When it comes to professional recording microphones, two names that always spark intense debates are the legendary Electro-Voice RE20 and the iconic Shure SM7B. Both mics have carved out massive reputations in broadcasting, podcasting, and studio recording. Some audio experts treat them as industry standards, and for good reason.
Today, you’re in for a treat — we’ll dive deep into the ultimate electro voice re20 vs shure sm7b comparison, covering what sets them apart and which one might be the perfect fit for your voice, needs, and 2025 recording projects.
As a trusted reviewer at RatedByMia, I’m thrilled to walk you through this face-off. Expect no fluff — just clear advice backed by real-world experience. Stick around and by the end, you’ll know exactly which mic is calling your name!
First, let’s meet the contenders:
Comparison Overview
| Product Name | Key Features | Release Date | Star Rating | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electro-Voice RE20 | Variable-D technology, Cardioid pattern, Internal pop filter | 1968 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Check the product boxes below for the most up-to-date pricing. |
| Shure SM7B | Air suspension shock isolation, Cardioid pattern, Graphic display EQ | 2001 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Check the product boxes below for the most up-to-date pricing. |
Design & Build
Both the RE20 and SM7B are masterpieces in terms of design, but they cater to slightly different ideas of perfection.
The Electro-Voice RE20 sports a rugged, no-nonsense appearance — constructed with durable steel and finished in a handsome metallic grey. Its cylindrical shape and slightly vintage aesthetic scream “broadcast booth” royalty. Thanks to its Variable-D technology cleverly built into its frame, it offers consistent tone quality even when the speaker moves slightly off-axis.
The Shure SM7B, on the other hand, feels like the Batman of mics. Its matte black finish combined with a modern, stealthy silhouette makes it a favorite among visual media creators. The build quality is equally immaculate, featuring a robust yoke mounting system for precise positioning and minimal handling noise. The air suspension shock isolation system further reduces mechanical noises, making it superb for live recording.
Features & Functionality
When it comes to features, both mics shine — but they do so in different areas.
The RE20’s highlight is its Variable-D technology, ensuring minimal proximity effect (that bassy, boomy tone when you get too close). This makes it superb for narration, podcasting, and studio vocals. Plus, it comes with an internal pop filter, automatically removing most plosives without the need for an external shield.
The SM7B provides an air suspension shock isolation system and an advanced, integrated pop filter. What truly sets it apart is the presence of bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis controls via rear switches, allowing for easy adaptability depending on your recording environment. This makes the SM7B slightly more customizable out-of-the-box compared to the RE20.
Ease of Use
Both microphones are easy enough for professionals and determined beginners alike, but personal preferences make a slight difference.
The RE20’s massive size might intimidate some users at first, but it connects easily to any standard XLR setup and fits nicely into professional broadcast arms. It doesn’t require an external pop filter for most uses, cutting down on setup clutter.
The SM7B, although slightly lighter, can be tricky. It often requires a good microphone preamp or a Cloudlifter to achieve the best levels since it’s a low-output mic. However, once boosted properly, the SM7B is very forgiving. It’s incredibly effective at blocking ambient noise, making it excellent even for untreated rooms.
Performance / Effectiveness
Performance is where the electro voice re20 vs shure sm7b discussion heats up.
The RE20 shines for its natural tone. It excels at making vocals sound full, articulate, and transparent without sounding overly processed. Its consistency across varying mic angles and distances is a massive plus, particularly for energetic speakers, podcasters, or radio hosts who move around a lot.
The SM7B brings its own magic. It produces a warm, smooth sound with a bit of midrange enhancement that flatters most voices right off the bat. It’s particularly popular among singers, voiceover artists, and podcasters seeking a silky, intimate tone. Its rejection of background noise is absolutely impressive — a key reason it’s a top pick for less-than-ideal recording spaces.
Value for Money
Choosing between the RE20 and SM7B in terms of value depends largely on your intended use.
The RE20 offers stellar value if you need versatility, ruggedness, and that broadcast-worthy voice tone out of the box. Its reliability over decades makes it a solid investment for serious voice and instrument applications.
The SM7B offers outstanding value for capturing professional-grade vocals in difficult environments. If your main focus is vocal recording — especially in a non-treated space — the SM7B might save you money (and headaches) in the long run.
Make sure you check the updated pricing in the product boxes above!
electro voice re20 Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Consistent sound with a wide sweet spot
- Constructed with rugged, durable materials
- Built-in pop filter eliminates the need for extras
- Minimal proximity effect thanks to Variable-D technology
- Handles a broad range of voice types and instruments
- Cons:
- Larger and heavier than most dynamic mics
- May require strong mic stands due to weight
- Higher price point compared to entry-level options
shure sm7b Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Exceptional background noise rejection
- Customizable sound with midrange boost and bass roll-off
- Highly durable and visually minimalistic
- Performs well even in untreated rooms
- Ideal for vocals, podcasting, and live streaming
- Cons:
- Requires a high-gain preamp or Cloudlifter for best results
- Lower output can frustrate beginners
- Switches on the back may require frequent adjustments depending on setup
Final Verdict
Both microphones are absolute juggernauts — it ultimately boils down to which tool matches your creative mission.
If you’re a broadcaster, podcaster, or voiceover artist wanting a microphone that provides consistent performance even when you’re moving around, the Electro-Voice RE20 is a dream. Its transparent, broadcast-ready tone and rugged build make it a microphone you’ll likely use for decades.
If you’re a musician, podcaster, or content creator seeking warm, intimate vocals with minimal background noise, even in an untreated home studio, the Shure SM7B steals the show. Its sonic character wraps your voice in a velvet glove, making every word sound polished and professional.
Whichever you pick, you’re investing in audio excellence that will effortlessly elevate your sound as you move into 2025 and beyond!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Electro-Voice RE20 good for music recording?
Absolutely. While it’s widely known for voice, the RE20 excels with kick drums, bass instruments, and even certain guitar amps thanks to its detailed low-frequency capture.
Does the Shure SM7B need a cloudlifter?
In most cases, yes. The SM7B has a low output, and a Cloudlifter or quality preamp boosts its signal without introducing noise.
Which mic is better for podcasting, RE20 or SM7B?
Both are podcasting legends! Choose RE20 for a natural radio-ready voice and SM7B if you want a warmer, more intimate tone in an untreated room.
Can I use the RE20 or SM7B for live streaming?
Definitely. Both mics are excellent for streaming. The SM7B slightly edges out if you’re streaming in noisier environments because of its superior noise rejection.
Which microphone is easier for beginners?
The RE20 is more plug-and-play, especially since it doesn’t typically require external gain boosters like the SM7B. But with a good preamp, the SM7B becomes equally accessible.