Shure SM7b vs. Electro Voice RE20 Comparison (Versus Series)

[@artysanmobile]

The RE20 is one of my all time favorite microphones. I have had three of them since new in 1979. They all still work beautifully, having seen very hard use in mostly live situations the entire 40 years I’ve owned them. The list of applications in which they excel is a much longer one than for almost any other mic I own. Voice, guitar and bass amps, organ Leslie, drums and percussion of every imaginable type, trumpet, trombone, saxes, flute, etc. And I mean EXCEL. An all time classic.

[@Podcastage]

There’s no denying it is a phenomenal microphone.

[@officialWWM]

They suck in acoustic guitar though.

[@a.whyattmann5057]

@@officialWWM meh, I think I preferred it but I'll need to listen more

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi62]

this might be a really dumb question, but how is it that you can use a microphone bought *40 years* ago (I guess 43 if you're still using them in 2023) are not only _not_ obsolete, but people still buy them today for high-production work, in contrast to every other facet of technology that has _long_ since been replaced, sometimes half a dozen times?

[@ChroniclesofGhoul]

Have you had to get any of them re-foamed?

[@curtisjudd]

I'll take two of each, please. Different mics for different voices.

[@otiswoodard7391]

Hey, if you haven’t checked out Curtis Judd’s KZbin channel Learn Light and Sound you are missing a great channel by a great guy that compliments Podcastage and Bandrew like chocolate goes with peanut butter.

[@MFASonic]

Curtis is so right. According to the most successful mixing engineer of all times yet (Bruce Swedien), you cannot predict which mic and/or preamp will translate your music best. You have to individually test that out for any given situation. You have to actually listen. But why do so many people like the dynamic(!) SM7B with its low gain output and its quite muddy transient response? Probably because the legend tells that this is the mic that Bruce used for recording Michael Jackson. In fact, the SM7B is NOT THE MIC that Michael Jackson has been recorded with. He was recorded with a SM7, which sounds very different. And it is very unlikely that any of us will be in the situation to record MJ. So go use your ears, get 20 mics for a good start and a few decent preamps instead of hunting for the "best".

[@w140]

Curtis Judd is just a treasury of knowledge, been subbed for couple years and have upped my audio and lighting knowledge while jumping over the lazy dog😄

[@photronic]

As a fellow micophile, I can only agree!

[@justforthetv]

Dude you really are so annoying in the best and funniest way ever. I love it 😂

[@señorjaws]

I've never left a youtube comment in my life but this is the best comparison video I've ever seen and honestly what every comparison video should look like. Also I have an sm7b. His name is Vader.

[@Podcastage]

That's VERY kind of you to say. I appreciate that and that is an AMAZING name for a 7b!

[@DruGaTecH]

Darth Vader :)

[@RA-xx4mz]

I wish more people reviewed mics like this. Cutting back and forth between mics really highlights the difference.

[@kmacradio]

What difference? I really didn't hear any.

[@robert-fhm]

My thoughts exactly ... what difference !!! LOL

[@Timanator]

You just convinced me to switch to re20. Had to watch this several times damn the re20 captures so much more details!

[@chaosinternational3584]

If you had to watch it several times then the difference wasnt big enough to notice which means no one cares / notices

[@annekedebruyn7797]

@@chaosinternational3584 He didn't say he had to rewatch to notice the details. Might as well rewatched it because he couldn't believe how much more detail it had. ;)

[@swsuwave]

If you're in an electrically noisy environment (AC power), the RE20 has the humbucker coil pickup, 7B does NOT. It's far easier to get rid of hum at the source than to try and notch it out in post later.

[@YungR0]

@@swsuwave only thing putting be off is that the sm7b adds like a little warm bass to your voice. I don't want that. Re 20 sounds more normal and full

[@swsuwave]

@Jake McCoy is right but I am going to add this Jake, the humbucker removes magnetically coupled noise by using a second coil wound backwards to cancel the noise induced in the pickup coil. They are also popular in guitar pickups, particularly bass where harmonics of the power line frequency are desirable notes to play and should not be notch filtered. When I use my EV mics on bass drums, I don't get power hum from nearby wall warts down on the floor. Shure makes a good mic, but sennheiser, Neumann, and EV make great dynamic mics for certain purposes which is why I keep them on hand when recording live performances.

[@thebreakfastmenu]

RE20 won for me.

[@phototristan]

It's an amazing mic.

[@siriusfun]

Absolutely agree.

[@travisjohnson7065]

Me too. I've always had good luck with Shure and was actually planning on getting the SM7B, but the RE20 seems like it will be better for vocal purposes. To me it doesn't make much sense factoring the sound of the guitars into the decision, with these mics being so popular primarily for vocals. I can just get a different mic for guitars, if necessary. But for vocals, the RE20 seemed to have a clearer, more "expensive" and high quality sound to it overall, and also seemed to do a better job of rejecting background noise and handling proximity. Edit: Dang, I work at a music store, but it turns out I'd barely get any discount on the RE20. I mean, not enough for it to be worthwhile. Guess I'll keep looking at other options, maybe Audio Technica...

[@spaceballz8361]

Same RE 20 sounded way smoother . Made my choice now :)

[@swsuwave]

RE20 was far better for the electric guitar amp, and less colored on the vocals. I've always preferred Sennheiser to Shure (e.g. 835 vs. Beta-58) for capsules, so no surprise I prefer the EV RE20.

[@Aj9Livess]

I gotta say, you BoothJunkie and EposVox are THE guys when it comes to talkin mics. I've had an sm7 for about a year and a half and I was considering getting an re20 for my bday coming up and it doesn't seem like I can go wrong. As a fledgling voice guy I love playing with different mics and it doesn't seem like I can go wrong anywhere with the re20

[@mrdonsmith]

Having worked as a radio disc jockey and news reader for years, I'll go with the RE20 any time. It's the better lows for me.

[@TheRyanSmee]

Same and same. It also sounds pretty toppers on a kick drum too

[@bradmodd7856]

The thing is many DJs would take the SM7B for the proximity effect to "manufacture" the lows into their voice....if you are lacking something down there, the RE20 won't help you....it will help in almost every other way I agree, a truer, richer more pure tone across the spectrum. If you have some lows the proximity on the SM7B will get in the way, if not it could be very useful...horses for courses.

[@DaveSorge]

I was on the radio for 30 years (mostly using the RE20 the entire time), but I'd take the SM7B for a podcast mic over the RE20 any day. It's just a more natural sound. If you want to sound like a DJ, get the RE20. If you want to sound like a person, get the SM7B.

[@DaveSorge]

@@onechippyboi after using the SM7b for a few weeks I ended up returning and getting RE20. When I listened to my recordings side by side with the two mics, the SM7b sounded a little muddy to my ears. Still a great mic but you're right. The RE20 is the better mic for my voice.

[@gkiss2030]

What if one already has a deep voice? I am a bass-baritone, with a distinct deep character to it, but also lots of mids. Currently I use an SM7B, but would be curious to try the RE20. (but that things is almost double the price of SM7B, worth to go for it?)

[@KingSe7en]

I love these videos. I recently bought the SM7b along with a Cloudlifter and a Focusrite 6i6 Interface. I can’t wait for them to arrive. Thanks for the video!

[@Podcastage]

You're gonna love it! Have fun and make some great stuff!

[@Karizma231]

Heard the royer d booster is better then cloudlifter and similar price. Apparently it matches the independence to the mic.

[@WJ6FRadio]

Great video! I have noticed here in the Los Angeles area the talk stations (KFI AM 640 & Rush Limbaugh) uses the RE20 while the local rock station (95.5 KLOS) uses the Shure SM7b. This proves your choice with the Shure is spot on!

[@ProdByClockwerk]

Joe organ uses a sm7 as well.

[@Kragatar]

You should do some blind comparison videos between different mics. Don't tell us which ones we're listening to until the end of the video, so we can choose the best sound without being swayed by price tags and reputations.

[@gfk6560]

Would love that

[@thesoggykitten6981]

Agreed

[@lbhtyler]

The SM7B is a strange beast (and I've owned one for 14 years). I love it and use it a lot. What's strange is that it's always touted as a flat, "natural" sounding mic when I actually think of it as the opposite: quite coloured, somewhat scooped-sounding, with even a bit of a weird mid-range honk. Yes, it works great on a lot of voices and even some instruments. But it always lends its own sound to those things and always sounds like an SM7B, by which I mean vibey in a slightly congested way (yeah, even on MJ's Thriller!). In this comparison the RE-20 sounds more "natural" to my ears despite having a bumpier frequency response. Both are clearly great mics.

[@TyIer7]

I think it's because the frequency response provided by shure isn't entirely accurate and is measured from the bare capsule instead of the mic in the body (which acts like a tiny room to a degree) "resonance chamber" which is very bad for transparent audio.

[@RigoMurillo]

Great video, as always! One of the features that I want to add about the RE20 is that it has an amazing ability to give the speaker the freedom to move his/her head around while speaking without changing tone or coloration. The SM7B does not. This is the #1 reason people prefer it over the SM7B when they have to work in a broadcasting studio environment.

[@AnsiGaming]

Is it also less of a pain to use? SM7B requires a cloudlifter for budget musicians

[@ProdByClockwerk]

@@AnsiGaming Use a MOTU M2. It’s under $170 and it’s preamp has more than enough Gain to sufficiently power the SM7B without a cloud lifter or a fet head.

[@AnsiGaming]

@@ProdByClockwerk Thank you I'll look into it!

[@CarlosMafla]

My SM7B arrived yesterday, I did a lot research and took the decision mostly because of your reviews, can't wait to start recording tutorials, thanks!

[@danmagoo]

Congratulations, Carlos! Have fun with your new purchase, and good luck.

[@Podcastage]

Have fun with the SM7B! It's never easy on the wallet, but the years (if not decades) of use you get out of that mic will make it worth it. =)

[@CarlosMafla]

Thanks, yeah I totally agree ;)

[@PixelGxming]

RE20 sounded way better for me. Just way fuller, its hard to describe. It's also interesting how the keyboard noise sounds completely different on both mics

[@Podcastage]

Glad you're able to identify which mic you prefer the sound of. Happy recording.

[@cachedis]

this was a fantastic comparison video. you went into detail when needed, gave great examples, and also clearly differentiated your opinion from the fact of the sound. thank you

[@justinroark88]

When I worked in radio we had the SM7B and man, they are amazing.

[@fredvanni1024]

One of the best microphone comparison on KZbin. Perfect Job!

[@iamantoniofernandez]

I appreciate all of your reviews my brother. truly helps HEEPS in what decision to make. Thanks!

[@dvorapat]

Are you reading my browser history? I was look at these just yesterday :-D Now I'm gonna watch this video till the end, because this battle sounds interesting!

[@Jml2475]

What did you end up going with?

[@randyhimburg7915]

I loved them both and would be happy with either one. But, my personal choice would be the Electro Voice RE20. To me you cant beat the radio standard. You have however made me take another look at the SM7b. Thank you for the side by side test.

[@Vertshark]

I have to disagree. The RE20 didn't seem to need as much gain and IMO sounded more natural and I thought the acoustic guitar sounded better. However I don't think you can go wrong with either one which is why I have a Heil PR40...what?

[@xeldinn86]

I always thought the Heil PR40 sounded a little too bright to me. How do you like it?

[@Vertshark]

Honestly? I don't disagree. I bought it because so many people talked it up. But if I had it to do all over again I'd save my money and look for an EV N/D767A (which I have one of in my mobile kit) or a Sennheiser 835 or 935. However I have one now and I would feel guilty about not using it

[@gkiss2030]

Does it really need less gain than the SM7B by much?

[@benwallick]

Except for the acoustic guitar, I preferred the RE20 on everything. Great videos, thanks for the comparisons!

[@guitarist714]

I own both the SM7B and the RE-20.I have found that the SM7B works great for vocals in my studio.The RE-20 has tracked well for me with acoustic guitar,kick drum and saxophone. In certain applications the RE-20 also records vocals very well.Adding a Cloudlifter to those mics can also make a difference.Both mics are very useful in my opinion.Thanks for the very informative video.

[@honkhonkler7732]

I love the sound of spoken word over the RE20. It also works for my case better because I have to use it in an untreated environment, thus I get much better sound milking it up close. The variable D technology really comes into it's own there.

[@larrycoffey806]

RE20. I'm purchasing a mic for spoken/broadcast only. I want the traditional, authoritive, radio broadcast sound. Great job explaining the subtle differences!

[@RAMII19780529]

Really good description of the differences. I agree 100%.

[@tomsullivanradio]

Great review! Super informative and to the point. Love that your “The Versus series” show title is short and not drawn out. Many reviewers feel need to have lengthy produced video opens. Used RE20 in radio many years but was considering adding SM7B to studio. Thank you 💯👏

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much for the kind words Tom, and thank you for watching and listening.

[@GuitarMastr3000LP]

I've got the SM7B now and even though it was a good decision, I definitely wanna try the RE20 someday. I think it's worth it if you're an audiophile.

[@robert-fhm]

I have the RE20 and I really wanted to try the SM7B... but after this comparison, they both performed to a very high tie... I think I am not going to pay the money for the SM7B and be satisfied with my RE20

[@bluecollar8601]

Just subscribed. Hands down the best comparison videos on youtube. You just don't miss any variables. Thanks again!

[@jimgravesus]

Looking for a new mic. I've seen lots of your videos. You've done a great job. Well produced, performed and organized. All the right questions asked and answered. Thanks!

[@bigj4223]

I have to say this is a good comparison. Both sound great but for my voice the SM7b rocks. I will probably add at least one more to my podcast/radio studio. I've really become shure fan because with any of their, you can't go wrong. Keep up the good work, it helps a lot of us!!!

[@ns1983za]

For me, I'd go with the RE20 - I have enough versatile mics in my collection and would appreciate the somewhat less natural sound of the RE20, particularly on vocals.

[@amiocap0242]

So my room is pretty noisy from Dan noise dogs barking from other room and window being open would the re20 be a good pick I’m using the rode nt1 and it picks up everything pretty loud

[@OliverJHughes]

SM7B is my baby, I love it's aesthetic as well - such a gorgeous mic.

[@reddblurr]

Oliver J Hughes couldn’t agree more! Love the way it captures the full range of my voice and how it looks doing so 👍 Build quality is outstanding as well.

[@EzyoMusic]

It looks silly when handheld though. But apart from that I think it looks great also.

[@DevGambit]

Sound> “aesthetic” re-20 for me

[@algarvemike]

Great tests. Well done I wish all comparisons were this good, practical and concise. Thank you

[@signalaheadoriginaltunes4159]

Cool review and compare. I think you need to def explain the difference the RE20 has when comparing the proximity effect in a majority of recording scenarios. It is so crazy how well mine handles being close or farther away without changing the sound. I have read that it is because of the housing and the many vents which are patented. I own both mics and run both through a CloudLifter. They are each Gain Slobs. I can see advantages for each mic, but for my vocals, the SM7 is darker for flatter less nasal-sounding, whereas the RE20 def has a lot more treble.

[@lw8882]

Thank you so much. Helped me make the decision clear. I was considering the sm7b or re20, but because of cost your sm7b vs nt1 showed me the extra is worth it, and this video made me sure I want the re20 because of the fuller bottom end. Love your work and channel.

[@SiddharthBasrurOfficial]

Came here, cos I wanted a second mic for when I'm travelling. Been eyeing the RE20 for a while, but after watching this, I may just go with a second 7B. Thanks for a great review!

[@PEPPERMINT606]

You make the best reviews. So well spoken.

[@musick777]

Such a good comparison video. Amazing how much you cram into 6 and a half minutes. Thanks!

[@danmagoo]

Thanks for the thorough and fair comparison. SM7B for smoothness and versatility.

[@matdemaz]

Gonna have to go with the Shure. I've seen so many people use the RE20, though. It's got kind of a vintage sound to it that I can dig.

[@jacobthomas5665]

Great video bud! I’ve always used an SM7B on my voice, but after seeing this, I wanna switch to the EV. I personally loved the more prominent low mids and I especially loved the grit and color it gave the electric guitar. I’ve also recently heard that it’s kinda the holy grail for indie-kick sounds. Anyhow, great video, and if those mics sounded that good on that interface, I cant wait to hear them with a decent one. Lol

[@flyc0de389]

Your comment on using a specific mic on a specific piece of an instrument for a particular sound effect makes me realize how complex is the professional audio topic.

[@chrisnewman448]

I have an RE20 and I do love it being the most expensive mic i own. I love sure and have several 57s and 58s, but the SM7 is impressive. I think I need one for my home analog 8 track studio. Thanks, good vid.

[@jacquebunnyshorts4424]

the song lyrics took me as far as subbing and liking with my alt account. this lit up my day. cheers for the perfect review.

[@JaredOwen]

Great video and entertaining too!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much Jared, that really means a lot.

[@MichaelRomero562]

I went with the SM7B. No complaints! :D

[@larrycom]

It also might be fair to note that the re-20 is often used on drums - bass drum and floor tom tom. Also, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder have used it on lead vocal in the recording studio.

[@zezesilver]

Something tells me that this gonna be one of your most viewed videos. BTW can't wait to see your BP40 review!!!

[@silvermountainlodge]

Best mic shootout video I've seen. Great examples. Thanks.

[@dako91196]

By far the best mic reviewer on KZbin. Also I love the RE20!

[@Podcastage]

You are too kind.

[@arthurw8054]

Because of budget I'm in the SM57 with an A81WS and an EQ camp. But if I had the money I think I prefer the RE20 for spoken word specifically, though I agree the SM7b sounds more versatile... I subscribed because your review style & format is simply the best... Thanks.

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much Arthur. I really appreciate hearing other opinions on microphone selections. Thanks so much for sharing. The SM57 and A81WS is a great option for sure.

[@davidbell3678]

I love the slightly thinner and brighter sound of the Electro-Voice. And I love the sound of it on the guitar amp. I’m definitely saving up for one.

[@Cheyne_TetraMFG]

Love how you did this mic shootout, earned a sub! Keep it up!

[@Noisa]

Fave comparison video of these two. Awesome

[@AlbertMilliron]

Thanks for doing this. I’m about to do some voice over work and I’ve considered purchasing one of the 3 EVs and the Shure SM-7 - I used the RE-20 and the Shure SM5 (?) back in the early 80s when I was doing radio commercials. I have a LOT of mics for my ham radio station but none seem exactly what I’m looking for to do voice over work that is coming my way. I appreciate your videos.

[@ageofdulltron2052]

Love the re20, has a rich vocal performance, generally better for instruments. Just got the sm7b though, and I love it’s warmth and sibilant reduction. Having both is the best!

[@jackkellyKMM]

Nice video. Good job on the review! Having been in the radio business for waaay longer than I care to admit, I have spent lots of time with both of these mics. Am surprised that you did not include the MD421, as it is pretty equal in popularity with studios (at least in the major leagues). I am not much of a fan of the RE20, although I know a lot of on-air people love it, most of those guys have thinner voices and like that rounder bottom end of the EV. My complaint with the RE20 is that it sounds 'slow' -- not favorable to transients. This mic (to me) sounds as if there is a compressor/limiter built into it. I am fond of the SM7b (and its for-runners: SM7 and SM5). The SM7b probably gets too much credit for being the Michael Jackson mic. I suspect Bruce Swedian (MJ's recording engineer and co-producer -- along with Quincy Jones) chose that mic for reasons other than its very good sonic performance. Michael's singing style employed a lot of percussive sounds. That alone would steer one away from the usual suspect high-quality condensers. In radio station environments, I have swapped out tons of EVs and SM7s with the Sennheiser MD421 (not the II version). On-air folks spend lots of time talking over record intros and outros and the 421 cuts through easily, so you can mix the jock's voice deeper into the music. Most big-kid air studios also use some processing (EQ and compression) on the jock mics and I find the 421 takes to processing much better than the other two popular alternatives. Interestingly, my feelings about all this put me in a bit a dicey moment once. At a station in Chicago, (now WTMX) I wanted to pull the SM7 from main control room and put in an MD421. Had to be politically careful though and not ruffle feathers. Our Assistant Chief Engineer was the guy who designed the switchable EQ circuits while working at Shure.

[@realnamerodney]

Great video. I liked the Shure on instruments and Re20 on vocals. Need both!

[@gmjones2001]

During the acoustic guitar/singing test definitely more of your acoustic guitar came through with the SM7b vs the RE20 ... that was the most notable difference in your testing to me ... not a win/lose for either mic, but knowing this would help me choose one over the other for specific applications. I thought the SM7b sounded better with your electric guitar. I already own the SM7b ... thinking about adding the RE20 to my arsenal. Thanks for the video! Great job as always.

[@DaltonDrums-su9bd]

I’ve used both of these mice in the studio recording drums and I really like using the SM7B for bottom snare and the RE20 for kick. Definitely going to get both of them at some point!

[@Xxlm96xX]

Can't believe I haven't seen this video sooner, I've always preferred the SM7b! But with this review it has shown me that, IMO, the RE20 sounds better overall. Thank you very much for the review!!

[@shawnpruett7831]

Great comparison! I'm partial to the EV but just barely. Both are phenomenal microphones and will get the job done beautifully. Great video, you just made a subscriber out of me!

[@ThePickIsInPod]

Had to come back to this video again to see how it matched with my experience. Over the last 3 months I've tried out the SM7B as well as the Rode Procaster and then finally the RE20. I thought the Shure was going to be the be-all end-all, but in the end the EV was the clear winner for me. Compared to the other 2 it was MUCH quieter, allowing me to achieve a lower noise floor for my audiobook narrations. It was also less sensitive and more forgiving - the Shure picked up ever single car driving by even from within my sound-treated 3x5 vocal booth. But the bottom line is how it SOUNDED. Clear, crisp, natural. It honestly blew away the SM7B for me and made the Procaster sound like a cheap USB mic. I finally found my ultimate mic, and it's the RE20!

[@allthecommonsense]

Did you ever consider the less expensive RE320?

[@ThePickIsInPod]

@@allthecommonsense I did, but in comparison videos I saw online it sounded like the sound of the 320 was a little thinner than I wanted. I’m 100% happy with my RE20.

[@timurzhurochkin4207]

@@ThePickIsInPod what you can say about ambient noise? Which mic is better in this option? Sm7b or RE20? Because I need mic to use in live translations and I have a normal room. Not quite, I mean. And what about sibilant? P.S. I think you understand me, but English - not my native language)

[@ricardoprieto6401]

SM7B all day. The RE-20 sounds clear and forward yet thin and shrill in comparison with a sound that sounds a tad harsh and sibilant. The SM7B has a smooth natural tone that people can identify with. It feels like im talking to you while the RE-20 feels like I’m talking at you. Big difference. I have both. One for daytime for nighttime.

[@TransplantHelper]

I’d love a RE20 in black. My far my favorite sounding mic

[@alanjameshorner]

great vid, super quick and concise. i’ve got 4 SM7Bs and an RE20, the classic use for the RE20 is kick drum (which you didn’t cover, but most wouldn’t use an SM7B for that so not really a comparison) and E.guitar which. sounded great here. cheers.

[@pmAdministrator]

Yee, dun we all have like 15 of each? I even got one behind my toilet to record fart noises at times.

[@atroxity]

Purely for vocals I think the RE20 were significantly better sounding. A bigger difference than I expected. But either way - thanks for a great great comparison!!

[@samhairston8487]

It's still a hard decision of which of the two mics to purchase. Nice job in the comparison of the two mics.

[@dashelnopeasti6757]

Great review! I have used a PE 20 for years on-air in a major market in the U.S. I used it primarily for on-air talk, but, also for voice-overs and promos, including some music. While the Shure is an awesome product and sounds fine; I think my ear has been conditioned to the Electro Voice. It makes me feel confident and is incredibly easy to get a high-quality sound in almost every situation. I used some of the Shure products on remotes and they were fine. I just felt that the sound I got from the EV was consistently what I expected. Attractive? The EV is not. The sound is so dependable, though, that you don’t really think much about how it looks. Even though there is nothing wrong with Shure products - I personally own a number of them - If there is a choice in the studio, I will choose the PE 20 every time. And, no, I don’t work for EV.

[@Podcastage]

It's always awesome hearing other people's experience and preferences. I understand exactly why someone would prefer the RE20 over the SM7b. The RE20 is a stellar microphone. Thank you for sharing.

[@DjSmoothNY]

I've noticed that there is an increasingly high number of videos comparing the shure against the ev mic. As someone in radio for going on 20 years I agree that the EV PE20 and RE20 remain industry standard in radio which is totally different from podcasting. I respect everyone's opinion for sure, but I just think for the average person just starting out or doing a simple KZbin video or podcast show its easy to hold out on these mics until they're necessary. Thats just my opinion and the reason I say that is because broadcasting takes a level of skill set; voice inflection, vocal adjustment, ad-lib, and acting. Neither of these mics will magically provide these skills which are developed over time and not all peoples voices can be fixed just by plugging up a professional mic. For commercial, college, and internet radio my go to is definitely the RE-20 period.

[@mattbridges8908]

RE20 all day, clearer for vocals, and huge low end for micing drums and Bass. And I think it looks way cooler. And the "airiness" that you alluded to in the RE20 lends itself to better room sounds if you aren't close-micing the source. Great demo as always!

[@SamSine]

Awesome review man! To me, the RE20 was the winner. SM7B sounds muddy on vocals. The only instance where I almost preferred it over the RE20 is with the guitar cabinet. There was an overwhelming thump with the RE20 on the electric guitar that the SM7B didn't pick up. It also depends on the context. If you record pop/rock for example, the RE20 would cut through the mix better for vocals but I would probably grab the SM7B for a female singer singing acoustic jazz.

[@MikeBroderick33]

I like them both. At the outset, I'd expected to prefer the RE20, because I like a clearer mic with a bit of air, but to my surprise I'm giving the edge to the SM7B, because it sounded significantly warmer.

[@GhostlyCop]

I am an RE20 fan, mainly because I am into Broadcasting. Spoken word is what I do and I love the Lows of the RE20. The SM7B is a great Mic in its own right and sounds great on your voice. Not to mention a better all round mic. At this time, I am using the RODE BROADCASTER, which is an Amazing Microphone. Give a nice deep radio tone. 👽

[@MeTuLHeD]

Great review man...as always. Thoughts. The SM7B sounded hands down best on electric guitar and acoustic guitar. That extra low end on the RE20 made it sound muddy on the guitar amp. The RE20 sounded better on voice. That little wiring harness thingy on the SM7B is a monumental design flaw imo. They should have put a standard XLR plug on the back of the mic. Not sure (see what I did there?) why they chose to do that. Just a pet peeve of mine. I've always felt that way about this mic.

[@PeterCorser]

Thanks for the great comparison. I just wanted to add that the RE20 is really good on tenor sax in a live setting. Listening closely through good headphones I felt the RE20 had a bit more character and was a bit more lively. It gets my vote, but they are both great.

[@silentspring222]

I just purchased a used RE20 from a friend, but my audio best friend owns the SM7B. We honestly can't decide which is better between us, obviously eliminating purchasing bias as a factor... so it really just comes down to price for us. He got his at a good deal, I got mine at an absolutely stellar deal ($300 shipped for the mic and the shock mount)

[@Biosynth]

Your vid seems to be funny but in reality is really relevant for comparison (fast A/B, distant capture, off axis capture, aso…) Keep up :)

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very muc. That's very kind of you.

[@RudeCanine]

Would love if we could get an updated version of this video.

[@jeffblack6803]

I own 3 SM7Bs and I love them. But I would love to get my hands on an RE20 as well.

[@Podcastforthewin]

Yeah, I could see why it would be a tough choice though.

[@justinkastner]

Was debating between these 2 for a vocal mic during demo writing sessions. sounds like the RE20 has a little more clarity and doesnt need as much of a gain boost. glad i watched because i was leaning more towards the SM7b. Thanks for this!

[@NWGR]

Man, this is sooooo close, but I think I'm leaning towards the sm7b as well. I'm seriously gonna have to watch the voiceover section a few more times to make a choice for sure (shure?). Thanks bandrew! Can't wait for your artist 1-2 review. :-)

[@JonathanJonesSpeaks]

I am working my way towards the SM7b for sure

[@Podcastage]

Best of luck with it mate. I love the mic. If you enjoy the tone, it’s a mic you’ll use for years to come.

[@JonathanJonesSpeaks]

Thanks for sharing your insight my friend and bouncing back and forth lol. Loved the video and just subscribed.

[@JonathanJonesSpeaks]

@@Podcastage Yeah I currently have a blue yeti. But Looking to make that investment. Thanks a ton

[@DarkPa1adin]

thumbs up for the graph analysis!

[@johnetone]

I preferred the RE20 in all of your tests, because I like the slight mid-scoop, and there seems to be a little more sparkle in the upper-mids which actually added more clarity to your spoken word and singing voice. The SM7 was good too. But I also feel like the form factor of the RE20 makes it more versatile in the studio as it can be mounted in tighter spaces if needed. It would be cool for you to compare the RE20 with the RE320 sometime too if you get a chance. That's the newer-ish neodymium element version that is similar to the RE20 but significantly more affordable and possibly even better sounding?!? Anyway, great review! Mahalo ~ Tone

[@L318BLACKSHEEP]

Awesome review! If I had to choose one or the other, I would definitely buy the SM7B. The Ev does better with singing but that’s all of it.

[@JasonWillsonLinguaphile]

Though I love them both, the RE20 has a slight edge for my taste. I prefer the deeper, radio broadcasting sounds, and the look of it gives me a fond nostalgia for Frasier.

[@adamnesbitt11]

Ah memories of me talking about the RE20 while my gf is just trying to enjoy Frasier

[@DemonCreep]

The RE20 sounds better to me, just sounds more crisp and professional. Actually that's the next mic I'll be going for from my AT2035.

[@3DBlastDotCom]

Hey Ryizine, did you ever get an RE20 moving from the AT2035? I've got an AT2035 and was wondering what your verdict is for voice.

[@JunkBondTrader]

I like how the RE 20 sounds a slightly robotic speaking tone honestly.

[@maxdistortion]

great vid, and a classic debate of which one is better. i rented both to compare, and the RE20 won for me, solely because of how it handles proximity effect. I figured that was worth its value alone. bigger picture - Its THE dynamic mic for bass amps as far as I'm concerned.

[@nicktayloriv310]

Almost 4 years later I'm still in the Electro Voice camp!

[@roland1313]

Agreed. SM7B for music /singing, RE20 for broadcasting (though many use the Shure for broadcasting and are happy with it for that application.. One thing of note..for some people the Shure brings out more nasaliness in their singing voice. It did in mine..and I ended up reluctantly selling it after a year.

[@danmeme7740]

The sm7b sounded warmer and just appealing to the ears more. It was not as airy sure but I will take the appealing sound of the sm7b over a little more air any day. Both sounded great obviously.

[@MichaelW.1980]

I got a microphone, that bodies both microphones for my personal use case, namely the Shure Beta 58a. The reason is, that it does match my voice really good and - even more important: The room- and background-noise rejection is godlike, compared to both microphones, most likely due to its super cardioid pickup pattern, as opposed to the cardioid pickup pattern of both, the RE20 and the SM7/B.

[@DarkPa1adin]

I rewatched it again and again. I agree with your conclusion. sm7B has an edge with versatility if you record from a distance, RE20 doesn't alter your voice. :)

[@PedroBellora]

Nice video! Thanks for sharing

[@stargatepioneer]

Great video and I definitely see how the Shure SM7B is a better fit for your voice. What an incredible difficult video to shoot! But you did a great job! The one thing that I would have added to your opinion/review at the end would have been the gain requirements of the Shure SM7B versus the re20. It's not much but that extra 3-6dB difference (3:30 and 5dB on the re20 versus 4:00 and 7dB on the SM7B) may prove too taxing for some setups using marginal pre-amps and not as pronounced vocal projections. But other than that you did a great job comprehensively characterizing the pros and cons of the two microphones for home studios. Thank you for posting this - a dream video to shoot!

[@rolfedrengen]

This test is simply awesome! Thanks!

[@coolbro6969]

damn the sm7b just wins every time. Ive been curious about. a shootout for a while -you rock