Audio-Technica AT2040USB vs Shure MV6 Comparison

Audio-Technica AT2040USB

Audio-Technica specifies an 80 Hz to 16 kHz response and a high-resolution converter rated for 24-bit / 96 kHz. The low-cut filter rolls off at 80 Hz with an 18 dB per octave slope. Speech sounds focused and smooth, with a controlled low end that avoids boominess at close range.

Shure MV6

The capsule is a dynamic cardioid, and the MV6 records over USB-C at up to 48 kHz.

Audio-Technica AT2040USB

Hypercardioid pickup is narrower than cardioid at the sides, with a small rear lobe. Audio-Technica designed it to reduce ambient noise such as the hum of a computer fan. Aimed at your mouth from about 5 to 10 cm, it keeps keyboards and room sound well down. Turn your head to a second screen and your level drops faster than with a cardioid model.

Shure MV6

A dynamic capsule needs you to speak close, and Shure's Voice Isolation approach combines that with on-board processing. The Real-time Denoiser trims steady noise such as fans and air conditioning. In a shared flat this combination is the main selling point. A TV in the next room or a mechanical keyboard sits well below your voice, provided you stay within about a hand's width of the grille.

Audio-Technica AT2040USB

The mic has a silent capacitive mute, a headphone level control, a mix control and a low-cut switch. A two-state LED ring glows blue when live and red when muted. The touch mute makes no sound at all, which makes it one of the best mute designs for meetings. The colour ring is visible on camera, so others can see when you have muted yourself.

Shure MV6

A touch-sensitive panel on top mutes the mic with a tap, and an LED shows the status. There is a 3.5 mm headphone jack for direct monitoring. MOTIV Mix lets you adjust Auto Level Mode, the Denoiser and the Digital Popper Stopper, and Shure stores the settings in the mic.

Shure MV6

The MV6 uses MOTIV Mix for its companion software. Onboard DSP is listed as Auto Level Mode, Real-time Denoiser, Digital Popper Stopper. AI noise processing includes Real-time Denoiser. Official capture is listed at 48 kHz and 16 or 24-bit. Hardware processing includes a low-cut filter (high-pass filter at 75 Hz or 150 Hz).

Audio-Technica AT2040USB

The metal body weighs about 600 g and measures 145.3 mm long with a 52 mm diameter. An integrated shock mount and a multistage foam and mesh windscreen are built in. That internal isolation means bumps to the desk or arm are well damped, and close-talking produces few pops. The included AT8487 clamp attaches to stands and boom arms with a 5/8 to 3/8 inch adapter.

Shure MV6

The body is compact and comes in black or white, with a 12 cm round desk stand and a 2 m USB-C cable. A standard thread under the mount lets you move it to a boom arm later. The stand is stable but short. On a desk it puts the mic below chin height, so you end up leaning forward, and a small arm or riser fixes that.