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: We find that the EV RE20 provides more clarity while also providing a strong presence with the frequency response on the low end compared to the Shure SM7B. For this reason we prefer the EV RE20
- Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/re20-black
Shure SM7B VS RE20 Review
Both of these microphones are worthy to be called “best in class” for broadcast dynamic microphones. Many of the differences and nuances of these microphones won’t be noticed by the average listener.
That being said, we believe that the Electro-Voice RE20 is a microphone that has a lot of clarity while also providing a low-end presence that is ideal for building authority when broadcasting, podcasting, and live streaming.
The Shure SM7B is a strong microphone and is an industry-standard for a reason. It has a lot of features that are ideal for broadcast, podcasting, and live streaming But, compared to the RE20, we find that the Shure SM7B has a tendency to sound a little muffled and flat.
We recommend the RE20 over the Shure SM7B for broadcast, podcast, or live streaming applications.
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 | https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b | https://currentprice.io/re20-black |
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 Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/re20-black
- RE20 Shockmount: https://currentprice.io/re20_shock
- Solid State Logic SSL2+ Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/ssl2_plus
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/boom_arm
