Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone

General Description

The Shure MV5 microphone connects directly to a computer or mobile device over a USB or Lightning connection. It is ideal for home recording or podcasting and features preset voice and instrument record modes for fast, easy configuration.

Features

• Convenient, Compact Design: This sleek and durable microphone mounts on the MV5 desktop stand or any stand with a 1/4" threaded adapter.
• Plug and Play: The MV5 automatically becomes the active audio device when plugged into a USB or Lightning compatible device.
• Preset Modes: Minimize setup time with preset DSP modes designed to adjust gain, equalization, and compression for various applications.

Quick Setup

1. Connect the microphone to a computer or mobile device using the appropriate cable (USB or Lightning). A green status LED indicates a successful connection.
   Note: When using apps like Voice Memo, the LED will not light until Record is engaged.
2. Confirm that the MV5 is the selected audio device. Most computers and mobile devices automatically detect the MV5 and assign it as the primary audio device. If your computer defaults to another device, open the sound control panel and select the MV5. To verify recognition, plug headphones into the MV5 audio output and play an audio track; if sound is heard, the microphone is functioning properly.
   Note: When the MV5 is assigned as the audio device, all monitoring and playback from the recording software goes to the MV5's headphone output.
3. Use the MODE button to select the preset mode that fits your application. If audio is too quiet or distorted, gain can be manually configured, though modes typically do not require additional gain adjustments. Refer to the "Adjusting Microphone Level" section for details.
4. In your recording application, select the MV5 as the input source. Consult your software user guide for information on assigning input sources.
5. Record. The microphone is ready to use.

Connections and Controls

The microphone features a Mode Selection Button (①) to switch between preset modes, a Mute Button (②) to mute the microphone input, and a Headphone Volume Control (③). It has a Headphone Output (④) for 3.5 mm headphones and a Micro USB Port (⑤) for connection. A Voice Mode indicator (⑥) illuminates when selected, and a Status Indicator (⑦) shows connection status.

The LED indicator illuminates when Instrument Mode is selected. Flat Mode is engaged when both mode LEDs are off.

Preset Modes

Three selectable modes adjust settings for gain, equalization, and dynamics to bring out the best sound characteristics for your recording needs.

Advanced Mic Settings

After selecting a preset mode, fine-tune your recording's sound with limiter, compressor, and equalizer controls. Settings are retained in the microphone when using other audio and video recording applications.

Limiter

Toggle the limiter on to set an input threshold and prevent distortion from volume peaks in your recordings.

Compressor

Choose no compression, or select light or heavy compression to control volume for dynamic sound sources. The compressor narrows the dynamic range, boosting quiet signals and lowering loud signals.

Equalizer

Change preset modes to hear DSP changes, then use the equalizer to boost or cut frequency bands to improve sound clarity. An equalizer graphic in the advanced settings status bar displays the user-selected equalization.

Placement

This section suggests microphone placement for typical use cases. Experiment with placement and settings to find what works best.

Podcast and Voice Recording

For podcast and voice recording, speak directly into the front of the microphone, 2 to 12 inches (5 to 30 cm) away. Speaking closer results in more bass response, similar to voices on a radio broadcast. Make additional gain adjustments if necessary.

Music, Singing, and Acoustic Instruments

To capture acoustic sources like singing, acoustic guitar, or soft percussion, use close microphone placement. Start with Instrument mode for best results. Aim the microphone directly at the sound source. For a single source, place it 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) away. For a small group or a performer singing and playing simultaneously, use a distance of 2 to 10 feet (0.6m to 3 m). Placing the microphone farther away results in more ambient room sound. Make additional gain adjustments if necessary.

Bands and Louder Sources

To record a band with drums, amplified instruments, or other loud sources, start with Instrument mode for best results. Aim the microphone towards the group at a distance of 6 to 15 feet (1.83 to 4.6 m). Placement depends on room size, number of people, and instrument volume. If possible, walk around the room and listen to find where it sounds best. Make additional gain adjustments if necessary. For a single electric guitar amplifier, aim the microphone towards the center of the speaker at a distance of 0 to 18 inches (0 to 45 cm).

Additional Tips

Shure offers additional educational publications on recording techniques for specific instruments and applications. Visit www.shure.com for more information.

Adjusting Microphone Level

Microphone level (gain) typically does not need adjustment when using the appropriate preset mode. However, if you hear distortion or the audio is too low, adjust the microphone level in the Audio or Sound control panel of your computer or recording device.

Keep the following in mind:

• Set the microphone level before adjusting headphone volume.
• The headphone volume does not affect the signal level sent to the computer.
• Use the thumbwheel on the microphone to adjust headphone volume to a comfortable level. Do not change microphone gain to adjust the headphone volume.

Adjusting Headphone Level

The headphone monitoring level is affected by the device and the computer settings level. Raise your computer volume and easily adjust headphones through the MV5 thumbwheel.

A diagram illustrates the relationship between microphone level (gain), headphone volume, and computer volume. It shows that microphone level is adjusted via the computer's sound control panel, while headphone volume is adjusted via the microphone's thumbwheel.

Accessing the Control Panel

Windows

1. Open the sound control panel and select the Recording tab.
2. Open the Shure MV5 device.
3. Under the Levels tab, adjust the gain level using the slider.

Mac

1. Open the Audio MIDI Settings panel.
2. Select the Shure MV5 device.
3. Click on Input to adjust the gain using the slider.

A screenshot shows the macOS Audio MIDI Setup panel, highlighting the Shure MV5 device and its input settings.

Input Meter Level

If your digital audio workstation or recording software has input meters, adjust the microphone level so it peaks between -12 and -6 dB. Otherwise, simply listen to the audio to make sure it is loud enough and not distorting.

A peak meter graphic displays input levels, with a target range indicated between -12 dB and -6 dB for optimal recording.

Listening Through Headphones

The headphone jack provides an equal blend of the direct microphone signal and audio playback from the computer. This allows you to conveniently adjust the headphone volume for both with one control, the thumbwheel on the MV5. To adjust the amount of playback audio relative to the direct microphone signal, use the computer or DAW mixer settings.

Tip: When first connecting the microphone to your computer, make sure to raise the volume level in the sound control panel of the computer for a strong audio signal. Then adjust headphone level for comfortable monitoring.

Sampling Rate and Bit Depth

Sample Rate and Bit Depth settings are found in a drop-down menu in the audio or sound control panel of your computer. You can adjust these variables to fit your needs. Select a lower sample rate for podcast recording, when it is important to have a smaller file for easy download. Select a higher sample rate for music and more dynamic recordings.

Tip: Record at a higher sample rate and bounce down to an M4A for a file with the highest sound quality at a manageable size.

Tip for PC users: Make sure that the sample rate and bit depth microphone settings, found in the sound control panel of the computer, match with the sample rate and bit depth selected in your software.

Troubleshooting

System Requirements

System Requirements and Compatibility: Mac

• MacOS 10.13 to 10.15
• 64 bit
• Minimum 2 GB of RAM
• Minimum 500 MB of hard disk space

System Requirements and Compatibility: Windows

• Windows 10
• 64 bit
• Minimum 2 GB of RAM
• Minimum 500 MB of hard disk space

System Requirements and Compatibility: iOS

• iOS: iOS 14 and higher
• iPhone: iPhone 6s and higher
• iPod Touch: 7th gen
• iPad: iPad 5th gen and higher
• iPad Mini: iPad Mini 4th gen and higher

System Requirements and Compatibility: Android

Will work with any Android device that has:

• Android Pie 9.0 and higher
• USB Host Power Requirement of ≥100 mA
• USB Audio Class 1.1 support and higher

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

Note: See https://www.shure.com/MOTIVcompatibility for information on supportive Android devices.

Specifications

[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL

[2] At Minimum Gain, Flat Mode

A polar pattern diagram illustrates the microphone's pickup pattern. It shows a cardioid pattern, with maximum sensitivity directly in front of the microphone and reduced sensitivity at the sides and rear.

A frequency response graph shows the microphone's sensitivity across the audible frequency spectrum, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

Accessories

Furnished Accessories

Certifications

Information to the user

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause interference with radio and television reception.

Notice: The FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Shure Incorporated could void your authority to operate this equipment.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Industry Canada ICES-003 Compliance Label: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

Note: Testing is based on the use of supplied and recommended cable types. The use of other than shielded (screened) cable types may degrade EMC performance.

CE Notice

Shure Incorporated declares that this product with CE Marking has been determined to be in compliance with European Union requirements. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following site: https://www.shure.com/en-EU/support/declarations-of-conformity.

Authorized European Importer / Representative

Shure Europe GmbH
Department: Global Compliance
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0
Fax: +49-7262-92 49 11 4
Email: EMEAsupport@shure.de

This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.

The Korean certification details are: Certification No.: MSIP-REM-SHU-MV5, Product Type: Digital Microphone, Model Name: MV5, Registrant/Manufacturer: Shure Incorporated, COO: China, Mexico.

Use of the "Made for Apple" badge means that an accessory has been designed to connect specifically to the Apple product(s) identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. tvOS is a trademark of Apple Inc. The trademark "iPhone" is used in Japan with a license from Aiphone K.K. Mac and Lightning are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.