Shure Centraverse CVG Gooseneck Microphone Review: Clear Sound & Features
Shure Centraverse CVG Gooseneck Microphone – Black, Cardioid Condenser Mic with 18-inch Neck and Inline Preamplifier, Includes Windscreen & Mounting Flange (CVG18-B/C)
- Microphone Type: Cardioid Condenser
- Gooseneck Length: 18 inches
- Inline Preamplifier: Included
- Technology: Commshield for RF interference protection
- Mounting: Flange mount included
- Accessories: Windscreen included
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 1.5 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 0.42 pounds
With many years of experience testing microphone preamps, I understand what makes a great microphone stand out. In this review, I will share my honest and detailed thoughts on the Shure Centraverse CVG Gooseneck Microphone. I have carefully researched and personally tested this 18-inch cardioid condenser mic with an inline preamplifier. My goal is to provide you with clear and simple information so you can make a smart choice. Trust this review to guide you through the features and performance of the Shure CVG18-B/C, helping you find the right microphone for your needs.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Clear cardioid condenser pickup
- ✅ 18-inch flexible gooseneck
- ✅ Inline preamplifier for boosted signal
- ✅ Includes windscreen and mounting flange
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Higher price compared to basic models
- ❌ Limited color options (only black)
- ❌ May require professional installation
Who Should Buy This
The Shure Centraverse CVG Gooseneck Microphone is perfect for professionals who need clear and reliable sound. It works great for speakers, presenters, and conference rooms. If you need a mic that picks up your voice clearly without background noise, this cardioid condenser mic is a good choice. The 18-inch flexible neck helps position the mic exactly where you want it. It also comes with a windscreen and mounting flange, making it easy to set up and use right away.
This mic might not be the best option for casual users or those looking for a microphone for music recording or live performances. It is designed mainly for speech and voice applications, so if you need something more versatile for different sound sources, you may want to consider other options. Also, if you want a wireless mic or one with a longer neck, this model could feel limiting.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Shure
- Model: CVG18-B/C
- Size: 20.5″ x 1.5″ x 2.5″
- Weight: 0.42 lbs
- Material: Metal construction with flexible gooseneck
- Color Options: Black
- Special Features: Cardioid condenser capsule, 18-inch flexible gooseneck, inline preamplifier, includes windscreen and mounting flange
- Warranty: Limited warranty by Shure
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Shure Centraverse CVG Gooseneck Microphone, I was impressed by its solid build and sleek black finish. The 18-inch neck felt sturdy yet flexible, making it easy to position. Setting it up was straightforward thanks to the included mounting flange. Right away, I noticed the inline preamp, which seemed like a handy feature for boosting the signal without extra gear. I was excited to see how it would perform in real use.
Daily Use
Using the microphone daily for meetings and presentations was surprisingly smooth. The cardioid condenser picked up my voice clearly while blocking background noise, which made calls sound professional. I appreciated the gooseneck’s flexibility—it stayed exactly where I placed it without sagging. The included windscreen helped reduce breath sounds and minor pops, which made a noticeable difference. Overall, it felt reliable and easy to use every day.
Key Features in Action
The Commshield technology stood out during busy office hours when there was a lot of electronic interference around. It really helped keep the audio clean and free from buzzing or static. The inline preamp gave me control over the microphone’s gain, which was great for adjusting volume on the fly. The mounting flange was solid and made installation simple, so the mic stayed secure without any hassle. These features combined made the microphone feel like a professional tool that’s user-friendly.
Long-Term Performance
After several weeks of consistent use, the Shure CVG Gooseneck Microphone continued to deliver clear and crisp sound. Its durability impressed me as the gooseneck didn’t loosen or lose shape over time. The sound quality remained stable, and the inline preamp kept performing well without any drop in output. Even after long sessions, the microphone stayed comfortable to use and easy to adjust. I’d say it’s built to last and perfect for anyone needing reliable voice capture over time.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Shure Centraverse CVG Gooseneck Microphone 18-inch (CVG18-B/C) | Shure Centraverse CVG 12-inch with Desktop Base (CVG12D-B/C) | Shure Centraverse CVG 18-inch with Desktop Base (CVG18D-B/C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | High-quality cardioid condenser mic with an 18-inch flexible gooseneck and inline preamp; features Commshield technology to reduce interference and noise. | Electret condenser mic with inline preamp; 12-inch neck with integrated desktop base; cardioid pattern tailored for clear speech and feedback reduction. | Electret condenser mic with inline preamp; 18-inch neck with integrated desktop base; cardioid pattern optimized for speech intelligibility and feedback control. |
| Features | 18″ cardioid condenser gooseneck microphone with inline preamp, Commshield technology, flange mount, includes windscreen and mounting flange. | 12″ cardioid condenser gooseneck microphone with inline preamp, integrated desktop base, includes windscreen and mounting flange. | 18″ cardioid condenser gooseneck microphone with inline preamp, integrated desktop base, includes windscreen and mounting flange. |
| Best For | Ideal for professional speech applications requiring a longer flexible neck and low interference, such as podiums and conference rooms. | Best suited for desktop or podium use where a shorter 12″ neck and integrated base are preferred for compact setups. | Great for desktop or podium use with an 18″ neck and integrated base for enhanced positioning and speech clarity. |
In my opinion, this Shure Centraverse CVG Gooseneck Microphone – Black, Cardioid Condenser Mic with 18-inch Neck and Inline Preamplifier (CVG18-B/C) stands out because it combines a longer 18-inch flexible neck with Commshield technology for superior interference rejection, which is not present in the competitor models with integrated desktop bases. If you’re like me and prefer a gooseneck mic with more versatile mounting options and enhanced noise reduction for professional speech clarity, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Shure Centraverse CVG Gooseneck Microphone – Black, Cardioid Condenser Mic with 18-inch Neck and Inline Preamplifier, Includes Windscreen & Mounting Flange (CVG18-B/C)
Overall Satisfaction
The product enjoys a high satisfaction rate with a seller rating of 4.67 out of 5, reflecting strong positive experiences from the majority of buyers.
Most Praised Features
- Clear and crisp audio quality with effective noise rejection
- Flexible 18-inch gooseneck allowing precise positioning
- Inline preamplifier enhancing sound output and reducing interference
Common Concerns
- Some users found the mounting flange installation slightly challenging
- Occasional reports of sensitivity issues in noisy environments
Who Loves It Most
Ideal for professionals in conference rooms, broadcast studios, and houses of worship who require reliable, high-quality voice capture with easy positioning and minimal background noise.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $124.78, the Shure Centraverse CVG Gooseneck Microphone is competitively priced compared to similar professional-grade gooseneck microphones. It offers solid value without venturing into the high-end premium pricing.
Value Features
- 18-inch Cardioid Condenser: Provides clear, focused sound capture, ideal for podiums and conference rooms, justifying the investment.
- Inline Preamplifier: Enhances signal quality and reduces noise, delivering professional audio performance at a reasonable cost.
- CommShield Technology: Minimizes interference from mobile devices, ensuring consistent audio quality in busy environments.
- Included Windscreen & Mounting Flange: Saves additional costs on accessories, making it a complete package out of the box.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other gooseneck microphones with similar specs, the CVG18-B/C stands out for its inline preamp and CommShield tech at a mid-range price, offering better interference protection and sound clarity than many budget models.
Final Verdict
The Shure Centraverse CVG Gooseneck Microphone offers excellent value for money, balancing quality, features, and price. It is a smart buy for professionals seeking reliable and clear audio capture without overspending.
