Electrovoice RE20 vs Shure SM7B Comparison! [UPDATED

The RE20 and SM7B both stand out as iconic choices for podcasters and voiceover artists for decades. They have earned the reputation for their exceptional sound quality, durability, and versatility. However, choosing the best microphone can make or break the quality of your audio recordings, therefore it’s best to look at the design, features, sound quality, applications, and pricing to determine what is best for your needs.

History 

The Electro-Voice RE20 microphone was introduced in 1968 and quickly became popular among podcasters and broadcasters. It’s a well-renowned microphone for its broadcast excellence and design, which has remained unchanged for decades- meaning it is a testament to its timeless engineering. On the other hand, the Shure SM7B microphone was introduced in 1973 and is a dynamic microphone that evolved from its previous model, the Shure SM7. It’s one of the most popular microphones for podcasters, YouTubers, and professional broadcasters because of its robust design and exceptional sound quality. The mic gained widespread popularity, particularly after being used to record Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” album.

Design and Build Quality

The RE20 microphone has a steel body designed to withstand the rigors used in the professional studio. It has an internal pop filter and a patented Variable-D design that minimizes the proximity effect. On the other hand, the Shure SM7B has a robust build, encased in steel with a matte black finish. It has a detachable windscreen and an integrated shock mount for easy microphone positioning in the studio.

Sound Quality

The EV RE20 is a well-known microphone for its neutral and natural sound. It has a flat frequency response (45 Hz–18 kHz),  captures voice with clarity, and sounds professional. The design of these microphones ensures that the tone of your voice is consistent regardless of your distance from the microphone, making them an excellent choice for broadcasting and voiceover work. On the other hand, The Shure SM7B is renowned for its warm and rich sound quality among the podcasting community. It has a flat frequency response (50 Hz–20 kHz), giving it a signature warmth to most vocal recordings. It’s the world’s #1 pick if you want a mic for podcasting and vocal recording this year.

Preamp Requirements

The EV RE20 and SM7B  are dynamic microphones, meaning they don’t require additional phantom power compared to most condenser microphones. However, they will require you to have a preamp to function optimally due to their low output levels. Just get Cloudlifter CL-1 and pair it with your microphone.

Pricing

The SM7B is more affordable than the EV RE20, as the price of the SM7B ranges from around $400 to $450; in the meantime, the EV RE20 costs between $450 and $500. The sure SM7B is the winner here. Because of its sound quality and budget.

Notable Users

●   RE20: Used by NPR, Howard Stern, and countless radio broadcasters.

●   SM7B: Used by Joe Rogan, Michael Jackson (for Thriller), and many modern podcasters and musicians.

 

Final Thoughts

The EV RE20 and Shure SM7B are two of the best podcasting microphones in the industry for their excellent sound quality. The EV RE20 microphone stands out for neutrality and consistent sound quality, and the  SM7B is well known for its warmth and superb sound quality, making it a favorite choice among podcasters and vocal artists . Regardless of what microphone you choose, you will have exceptional sound quality and durability while working, and both of them are worth to invest for serious audio production in 2025.