In August 2023, I published Review: Shure MVX2U dockable USB audio interface for XLR mics with limiter + much more. About a week ago, I received the MX2U Gen 2 from Shure (under NDA) to test it for this new article review. Now that the embargo has lifted, I am happy to share all of the improvements, together with test recordings done with two different dynamic microphones: the Shure SM7B with A7WS and the Shure palindromic 545 with A81WS. Building on the original MVX2U, the Gen 2 model is cleaner adds more advanced, onboard digital audio processing, is controllable through the MOTIV desktop (macOS and Windows) and MOTIV mobile audio apps across Android, iOS and iPadOS.

According to Shure:

«The MVX2U Gen 2 is the lightest single-channel interface on the market and gives creators a travel-ready way to achieve studio-quality sound. Its included USB-C cable delivers both power and audio for a simple and reliable setup. It also instantly transforms dynamic and condenser XLR microphones into a professional, ready-to-record podcasting or livestreaming rig, providing up to +60 dB of ultraclean gain and 48V phantom power for everything from an SM7B to condenser microphones, all without the need for external preamps. »

New and improved sound processing features include:

• Auto-Level Mode: Automatically sets gain for consistent recording.
• Real-Time Denoiser: Reduces background noise in any environment.
• Digital Popper Stopper: Minimizes harsh plosive sounds.

The MVX2U Gen 2 automatically stores the last-used audio processing settings, preserving your preferred sound profile even when switching between devices or even when connecting to a device with no Shure software installed.  The new interface also includes improvements to the noise floor, headphone amp, and DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to further enhance the recording experience.

My first recording with the Shure SM7B, A7WS and MVX2U Gen 2

I made the above recording with the Shure SM7B (courtesy of Elite Music Studios), A7WS and MVX2U Gen 2. There are several segments where I change between different settings in the MVX2U Gen 2, so please listen to the entire recording.

My second recording with Shure palindromic 545, A81WS and MVX2U Gen 2

I made the above recording with the Shure palindromic 545 (first reviewed by me in 2016) and MVX2U Gen 2. There are several segments where I change between different settings in the MVX2U Gen 2, so please listen to the entire recording.

Conclusions

The best way to connect your favorite XLR microphone to a mobile device (i.e. an Android device, iPhone or iPad) keeps changing as technology evolves. This can be anything from a shotgun, studio mic, lavalier or handheld-sized mic. Thanks to Shure, the best pocket-sized device is now the MVX2U Gen 2. The most important improvements I appreciate in the MVX2U Gen 2 is the cleaner processing and the official mobile certification. For productions that have time to be post-processed, I would use the MVX2U Gen 2 hardware limiter to make the cleanest possible recording and leave the other processing for post. However, if you must do a live stream or make a quick audition without time to post-process, then take advantage of the other features like the realtime Denoiser and realtime Compressor.