It's not cheap, but the Shure M7i microphone's built-in interface, versatile FX options, and killer recording quality make it well worth the investment.
Shure is one of the most respected audio brands and over the last few years, it's had gamers and content creators right in its sights, and it just launched its latest product for this audience: the Shure MV7i. It's an update to its popular line of streaming mics but thanks to its built-in audio interface, excellent recording quality, and high-quality DSP audio FX, it's easily one the best mics yet. At $349, it's not cheap, but with everything it offers it still might wind up saving you money. Shure MV7i – Design and Features The MV7i looks virtually identical to the company's other MV7 microphones. It has a sleek black cylindrical body that's half metal and half foam pop filter. There is a bright RGB strip along the middle of it indicating whether it's live or muted and what your current levels might be, though this can be configured in the software or mobile app. The whole thing is mounted on a U-bracket that can attach to any stand or microphone arm, whether it uses the smaller 3/8-inch thread or the larger 5/8-inch. Shure MV7i - Photos 8 Images But let's call a spade a spade. Its design is meant to evoke Shure's legendary SM7B, one of the most popular broadcast and recording mics in the world.You've probably already seen it even if you didn't know which mic it actually was as it's seen on some of the most popular video podcasts. The MV7i differentiates itself with prominent "Shure" branding on both sides and that RGB strip, and is also a touch smaller – but there's no doubting that the design is intentional. Unlike that microphone, the MV7i connects through USB Type-C. You can use it plug-and-play with Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS, and there's no need for additional hardware, unlike the SM7B. This mic is designed to be used on a computer or with a smartphone, so you'll find that it gets plenty loud and sounds great straight out of the box. Its claim to fame is that it features a built-in audio interface that allows it to connect to a second source. If…