Shure SM58 vs sE V7 - A Quick-ish Comparison

Two 'affordable' Stage Vocal Microphones compared. Earthworks SV33 for narration.

[@Rjasper499]

Anton, you actually have the best mic comparisons on KZbin! I've watched many many top channels, and I can say you take the cake.

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for that!

[@MrNicknayme]

I agree. Especially the “what will this mic inspire me to sing in, frequency spectrum vice” is brilliant.

[@portersblackboard]

As a newbie to mics, I don't hear much of a difference between most mics. The way you describe what you are hearing, I can finally understand hear differences.Thank so much!

[@AntonBrowne]

Good to know, and good luck with your choice.

[@jimbratton-thevoicethatexp4590]

One of the best microphone reviews I have seen/heard. I really appreciate the exploration of the detail capture of the human voice.

[@croweviolinist]

Fantastic demo and comparison. Thank you for your clear, un-hyped, and humble review. You aren't telling anyone what to think, and you're very clear that each person's ears, voices, and preferences are highly individual. Yet you help us very easily hear the differences. Super useful to me. Also, your musicality is beautiful. Thank you so much!

[@navypti]

Excellent comparison. I like the way you review without the technical BS. Real time comparisons, using different aspects of your vocals. Just what end users like yours truly need to hear. Regards from Australia Anton.

[@AntonBrowne]

I appreciate that!

[@-cohst]

Absolutely fantastic mic comparison. Loved it. This has been one of the most useful comparison videos I've ever seen

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulblack5025]

After spending a bit of time on recent Live Theatre gigs, the guys had been using mainly 58’s, I brought in a V7 ! Lower from around 700 - 1000 (very slightly) on the V7 and it’s pronunciation is spot on, then eq accordingly, the V7 was a winner in the setting (we only had a chance to try it on vocals so far) would love to hear your comparison on the 58Beta - V7 & KMS105 :)

[@giovannispinotti]

Thanks a lot for all these very detailed comparisons and your opinions on it, which as a competent professional are very welcomed. You let us hear a lot of the spectrums of these microphones.

[@AntonBrowne]

My pleasure!

[@robertm6322]

Great comparison between the two microphones! I actually learned something from your tests using different aspects of sound. Thank you!

[@AntonBrowne]

Great to hear!

[@marticus61lau]

Well done my friend. That gave me more on the differences in dynamics between the two microphones than just about any other comparison video. Thanks for that.

[@AntonBrowne]

My pleasure.

[@thaddeusfields4360]

Man, when EV stopped making the N/D767a I was so disappointed (but I still have my one and only available if needed). When I started looking for mics for our band I came across the sE V7. I now have them in our practice room and on the band trailer. The supercardiod pattern along with proper gain staging lead to a super nice signal without much bleeding (very minimal to no gating needed). I have never been a fan of the SM58 so I really didn’t do much comparing. That being said, once I got a V7 I sold all my 58s and all but one Sennheiser E835). Thanks for the fantastic demo!

[@petercox8476]

Found many videos this is the best one and helped me make an educated decision wether to treat myself to a new mic after using the same 58 for about 28yrs 😅 thanks 🙏🏻

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad it helped!

[@SuspiciousPixels]

awesome review and overview. If the SE V7 was damped better then I think for stage application it would be the clear winner for me

[@liveforthemusic6271]

Such a good review! Thanks a lot for your work on it.

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad you liked it!

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

Great vid Anton. I have the super shiny Billy Gibbons V7 - looks the proverbial Mutts Nuts atop a straight chrome stick ! I paid 60quid as new in my fave store Cashconverter. I´m a Baritone pub singer & I tend to sing quite loud . We do everything from Elvis to VanHalen!! I feel that the V7 handles my rumble a bit better - but my 58 served me well for 15 years & is permanently in my kitbag - depends on the crowd. CHEERS From Madrid

[@414caramel]

Thanks for the review, also I love your voice!!!🎶

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinbeardslee7587]

Well done, I like that you include your opinion as you come to conclusions. I also like that you use a nice mic as the baseline.

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks.

[@edisonrupert]

Incredible "quick-ish" comparison.. Thanks for doing this.

[@AntonBrowne]

My pleasure!

[@jacmekta]

Your review is such a gold👍🏻 thanks a lot.

[@AntonBrowne]

My pleasure!

[@ChrisFaa]

I played a show last night. Duo. I was on fiddle and backup vocals. Used a V7 for the first time. (Normally 58). Fairly good QSC kw monitors. I really liked the sound. I’m not a great singer, and I have a light voice. I felt I sounded much better with the V7.

[@rivercityopry2997]

You're a legend, Anton. Been a beta 58 vocalist for decades, but going to pickup a few v7's on this video alone. Thank you!

[@AntonBrowne]

I think they are a great mic, not too extreme and very musically balanced.

[@doctrinity]

Did you ever get those V7s? If so how’d it go with them? Did you stick with him or go back to 58s?

[@shanakacooray2594]

Also how does the V7 compare with the beta. Would it be similar to the vanilla 58 here?

[@DJb-ill219]

I started watching the channel a few Years ago when I was looking for a good inexpensive microphone the sm58 is Great but a little muddy Great Review

[@OnlyNatural77]

Wonderful review !!

[@AntonBrowne]

Thank you!

[@TheKameraBerlin]

Great comparison test. Thanks a lot

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad you liked it!

[@stuffnuns]

I can hear why Billie Eilish uses a V7 on stage. All her high, detailed sotto voice matches the SE’s resolution in the high end. Also, some mic reviewers of these for-stage mics forget to mention the requirements of a stage vocal mic are very different from a studio-only mic. A stage vocal mic has to be rugged as a tank, be reliable and, hopefully, reject at least some of the other sounds on stage in a way you’d never want a studio-only mic to do.

[@Emily_M81]

Thanks for sharing. More than once your face lit up when you went to the V7 lol. I definitely thought it sounded really good, too.

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for watching!

[@mroche747]

Brilliant comparison, thank you

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for watching!

[@chelseatoye848]

Brilliant review, thank you :)

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks.

[@alr8luv]

I was torn between the “industry standard” SN58 and the V7. No more. Superb review!!!

[@ebendaniel]

What did you get finally?

[@joelpoitras6226]

Nice review. It's different strokes for different strokes i guess. Personally, i kind of always come back to the 58, for live applications. The V7 , Betas and Senheisers935 kind of super cardiod mics are great in demos as far as sound and detailed quality in interfaces and recording etc yes. And yes they do pickup less surrounding noise. But as a stage workhorse, not so much depending on their applications. They're best for a lead singer alone yes. But for an artist who plays guitar, reads lyrics...they're not pratical, you got to keep your lips to the mic right in front at all time. The worst for the super cardiods is a singer with an acoustic guitar, lyrics sheets and a harmonica on a rack. At the slightest head turn, you lose vocal gain, and the harmonica on a neck rack peaks the gain meter and you can barely here the vocals. You need to keep your position in check all the time with them. So to me, the sm58 is still the best average overall practical mulripurpose mic to me eventhough it is not the best on other criterias. Depends what use is intendended for it.

[@AntonBrowne]

Your needs sound quite unique, glad you've figured out what works.

[@G..G..]

I too am interested in singing and playing an acoustic instrument with lyrics, etc.

[@lazarusrize]

Nice review, sir. Thank you.

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad you liked it!

[@alexbaumy]

The damn banana noises (shivers). Great review!

[@WhiteTurtleDiver]

Very helpful. Thanks for this information.

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rontan799]

Very good and practical review, unlike those other reviewers who can't even understand how a mic works, using them too far from the singer

[@harpreetsinghmoga]

Great comparison ❤

[@saintgerty]

Great video, excellent technique.

[@AntonBrowne]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jasonmak4445]

fantastic comparison. the v7 seems like got a bit more of the "punchiness" and more rhythmic. I like it.

[@AntonBrowne]

Yes, it has a bit more 'life'.

[@jasonmak4445]

@@AntonBrowne Just to let you know, I just ordered one and i am really looking forward to use it for the first time XD

[@S.T.G.]

Nice comparison, thank you!

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for watching!

[@Gholdwayne]

Very ASMR-y! Very Good Sir!

[@AntonBrowne]

Thank you kindly!

[@thisisyoutubehandle]

Brilliant comparison. I'm leaning towards SE V7 for my vocal recordings. I hear it's better, but I only wonder how one train their ear to the point that they can hear this type of poetic comparisons between two mics that to an untrained ear sound almost the same.

[@AntonBrowne]

I would say just pay gentle attention to various areas; treble, bass, breath, clarity etc. It may take a while. If you're going to be recording, I would say the sE but please decide for yourself. Good luck.

[@telly9004]

Great review thanks

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for watching!

[@bullitt5135]

Very informative and entertaining as usual. Anton, have you compared the sE V7 to the Shure Beta 58a? I have been using the Beta 58a with our three lead vocalists (2 male, 1 female) in a 9-piece Motown/R&B/Top-40 dance band. The Beta reacts nicely to the female voice - perhaps a bit sibilant, but otherwise perfectly acceptable to me. I don't care for the Beta 58 at all on the two male vocalists. The hyped 4K is very harsh and shrill when they dig in, yet it lacks body in the mids.

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for the idea.

[@berberenglish]

Bought the sE V& beacuse of you! Thanks!

[@AntonBrowne]

Great, I hope you enjoy it for many a year.

[@berberenglish]

@@AntonBrowne Just got it but can’t get the best out of it :(

[@dash_ru]

Could you compare SE T2 vs your favourite condesers? xx

[@ThreadBomb]

I'd say I definitely heard more proximity effect from the V7. Probably smart to change your mic technique for that one and get an inch or two more distance.

[@yaroslavshpyrka6422]

Hi.Could you will to do comparison Beyerdynamic TG-x80(60) to V7?

[@FiveEars]

SM58 (and SM7B) "tends to make everybody sound like it." Those mics are like an old school auto tune!

[@navypti]

Further to my last comment, I've just subscribed. Cheers!

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for subbing.

[@berberenglish]

Top-notch!

[@AntonBrowne]

Cheers!

[@lundsweden]

The Shure SM58 is like MacDonalds, good but not great, everyone knows the name and taste. Its available the world over and is the same everywhere.

[@AntonBrowne]

Reckon that's about right!

[@jlc2093]

Overrated microphone if you ask me Will be trying the v7 soon

[@Lyander25]

4:22 What do you have upstream? That little *dink!* almost sounded like what I get on my tube headphone amps when switching them on. Many thanks for this comparison! Would only that my voice were as rich and nuanced as yours, but this still served as a great illustration of the V7's strengths. Neither could hold a candle to the SV33, but that's a wholly unfair comparison. Felt like the sE might be a far better fit for my use case, and this video cemented it.

[@AntonBrowne]

Not valve, sadly but a ping from the mute button on the Mackie desk.

[@Lyander25]

@@AntonBrowne Hah, well it was a neat little catch there regardless. I think I got what i came for fairly early on in the video but it was absolute fun watching to the end.

[@ephrosse]

awesome comparison! totally sold me on SE V7 what mounted mic you use?

[@AntonBrowne]

Earthworks Ethos, with Icon Pro grille.

[@ephrosse]

@@AntonBrowne 🙏

[@stargator4945]

se V7, Sennheiser 835, AKG D5 give the SM58 a run for the same money (they all cost pretty much the same). I like the se V7 as it is good for a male and female voice and is transparent (not in the class of a KMS105 or Beta87a). The next step up would be a AKG C7 (nearly a KMS105 for a third of the price).

[@stuffnuns]

The Beta58a is big improvement from the og sm58. The audix OM5 doesn’t have the broad high mids of the OM7.

[@balkansavage]

SE V7 sounds much better to my ears. More clear. 👍

[@AntonBrowne]

I think so too!

[@sTrAnGe389]

does the Se v7 Mic compatible with female xlr to male mono jack cable?

[@AntonBrowne]

XLR mics are low impedance these days and most jack inputs are high impedance. You can purchase a low (XLR) to high (jack) impedance converter. I have done a video on these, which you can see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYuqqJidhZ59gaM

[@jerryadams5487]

No one can sent sm58 a mic been around 4ever and all these modern mics still has to go thru sm58's what that should tells every one sm58 mics were ahead of its time a hundred years ago

[@JamesTLangford]

i wish the comparison included cupping the Mic

[@davidmacaart953]

Excellent comparison, thanks! the sE V7 sounds much more natural.

[@jakubwokowycki1325]

Yep, the V7 sounds realy natural. Of course it is good to use EQ (like on all mics) but for speak with good audio speakers (and EQ) it can sound realy close like you hear someone without sound system.

[@tacomamusic]

the mic you need to compare it to equally is the shure beta 58. that's its rival. super cardioid.

[@AntonBrowne]

Okay.

[@nathanblack6128]

But the V7 is $99, Shure 58 $99, Beta is like $170. V7 to 58 is a fair comparison.

[@CarolineTheFiddler]

No mr. Manuel on the V7?

[@AntonBrowne]

Hah! Only on the full reviews... who knows why.

[@deolludhianvi]

Sir, I am beginner. I want to record my written poetry professionally. In which my line will go in high tone and will also come in low tone. Tell me such a mic and audio interface. So that I can record and mix later. My room is not sound proof. My total budget is $300. But a shopkeeper told me that you cannot do recording with dynamic mic. Please tell me what should I do. Tell me such a mic and audio interface that I will not regret after buying.

[@AntonBrowne]

Please see my recent video in response.

[@rombsix]

Olé!

[@simong8527]

hi Anton, does se v7 need a preamp?

[@AntonBrowne]

Hi, no, straight into the mixer is fine - mixers have built-in mic preamps. If you want to plug into something else, a computer maybe, then you will need a preamp, as you will with the SM58 etc.

[@simong8527]

@@AntonBrowne thank you for quick answer! and what about audio interface?

[@ilikesandwich2507]

one of the nerdiest mic review I have seen and I love it 10/10!!

[@johnnylong2049]

V7 vs e835 sennheiser

[@jamestheradioman]

I like SM58 flatter response. More room for EQ.

[@Hardware244]

It's the otha way around. The v7 has slight boosts in the upper region. The sm58 is all over the place up there. Take a look at the frequency response for both mics

[@runorrunor5957]

Too quiet sound overall

[@AntonBrowne]

Apologies, It is at maximum for the peaks and I don't use any processing or level adjustments so everything is accurate. You will have to turn up at your end.

[@Itsallawesome]

makes the sm58 sound horrible honestly

[@jerryadams5487]

Let me teach ALL u mic addicts on how to compare microphones is to make sure they have the same specs-COMMON SENSE !!!!

[@AntonBrowne]

Many thanks for your tuition.

[@aaronm.1998]

Very bias, and predetermined review. Not sure if consciously or subconsciously manipulated the test. But you certainly didn't treat the mics equally.

[@AntonBrowne]

Both mics are inexpensive and fairly common. Why not buy or borrow a pair and find out for yourself on your voice?

[@SunshineStateofMind1981]

I bought the SE V7 only for the purpose of live band events where there are drums, bass, rhythm, and lead guitar amps are present and not for the "dynamic range". For studio recording, I use something else. The SE V7 picks up less stage noise than a host of the other mics. This is what the SE V7 is famous for; its' super-cardioid pattern tends to pick up less stage noise than the other mics. You can add more gains without getting feedback comparing to other mics such as the Shure SS55 (also super-cardioid), NAdy wireless, and EV R300 wireless. So buy it if you are in a live concert/band environment.

[@asimioneseioctavian]

The SE V7 MK is an amazing microphone 🎤. In my opinion is better, captures high and low frequencies in a much clearer and more defined way. I'm sorry for my English.

[@AntonBrowne]

I agree, good mic.

[@BeatGoat]

Great comparison! I stumbled across the V7 about a year ago, and it has been my go-to live vocal mic since. While most other dynamic mics tend to make my voice sound muddy and muffled, the V7 provides the detail and clarity I need without having to tinker with the EQ much (or at all).