My Desk Audio Upgrade: Shure MV7+, Elgato Wave XLR, and Finally Ditching the AirPods
An upgrade you can see and hear.
I was mid-explanation on a client call last month, walking someone through a process I've walked probably twenty other people through, when my audio just cut out. Then came back sounding like I was talking through a tin can. Then the classic: "sorry, can you say that again?"
This isn't a new problem. I've had calls where my AirPods die mid-sentence because I forgot to charge them the night before, or where I catch myself sounding slightly robotic and know it's not on the other end, it's on mine. AirPods are great for a lot of things. They are not great for spending eight hours a day, every day, doing training and development work where I'm walking clients through things live and need to sound clear the entire time.
That's the lens for this post. This is a client call setup first, and occasionally a setup I use for some video content. If you're looking for a full streaming rig, this probably isn't it. If you're looking for something wired in, reliable, and built for someone who's on calls all day rather than trying to look good on camera, this might be more your speed.
So when some rewards money from work came through, I had a choice. Spend it on a gadget I'd use every once in a while, or put it toward something I'd actually use every single day. Easy call.
Here's what I got!
I'll include links to things I already had and to the new gadgets. Some may be affiliate links which earn me a comission at no cost to you 🙂
What I already had
Camera wise, I feel pretty set. I've got a solid standing desk setup (Autonomous Desk), an ultrawide monitor (curved 35 inch LG ultrawide), an Insta360 cam, and a El Gato 4K Cam Link to bring it into whatever I'm using. That side of things works well enough that I haven't touched it in this upgrade. This post is scoped to the two things that were actually holding me back: audio and lighting.
The mic: Shure MV7+
Years ago, when everyone was upgrading their audio setups, I got a Blue Yeti. It still works, but you can tell the difference now. Technology has moved on and so has what "good enough" sounds like on a client call.
I went with the Shure MV7+. Shure's a pretty common, trusted brand, and while I didn't need the top of the line option, this one has both USBC and XLR inputs. That flexibility means I could plug it straight into my laptop if I ever needed to, but for my desk setup, it's running through the interface below. This is the piece that actually solves the problem from the opening. No more tin can voice, no more asking people to repeat themselves.
The interface: Elgato Wave XLR MK.2
I already have a couple of Stream Decks, so adding another Elgato piece to the setup felt like the natural move. It's not as feature packed as some of the Rode options built more for podcasting and streaming, but I kept it simple on purpose. I didn't need a mixing board, I just needed clean audio for calls. I'm sure if I ever need to upgrade from this, I'll post about it lol
The arm: Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP
I've cheaped out on mic mounts before, and I've confirmed they suck. Cheap arms sag, wobble, or just don't hold position once you've got a real mic on them. The Wave Mic Arm LP is worth the extra cost just to never think about it again.
The headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50
These are a bit of a personal one for me. I had a pair about a decade ago and loved them, until someone broke into my car, stole my backpack, and took them with it. Getting to own the ATH-M50x again feels like closing a loop. This time, though, they're staying at my desk. No more taking them anywhere they can walk off.
The light: Elgato Key Light
My office is small, about 11 by 11 feet, and the only natural light comes from a small window in the back. That means during most of the day, I'm relying entirely on artificial light to not look like I'm sitting in a cave on camera.
Space is tight, so a big light stand wasn't really an option. The Elgato Key Light clamps right onto the desk and gets out of the way when I don't need it. I can control it from my Stream Deck, which means I can kill the overhead lights, work under lamps and task lighting most of the day, and then bring the Key Light up right before a call or a recording. It's a small addition, but in a room this size, it makes a real difference.
Budget alternatives
I'll be upfront that this isn't a cheap upgrade, and I got here partly because of some rewards money from work rather than paying fully of pocket. If you're working with your own budget, here are some alternatives that mirror what I went with.
For the mic, the El Gato's own Wave DX XLR is a great option covers the same and takes advantage of the XLR interface. And if you wanted to skip the XLR all together, the Wave:3 MK.2 is a great USB option.
For the interface, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) is the standard budget recommendation for anyone running an XLR mic. It's simpler than the Wave XLR, no Stream Deck integration, but it gets clean audio into your computer for a lot less. The main reason I skipped this one is because I've seen I've seen many videos of people upgrading from this option.
For the arm, this Neewer boom arm is a common starting point. It won't have the low profile design of the Elgato, but it holds a mic steady and doesn't sag, which was really the whole point. Full transparency though, this is the one I had and while it holds steady, moving the mic while using it engages the springs and you'll hear them.
For headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is the entry point into the same M-Series line as the M50x. Less refined sound, same closed-back comfort for long call days. Any wired headphones you currently have should work too.
For lighting, the Neewer GL25B clamps to a desk the same way the Key Light does and covers the basics of app controlled brightness and color temperature, just without Stream Deck integration.
What's changed
It's been a small shift, but it's noticeable. There's definitely a lot more going on at my desk that don't necessarily scream "oh he's a consustant" but no more "can you hear me" mid-call. No more scrambling to charge AirPods before a morning meeting. No more mildly sore ears by 3pm. I sound the same on every call now, whether it's the first one of the day or the fifth, and that's really all I wanted out of this.
