mixing board.
1. Shure MV7X — Top Pick
The Shure MV7X is an XLR-only version of the MV7. It strips out all the USB features and leaves you with a solid microphone that works with your audio interface.
In other words, it’s literally the same microphone as the MV7, just cheaper.
There’s not much more to say about this mic. If you want the MV7 but aren’t interested in the USB output, then grab the MV7X instead.
2. Rode Procaster — Top Pick
If there was a broadcast mic that struck the perfect balance between affordability and performance, the Rode Procaster would be it.
The Procaster has a frequency response tailored for lower voices. So if your voice is deep and husky, this mic will bring it out without any distortion.
As for design, it looks like a professional broadcasting microphone. Plus, its stainless steel body is super durable and can take some abuse while protecting the internals.
3. Rode PodMic — Also Great
The Rode PodMic is an affordable microphone tailor-made for podcasting and voice work. Its tight frequency response and built-in pop filter make any voice sound flattering.
It’s small, chunky, and highly durable thanks to its metal body. So it’ll easily withstand drops and dings without taking any damage.
4. Behringer XM8500 — Budget Pick
Don’t be fooled by the price. Even though it’s dirt cheap, it’s still a fantastic microphone that sounds way better than it has any right to sound.
Its rugged build also ensures this mic will last practically forever. Even if you drop it a few times, you won’t have to worry much about internal or external damage.
USB-Only MV7 Alternatives
Clean up your setup with these awesome USB microphones.
5. Rode Podcaster — Best Dynamic USB
As a USB microphone, the Rode Podcaster is very comparable to other vocal mics in the Rode line. Like other dynamic mics, its input requirements make it great for rejecting background noise. It also has a cardioid pickup pattern for directional input.
Combined with its built-in pop filter, and these features make it a perfect choice for any voice-over project.
Durability shouldn’t be a concern with the Podcaster either. Its all-metal body and grill ensure the mic will last you many years to come.
6. Rode NT-USB+ — Best Condenser USB
If you want to record a wide spectrum of sound, the Rode NT-USB+ will do very nicely. The ultra-sensitive large diaphragm lets you capture all the details of any sound source.
With a natural presence boost, it’ll record all the subtle nuances of your voice for a much fuller sound. The brighter high-end is also perfect for capturing percussive sounds like acoustic guitar.
This current “plus” version adds some quality-of-life updates, including USB-C connectivity and Rode’s Revolution Preamp — the same low-noise, high-gain technology found in the RODECaster Pro II mixing console.
7. Samson C01U Pro — Budget Pick
The Samson C01U Pro is fairly small and comes with a tripod stand. Its built-in diaphragm also comes with an internal shock mount. So it offers fairly clean audio while resisting handling noise.
Plus, it has a hypercardioid pickup pattern for improved sound rejection from the sides, letting it focus on just your voice.
USB/XLR Combo Mics
The Shure MV7 is one of the most versatile microphones thanks to its dual USB and XLR connectivity. If that’s important to you, these microphones also offer that same versatility.
8. Samson Q9U — Top Pick
The Samson Q9U is arguably the closest microphone to the Shure MV7 in terms of functionality. It features dual XLR and USB output, which you can record simultaneously.
Overall, the Q9U sounds great for most voices right out of the box. But if you need to adjust your sound, you can use the two EQ switches on the back — no need to open any additional software.
9. Rode PodMic USB — Also Great
The Rode PodMic USB is the newest microphone here. It’s more or less the same as Rode’s already-successful PodMic, but with the added versatility of USB connectivity.
Like its predecessor, the PodMic USB brings out your mid-to-high frequencies. This helps your voice sound more intelligible for spoken word applications.
This mic is also heavy and chunky. So durability won’t ever be an issue.
10. Samson Q2U — Budget Pick
If you’re on a tight budget, the Samson Q2U delivers clean audio that sounds incredible for the price.
Beyond that, it’s small and portable. Plus, it comes with a desktop stand, making it the ideal microphone for recording on the go. And for what it’s worth, it doubles as a handheld mic.
Why We Chose These Shure MV7 Alternatives
There are two distinguishing facts about the Shure MV7:
- It’s USB and XLR compatible. So it’s useful in lot of different setups.
- It’s the microphone you buy because it’s a cheaper alternative to the Shure SM7B.
With those things in mind, I only picked reputable microphones with lower price tags than the MV7. I also tried finding a variety of USB, XLR, and combo microphones to fit a variety of peoples’ needs.
All but two of the mics on this list are dynamic microphones like the MV7. They’re generally better at rejecting background noise and will sound good in most rooms.
Our Top Shure MV7 Alternatives
Here’s what I’d pick if I had to narrow it down to four microphones on this list:
- Shure MV7X: This is literally the same microphone, but without the USB features. Get this if you want the MV7, but aren’t interested in the USB.
- Rode Procaster: I like this microphone for the warm, bottom end. To me, it sounds fuller than the MV7 and MV7X.
- Rode NT-USB+: This is an awesome USB condenser microphone. It’s the best option if you’ve done some sound treatment in your room.
- Samson Q2U: For less than $100, this is the best budget-friendly USB dynamic microphone.
Why You Should Probably Go With the MV7 Anyway
Truthfully, the Shure MV7 is one of the best-sounding USB microphones on the market today. It’s a fairly affordable mic that still gives you that “Shure” broadcast sound.
- It’s arguably the best option for USB-only setups.
- As a dynamic microphone, its fairly good at rejecting background noise — even in an untreated room.
- Plus, it’s a fairly affordable way to get that “Shure” broadcast sound.
All that being said, I wouldn’t recommend it for an XLR-only setup. In my opinion, your money would be better spent on the MV7X or the Rode Procaster.
