The Shure MVX2U Gen 2 is a portable audio interface that I was initially skeptical to purchase because the reviews on it being the successor to the Gen 1 were confusing me.
A lot of people reviewing it simply compared it to the Gen 1 and mostly highlighted its limitations or praised it to a point where I questioned the authenticity of the content. I was seeing a lot of conflicting opinions.
What I really wanted was something that would help me move from place to place while still having a setup to record. I feel like I’m always on the move, and I feel like I can’t sit still.
So I wanted something that would allow me to record anywhere, and I’m happy to report that this thing delivers.
My Recording Setup
I was previously using an Apollo Twin audio interface, and I still am. I’ve paired it with my Shure SM7B for now, but the MVX2U Gen 2 works perfectly with both the Shure SM58 and the Shure SM7B, as it well should.
The claims that the device was made for these microphones make sense because they’re from the same company.
That being said, I am surprised by how well my Shure SM58 pairs with it in particular. Being able to adjust the tone of the microphone is incredibly convenient, and it makes the SM58 that much more fun to use.
MOTIV Mix Software Features
The Shure SM58’s natural sound noticeably has always fallen somewhere between bright and dark to my ears, but the MOTIV Mix software allows me to change the tone of the microphone to better shape what I want my recordings to sound like.
I guess this is a good time to mention I use the MVX2U for rap vocals primarily.
You can also:
• Add compression
• adjust a 5 BAND EQ
• Use Auto Gain
• Enable the built-in de-noiser
• Turn on the Popper StopperLately, I’ve been enjoying the Auto Gain feature the most. It makes recording quick and easy without having to constantly adjust levels (although it may run a bit loud so you may find yourself wanting to adjust gain manually).
The built-in de-noiser also works really well to handle the self-noise of the MVX2U Gen 2.
There is also a Popper Stopper feature, which I personally don’t use because I feel like it adds a certain sound to the recording that I’m not very fond of. Still, it’s nice to know it’s there if you need it.
Is the Shure MVX2U Gen 2 Worth It?
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this to any artist, musician, or aspiring podcaster who’s tired of—or hesitant about—moving a full-sized audio interface around and is looking for something small and portable but well built.
To be completely transparent, I was deciding between buying this device or purchasing another Mogami cable for my SM58 so I could leave both microphones plugged into my Apollo Twin at the same time.
Instead, I bought the MVX2U Gen 2 for the time being, and it has worked flawlessly.
Now all I really have to do is carry whichever microphone I want to use and this little guy. That’s a much more portable solution for the way I create.
Where I Bought Mine
If you’re interested in picking an MVX2U Gen 2 up, I bought mine on Amazon because, with a piece of audio equipment like this, I like having the security of knowing I can return it if something isn’t quite right.
That said, I do typically buy most of my audio gear secondhand.
Final Thoughts
If you decide to purchase the Shure MVX2U Gen 2, let me know what you think and what your experience has been.
For my workflow, it has worked flawlessly with the Camera app, BandLab, and Rap Fame, and I hope to continue using it for a long time to come.
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