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Shure MV6

A plug-in USB dynamic microphone for voice.

Elgato Wave Neo

A plug-in USB microphone for a simple desk.

Before you choose

Shure MV6

The catch: Use it directly over USB. Choose an XLR or hybrid microphone instead if you intend to move the same mic onto a standalone analog mixer.

Check first:

  • A USB-C port on your computer

Elgato Wave Neo

The catch: Choose it for one direct USB speaking position and use its headphone jack to monitor your voice. For two separately controlled speakers, plan two microphones and an interface with two inputs.

Check first:

  • A USB-A port on your computer

Everything to check before you buy

Where they differ

SpecsShure MV6Elgato Wave Neo
CapsuleDynamicCondenser
Shure MV6 is dynamic, which picks up less of the room; Elgato Wave Neo is a condenser, which suits a quiet room.
USB cable in the boxUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-A cable
Shure MV6 comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable; Elgato Wave Neo with a USB-C to USB-A cable. Match it to your computer’s ports.
Best USB recording format24-bit, 48 kHz24-bit, 96 kHz
Over USB, Shure MV6 records up to 24-bit, 48 kHz and Elgato Wave Neo up to 24-bit, 96 kHz. Both are more than a stream carries (Twitch takes AAC audio at up to 160 kbps), so the difference matters for recordings you edit.
Processing on the microphoneYesNone listed
Shure MV6 processes your voice on the microphone over USB; for Elgato Wave Neo you add filters in OBS.

Where they are the same

Connection
USB
Pickup patterns
Cardioid
Stand in the box
Yes
Headphone socket
Yes

Not enough data to compare

We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: Preamp gain needed, XLR cable in the box. The site leaves these out rather than guess.

What else each needs

Shure MV6

MV6
A USB-C port on your computer
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
MOTIV Mix desktop or the maker’s other apps
  • Check first: A USB-C port on your computer. The cable in the box has USB-C at both ends. If your computer only has USB-A ports, you need a USB-C to USB-A cable rated for the same speed.
  • Optional: A boom arm, if you want it closer. A desk stand is in the box. An arm lets you bring the microphone nearer your mouth without it sitting in the camera shot; check the arm fits its 5/8-inch thread.
  • Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.
  • Optional: MOTIV Mix desktop or the maker’s other apps. The maker’s app sets its processing and controls.

Elgato Wave Neo

Wave Neo
A USB-A port on your computer
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
  • Check first: A USB-A port on your computer. The cable in the box is USB-C to USB-A. If your computer only has USB-C ports, use a USB-C to USB-C cable instead.
  • Optional: A boom arm, if you want it closer. A desk stand is in the box. An arm lets you bring the microphone nearer your mouth without it sitting in the camera shot; check the arm fits its 1/4-inch, 5/8-inch or 3/8-inch thread.
  • Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.

Next step

Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear, or see all 27 side by side in USB microphones for streaming compared. Test your microphone before you go live.

Full profiles: Shure MV6 and Elgato Wave Neo.

Sources