Shure's MV51 USB microphone looks retro but is loaded with modern capabilities.
For $199 you get a cardioid condenser mic that can record via USB to your computer or directly to an iOS device via the included Lightning cable.
Beyond that, it's the only mic we've tested thus far to offer both DSP (digital signal processing) and DSP-free modes.
In fact, there are four DSP modes geared toward specific uses.
That alone makes the MV51 a standout, while its zero-latency headphone jack and onboard gain controls are inclusions in keeping with most of the similarly priced competition.
For pure signal, there are other options in the price range that we favor slightly more, but as a versatile tool for podcasters and musicians, it's hard to beat the MV51's approach.
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Design
Don't be fooled by the shiny mic grille that looks like it came straight off Elvis Presley's stage in the late '50s—the MV51 ($144.51 at Amazon) is a modern, versatile USB mic.
(Though, for the record, many of those iconic mics Elvis sang into were, indeed, made by Shure.) Beneath the grille, the MV51 is a condenser mic utilizing a one-inch capsule in cardioid pattern.
In an almost surreal juxtaposition to the MV51's suave vintage motif, the front panel has what you might describe as a dashboard, backlit with LEDs.
Here you'll find icons for the mute mode, as well as the various recording modes—more on those in a moment—and a headphone volume adjuster for the included zero-latency 3.5mm headphone jack located on the rear panel.
These icons are actually touch-sensitive buttons.
Tapping the headphone button allows you to adjust the headphone's volume, and tapping it again switches the volume slider to a gain control slider.
The MV51 has a nice, sturdy weight to it—it's real metal, not a plastic substitute—and features a built-in kickstand.
The kickstand is not our favorite, as it doesn't elevate the mic to a height that's ideal for desktop vocal recording.
Therefore, it's advisable to purchase a mic stand if you don't have one already—either of the desktop or floor standing variety, depending on your needs.
The MV51, like many of USB mics we've tested, ships with an adapter so it can be used with standard mic stand screw-mounts.
The kickstand gets one thing right, however—the angle of the mic can be adjusted dramatically, so it can at least be angled directly at the speaker's mouth, which isn't always the case with the often limited range of USB mic desktop stands.
Along with the headphone jack, the micro USB port is located on the back panel.
Two cables, one terminating in USB and the other in a Lightning connection for Apple iOS devices, are included.
In terms of compatibility, the MV51 requires Windows 7 or higher, or Mac OS X Lion 10.7 or higher, and a minimum of 64MB of RAM and USB 2.0 or better in either scenario.
You can also use the mic directly with iOS devices that use iOS 10.0 or higher and have a Lightning port.
The MV51 can record at 44.1kHz or 48kHz and 16 or 24 bits.
The big question that every manufacturer of USB mics is forced to tackle is whether to use DSP or not.
While Blue's USB microphone lineup, as well as Sennheiser's MK 4 Digital, are free of DSP, the Shure MV51 uses digital signal processing as a selling point.
There are four preset DSP modes (Speech, Singing, Acoustic Instrument, and Loud) that auto-adjust gain, EQ, and dynamic compression/limiting.
The key here is that there's also a Flat mode that bypasses any EQ or dynamic compression.
Thus far, it's the only mic we've tested to offer multiple DSP settings, and a DSP-free setting, but there are other mics that offer multiple mic patterns—the MV51's is fixed to cardioid, which is the typical pattern for USB mics.
Shure also includes the aforementioned gain level slider.
The DSP for each setting will change with the gain levels, and the flat, DSP-free setting would be something of a letdown if you couldn't also adjust the gain to the proper setting.
Having so many presets onboard—and the ability to ignore them all and simply record with a pure signal—is not a common trait in USB mics.
Hats off to Shure for making such a versatile tool.
Performance
In Flat mode, the MV51 offers a pure, DSP-free signal.
True, this may not sound as full and crisp to your ears as the other modes, but if you're planning on using your own EQ or compression after recording, this mode is the ideal starting place.
We found that Flat mode requires the highest possible gain level in order to achieve relatively normal recording levels in GarageBand.
The other modes use enough compression and EQ that they're naturally louder, and you'll want to dial the gain back substantially for each.
Speech mode is crisp and rich.
Vocalists with deeper lows in their voice will want to be mindful of the MV51's particularly notable proximity effect—the closer you are to the mic, the more bass depth you'll hear.
This can be great, or it can turn things into a muddy mess, so it's important to experiment with your vocalist and not let the DSP do all the work.
We found the Speech mode to be a slightly stronger signal, and the Singing mode to sound a tad more compressed.
That said, the compression in this mode isn't overwhelming—sure, you can make things sound heavily processed by pushing the gain high and speaking close to the mic, but we don't advise it.
With judicious mic placement and thoughtful auditioning of the two vocal settings versus the Flat mode, it's not difficult to get a great-sounding vocal recording.
In the two musical modes—one for acoustic, one for electric—the EQ is altered a bit again.
You're most likely going to want a pop filter with the MV51.
Of the USB mics we've tested, it seems to register the most plosives and breathing noises.
A windscreen or pop filter will fix this easily, and there are even ways to make your own with coat hanger wire and nylon.
Conclusions
No other mic we've tested provides the flexibility of the Shure MV51.
It has four useful DSP modes for speaking, singing, acoustic music, or loud amplified music, and a DSP-free setting for a pure signal.
That, combined with solid audio performance, makes it a standout in this category.
In this price range, we also like the Beyerdynamic Fox.
For a relative steal, the Blue Snowball Ice delivers DSP-free signal on a budget.
However, if we're going purely on the sound of the flat signal, we're still somewhat partial to the Blue Raspberry's (also DSP-free) flat signal.
It comes down to personal preference, but it would be fair to characterize the Raspberry as closer to the realm of a purist's USB mic and the MV51 as more of a versatile do-everything mic for those who might need to record multiple types of sound sources.
It's fair to think of the Shure MV51 as a high-quality Swiss Army knife for your recording needs, and for $200, you won't be disappointed.
The Bottom Line
The Shure MV51 USB microphone provides a solid audio signal and versatility in its various recording modes, not to mention the ability to record straight to iOS devices.
