Shure MVI User manual

MVi
Digital Audio Interface
The Shure compact digital audio interface, MVi, user guide.
Version: 4.0 (2022-B)

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Table of Contents
MVi Digital Audio Interface 3
General Description 3
Features 3
Overview 3
Quick Setup 4
Touch Panel Interface Controls 4
Rear Panel 5
1/4" Instrument Input Monitoring 5
The MOTIV App 5
Device Setup 6
Preset Modes 7
Custom Presets 8
Advanced Mic Settings 8
Limiter 8
Compressor 8
Equalizer 8
Adjusting Microphone Level 9
Adjusting Headphone Level 9
Accessing the Control Panel 9
Input Meter Level 10
Monitoring with the MOTIV Device 10
Sampling Rate and Bit Depth 10
Troubleshooting 10
System Requirements 11
System Requirements and Compatibility: iOS 11
System Requirements and Compatibility: Android 11
System Requirements and Compatibility: Mac 11
System Requirements and Compatibility: Windows 11
Specifications 11
Accessories 13
Furnished Accessories 13
Certifications 13
Information to the user 13

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MVi 
Digital Audio Interface
General Description
The Shure MVi is a compact digital audio interface used to connect a microphone, guitar, or other instrument to a computer or
mobile device. Audio and power are delivered through a single USB or Lightning connection to provide a simple and portable
recording solution. The MVi headphone output delivers the microphone/instrument signal for real-time monitoring, in addition to
audio from the computer for playback and overdubbing.
Features
Easily adjust settings with the intuitive touch panel interface
Compatible with most iDevices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod) through Lightning interface
Compatible with most computers, tablets and smart phones through USB interface
Sleek design includes all-metal housing for professional-grade durability
Headphone output allows real-time monitoring of the live signal and audio from the computer or device
Preset DSP modes include equalization and compression settings for specific applications
Overview
①USB connection
TheMicroUSBportontheMVirearpanelconnectsittoacomputerormobiledevicethroughaUSBorLightningconnec
tion. Both power and audio are passed through this connection.
②Microphone or Instrument
A microphone, instrument, or line source plugs into the combo XLR-¼" input.
③Headphone Monitoring
Connect headphones to hear real-time audio from the microphone and audio playback from the computer.
④Controls
The MVi touch-panel provides control of microphone gain, headphone level, and recording mode selection.
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Quick Setup
The MVi is compatible with most devices that have a USB or Lightning connector.
Connect the MVi 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.
The MVi is automatically assigned as the active audio device.
If MVi is not the selected audio device, open the sound control panel and select the Shure MVi driver.
Adjust the headphone volume on the MVi device driver.
Open the Shure MVi driver from the sound control panel and raise the headphone volume from the playback or output
tab.
Plug a microphone or instrument into the input on the rear panel.
The XLR/TRS combo input is compatible with microphones, guitars, instruments, and other line-level sources.
Note: Condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. To turn on phantom power, press and hold the mute button for 3 seconds. The PH
PWR LED on the rear panel illuminates when phantom power is activated.
Caution: Never activate phantom power if using a ribbon microphone, as this may cause damage to the microphone.
Use the MODE button to select the preset mode that fits your application and adjust the microphone gain to
suit the 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.
Note: When using the MVi, you can monitor and listen to playback through the device headphone output.
Plug in headphones to monitor the real-time audio and playback.
Pressing the headphone button changes to volume control slider to adjust the headphone volume (LEDs switch from
green to orange when adjusting headphone volume).
Note: Do not use the gain adjustment to get more volume from the headphones.
You are ready to record.
Touch Panel Interface Controls
Touch Panel

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①Volume 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.
②LED bar
Displays microphone and headphone level. The LED color indicates the level being displayed or adjusted.
Green: Microphone level
Orange: Headphone level
③Mute Button
Press to mute and unmute the microphone.
④Mode Selector
Press to select preset mode.
⑤Headphone 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).
Rear Panel
①Headphone output (3.5 mm)
Connect headphones to monitor audio.
②Microphone/Instrument Input
Accepts an XLR or ¼" connection.
③Micro-USB Port
Connects to a computer or mobile device with the appropriate cable.
④Phantom Power Indicator
Illuminates when active (press and hold mute for 3 seconds to switch on/off).
1/4" Instrument Input Monitoring
The MVi features a combination XLR and 1/4" TRS input. When a 1/4" input is inserted to an MVi, input mode switches to Hi-Z
(instrument) and only flat mode is available. The flat preset mode enables the input monitor to be turned on or off.
Note: When a 1/4" input is inserted no other preset modes are available and the Mode button toggles the input monitor on and off.
Mode LED on: Input monitoring is enabled
Mode LED off: Input monitoring is disabled
Useinputmonitoringwhenyouwanttoheartheinputsignalasyourecord.Ifyouwanttohearthesignalafterithasbeenef
fected, turn off input monitoring and monitor through the recording device.

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The MOTIV App
Use the MOTIV app to change device settings and to record, edit, and share audio. The MVi 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.
Device Setup
Tap Device on the navigation bar to access microphone settings
①Notifications The top row displays which device is connected. A red flashing dot next to the name let you know whether
recording is active. The charms show which advanced features are on. Tap the headphone icon to access direct monitoring
control. Tap the lock to lock or unlock the settings.
Note: Lockthesettingstopreventaccidentalchangestosettingswhenhandlingyourdeviceduringrecording.Whenmicset
tings are Locked, the setting screen is grayed out.

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②Input 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 -3 dB).
③Microphone Gain Adjust the mic gain slider to set the volume of the sound source.
④Custom Presets Tap the caret to quickly access your saved presets. Or tap the Save button to save current settings. See
Custom Presets for more information.
⑤Preset Modes Setstereowidth,equalization,andcompressionforspecificapplications.See"PresetModes"formoreinfor
mation.
⑥+20 dB Mic Gain Boost MicGainBoostisusefulforaddinggaintomicrophonesthattendtohavealoweroutput,likedy
namic microphones.
⑦Advanced Features Fine tune your audio recording with limiter and compressor controls, and equalization settings.
Preset Modes
Five selectable modes optimize settings for equalization and compression to fit your recording needs. Set the microphone level
and select the preset mode that best fits your application. Or experiment with each of 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 Equalization that emphasizes clarity and fullness with gentle compression.
Singing
soloorgroupvocalper
formances 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.
Acousti
c
acoustic instruments and
quiet music
Light, transparent compression to smooth out volume spikes and bring out quiet
passages. The equalizer setting emphasizes detail and an overall natural sound.
live performance and
louder sources
Equalizationimprovesdefinitionbyreducingfrequenciesthatcanmakethein
strumentation sound crowded.

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Mode Application Characteristics
Loud
Custom Presets
Create and save custom presets to quickly access frequently used mic settings.
Start with the preset mode that best suits your application needs.
Adjust advanced settings, like compression, for clarity and consistency.
Tap Save to rename your preset, or use the default name.
Custom preset is added to your list.
To access saved presets:
Tap the caret (arrow) in the Preset row to view your list of saved presets.
Tap custom preset and Apply Preset to instantly apply gain, stereo, equalization, and compression preferences.
Tip: You can save a custom preset at any point by tapping Save.
Advanced Mic Settings
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applica
tions.
Limiter
Toggle the limiter on to set an input threshold and prevent distortion from volume peaks in your recordings.
Compressor
Choosenocompression,orselectlightorheavycompressiontocontrolvolumewhenyoursoundsourceisdynamic.Thecom
pressor will narrow the dynamic range, which means that quiet signals are boosted and loud signals are lowered.
Equalizer
ChangethepresetmodestoheartheDSPchanges,andthenusetheequalizertoboostorcutbandsoffrequenciestoim
prove sound clarity.
Note:Equalizationwithinpresetswillnotbedisplayed.However,theequalizergraphicintheadvancedsettingsstatusbardisplaystheuserselectedequaliza
tion.

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Tap to access the MOTIV equalizer. Equalization changes are displayed in the equalizer image.
EQ persists between preset mode changes.
Adjusting Microphone Level
Selectthecorrectpresetmodeforyourrecordingapplication.Ifyouheardistortionortheaudioistoolow,adjustthemicro
phone 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.
Adjusting Headphone Level
TheheadphonemonitoringlevelisaffectedbytheMVidevicelevelandthecomputersettingslevel.Raiseyourcomputervol
ume up and easily adjust headphones through the MVi touch panel headphone control.
Accessing the Control Panel
PC
Open the sound control panel and select the Recording tab.
Open the Shure MVi device.
Under the Levels tab, adjust the volume using the slider.
Mac
Open the Audio Midi Settings panel.
Select the Shure MVi device.
Click on Input to adjust the gain using the slider.
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Mac audio settings panel
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.
Peak Levels
The target range for peak levels on a typical meter is between -12 and -6 dB.
Monitoring with the MOTIV Device
Theheadphoneoutputprovidesanequalblendofthedirectmicrophonesignalandaudioplaybackfromthecomputer.Thisal
lowsyoutoconvenientlyadjusttheoverallheadphonevolumewithonecontrolonthedevicetouchpanel.Tochangetheplay
back 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.
Sampling Rate and Bit Depth
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 MVi is fully plugged in.
Audio is too low Check the computer sound control panel settings. When first connecting the MVi 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 MVi is fully
plugged in and recognized.

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Issue Solution
Audio is distorted Usetheaudiometertoensurethatvolumepeaksarewithinthetargetrange.Iflev
el 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.
Device not working with USB hub. The MVi requires 250 mA per port. Check USB hub documentation for current/port
specification.
System Requirements
System Requirements and Compatibility: iOS
iOS: iOS 14 and higher
iPhone: iPhone 6s and higher
iPod Touch: 7th gen
iPad: iPad 5th gen and higher
iPad Mini: iPad Mini 4th gen and higher
System Requirements and Compatibility: Android
Will work with any Android device that has:
Android Pie 9.0 and higher
USBHostPowerRequirementof≥100mA
USB Audio Class 1.1 support and higher
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
Note: See https://www.shure.com/MOTIVcompatibility for information on supportive Android devices.
System Requirements and Compatibility: Mac
MacOS 10.13 to 10.15
64 bit
Minimum 2 GB of RAM
Minimum 500 MB of hard disk space
System Requirements and Compatibility: Windows
Windows 10
64 bit
Minimum 2 GB of RAM
Minimum 500 MB of hard disk space

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Specifications
MFi Certified
Yes
DSP Modes (Presets)
Speech/Singing/Acoustic/Loud/Flat
Input
CombinationXLRand6.35mm(1/4")TRS
Input Impedance
1/4inchinstrumentinput>1MΩ
Bit Depth
16-bit/24-bit
Sampling Rate
44.1/48kHz
Frequency Response
20Hzto20,000Hz[1]
Adjustable Gain Range
3-pin XLR 0to+36dB
6.35 mm (1/4") TRS +9dB
Maximum Input Level
3-pin XLR 0dBV[1]
6.35 mm (1/4") TRS +9dBV[1]
Headphone Output
3.5mm(1/8″)
Power Requirements
Powered through USB or Lightning connector
Phantom Power
+48V USB/+12V iOS
Mute Switch Attenuation
Yes
Housing
all metal construction

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Net Weight
310.0g(10.93oz.)
Dimensions
42x84x72mm
H x W x D
[1]At Minimum Gain, Flat Mode
Accessories
Furnished Accessories
1 m USB cable AMV-USB
1 m USB-C cable 95C38076
Certifications
Information to the user
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: 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installa
tion. 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per
formance.
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

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Global Compliance
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.shure.com
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.