Mics are essential to optimize the music production process because they are responsible for recording the voice and transmitting these audio signals to the speakers for broadcasting.
For this reason, it’s important to select the right mic that has reliable reception and long-term performance.
RE20 and SM7B are the two most popular mics available with a premium build and effective sound-capturing features.
Both these mics are quite different in performance and functionality, which is why comparing them will help you choose the best one.
The Differences Between Re20 vs SM7B
| Features | RE20 | SM7B |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency response | 45Hz to 18,000Hz | 50Hz to 20,000Hz |
| Connector | XLR | XLR |
| Accessories | Carry case and stand mount | Cover plate and windscreen |
| Weight | 1.62 lbs. | 1.69 lbs. |
| Color | Silver | Black |
Re20
RE20 is one of the best mics designed by Electro-Voice, and it’s a dynamic broadcast mic with exceptional background noise removal to deliver a high-end tone.
The mic is known to produce deep and rich sound and is brighter when compared to other mics on the market.
RE20 can be used to produce a uniform sound, irrespective of the distance from the mic. This is because a mic has a significant sweet spot that promises minimal changes in sound proximity.
1. Sound
Designed with industry-standard features, this mic promises top-notch sound quality with sufficient crispness and transparency in the sound.
The mic can produce high-quality signals, which makes this mic a suitable choice for radio-based broadcasting and live recordings. This is because it can reject the background noise at a maximum level.
Similarly, you can use it in the studios that are too noisy and can be used in outdoor locations as well.
The mic is designed with a dynamic diaphragm and a high-end capsule that’s wrapped in thick foam, promising a better dampening effect.
Usually, people think that the sound is dark and weak in the beginning, but it has better signal quality and improves the smoothness of audio transmission.
If you tend to record sessions at radio stations, RF interference will be extremely common, but this is a dynamic mic that covers this interference without losing the sound quality.
In particular, the mic has a humbucking coil that promises neutralization of RF signals. Moreover, the mic’s grilles and body are covered with a metal casing, which works as a shield.
2. Design & Features
This mic can be considered the heavy artillery when it comes down to broadcasting and takes the lead on other mics where signal quality is concerned. However, you need to connect a preamp to produce a deep, neutral, and rich sound.
It has a cardioid design to produce studio-like sound, and the customizable frequency response leads to smooth and powerful sound.
The massive diaphragm of this mic promises accurate transmission of audio signals, hence correct articulation of the sound.
On top of everything, this mic is suitable for everyone, whether you speak at low or high volume because it produces brilliant sound with a promising vocal presence.
The mic has been integrated with a roll-off switch that’s suitable for cutting out the low frequency when using deep instruments.
The mic is integrated with a variable-D configuration, so even if you move around the mic while speaking, the volume and tone will remain the same.
RE20 mic is designed with a true cardioid pickup pattern that helps pick up the audio signals from the front side of your mic’s capsule while blocking out the background noise.
In addition, it’s designed with a built-in pop filter that eliminates the need to use an external filter, promising seamless signal transmission.
The mic can be used for film recording, studio recording, streaming, and YouTube recording, as it can produce crystal clear sound.
The company has added a high sound pressure level, which allows the users to record louder music without any lags and distortion.
Having said that, the mic has an in-depth frequency response, so it can record the high-tone sax and high-bass drums with utmost clarity.
The roll-off switch can be used by people who find bass instruments and drums’ music to be muddy. It can capture audible sound at around 45Hz as it’s designed to capture the human voice, kick drums, and bass cabs.
Last but not least, the variable-D technology of the mic protects the sound from off-axis coloration, which means it can capture the sound with clarity and nuance, irrespective of where you put the mic.
Pros
- Reliable background noise removal
- Durable build
- Smooth and deep sound with higher clarity
- Significant sweet spot
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavyweight
SM7B
SM7B is designed by Shure and is designed to deliver top-notch performance and value for money.
This is a professional dynamic mic that’s designed to record live vocal performances and speeches, including broadcasts, podcasts, streaming, and voiceovers.
This is the prime reason it’s preferred by leading YouTuber content creators. The mic is popular for easy setup as you can install the mic just by connecting the XLR connection.
1. Sound
By default, the mic is set on the flat frequency response, which promises natural tonality in the sound.
In addition, it is designed with a roll-off filter, which can attenuate the low-frequency notes, and the presence boost helps amplify the mid and high-frequency selections.
Also, you can combine the presence boost and roll-off switch according to the music style. With the default settings, it creates smooth and rich sound, and the low-end has warm tones.
SM7B mic is integrated with a cardioid polar pattern, which makes sure that you only broadcast and record the sound you intend to.
For instance, the cardioid pattern can eliminate the hum caused by fans without compromising the transparency and prominence of the primary sound.
It can produce high-quality sound and requires minimum to zero post-production editing – the sound quality will be extremely consistent. There is a pop filter that eliminates the plosives, so you can speak into the mic freely.
2. Design & Features
The mic is designed with a shock mount and pop shield, which makes it a durable choice, and the positioning will be extremely convenient. In addition to the mentioned applications, it can be used to record sounds from piano and acoustic guitar.
The mic has a heavy build with a matte black finish, which promises a clean and classic appearance. On the back of the mic, you will find two dip switches, so you can easily switch the frequency response of the mic.
It has a graphical design, which means you can check the activated settings. The mic comes with a shock mount for easier installation and a pop filter to keep the background noises at bay.
The noise attenuating technology of this mic promises clear recording, which is why it’s suitable for professionals. In addition, the mic has a uniform frequency response that can record different types of sounds.
There are two toggles on the mic which help select one of three available responses, such as presence boost, roll-off, and flat. It is designed with a yoke-mounting configuration, which promises seamless attachment.
In addition, the yoke adjustment is extremely smooth and provides sufficient resistance to make sure the mic doesn’t move from its position. It comes with a removable windscreen to create a bassier tone.
The mic is designed with cutting-edge hardware to protect the internal components, including the cartridge. It also has an internal air suspension system that eliminates the mechanical noise and automatically removes the hums.
Overall, it can record the sound of every frequency and can also attenuate the low-frequency notes, and the presence boost helps amplify the treble notes.
Pros
- Improve the human voice
- Amplifies the treble notes
- Solid build
- Reliable filtration
- Exceptional noise rejection
- Consistent outcomes
Cons
- Needs to be connected with a preamp
The Final Verdict
SM7B mic is a suitable choice for people who want to record consistent music with rich and smooth tones. On the other hand, the RE20 mic is suggested for people who want to create a clean and smooth sound.
Honestly, both these mics are amazing, but the RE20 mic is suitable for indoor as well as outdoor locations, while the SM7B mic is only suitable for indoor recording sessions.