Let’s compare the Shure SM7B dynamic microphone to the Rode NT1 condenser microphone. These are two microphones from very different neighborhoods, but are often in the same discussion as to which microphone someone should buy.
Quick Answer: If you’re recording in a non-treated room, the Shure SM7B is your best bet for vocals. If you’re in a studio, the Rode NT1 is better for almost everything else.
- Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- Rode NT1 Condenser Microphone: https://currentprice.io/rode_nt1_kit
Shure SM7B VS Rode NT1 Review
Both of these microphones are high-quality, studio-grade microphones that professional sound engineers use on a regular basis.
When it comes to broadcast and podcasting in an office or untreated room, it’s hard to beat the Shure SM7B reliability, pick-up pattern, and noise rejection. The Shure SM7B does a very good job at reducing background noise, preventing plosives, and accurately representing vocals. That being said, the dark tones of the Shure SM7B can often make it come across as muffled compared to other microphones in this price range (Especially the Rode NT1 and EV RE20)
The Rode NT1 on the other hand is well known to be an “all-rounder” or “swiss army knife” in the studio. Its flat eq response, affordability, flexibility, and accurate representation of various audio sources make this microphone a favorite for many. The Rode NT1 does well on vocals too but has a tendency to pick up background noise (road-noise, fan noise, etc.) if it’s not in a soundproof and sound-treated environment.
Shure SM7B VS Rode NT1 Specs
Shure SM7B | Rode NT1 | |
Color | Black | Black |
Connector | XLR | XLR |
Transducer | Dynamic | Condenser |
Capsule Orientation | Top / End Address | Side Address |
On-Board Controls | High Pass Filter, Mid Bump | None |
Windscreen | 1 x Small, 1 x Large | SMR or SM6 |
Frequency Response | 50 Hz to 20 KHz | 20 Hz to 20 KHz |
Impedance | 150 Ohms | 100 Ohms |
Sensitivity | -59 dBV/Pa @ 1kHz | -29 dBV/Pa @ 1kHz |
Weight | 1.69 lb / 766.57 g | .97 lb / 440 g |
Price |
Build Quality
In terms of construction, both microphones are made from an all-metal chassis. The Shure SM7B is likely more reliable and durable compared to the Rode NT1 due to the differences of internal technology. The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone that features a more rugged internal design that is more durable and can generally take a better beating.
Condenser microphones like the Rode NT1 seem to be more susceptible to damage while moving around the studio or from venue to venue.
Physical Features
The Shure SM7B has two options for foam windscreens. The SM7B also has two switches on the microphone that can add a high pass filter and a presence boost to the EQ profile of the microphone.
The Rode NT1 typically comes with either the SMR shock mount kit or the SM6 shock mount kit. Both solutions can screw into the microphone and add a pop filter for the microphone.
Both microphones have an XLR output and work with XLR cables.
SM7B VS NT1 Frequency Response
The frequency response of the Shure SM7B (when HPF is turned off) has a low cut prior to 700 Hz, a small flat section from 700 Hz to 4 kHz, followed by some high-end chop and a drop starting at 12 kHz.
The EQ profile of the Shure SM7B gives it a very clean low-end response and doesn’t risk adding a boomy-ness or rumble to your recording. The flat midsection of the SM7B allows for an accurate recording of your subject. The drop after 12 kHz helps can reduce a lot of mouth noise and clicking that can be irritating after listening to a recording (like a broadcast or podcast) for 60+ minutes.
The frequency response of the Rode NT1 has an eq that is almost “ruler flat” aside from the slight dip at 20 Hz and the upper-frequency boost.
The frequency boost at the upper end of the frequency range is what gives this microphone added clarity, especially when it’s compared to the Shure SM7b.
Shure SM7B & Rode NT1 Pricing
- Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- Rode NT1 Condenser Microphone: https://currentprice.io/rode_nt1_kit
- SM6 Shockmount Kit: https://currentprice.io/rode_sm6
- SMR Shockmount Kit: https://currentprice.io/rode_smr
- Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
- Solid State Logic SSL2+ Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/ssl2_plus
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Recommended Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/boom_arm
Shure SM7B VS Rode NT1 Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:38 – Audio Interface & Testing
- 1:03 – Pricing
- 1:32 – Specifications
- 2:27 – Build Quality & Physical Features
- 3:20 – Pop Filter & Plosive Protection
- 4:00 – Built In EQ
- 4:36 – Background Noise Test
- 5:22 – Proximity Effect Test
- 5:54 – Frequency Response
- 6:25 – Recommendation & Review
- 9:53 – Final Thoughts
