The Movo UM700 USB desktop microphone is a condenser mic that’s great for a variety of purposes. From podcasting to game streaming and voice-over work, the UM700 is a versatile, affordable desktop USB mic. With excellent connectivity including a slew of different knobs and dials as well as several modes, the UM700 is a solid choice for audio capture and recording. Learn why the Movo UM700 is an excellent USB mic for podcasters, gamers, home office workers, and more in our hands-on review!
Movo UM700 USB Mic Specs and More
Movo’s UM700 desktop USB microphone sports an attractive design. Resembling the flagship Blue Yeti, the UM700 features a stand with adjustable knobs on either side for controlling the angle of the mic itself. You’ll find a volume wheel on the front for controlling the headphone volume, and a mute button for quickly and easily toggling audio recording off. On the bottom of the unit, you’ll find a headphone input jack for plugging in a headset for real-time audio recording monitoring as well as a mini USB jack. There’s also a 5/8-inch thread screw for mounting the UM700 to a microphone stand. At the back of the Movo UM700 there are two knobs for controlling the polar pattern and raising or lowering the gain.
As a condenser mic, the UM700 features several different modes. The stereo pattern picks up sounds on the left and right sides of the microphone which delivers a natural sound. The omnidirectional mode captures audio from all angles. Cardioid emphasizes directional audio capture while rejecting sounds from the rear or sides of the mic. Bi-directional records audio from the rear and front of the mic while rejecting the sides. Most common recording scenarios such as podcasting, voice-overs for YouTube, and streaming video games on the likes of Twitch will benefit from the cardioid pattern.
Movo UM700 specs
- Condenser microphone
- 4 x adjustable patterns: Stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, bi-directional
- 3-capsule array capable of capturing 48kHz/16-bit audio
- USB connectivity – plug-and-play simplicity (mini USB to USB Type-A)
- Compatible with Windows and macOS
- Volume adjustment knob, mute button, headphone input, gain control, polar pattern switch
- Desktop stand included, 5/8-inch screw for mounting to an optional mic stand (not included)
- Headphone output for real-time audio monitoring
UM700 Design and Build Quality
With sleek black coloring, the Movo UM700 looks professional. It’s comprised of sturdy metal for the mic and its stand. The all-metal construction lends durability while ushering in a premium vibe. And it looks stunning sitting on any desk, professional enough for video conferencing in an office setting or sporty for PC game streaming. The wide base of the stand features a rubberized bottom that grips any surface well. Its adjustment knobs are large and easy to righten or loosen.
Impressively, the UM700 packs virtually any control you could image into the mic itself. You’ll find a mute button, volume control wheel, gain control knob, polar pattern selector, headphone jack, and mini USB port. As such, making adjustments on the fly is a breeze. While recording a podcast, I was able to raise the gain slightly when I realized my voice wasn’t quite picking up as l’d have liked it to.
Movo UM700 Desktop USB Microphone Performance and Audio Quality
Where the Movo UM700 USB mic really shines is audio quality. I tested out its cardioid polar pattern since my predominant use cases for microphones are a mix of recording podcasts and YouTube video voiceovers. Volume is a bit on the lower side in cardioid mode. When compared to my Blue Yeti, I was used to having to lower the volume somewhat in post-production. But with the UM700, you may need to raise it a little. Although raising the gain does compensate for a lower audio recording volume, I’d suggest leaving the gain as low as possible.
48 kHz/16-bit recording capabilities ensure top-notch audio. I was more than happy with the quality of recordings. 24-bit microphones are available for better sound quality, but for the average user, 16-bit is more than fine. I liked the natural sound of the UM700. It balances powerful audio capture without picking up background noises. A benefit of its lower volume by default is that you won’t record many ambient noises. Since I record podcasts and YouTube videos in my home office, I’m regularly combatting background noises such as my dog barking, the neighbors setting off the smoke detector, or the dishwasher steadily humming.
For podcasting, recording YouTube videos, live-streaming PC games, and even video conferencing, the Movo UM700 delivered excellent results. Audio remained high-quality with a balanced soundstage. Though I didn’t the stereo, bi-directional, or omnidirectional modes as much as cardioid purely based on my main mic uses, my tests showed the UM700 handling all of its polar patterns with equal grace. Most users won’t switch out of the cardioid mode. However, if you need to record a two-person interview or live jam session, the UM700 is definitely up to the challenge.
Who Should Buy the Movo UM700?
Movo’s UM700 USB microphone is a budget-friendly option for audio capture and recording. If you want fantastic sound quality without breaking the bank, the UM700 is a good choice. It’s extremely versatile and should satisfy many users, from podcasters and Twitch game streamers to home office workers. Build quality is good and the bundled accessories, including a pop filter, make the Movo UM700 a phenomenal value.
You might also consider the Blue Yeti. Both the Yeti and the UM700 feature similar designs and onboard volume, polar pattern, and gain controls. I’ve used a Blue Yeti extensively for recording podcasts and YouTube videos with great success. The Yeti is slightly more expensive than the UM700. The UM700 sounds slightly quieter than the Yeti, though neither is better than the other. It’s just a different sound.
Audio-Technica’s AT2020 is a solid XLR condenser mic that features a cardioid polar pattern. The Rode NT1 is an excellent condenser cardioid mic that sports a low 4.5 dBA. For the price, the UM700 is tough to beat. A selection of four different polar patterns, fantastic build quality, and excellent recording quality make it a good microphone for podcasting, voice-over work, and video game live-streaming on a budget.
Movo UM700 USB Microphone Review – Final Thoughts
The UM700 is a great microphone for podcasting, live-streaming video games on Twitch, or starting a YouTube channel. Its low price tag makes it a solid choice for budding content creators and seasoned video aficionados alike. It’s a condenser, not dynamic mic, there are no XLR connections, and recording quality is limited to 48kHz/16-but quality, not 24-bit. Nevertheless, these are minor quibbles about an otherwise outstanding microphone.
Your turn: What mics do YOU recommend for audio recording?
Movo UM700
Pros
- Versatile - condenser mic with 4 x polar patterns (stereo, omnidirectional, bi-directional, cardioid)
- Affordable
- Plug-and-play support for Windows and macOS
- Excellent audio recording quality
- Onboard controls for volume, gain, mute, and polar patterns
Cons
- Only 48kHz/16-but quality, not 24-bit
- No XLR connector
- Condenser mic, not dynamic mic
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