EV RE20 vs Shure SM7B: Clash of the Titans in Microphone Showdown

[@leo_hoang]

I've recently purchased an SM7B running directly into my Rodecaster Pro II, I'm not overly sold on the audio and I guess I need to play with the settings a bit more. I'm not really knowledgeable on Audio so don't know how to EQ it properly. I played with a couple settings via the Rodecaster and I could get it to sound better for my voice. But straight out of the box on their basic SM7B preset, it didn't excite me. I then learned about the RE20 a week later and every test and comparison so far, I prefer the audio from the RE20. I now want this mic! But to be honest, it's probably Gear Acquisition Syndrome kicking in and the Shure SM7B overall feels like a better value... I feel it's better in most areas, but the RE20 does 'sound' better naturally, but with some processing the SM7B can be improved so I feel like it's a better purchase decision for me. BUT! I still want the RE20.......... I can't seem to find a reputable seller in the UK and worried about fakes... If anyone in the UK knows of a reputable seller for RE20, let me know

[@lukegowest]

I have both mics. I like the look of the RE20. It looks more old school pro broadcast like. The SM7b looks sleeker, and more modern for sure. So looks definitely just comes down to personal preference. As for over all sound, I think the RE20 is more versatile. For singing, it is much better than the SM7 because it is more condenser like, and for podcasting it is just as good or better than the SM7b. After all it is the original DJ mic.

[@drownthepoor]

The RE20 definitely has a richer sound to it, but you'd never miss it really. That yoke-mount is a major selling point, but also the pass filters are nice to have. Honestly these microphones are within $50 of each other here so I don't think there's much of a budget difference between them. You did a great test though. Very thorough.

[@Stampede_G]

SM7B wins for me, for some reason the RE20 is fatiguing when listening for a while, probably the mid-to-high push. That cut on the 7B may be rough for some but I love it. Plus it’s cheaper and doesn’t require a shock mount. Just attach it and plug it in.

[@rksn]

My ride and die is with the RE20.

[@Vaalbeast]

The RE20 sounds slightly better to me, but I can't get over the extremely nice form factor of the SM7B on a boom arm.

[@drownthepoor]

You know, I'm glad you mentioned this. Because I'd never even thought about it before now, and you're absolutely right. The yoke mount is a major selling point here. I've always liked the look/sound of the EV-RE's, and I don't really like the look of the SM7b. But the convenience is major with that mount. The high/low pass filters are nice though.

[@lancemanyon3139]

The re20 is a profesdional Broadcast mic. The sm7b is a gain hungry dim sounding Podcast mic.

[@TC_Conner]

Just a little something I’ve noticed when watching these reviews: it looks like your head is turned ever so slightly to the left (viewer’s right) when you are speaking. This makes your mouth ever so slightly closer to whatever microphone is mounted in the left mic boom arm. This wouldn’t cause an ever so slight difference in audio comparisons would it? Perhaps making the mic on the left sound ever so slightly better? 🤷🏼‍♂️ I’ve found these reviews to be more than an ever so slightly enjoyable watch for sure. 😎

[@kettnercreative]

Thanks for the comment. I noticed that as well. I'll have to try and straighten up a bit. Overall, I don't think it has slanted the reviews too much. That being said, it's always recommended to see different reviews in different environments with different people to get the best impression possible.

[@TC_Conner]

@@kettnercreative Absolutely agree. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@nickdual]

sm7b heard better than Re20 sm7b is still the king!

[@TC_Conner]

I actually swapped my RE20 for the Neat King Bee II. I think the KB II sounds better for my use case. 😎

[@kettnercreative]

I did that for a bunch of videos as well. I love the King Bee I I on my voice.

[@TC_Conner]

@@kettnercreative I hadn't really gave much thought or effort into matching my voice with any particular mic until I noticed how much I liked the sound of it using the KB II.

[@Play3rThund3r]

There is a website called av caribbean selling the re20 for 340. Can it be trusted?

[@FallenKiid]

They both sound good to me but I have heard from other KZbinrs that RE20 sometimes has problems recognizing with streaming softwares. Also it’s $50 more so if that matters to you go with the shure.

[@RudeCanine]

What are you talking about? There’s no streaming software that “talks” to the RE20, it’s all analog. Literally makes no sense.

[@FallenKiid]

@@RudeCanineI’m new to this stuff, I just heard a dude on KZbin say it. I ordered a RE20 today to see how it is.

[@drownthepoor]

@@FallenKiid You'll need an interface for it. That's the part the computer talks to.

[@FallenKiid]

@@drownthepoor I bought the RE20 but it was okay. I went and ordered the RE27ND and I love it.

[@acejackson8994]

Absolutely the best mic review thus far. Very nice job! So, I own both mics as well and use both frequently for recordings. I use one mic for certain things and the other for other things. With my experience, if I was forced to choose only one, I would most certainly go with the SM7B every time for several reasons. I also own a SHURE MV7 which is a USB mic that I mainly use for MS Teams meetings, and miscellaneous small recording projects and it is a true work horse at half the price of the other two featured in this video. Again, nice job Jordan and keep ‘em coming!

[@Theelockerroom]

Sm7b is overrated IMO. In a sense of I dont think its a $400 mic. It sounds great dont get me wrong. I think theres other options that will get you same quality with a whole lot less of a price

[@kettnercreative]

What do you think would be a fair comparison to the SM7B at a less expensive price? I’ll make a comparison

[@Theelockerroom]

@@kettnercreative Of course it also comes down to the persons voice and what tailors to their voice the best. BUT, in my opinion, a fair comparison to the SM7b would be the Rode Procaster. $229. Or believe it or not, the Shure SM57. $99

[@Theelockerroom]

Also, love your videos Mr Kettner! You taught me alot for my channel

[@NunoCosmos]

The SE Dynacaster DCM-8. Great sound, build, looks, more eq options and integrated preamp for 245 €. If someday I would change my Rode Procaster (Very happy with It) I'd go for this one.

[@Theelockerroom]

@@NunoCosmos I’ll have to check that out!