The Shure MV5 microphone connects directly to a computer or mobile device over a USB or Lightning® connection. Ideal for home recording or podcasting, the MV5 features preset voice and instrument record modes for fast, easy configuration.
The Green status LED indicates a successful connection.
Note: When using apps like Voice Memo, the LED will not light until Record is engaged.
Most computers and mobile devices automatically detect the MV5 and assign it as the primary audio device. If your computer settings default to another device, open the sound control panel and select the MV5. To quickly verify that the device is recognized, plug headphones into the MV5 audio output and play an audio track. If you can hear sound, 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 headphone output of the MV5.
If the audio is too quiet or causes distortion, gain can be manually configured. However, the modes typically do not require additional gain adjustments. Refer to the "Adjusting Microphone Level" topic in this guide for details.
See your software user guide for information on assigning input sources.
The microphone is ready to use!
Create and save custom presets to quickly access frequently used mic settings.
To access saved presets:
Tip: You can save a custom preset at any point. Tap Save and give the current settings a new name.
① Mode Selection Button
Press to switch between preset modes
② Mute Button
Press to mute the microphone input
③ Headphone Volume Control
Adjusts the headphone volume
④ Headphone Output
Plug in any headphones with a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) connector
⑤ Micro USB Port
Use the appropriate cable (USB or Lightning) to connect the MV5 to a computer or mobile device
⑥ Voice Mode
The LED indicator illuminates when this mode is selected
⑦ Status Indicator
| LED Behavior | Status |
|---|---|
| Green | Active USB or Lightning connection |
| Flashing Red (all 3 LEDs) | Muted |
⑧ Instrument Mode
The LED indicator illuminates when this mode is selected
Note: Flat Mode is engaged when both mode LEDs are off.
Three selectable modes adjust settings for gain, equalization, and dynamics to bring out the best sound characteristics for your recording needs.
| Mode | Application | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Voice |
Use for speech or vocals in podcasting or musical applications | Equalization to emphasize clarity and fullness, and gentle compression to keep levels consistent. A de-esser reduces sibilance (the harsh sound that occurs when words with an "S" are spoken). |
Instrument |
Best for acoustic instruments and live music applications | Transparent compression to smooth out volume spikes and bring quiet passages forward. Equalization emphasizes detail and gives an overall natural sound. |
Flat |
Suited for any application | A completely unprocessed signal (no equalization or compression settings used). Adds flexibility when processing the audio after recording. |
Create and save custom presets to quickly access frequently used mic settings.
To access saved presets:
Tip: You can save a custom preset at any point. Tap Save and give the current settings a new name.
After you have selected the preset mode for your application, fine tune the sound of your recording with limiter, compressor, and equalizer controls. Your settings will be retained in the microphone when using other audio and video recording applications.
Toggle the limiter on to set an input threshold and prevent distortion from volume peaks in your recordings.
Choose no compression, or select light or heavy compression to control volume when your sound source is dynamic. The compressor will narrow the dynamic range, which means that quiet signals are boosted and loud signals are lowered.
Change the preset modes to hear the DSP changes, and then use the equalizer to boost or cut bands of frequencies to improve sound clarity.
Note: Equalization within presets will not be displayed. However, the equalizer graphic in the advanced settings status bar displays the user-selected equalization.
Tap to access the MOTIV equalizer. Equalization changes are displayed in the equalizer image.
EQ persists between preset mode changes.
This section suggests microphone placement for typical use cases. Keep in mind that there are many effective ways to record a given source. Experiment with microphone placement and settings to find what works best.
Set the microphone to the Voice mode. Speak directly into the front of the microphone, 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) away. Speaking closer to the microphone results in more bass response, similar to voices on a radio broadcast. Make additional gain adjustments if necessary.
To capture acoustic sources, such as singing, acoustic guitar, soft percussion, or other musical instruments, use a close microphone placement. Start with Instrument mode for best results.
Aim the microphone directly at the sound source. For a single source, such as a string instrument or a vocalist, place the microphone 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) away. For a small group or a performer who is singing and playing an instrument 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.
To record a band with drums, amplified instruments, or any 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 of the microphone depends on the size of the room, 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).
Shure offers additional educational publications on recording techniques for specific instruments and applications. Visit www.shure.com for more information.
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:
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.
Windows
Mac®
Mac audio settings panel
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.
Peak Levels
The target range for peak levels on a typical meter is between -12 and -6 dB.
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.
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.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| The display does not illuminate | Make sure that the MV5 is fully plugged in. |
| Audio is too low | Check the computer sound control panel settings. When first connecting the MV5 to your computer, make sure to raise the computer volume level. |
| Audio sounds bad | Check the sound control panel of the computer to ensure that the MV5 is fully plugged in and recognized. |
| Audio is distorted | Use the audio meter to ensure that volume peaks are within the target range. If level is reaching the red peak indicator of the input meter, turn the gain down. |
| Audio sounds unnatural or jittery | Make sure that the sample rate and bit depth microphone settings, found in the sound control panel of the computer, are consistent with the sample rate and bit depth selected in your software. |
| MV5 is plugged in, but the volume meter does not register a signal. | Edit the privacy setting for the iOS device under to give the recording application permission to use the microphone. |
| Device not working with USB hub. | The MV5 requires 250 mA per port. Check USB hub documentation for current/port specification. |
Will work with any Android device that has:
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
Note: See https://www.shure.com/en-US/motiv-compatibility for information on supportive Android devices.
Yes
Voice/Instrument/Flat
Electret Condenser (16 mm)
Unidirectional (Cardioid)
16-bit/24-bit
44.1/48 kHz
20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
0 to +36 dB
-40 dBFS/Pa at 1 kHz[1] [2}
130 dB SPL [2]
3.5 mm (1/8″)
Powered through USB or Lightning connector
Yes
Included
1/4 inch 20 thread (standard tri-pod mount)
PC/ABS
| Without Mounting Stand | 0.09 kg (3.17oz.) |
| With Mounting Stand | 0.16 kg (5.64oz.) |
66 x 67 x 65 mm H x W x D
89 x 142 x 97 mm H x W x D
/1 m Lightning cable (LTG models only)
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
[2]At Minimum Gain, Flat Mode
Polar Pattern
Frequency Response
| MV5 Desktop Stand | AMV5-DS |
| 1 m USB cable | AMV-USB |
| 1 m Lightning cable | AMV-LTG |
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:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
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.
Hereby, 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.
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.
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.
Publications
