In Flat mode, the MV51 offers a pure, DSP-free signal. True, this may not sound as full and crisp to your ears as the other modes, but if you're planning on using your own EQ or compression after recording, this mode is the ideal starting place. We found that Flat mode requires the highest possible gain level in order to achieve relatively normal recording levels in GarageBand. The other modes use enough compression and EQ that they're naturally louder, and you'll want to dial the gain back substantially for each.

Speech mode is crisp and rich. Vocalists with deeper lows in their voice will want to be mindful of the MV51's particularly notable proximity effect—the closer you are to the mic, the more bass depth you'll hear. This can be great, or it can turn things into a muddy mess, so it's important to experiment with your vocalist and not let the DSP do all the work.