Let’s compare the Shure SM7B to the Electro-Voice RE20. Both microphones are legendary broadcast dynamic microphones and are extremely popular for radio, broadcast, podcasting, voiceover, and live streaming.
Quick Answer: If warmth and a professional tone are your priorities, the Shure SM7B is likely the better choice. However, if you prioritize crystal-clear articulation and detail in your recordings, the EV RE20 is a strong contender.
- Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/re20-black
Shure SM7B VS RE20 Review
When comparing the Electro-Voice RE20 and the Shure SM7B microphones for podcasting, streaming, and vocal recording, both are professional-grade mics, but they cater to slightly different preferences and needs.
The RE20 is known for its excellent clarity and detail in capturing voice, making it a popular choice in radio studios and for voice-over work. It provides a crisp, clear sound that’s great for ensuring every word is understood. The RE20 also has “Variable D technology” which minimizes the proximity effect, allowing for more consistent sound quality. However, some users might find it to sound less warm compared to the SM7B.
The Shure SM7B, on the other hand, is often preferred for its warm, smooth sound quality. This warmth can make voices sound richer and more inviting, which is a big plus for podcasting and streaming where engaging the listener is key. It’s also excellent at rejecting background noise and controlling room echo, making it versatile for different recording environments. Although it’s more expensive than some other mics and might need extra equipment like a good preamp, its sound quality and reliability make it a favorite among professionals.
If warmth and a professional tone are your priorities, the Shure SM7B is likely the better choice. However, if you prioritize crystal-clear articulation and detail in your recordings, the EV RE20 is a strong contender.
Shure SM7B VS Electro-Voice RE20 Specs
Shure SM7B | Electro-Voice RE20 | |
Color | Black | Black or Tan |
Connector | XLR | XLR |
Transducer | Dynamic | Dynamic |
Capsule Orientation | Top / End Address | Top / End Address |
On-Board Controls | High Pass Filter, Mid Bump | High Pass Filter |
Windscreen | 1 x Small, 1 x Large | Internal |
Frequency Response | 50 Hz to 20 KHz | 45 Hz to 18 KHz |
Impedance | 150 Ohms | 150 Ohms |
Sensitivity | -59 dBV/Pa @ 1kHz | -56.5 dBV/Pa @ 1kHz |
Weight | 1.69 lb / 766.57 g | 1.625 lb / 737.1 g |
Price |
Build Quality
In terms of construction, both microphones are made from an all-metal chassis and are known to be extremely durable. The venting on the side of the EV RE20 should not be blocked because this is critical to the design and performance of their “Variable D” technology.
Connectivity
Both microphones require an XLR cable to connect to an audio interface or audio mixer.
Physical Features
The Shure SM7B has two options for foam windscreens. The RE20 has an internal windscreen and doesn’t typically require an external foam windscreen. We believe that the plosive protection or “pop” protection on both microphones is sufficient and there is no need to add an external pop filter or windscreen.
The Shure SM7B has an integrated mounting system complete with a clever cable management solution. The RE20 comes with a clamp mount, and you can purchase an (optional) shock mount for the RE20, but it is comically large, and we don’t recommend this for video applications.
SM7B VS RE20 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 Electro-Voice RE20 is has a bump in the low end below 400 Hz. There are a couple of cuts between 400 Hz and 5 kHz, while having a bump in the frequencies above 5k and remaining strong until 18 kHz.
The EQ profile of the RE20 is suited to those who are wanting a strong low-end presence, pronounced mids, and bright tone with vocal clarity.
Shure SM7B & EV RE20 Pricing
- Shure SM7B: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- Electro-Voice RE20: https://currentprice.io/re20-black
- Rodecaster Duo: https://currentprice.io/rodcaster_duo
- Rodecaster Pro II: https://currentprice.io/rodecaster2
- Rode NTH-100 Headphones: https://currentprice.io/nth-100
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: http://currentprice.io/psa1_plus
- Quality Acoustic Treatment Panels: http://currentprice.io/soundpanels
Shure SM7B VS Electro-Voice RE20 Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:23 – Equipment Setup
- 1:10 – Microphone Pricing
- 1:32 – First Impressions / Looks
- 1:53 – Build Quality
- 3:48 – Microphone Specs
- 4:33 – Frequency Response
- 6:13 – Microphone Switches (HPF, Mid Boost)
- 7:10 – Plosive Test
- 7:33 – Background Noise Test
- 7:58 – White Noise / Off-Axis Rejection
- 8:31 – Handling Noise
- 8:45 – Tap Test
- 8:57 – Audio Processing (EQ, Compression, Etc.)
- 9:27 – Blind Test
- 10:02 – RE20 vs SM7B
- 12:50 – Recommendation
- 15:10 – Final Thoughts
