Shure MV7 Plus vs Warm Audio WA-87 R2
A side-by-side look at Shure MV7 Plus and Warm Audio WA-87 R2 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Shure MV7 Plus
Broadcast-grade dynamic voice with a touchscreen panel and dual outputs
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Warm Audio WA-87 R2
U87-style FET condenser with three polar patterns at a fraction of the price
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Shure MV7 Plus | Warm Audio WA-87 R2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Serious podcasters who want a polished dual-output mic with hands-on controls and no interface required | Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann |
Key features
Shure MV7 Plus
- Cardioid dynamic capsule
- Dual output: USB-C and XLR
- 24-bit / 48kHz resolution (USB)
- Frequency response: 50Hz - 16kHz
- LED touch panel with gain, monitor volume, and mute controls
- Auto Level Mode and OBS certified
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
- Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and -10 dB pad
- Large-diaphragm FET condenser XLR, requires 48V phantom power
- Three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8
- NOS Fairchild transistor and Cinemag USA output transformer
- Maximum SPL 125 dB (132 dB with pad engaged)
Pros and cons
Shure MV7 Plus
Pros
- Dual USB-C and XLR outputs - future-proofs your setup
- LED touch panel is intuitive for live control
- Auto Level Mode is ideal for podcasters who dislike gain management
- Dynamic capsule excels at voice isolation in untreated rooms
Cons
- Narrower frequency response (50-16kHz) than condenser competitors
- Premium price relative to performance for solo podcasting
- Heavier and bulkier than compact condenser alternatives
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
Pros
- Three polar patterns enable cardioid, omni, and figure-8 recording configurations
- Premium passive components (Fairchild NOS transistor, Cinemag transformer) at accessible price
- U87-inspired voicing with full, present character
- High SPL ceiling handles a wide range of sources
Cons
- Condenser sensitivity demands acoustic treatment
- Requires 48V phantom power
- Multi-pattern capability is underutilized in basic solo podcast setups
The verdict
Choose Shure MV7 Plus if
Serious podcasters who want a polished dual-output mic with hands-on controls and no interface required.
The MV7+ is a significant step up from the original MV7. The LED touch panel is not gimmicky - it is genuinely useful for adjusting gain and monitoring volume on the fly without touching software. Auto Level Mode is a…
Choose Warm Audio WA-87 R2 if
Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann.
The WA-87 R2 is the most honest U87 homage on the market - Warm Audio builds it with premium passive components and does not hide what they are doing. The cardioid pattern sounds full and detailed, with the characteristic presence…