MIC WARS | SHURE SM7B vs. RODE PROCASTER

The Shure SM7B dynamic microphone vs. the Rode Procaster dynamic microphone.
In this corner is the legendary Shure SM7B. It's been seen on countless podcasts and radio shows as well as in the studio to record vocals, narration, voice overs and instruments like guitar and bass. It has a frequency response of 50Hz to 20KHz, and a price tag of $400.
In this corner is the Rode Procaster. It's also a large broadcast microphone that you have seen on many podcasts and used in plenty of KZbin videos. This mic also works well for metal vocals, voice over, narration, and recording guitar and bass. It has a frequency response of 75Hz to18KHz, and a price tag of $230.
Both of these microphones are end address, dynamic broadcast quality microphones, being dynamic mics, neither require phantom power.
Both of these microphones require a lot of gain, ideally a minimum of 60db. So we will be using the Cloudlifter mic preamp with both of these microphones.
Which of these Titans will take the title, which of these legends will prevail, dynamic vs dynamic, broadcast vs broadcast, legend vs. legend....
Let's start....
THE MIC WAR!
Which microphone won this battle? Comment below.
▶Purchase (use our affiliate links to support this channel)
Shure SM7B
amzn.to/2u0dIs8
Rode Procaster
amzn.to/2JU6Nq3
Cloudlifter CL-1
amzn.to/2DTGQpB
Cloudlifter CL-2
amzn.to/2tqSJhJ
▶MY LINKS
benonistudio.com
Save an EXTRA 10% on all Waves plugins and bundles
www.waves.com/r/j2kruw
Twitter
/ benonistudio
Instagram
/ benonistudio
Buy your studio gear: www.amazon.com/shop/benonistudio
Support the Channel: streamlabs.com/benonistudio
::: SUBSCRIBE ::: LIKE ::: COMMENT :::

[@bertalanolah6565]

Rode sounds a bit better and is a lot cheaper. With the Shure SM7B however you feel like a guest on Joe Rogan.

[@martianmandee]

Andrei C 💀💀💀💀

[@Le_Sourpuss]

I find the SM7B sound to be more muffled and bass- exaggerated and the Procaster's sound to be more natural, more faithful and consequently more enjoyable to hear. What I find amazing is that, not only is the sound more enjoyable (at least to me) but it's also half the price...

[@tlivez08]

honestly the shure SM7B being the standard automatically gives people bias toward it but I must say I think I prefer the Procaster.

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

I like both

[@matthewcolosus]

Great - thank you for the comparison!

[@HenryTheBoilermaker3rdYear]

Listening to this on my kef ls50 speaker. The raw sm7b still sound a bit warm in flat eq. The rode procaster raw sound a bit more detail and it doesn't sound warm or bright, it sounds just perfect! In Australia the rode is way cheaper than the shure. I can see why some people prefer the shure more.

[@tuongkhanhung]

Thanks for your helpful Info

[@ambitionofficial2159]

Well I'm getting the procaster for sure the proximity effect is very unnoticeable and iv read it's great for rock and aggressive rap vocals so bring it on!

[@didimiorios3781]

Thanks for this extraordinary comparison, I heard the shure more bass robust, but the rode more clear sound.

[@Jay2097]

welp, instant subscribe hahahah i love the effort you put in

[@wolflunenburg7826]

rode is 160 euro here in EU and the shure is 450 EU... Obvious choice! also the rode sounds better IMO

[@BenoniStudio]

thanks for the vote 👍

[@getoriented]

I really liked the video !

[@robertocalderonabogado1427]

Rode all the way. Sounds very clear and detailed.

[@famemediallc]

I like rode and use their products a lot in my studio ... My choice is procaster if your doing podcast and a KZbinr, its a real good mic for a good price as well..I just think the shure mic looks much better

[@Fezzler61]

So hard to tell for me via KZbin. But the SM7b is such a standard, I think I'd fall to peer pressure and choose it but hunt for a used one. If I had to buy new, being a home recording hobbyist, I'd consider the Rode. To my ears and abilities, they are similar. What impresses me about these large dynamic mics is how much noise they reject off axis.

[@BenoniStudio]

The great thing about the SM7B is that it has the bass roll-off and presence boost switches so you can choose what you need, so it can be a bit more versatility. But as you can hear, the Rode Procaster is tuned perfectly for voice (at least for my voice) when you want that broadcast sound. You really can't go wrong with either. I will have more battles with these two mics next month when MIC WARS 2: REDEMPTION comes out. 😁👍

[@williamallen4607]

I love the theatrical voice. Very engaging.

[@BenoniStudio]

Thanks for the view 👍

[@papajahmani]

To my surprise, Procaster sounds better! I have one myself, been thinkin about getting a SM7, but now I don't think it's worth it.

[@willmanderscheid4236]

Rode all the way! You can eq the Procaster to get that same SM7B flatness you like.

[@TheLTGamer]

What settings did you use for the processed samples?

[@StrikeBoogie]

Excellent video! What mic would be favored for music vocal recording?

[@BenoniStudio]

Depends on the voice and style. SM7B has been used in the studio forever, it's a great mic that captures a good bottom end and can sound warm, but may need some EQ. The Procaster won't have as much bottom, but should be pretty clear on the top end without much EQ. The Procaster can work very well for screaming metal vocals. Also keep in mind the SM7B has a presence boost and bass cut switches. The SM7B is simply a legend, but it does take some EQ and A TON of gain.

[@johnaudio2024]

These microphones are designed for broadcast, to get the best results use them as close as possible. The capsule is situated 2 inches from the front grill. Something people don't think about, when they put it a foot away from the sound source, recording a vlog or podcast. Complete waste of money when purchase a SM7 to use it like this. You need even more gain to get a good signal at a distance. Use a condenser cardioid or super cardioid microphone or get the mic to your mouth, and put a good pre-amp/channel-strip behind. Happy recording!

[@ARDG89]

Just bought the rode the other day but I never considered a Shure microphone in particular. here for the comparison with a really expensive microphone

[@markmullens2906]

When you processed the sound it was very clear when you used a compressor (or was it a limiter?) on the Shure SM7B. The Rode handled the processing noticeably better and always had a consistent, clean, rich and full sound no matter what you did. It's remarkable how much more the SM7B costs and it, in my opinion, sounds worse. Maybe in a professional environment the Shure the flat sound (a bit like getting reference headphones vs something like Bose or Beats) can be made to sound better and it also has the advantage of having an integrated pop filter. That's hardly worth the extra price, though. Certainly not nearly $200. Extremely informative video, thank you.

[@BenoniStudio]

The SM7B does take more EQ in my opinion, but it's a great mic. The Procaster needs little - if any eq. Also keep in mind the SM7B has switches to change the response. Watch some of the MIC WARS 2 videos to hear these compared in a different way. kzbin.info/www/bejne/np6YqJqVnsiCp9E kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIOwo2mnidWoadk

[@danteafkCamelotUnchained]

cool videos

[@thejuggler]

The SM7 is an industry standard for Broadcast as is the RE20. There is a recording studio that always has 2 mics on deck for sessions. A Neumann and an Sm7b, invariably they would typically use one or both in the session. That being stated it only makes sense that we compare everything to these mics, respectively. I have the SM7 and it should be paired with a lifter and or a vocal chain like the dbx 286 to achieve that classic sound and or the right audio interface. The Sm7 is the mic that I can record voice over work, record singing vocals, perform live, record live. However, the reason I came here is that A. I saw that Scary Pockets was using a SM7 live mic that clearly was a dynamic mic, I assume its this mic? So its clear that the Rode is not just a VO mic. B. I need a multiple fly pac dynamic mic set up for live events. (Can't use Lavs in a crowded room.) So using the Rode Procasters or the Rode Podmic seems like a cool economical solution that has the right look. So Thank you for posting this.

[@lidlrini]

I really love the warm sounds of the Shure, but I have a habit of getting excitable or yelling into the microphone at times as well. Have seen others handle this very well with the Shure but still learning about the Procaster. They both sound solid and it seems like the Shure needs more settings added (i'm NOT knowledgeable) but if I could get away with half the pricetag, then I would.

[@BenoniStudio]

For my voice the SM7B does need more EQ than the Procaster. But the SM7B has more low end, which you may or may not want. They are both great mics though.

[@lidlrini]

@@BenoniStudio I like the warmth that it brings and my voice is pretty elevated consistently, so I do think the Shure makes more sense for me. Especially with unexpected high end, it's just nice to kinda tone it out, but I understand that aspect is more the mixer's job. Thanks for the response, I've been doing lots of research and trying to listen to the differences.

[@mattwruff]

Though I've used lots of shure Mic’s the Mic in the SM7B is very similar to the SM58/57 I perfer the Rode Procaster and since there about half the price they are the one I used for my Podcasting and Podcasting recording buisness!

[@StarOasis26]

can you game with the speakers on just a bit or do they create feedback/delay ?

[@getrusty]

Gosh taught - If you compared dollar for dollar the rode takes it. I am a Shure guy .... but for podcasting right now I can get 2 rode's and still be ahead.

[@rafapucpr]

I don't like the processed version because it feels too heavy, the raw version looks very natural which I particularly think is much better for the voice.

[@fitfju]

Which microphone are you using to comment this video? Sounds pretty good.

[@BenoniStudio]

I don't remember, probably some large diaphragm condenser.

[@FutureRideshareMillionaire]

Which voice clip sounds most like you?

[@jeffmicheleweddingphoto]

I have a zoom h6 that I plan to record into for voiceover/recording into when I'm doing screenshare. Do I need a cloudlifter for using either of these?

[@BenoniStudio]

The Zoom H6 technically has enough gain, but the pre-amps can get a bit noisy going above 7. It depends on the sound you want. Using a cloudlifter would make the signal a bit cleaner since you're not driving the Zoom H6 pre-amps so hard. I would try it without a cloudlifter first and see if you like the sound. If the pre-amp noise is too much for your liking you can add in a cloudlifter.

[@jeffmicheleweddingphoto]

BenoniStudio cool! Thanks for the help!

[@NandoMusi]

I'm a little ignorant on this topic. As a vocal coach and hopefully as a future content creator I'd like to upgrade from my Samsom Q8, and this Rode Procaster is interesting to me because of its noise cancelling, as my workspace is not treated acoustically and my background tends to be noisy. Would you recommend the Rode Procaster for singing too? If not, should I definitely go for the SM7b or is there a better choice or good alternative? Thanks in advance.

[@BenoniStudio]

Different voices fit different microphones. There are a lot of great mics out there today, including some USB mics that include FX built-in to the mic so you don't need any post processing. Things like the Shure MV7 and Presonus Revelator are great for those who don't want to deal with any plugins (ie compression, eq, etc...) so that may be an option you want to explore. Just make sure any USB mic you consider can do 24 bit. Many of the lower end USB mics only do 16-bit 44.1. And while 16-bit 44.1 is fine for DELIVERY, it's not ideal for RECORDING. The Procaster is a great mic. It sounds really good out of the box, and is not as "warm" and "boomy" as the SM7B in the lower mid range (around 250 - 450 Hz) It's more similar in sound to the RE20 broadcast mic. The SM7B is an iconic microphone. If your podcast/content will be on video, and the mic will be in frame (people will see it) then that alone may be a reason to go with the SM7B. Like it or not, but people will assume your podcast is "low quality" if they see a cheap microphone. But when they see the SM7B, they immediately give you more credence because it's a mic they have seen before. The SM7B also has a low-cut built in, and a presence boost that can pretty much get rid of the thick, warm bottom end. It may still need a bit of EQ and compression, but the FX built in to OBS can deal with that if you need it. (assuming you're live streaming) One mic that I absolutely LOVE, but it not really well known, is the RODE Broadcaster. It has an amazing, natural sound without any fx - but it is a condenser, so it will be more sensitive to background noise. However, there are many CHEAP plugins today that you can run real-time (if you need to) that will get rid of background noise. Stuff like Waves Clarity and iZotope Voice De-noise. Also, if you have some newer PC's with an Nvidia GPU, they have noise-reduction built-in to the hardware. Or I guess you can use the newer Broadcast app www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/broadcasting/broadcast-app/ Point being, you don't really need to worry that much about background noise, because that can be fixed pretty easily and for little or no money. As far as using the mic for singing, both the SM7B and Procaster make excellent vocal mics, and instrument mics. They are what you would call a "studio workhorse" The SM7 was used on MJ's most famous songs, it's used all the time on Kick drums and guitar cabs, etc... And the same goes for the Procaster. If you go for the SM7B or Procaster, you will probably need a Cloudlifter as well - so budget an extra $100. Or if you go the SM7B route, I would actually recommend the NEW Shure SM7dB. It's the same as the SM7B, except it has a "cloudlifter" built-in. I personally use the RODE Broadcaster for videos when I'm not on camera (because I think the sound is superior) and the SM7B when on camera (usually) because it's easy to get in different positions Live, and people are comfortable with the sight and sound of that mic. I use iZotope Nectar for EQ, compression, de-essing, etc... And I've also had to adjust my settings over the years, because these days people don't like the heavily compressed 2000's radio sound or the overly hyped low-end NPR/Stern sound. These day a more "natural" sound is preferred with the low-end rolled off (say around 80-100Hz lo-cut with 12db slope) although I prefer to include a little extra personally (lo-cut at 50-60 instead of 80-100) I would imagine the Shure SM7dB would work perfectly for any new content creator, as well as being a good work-horse in the studio, assuming you have an audio interface. It ticks all the boxes - even though it not THE BEST sounding microphone around - but it also only costs $499 and not $7,895 for a Neumann U67 🤣 Another thing to consider, with the rise of AI, we are going to be able to make any mic sound like any other mic in real-time very soon. There are some plugins that already do this, but it's going to be much better very soon. You'll also have ONE-BUTTON plugins or built-in FX that will give any mic the "Perfect" broadcast sound. In fact I just did a video about a new plugin called iZotope VEA that gives you a broadcast sound after analyzing your audio for a few seconds. You can also apply an EQ curve to instantly sound like your favorite podcaster. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYOrqpivaMRqh7s Here's some links (affiliate links) Shure SM7dB (no cloudlifter needed) Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/k019Ex Amazon - amzn.to/3Gvw2i7 RODE Broadcaster sweetwater.sjv.io/9gDNdY amzn.to/3v1TWzM Neumann U67 (possibly the BEST sounding mic in the world) sweetwater.sjv.io/q4916q RODE Procaster sweetwater.sjv.io/XYj63y amzn.to/3v9PNK1 iZotope VEA benoni.click/iZOTOPE-VEA Waves CLARITY Vx waves.alzt.net/5bxYX1

[@nickr3526]

Sound to price comparison, the RODE takes the cake all the way. the SM7b is a great standard, but is way too expensive for what you get. the procaster gives it a run for its money and imo, is much better.

[@jbj161]

I'm so stuck on what mic to get, because for my type of videos, I want my mic out of the camera frame and for the mic to still pic up my audio somewhat decently (doesn't have to be loud and clear by any means) when I stand up from my chair and am speaking a few feet away from my desk. Any suggestions?😅 Either way I'm gna be using it w a Go XLR so I'll be able to boost the gain etc. But from what I seen, everyone and their mum is saying that you should only get an SM7B if you plan to be within less than a foot of your mic when speaking.

[@BenoniStudio]

The SM7B is for close use. So up to 6-8 inches away (while ideally being only 3-4 inches away), though you can go further if you don't mind turning the gain waaaay up and introducing some background noise. If you want a mic that is "out of frame" you'd go for a large diaphragm condensor. You could put it on a table and under your shot. You can do a foot away from a condensor no problem. But it will capture EVERYTHING, including any room noise. Another option is a shotgun mic, which is a long directional condensor mic. Its what you would use for filming movies, tv shows, documentaries, etc... when you don't want the mic in the frame. You could have the mic 4 feet away or further with a good shotgun mic. Another option would be a lavalier.

[@jbj161]

@@BenoniStudio really appreciate the in depth response, thanks!😊 I think I’ve decided to go with the AT2035 and I’ll get the Procaster as well and see if I have a use for both ✅

[@do7625]

I enjoyed Procaster more!

[@dannydivineshow8503]

I love you video lol

[@BenoniStudio]

Thanks for the view 👍

[@pskelton1000]

More detail and depth in the procaster. Clear winner to my ear. Similiar to an RE20. SM7b has a way of making voices sound generic. The best voices with an Sm7b are vocals with a lot of character.

[@YOQishere]

lol this video is so hype

[@garrywindshield1]

Having listened to hundreds of videos and audio flies I think I can cheap in my few thoughts. Rode sounds more broadcast-alike in the sense of radio. Sm7B give you smoothness and warmness of not just radio, but studio mike also. I'd say if all you want to do is vlogging and podcasting then you should go for Rode. But if you're going to do some serious work better choose Shure. It has that standard and a bit warm sounds that is very much required in voice-over and music.

[@BenoniStudio]

That's a pretty good way of looking at it. Both are great mics too.

[@kevinobrien3888]

I have the (white) Podcaster. Is there a difference between the Procaster and Podcaster?

[@BenoniStudio]

In general the sound will be similar, but their frequency responses are different. Podcaster - 40Hz-14kHz Procaster - 75Hz-18kHz

[@Luthiart]

@@BenoniStudio Thanks, that makes sense now. I used to use the Podcaster for my internet radio show, and I remembered it having much better bass response and proximity effect than what I'm hearing in Procaster video reviews.

[@danteafkCamelotUnchained]

do you have any recommendations on how to add these things you show at 1:29 by default into windows for your mic, so any application has them?

[@TheSpurious]

Bruh

[@EPHONIC]

What’s the noise floor like for each?

[@everope]

That depends on your preamp

[@starman8928]

Both are very good. Shure is warmer, procaster sounds a little more pronounced and tinny. I prefer SHURE, as much as I love RODE. Gonna swap out my procaster for SM7B later on definitely

[@oshibka21]

Holy cow Shure got that mid-frequencies warmth! procaster sounds empty compared to it and mid-cut, almost pre-equalized.

[@crazycat5777]

It’s sad cause a lot of people here are bias cause of price. They are saying rode this and rode that because it’s half the price but even if you can’t afford a shure and you bought a rode you can still tell the truth and say one is better than the other.

[@onzkicg]

In my subjective opinion based on what I heard from this vid, I will pick Shure bec I like the low-end tone making it sound fuller, but if someone has skill to post process Rode for more bass then that’s a good mic also. I don’t have that skill so will just go with Shure good to go as is.

[@troyisMD]

Honestly, the raw audio sounds better than the processed audio. The processed audio sounds kinda grainy

[@BenoniStudio]

That's why we offer both types of samples. Raw, and produced.

[@ZaarsShed]

Rode sounds closer to when you spoke to SM7B from a feet away :)

[@onzkicg]

Nice review and production, you made it like watching BattleBots 😆 Best is to try for yourself what suits your voice best. If you have opportunities to rent out one, that’s the best. Lots of audio we hear in YT are already post processed, I am definitely sure that because or price difference, Shure will have the expected advantage. Rode though is worth trying, I have the Podcaster version (like Procaster but white/USB only)- surprisingly good.

[@Wickson.Gasimov]

Rode procaster is priced around at 180$ and shure SM7B is around 500$ or so in here 😂🤣

[@matatoto9805]

The SM7B sounds too bassy for my taste. The Procaster definitely has more clarity. I prefer the Procaster.

[@PaoloNovaro]

Rode better bang for the buck, Shure overall better if you can afford it. The warmth of the SM7B is something unparalleled by any other mic I've listened to

[@Profile.4]

Joe Rogan vs Alex Jones

[@BenoniStudio]

Close, Joe does use the SM7B but Alex uses the RE320 which is very similar to the Procaster.

[@Profile.4]

@@BenoniStudio ah damn!I always thought it was a procaster! Fuckin globalists are controlling my mind.

[@BenoniStudio]

You know what happened to the frogs! 😉

[@GoodlifeInvestor]

Come on feels if you are into anything serious you should be able to afford 400 bucks for a mic, just do a week of OT and be shure! Rode is cheaper agreed but IMO doesn't last consistently (at least my experience) - its SM7B anytime! Get the best feel special it'll go a long way in your career if you are just starting - if you adding mikes to a studio - you can compromise

[@robertocalderonabogado1427]

Rode sounds way better.

[@Trevlan]

Lol

[@tdoto]

procaster makes the sm7b freq response look horrendous, too bad its limited to 75-18...

[@inancgumus4125]

Ultra annoying music and voice over.