The Shure MV51 is a professional-quality USB condenser microphone, ideal for home recording, podcasting, and video conferencing. The attractive and durable all-metal design features an adjustable kickstand for desktop use, and can also mount onto a microphone stand. A touch panel user interface provides control of microphone gain, headphone level, application modes, and muting.
Desktop Aim the microphone towards the sound source by adjusting the kickstand.
Microphone Stand Unscrew the end cap to thread the kickstand onto a standard 5/8" microphone stand.
Kickstand End Cap
The MV51 is compatible with most devices that have a USB or Lightning connector.
Drivers will be installed automatically. The touch panel illuminates to indicate a successful connection.
Raise the level on both the MV51 product and the host computer for proper monitoring.
Plug headphones into the MV51 device audio output and play an audio track. If you can hear sound, the microphone is functioning properly.
If your computer settings default to another device, open the sound control panel and select the MV51 device.
Open the MV51 driver from the sound control panel and raise the headphone volume from the playback or output tab.
If the audio is too quiet or causes distortion, adjust the gain manually. Refer to the "Adjusting Microphone Level" topic in this guide for more details.
See your software user guide for information on assigning input sources.
You are ready to record.
Touch Panel
① Volume Control Slider Adjust microphone or headphone level by sliding your finger across the control surface.
② LED bar Displays microphone and headphone level. The LED color indicates the level being displayed or adjusted.
③ Mute Button Press to mute and unmute the microphone.
④ Mode Selector Press to select preset mode.
⑤ Headphone Volume Selector Press to select headphone level controls (orange LED bar). Then use the volume control slider to adjust headphone level. Press again to return to microphone level display (green LED bar).
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 the following microphone placement and settings to find what works best.
Set the microphone to the Speech mode. Speak directly into the front of the microphone at a distance of 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.
Typical position for speech
To capture acoustic sources, such as singing, acoustic guitar, soft percussion, or other musical instruments, use a close microphone placement.
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.
Set the microphone to the Acoustic or Singing mode and make additional gain adjustments if necessary.
To record a band with drums or amplified instruments, aim the microphone towards the group at a distance of 6 to 15 feet (1.8 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.
For other loud sources, such as an electric guitar amplifier, aim the microphone at the sound source from 0-18 inches (0-45 cm) away.
Set the microphone to the Band mode and make additional gain adjustments if necessary.
To record a signal without any processing, set the microphone to the Flat mode. This mode is appropriate for any application when you want to bypass equalization and compression presets, and is ideal when applying signal processing to the recording at a later time.
Shure offers additional educational publications on recording techniques for specific instruments and applications. Visit shure.com for more information.
Use the MOTIV app to change microphone settings and to record, edit, and share audio. The device stores the most recently used settings for quick setup each time you record.
Tip: Turn on Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb to prevent interruptions to the recording caused by phone calls, text messages, or alerts.
Tap Device on the navigation bar to access the device settings tab.
Microphone Settings
① Connected Mic Status Displays the name of the connected MOTIV microphone.
② Input Meter Displays the strength of the input signal and whether that signal is mono or stereo. The loudest peaks should reach within the target range (indicated by the shaded region between -12 and 0 dB).
③ Microphone Gain/Monitoring Adjust the gain slider to match the volume of the sound source. Tap the headphone icon to turn on the input monitor when making adjustments.
④ Custom Presets Tap the caret to quickly access your saved presets. Or tap the Save button to save current settings as a new custom preset. See Custom Presets for more information.
⑤ Preset Modes Select a mode to set stereo width, equalization, and compression for specific applications. Refer to the "Preset Modes" topic for more details.
⑥ Polar Pattern Selection Swipe to choose between Stereo, Mono Cardioid, Mono Bidirectional or Raw Mid-Side pick-up patterns. Then adjust the width of the stereo microphone pickup area.
Tip: Consider the location of the microphone and the size of the sound source when adjusting the width. For example, a large orchestra or ensemble recording will benefit from a wide stereo image to achieve increased separation between instruments. Other applications, such as speech, benefit from a narrow width for improved clarity with rejection of ambient (room) sound.
⑦ Advanced Features First select a preset mode, then use the advanced controls to fine tune your audio recording and dial in your sound. Your settings will be retained in the microphone. See "Advanced Features," "Wind Noise Reduction" and "Left-Right Channel Swap" for more information on how these features work.
Five selectable modes optimize settings for gain, stereo width, equalization, and compression. Set the microphone level and try the modes to find which sounds best. Preset modes can affect the strength of the input signal, so adjust the microphone level as needed after changing presets.
| Mode | Application | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Speech |
speech | Narrow stereo width to reject background noise, equalization that emphasizes clarity and fullness, and gentle compression. |
Singing |
solo or group vocal performances | Medium stereo width with subtle equalization to add richness and clarity for a natural sound. |
Flat |
any | An unprocessed signal (no equalization or compression settings used). Adds flexibility when processing the audio after recording. |
Acoustic |
acoustic instruments and quiet music | Medium stereo width with transparent compression to smooth out volume spikes and bring out quiet passages. The equalizer setting emphasizes detail and an overall natural sound. |
Loud |
live performance and louder sources | Wide stereo to increase separation between sources. Equalization further improves definition by reducing frequencies that can make the instrumentation sound crowded. |
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.
Wind Noise Reduction engages a low-frequency cutoff filter that reduces rumble caused by environmental noise. Use the included foam windscreen in combination with wind reduction to counteract rumble and plosives (bursts of air hitting the microphone).
To further reduce wind noise, use the optional Rycote™ Windjammer, which fits over the included foam windscreen.
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.
Select the correct preset mode for your recording application. 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.
Tips:
Note: The microphone gain control is independent of the preset modes. Set your microphone level and experiment with dynamic processing options via the preset modes.
The headphone monitoring level is affected by the MV51 device level and the computer settings level. Raise your computer volume up and easily adjust headphones through the MV51 device headphone settings.
PC
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 output provides an equal blend of the direct microphone signal and audio playback from the computer. This allows you to conveniently adjust the overall headphone volume with one control on the device touch panel. To change the playback audio level relative to the direct microphone signal level, adjust 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 on the device for comfortable monitoring.
When you plug a MOTIV device into your iOS device, a warning message prompts you to enable Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb mode. It's important to do this to avoid recording interference from phone calls, messages, and various notifications. Tap X to dismiss this warning message.
Note: Leave Airplane Mode off to add geolocation information to your audio file.
Select the Dark screen option to change the application display from light gray to very dark gray. The darker display is ideal for discreet recording in low-light situations. A darker screen also conserves battery life.
You can access the theme appearance setting by going to
To ensure that you capture the entire sound source, start your recording before the performance starts and edit the recording later to trim any silence.
Note: If your microphone accidentally becomes disconnected during recording, MOTIV will automatically stop the recording. The save file dialog will appear, prompting you to name and save your audio.
Select the Keep Awake While Recording option so you can continuously monitor gain levels during longer recording sessions without the screen going dark.
You can access the Keep Screen Awake option by going to .
Note: Disabling sleep mode will affect battery time while recording.
① Library Search/Sort/Select
② Sort Order Tap the caret to display the tracks in order or reverse order.
③ Track List Displays your list of recorded tracks.
④ Recently Deleted Your recently deleted files will be stored here for 30 days. See the Recently Deleted files topic to learn how to recover files.
⑤ Audio Player Bar
Shure MOTIV allows you to convert, share, or delete multiple files at a time. Only WAV files can be converted.
Double-tap the track name in the audio player to access the Playback window.
① Track Information Displays the name of the currently playing track, including file format, bit depth, sample rate, and stereo or mono.
② Track Artwork Keep the MOTIV artwork. Or customize your artwork with images from the photos in your device. See "Customize Track Artwork".
③ File Information Displays the record date and time, and the microphone that was used.
④ Playback Timeline See where you are in the track as it progresses. The time elapsed and time remaining are displayed below the timeline.
⑤ Playback Controls Edit, Rewind, Play/Pause, Fast-Forward, and Loop your track.
Playback in horizontal view
Tap Edit to access editing controls for each track.
The MOTIV Editor allows you to polish your recordings before sharing them with friends or online.
There are two edit mode options:
There are three ways to move around the timeline.
Press Play to begin playback from that selected point.
Pinch two fingers together to zoom out. Pinch apart to zoom in.
Use Landscape mode in the Editor to view more of the waveform.
Create a loop to isolate and repeat a selection of audio.
Markers are audio bookmarks that allow you to return to specific points in your recording. They do not affect playback start and stop points but are useful for reference. When used in Split mode, the marker placement determines the split point for the file. Markers are identified by hour, minute, second, and millisecond (00:00:00:00), however they cannot be placed closer than one second apart from one another.
Adding a marker: Tap the Marker button to insert a marker at the playhead location.
The marker list opens with Start and End markers for your audio track.
Playback from a specific point: Tap any marker to begin playback from that marker point.
Adding a marker: Press the plus sign to insert a marker at the playhead location.
Moving a marker: Press and drag an existing marker to a new location on the timeline.
Using the marker list: Tap the marker in the list to move the playhead to that location.
Renaming markers: Press and hold the marker label in the list.
Deleting markers: Swipe left on the marker in the list to reveal the delete option.
① Trim / Split Select Select your type of edit mode.
② Timeline Display See your entire timeline. Zoom in for precise editing.
③ Enhance toggle Toggle the Enhance feature on and off. See the Enhance section for more information.
④ Mirror Fade toggle Turn Mirror on to make intro and outro fade curves symmetrical.
⑤ Add Markers Tap the + sign to add a marker at the playhead position.
⑥ Marker List All recordings begin with Start and End markers. See "Markers" for more information.
Trim mode is used to trim the extra space from the Start and End of your audio track.
Tip: To undo the last action on your iOS device, just shake the device. You will receive a pop-up asking you to Undo the last action or Cancel.
① Trim / Split Select Select your type of edit mode.
② Timeline Display See your entire timeline. Zoom in for precise editing.
③ Enhance toggle Toggle the Enhance feature on and off. See the Enhance section for more information.
④ Add Markers Tap the + sign to add a marker at the playhead position.
⑤ Marker List All recordings begin with Start and End markers. Displays position in hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds. See "Markers" for more information.
Note: Double tap on the timeline to zoom in to a location. The closest possible zoom length is two seconds. After you reach the closest zoom, the double-tap will zoom out.
Use Split Mode when you have a long audio file that you'd like to divide into smaller audio files. Create new edited files while keeping your original file intact.
Convert your audio into a video file that can be easily shared to social media from your device photo application (Camera Roll or Photos).
Note: The first time you save to Camera Roll you will be asked to grant permission for file sharing between applications. If you accidentally dismiss permissions, you can always change access in the device settings. Granting permission creates a MOTIV folder inside the Camera Roll.
You have the option to add an image to your recording.
Save your MOTIV files to Dropbox to store backup copies, free up space on your iOS device, or share to social media.
Note: You may need to grant access between MOTIV and Dropbox. Selecting "Allow" creates a MOTIV folder inside Dropbox and links the applications.
Note: Large files may take longer to upload.
Now that your file is uploaded to Dropbox, you can store backup copies of your recordings or share them on social media.
MOTIV supports the ability to AirDrop WAV files to selected contacts.
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 MV51 is fully plugged in. |
| Audio is too low | Check the computer sound control panel settings. When first connecting the MV51 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 MV51 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. |
| MV51 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 MV51 requires 250 mA per port. Check USB hub documentation for current/port specification. |
Note: iPad Pro (USB-C) is not supported.
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
Speech/Singing/Acoustic/Loud/Flat
Electret Condenser (25 mm)
Unidirectional (Cardioid)
16-bit/24-bit
44.1/48 kHz
20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
0 to +36 dB
-39 dBFS/Pa at 1 kHz [1] [2}
130 dB SPL [2]
3.5 mm (1/8″)
Powered through USB or Lightning connector
Yes
Built-in
5/8-27 thread mount (standard mic stand mount)
all metal construction
574.7 g (20.27oz.)
128 x 86 x 70 mm H x W x D
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
[2] At Minimum Gain, Flat Mode
Polar Pattern
Frequency Response
| 1 m USB cable | AMV-USB |
| 1 m USB-C cable | 95C38076 |
| 5/8" to 3/8" (Euro) Threaded Adapter | 95A2050 |
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.
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