Shure MVi Review - Digital Audio Interface

Nowadays Shure is not a microphone manufacturer, today Shure is all about innovations related to recording and their products are a great example of this innovative approach. Shure MVi is a digital audio interface from MOTIV line and our guest for today's review. Shure MVi Audio Interface is a digitized device, which allows you to record your podcast, broadcast, and performance (vocal or instrumental) on your PC-Mac or iOS lightning devices in real-time anywhere you want. You will need some sequencer program on your PC or the ShurePlus Motiv App on your portable device and some cables (included in the set). Rejoice, music lovers, a completely new audio technology era is upon us! Shure is bringing it right into your hands.

But it is regrettable to report that the production of Shure MVi is discontinued, the device is obsolete and to replace it Shure has released MVX2U more advanced and compact audio interface with approximately the same functionality, but let's talk about this mini-monster in the allocated review. At the moment Shure MVi is still available and has a good price tag, much cheaper than MVX2U. So first, let's get to the Shure MVi specs as usual.

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Classic Package

Shure MVi Specifications

• Form Factor: small, portable digital audio interface
• DSP Modes (presets): Speech/Singing/Acoustic/Loud/Flat
• Input: a combination of XLR and ¼ 6.35mm Jack
• Input Impedance: 3-Pin XLR: >2 kΩ / ¼" TRS: >1 MΩ
• Bit Depth / Sample Rate: 16-bit & 24-bit / 44.1 & 48kHz
• Frequency Response (at minimum gain, flat mode): from 20Hz up to 20KHz
• Adjustable Gain Range: 3-Pin XLR: 0 to +36dB / ¼" TRS: +9dB
• Maximum Input Level: 3-Pin XLR: 0dBV / ¼" TRS: +9dBV
• Headphone Output: 3.5mm (1/8")
• Power Requirements: powered through USB or lightning connector
• Phantom Power: iOS +12 VDC / USB +48 VDC
• Input Mute Option: yes
• Housing: all-metal construction
• Net Weight (without cables): 310 grams (10.93 oz.)
• Size: 42 × 84 × 72mm (H × W × D)
• Set Includes: GEN-1 - MVi audio interface, Micro-B-to-USB cable and Micro-B-to-Lightning cable / GEN-2 - MVi audio interface, Micro-B-to-USB cable and Micro-B-to-USB-C (all cables are 1 meter long)

Overall Build and Features

This thingy is rather small and fully metal. This makes it durable and you don’t even have to buy a case or a bag for it to transport.  The color of the housing is elegant, the black panel in front looks good and fits the overall design.

Let’s talk about the front and back panels. The first handy feature on the front panel is the mute switch. It will be beneficial for podcasters & regular users; you will not have to install special software for it, also hold the mute button for 3 seconds to switch phantom power for your microphone. There is also a mode switch that includes 5 presets for every occasion: Singing / Acoustic / Speech / Loud / Flat. Moreover, the headphone switch button and gain knob are situated there as well.

The back panel is a place for different inputs (no surprises here). Here are located: combined XLR + TRS (6.3mm) input for microphones & instruments, Micro-B for USB connection, and 3.5mm headphone input for real-time monitoring of your live signal/audio from a PC or connected device.

The best feature of all MOTIV devices is the ShurePlus MOTIV Audio app. With this app, you will be able to choose the format of the file. Set some equalizer parameters. This app also allows you to set limiter and compressor settings. You can read more about this app and its abilities on the official Shure website.

Unfortunately the Shure MVi is not compatible with the ShurePlus Desktop app (only works with the ShurePlus MOTIV Audio app from AppleStore), but you can still connect it to your Mac, PC or Laptop without any problems and can use it without the MOTIV Desktop app.

Before writing the Shure MVi review we researched the entire audio interface market and honestly, there are no practical small audio interfaces that you can easily take with you and they won't take up space in your luggage. If you are looking for a compact audio interface there are only a few models on the market: Shure MVi, Shure MVX2U, Shure X2u and then there is the Chinese Alctron X2U-MKII. But based on our experience and as our tests have shown - the best pocket audio interface is Shure MVX2U for use with a microphone and Shure MVi for microphone and instruments.

Sound Recording Quality

The best quality of recording is 24-bit/48 kHz, it is a mediocre result but it is more than enough for amateurs and professionals who want to have a chance to record new patterns or choruses wherever they are. Also, preset modes will help users to get the best quality, moreover iOS app allows setting up almost everything you need. There are five of them: Speech, Singing, Flat, Acoustic Instrument, Loud. More than enough for a portable device.

Shure MVi delivers exceptional tone and clarity for instrument recording via a JFET Class A buffered instrument preamplifier, so be sure that overall quality will be above average because of all those outstanding features.

Here you can check out some Shure MVi recording examples captured by this audio interface:

Three Reasons to Buy:

1. Price/Quality (For ~90$ you’ll get the full functionality of the audio interface with the possibility to connect it to iOS lightning devices and PC-Mac).
2. Made for traveling. You can always take it with you anywhere, because of its small size, also this interface charges via USB cable and you do not need to connect it to a power supply. Just plug into your laptop-and-play!
3. Good quality preamplifier for your instruments & mic. Shure MVi has a Class A preamplifier that gives him an advantage over budget audio interfaces.

Final Verdict on Shure MVi

Shure MVi is not the only portable audio interface but the thing that some features such as a special App, and the ability to connect MVi to iOS Lightning devices without adapters make it an ideal choice for Apple users. On the other hand, there is a great quality of recording for such a small interface. A lot of buttons that are not superfluous but useful. And of course, the quality of Shure products is an extra reason to buy this thing. We highly recommend it to every person who doesn't want to miss an opportunity to catch important sounds while traveling etc.

We hope you enjoyed our Shure MVi review. Feel free to leave your comments in the section below. We will be happy to answer all your questions, suggestions and comments.