How to Record Better Audio: We Review the Saramonic MV7000

Times when the main creative outlet for photographers was taking and editing photos are long gone. For many, recording videos plays an equally important role now. But, the creation of videos is not only about the visuals. Audio is equally important. And for it, you need a good microphone, like the Saramonic MV7000.

I've been using the DJI Mic since it was released. It's great for the typical vlogging-style videos, and after some initial hiccups, I could get good audio quality out of it. But I also record a lot of tutorials in the studio, and for those, the DJI Mic is not ideal. If you record audio in a perfectly sound-treated room, it's fine. You can add some clarity in post-production and get professional-sounding audio.

But I live in a rental and can't plaster the walls of my office with sound-absorbing materials. That's why I wanted a more directional microphone that produced clearer audio right out of the gate. Condenser microphones are usually the tool of choice for recording clear audio. That's why I was very happy when Saramonic reached out to me and asked if I wanted to test one of their microphones.

Saramonic SR-MV7000

The SR-MV7000 is a multi-pattern condenser microphone. You can connect it to a PC or Mac via USB or use the XLR output to hook it up to a mixer. While a mixer allows you to use the microphone in a professional audio setting, it already produces great results when used as a USB microphone. It's how I use it to record my tutorials.

Among its four pick-up patterns— cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional — the cardioid pattern offers the directionality I need for my setup. In this mode, the microphone mostly registers the sounds from my direction. By hanging a blanket behind me, I can reduce echo significantly. There's no longer the need to soundproof the complete office, although I'm sure this would improve the audio quality of my tutorials even more.

In the feature video, I compare the MV7000 against the DJI Mic to give you an idea of what difference in audio quality you can expect by using a condenser microphone. And because of the high signal-to-noise ratio of the Saramonic microphone, I gain more flexibility in post-production. I can record at a low gain setting, of which the MV7000 provides four - 0db, 10db, 20db, and 30db. Raising the volume by 15 - 20 dB in post-production is no problem. Even higher settings should be possible without introducing any noise.

I was also surprised by the robust stand. I thought the microphone would register vibrations coming from me working on my desk, but it doesn't. There is no need to use a separate microphone arm. Saramonic even includes a pop filter that's directly integrated into the stand.

What I Like

I appreciate the high build quality of both the microphone and the stand. But what is a professional look if the audio doesn't match it? I'm glad to say that the Saramonic MV7000 also delivers when it comes to audio quality. I love the flexibility I have in post-production to tune the audio. In the feature video, I show the settings I currently use.

What Could Be Improved?

I have yet to find something I don't like about this microphone. But for a price of nearly $300, I wouldn't have expected otherwise.

Conclusion

The Saramonic MV7000 is an excellent studio microphone that produces clear, noise-free audio recordings. But if you have an echo in your room, it will pick it up, even in cardioid mode. So make sure to use blankets, or, if you have the option, put sound-absorbing materials onto the walls of your studio. Your audio quality will increase at least as much as from choosing a good microphone.

I should also mention that cheaper USB condenser microphones are available, also from Saramonic. The price of the MV7000 lies in between the entry-level condenser microphones and the more professional options. And for what you get, I think it's justified.