Shure SM7B vs Electro-Voice RE20

Shure SM7B Shure SM7B
VS
Electro-Voice RE20 Electro-Voice RE20
WINNER Electro-Voice RE20

The Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 are both exceptional choices for podcasting microphones, each with unique strength...

VS
emoji_events WINNER
Electro-Voice RE20

Electro-Voice RE20

8.9 Very Good
Podcasting Microphone

psychology AI Verdict

The Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 are both exceptional choices for podcasting microphones, each with unique strengths that cater to different needs. The Shure SM7B excels in delivering warm, smooth vocals with excellent background noise rejection, making it an ideal choice for untreated home studios where a robust audio interface is necessary. Its built-in pop filter and switchable bass roll-off and presence boost controls offer unparalleled fine-tuning capabilities directly on the microphone.

On the other hand, the Electro-Voice RE20 stands out for its consistent sound quality regardless of speaking distance, thanks to its Variable-D design that minimizes proximity effect. This robustness makes it a top-tier choice for professional broadcasting environments where reliability and ease of use are paramount. While both microphones offer high-quality performance, the Shure SM7B's ability to fine-tune directly on the microphone gives it an edge in home studio settings, whereas the Electro-Voice RE20s consistent sound quality and robust design make it a better fit for professional broadcasting environments.

emoji_events Winner: Electro-Voice RE20
verified Confidence: High

thumbs_up_down Pros & Cons

Shure SM7B Shure SM7B

check_circle Pros

  • Delivers warm, smooth vocals
  • Excellent background noise rejection
  • Built-in pop filter and switchable controls

cancel Cons

  • Requires a robust audio interface or cloudlifter
  • Low output level
Electro-Voice RE20 Electro-Voice RE20

check_circle Pros

  • Consistent sound quality regardless of speaking distance
  • Robust design
  • Minimal setup required

cancel Cons

  • No built-in pop filter
  • Less fine-tuning capabilities directly on the microphone

compare Feature Comparison

Feature Shure SM7B Electro-Voice RE20
Built-in Pop Filter Yes, with switchable controls Internal pop filter
Switchable Bass Roll-Off and Presence Boost Yes No
Proximity Effect Control No Variable-D design minimizes proximity effect
Output Level Low, requires a cloudlifter High, no additional equipment needed
Noise Rejection Excellent background noise rejection Good off-axis rejection
Ease of Setup Requires an audio interface or cloudlifter Minimal setup required

payments Pricing

Shure SM7B

$398 (as of 2023)
Good Value

Electro-Voice RE20

$450 (as of 2023)
Fair Value

difference Key Differences

Shure SM7B Electro-Voice RE20
The Shure SM7B excels in delivering warm, smooth vocals with excellent background noise rejection, making it ideal for untreated home studios.
Core Strength
The Electro-Voice RE20 is renowned for its consistent sound quality regardless of speaking distance and robust design, making it a top-tier choice for professional broadcasting environments.
The Shure SM7B offers switchable bass roll-off and presence boost controls, allowing for fine-tuning directly on the microphone.
Performance
The Electro-Voice RE20s Variable-D design minimizes proximity effect, ensuring natural tone even if a host moves around.
The Shure SM7B requires a robust audio interface or cloudlifter due to its low output, which can increase the overall cost of setup.
Value for Money
The Electro-Voice RE20 is more straightforward in terms of setup and does not require additional equipment like a cloudlifter.
The Shure SM7Bs built-in pop filter and switchable controls make it user-friendly, but the need for an audio interface can be a learning curve.
Ease of Use
The Electro-Voice RE20 is incredibly robust and easy to use, with minimal setup required.
The Shure SM7B is best for untreated home studios where fine-tuning directly on the microphone is crucial.
Best For
The Electro-Voice RE20 is ideal for professional broadcasting environments requiring consistent sound quality and robust design.

help When to Choose

Shure SM7B Shure SM7B
  • If you prioritize fine-tuning directly on the microphone and are working in a home studio.
  • If you need warm, smooth vocals with excellent background noise rejection.
  • If you choose Shure SM7B if untreated home studios are your primary environment.
Electro-Voice RE20 Electro-Voice RE20
  • If you prioritize consistent sound quality regardless of speaking distance and robust design.
  • If you require minimal setup and a more straightforward solution.
  • If you choose Electro-Voice RE20 if professional broadcasting environments are your focus.

description Overview

Shure SM7B

The Shure SM7B is the undisputed industry standard for professional podcasting and broadcasting. This dynamic XLR microphone excels at capturing warm, smooth vocals with exceptional background noise rejection, making it ideal for untreated home studios. Its built-in pop filter and switchable bass roll-off and presence boost controls allow for fine-tuning directly on the mic. While it requires a ro...
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Electro-Voice RE20

A staple in radio stations worldwide, the Electro-Voice RE20 is a premium dynamic XLR microphone renowned for its consistent sound quality regardless of speaking distance. Its Variable-D design minimizes the proximity effect (bass boost when close), allowing for natural tone even if a host moves around. The built-in internal pop filter effectively controls plosives. It is incredibly robust and pro...
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