Shure MV51 User manual

© 2015 Shure Incorporated
27A24501 (Rev. 2)
USB MICROPHONE
MV51
USER GUIDE
Printed in U.S.A.
Le Guide de l’Utilisateur
Guia del Usuario
Guida dell’Utente
Руководство пользователя
Bedienungsanleitung
日本語
繁體中文
Manual do Usuário
사용자 가이드
Panduan Pengguna

3
USB Microphone
Mounting and Placement
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
Quick Setup
The MV51 is compatible with most devices that have a USB or Lightning connector.
1. Connect the microphone to a computer or mobile device. Use the appropriate cable (USB or
Lightning).
Drivers will be installed automatically. The touch panel illuminates to indicate a successful connection.
2. Open the sound control panel. Select the Shure MV51 driver.
Raise the level on both the MV51 product and the host computer for proper monitoring.
3. Confirm that the MV51 is the selected audio device.
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.
4. Adjust the headphone volume on the Shure MV51 device driver.
Open the MV51 driver from the sound control panel and raise the headphone volume from the
playback or output tab.
5. Use the MODE button to select the preset mode that fits your application.
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.
6. In your recording application, select the MV51 as the input source.
See your software user guide for information on assigning input sources.
You are ready to record.
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.

4
Preset Modes
Five selectable modes optimize settings for equalization and compression to match your recording needs.
Set your volume level and scroll through the modes to find which setting sounds best. The preset settings
will not affect the microphone level.
Mode Icon Application
Speech Use for speech in podcasting
Singing Use to capture solo or group vocal performances
Quiet and
Acoustic
Music
Suited for acoustic instruments and quiet music applications
Loud Music
or Band
Use when recording a band or other loud sources
Flat A completely unprocessed signal (no equalization or compression settings
used). Use when processing the audio after recording.
Touch Panel Interface Controls
① Volume Control Slider
Adjust microphone or headphone level by
sliding your finger across the control surface.
- Press the mode button to activate
microphone level.
- Press the headphone button to activate
headphone volume.
② LED bar
Displays microphone and headphone level.
The LED color indicates the level being
displayed or adjusted.
- Green: Microphone level
- Orange: Headphone level
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).
௢
௟
௠
௡
5
Touch Panel

5
6-15 ft
(2-4 m)
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.
0-18 in
(0-45 cm)
Applications
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.
Podcast and Voice Recording
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.
2-12 in
(5-30 cm)
Typical position for speech
Acoustic Instruments and Music
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.
Bands and Loud Sources
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.
Bypass EQ and Compression (Flat)
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.
Additional Tips
Shure offers additional educational publications on
recording techniques for specific instruments and
applications. Visit shure.com for more information.

6
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:
• Set the microphone level before adjusting
headphone volume.
• The headphone volume does not affect the
signal level sent to the computer.
• Use the volume slider on the front panel to
adjust the microphone gain level.
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.
Mac audio settings panel
Adjusting Headphone Level
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.
Headphone Volume
Microphone Level
Computer Volume Level
Accessing the Control Panel
PC
1. Open the sound control panel and select the
Recording tab.
2. Open the Shure MV51 device.
3. Under the Levels tab, adjust the gain level
using the slider.
Mac®
1. Open the Audio Midi Settings panel.
2. Select the Shure MV51 device.
3. Click on Input to adjust the gain using the
slider.
Input Meter Level
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.
db
L
R
-30 -20 -15 -10 -7 -5 -3 -2 -1 0
Peak Levels
The target range for peak levels on a typical
meter is between -12 and -6 dB.
Listening Through
Headphones
The MV51 is equipped with a headphone jack to
allow you to monitor audio from the computer and
microphone. The signal is an equal blend of the
direct microphone signal and audio playback from
the computer. The benefit of this feature is that
the headphone settings are conveniently located.
They are easily accessed through the MV51 touch
panel. To adjust the amount of playback audio in
this mix, 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.
Adjusting Microphone Level

7
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.
Troubleshooting
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 SETTINGS > PRIVACY
> MICROPHONE 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.
System Requirements and
Compatibility
Windows • Windows 7 and Windows 8
• Minimum RAM = 64 MB
• USB 2.0
Macintosh • OS X Lion 10.7, OS X Mountain
Lion 10.8, OS X Mavericks
10.9, OS X Yosemite 10.10
• Minimum RAM = 64 MB
• USB 2.0
iOS • iOS 8.0
• iOS 7.0
iPhone • iPhone 5
• iPhone 5c
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus
iPod Touch • 5th gen
iPad • iPad 4th gen
• iPad Air
• iPad Air 2
iPad Mini • iPad Mini 1st gen
• iPad Mini 2nd gen
• iPad Mini 3rd gen
Furnished Accessories
1 m USB cable AMV-USB
1 m Lightning cable AMV-LTG
5/8" to 3/8" (Euro) Threaded
Adapter
95A2050
Sampling Rate and Bit Depth

8
MFi Certified
Yes
DSP Modes (Presets)
Speech/Singing/Acoustic/Loud/Flat
Transducer Type
Electret Condenser (25 mm)
Polar Pattern
Unidirectional (Cardioid)
Bit Depth
16-bit/24-bit
Sampling Rate
44.1/48 kHz
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
Adjustable Gain Range
0 to +36 dB
Sensitivity
-39 dBFS/Pa at 1 kHz [1] [2}
Maximum SPL
130 dB SPL [2]
Headphone Output
3.5 mm (1/8")
Power Requirements
Powered through USB or Lightning
connector
Mute Switch Attenuation
Yes
Mounting Stand
Built-in
Stand Adapter
5/8-27 thread mount (standard mic
stand mount)
Housing
all metal construction
Net Weight
574.7 g (20.27oz.)
Dimensions
128 x 86 x 70 mm H x W x D
Cable
1 m USB cable, 1 m Lightning cable
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
[2]At Minimum Gain, Flat Mode
"Made for iPod," "Made for iPhone," and "Made for iPad" mean that an electronic accessory has been
designed to connect specifically to iPod, iPhone, or iPad, respectively, 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. Please note that the use of this accessory with
iPod, iPhone, or iPad may affect wireless performance.
iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod touch, and Retina are trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad Air and iPad mini are trademarks of Apple Inc. The
trademark "iPhone" is used with a license from Aiphone K.K.
Mac®and Lightning®are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Certifications
Specifications
Information to the user
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. 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:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
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.
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all
relevant European directives and is eligible for CE
marking.
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from:
www.shure.com/europe/compliance
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]