With using just the laptop's own speakers, I could tell the significant difference between the two and EV Re20 sounds way more clear and crisp compared to SM7B, thanks for helping me decide on the microphone to get
These two mics actually sound quite different (at least on my headphones (Hifiman Sundara)). To keep it simple I'd describe it as the Shure SM7B sounding more soft but less clear, while the EV RE20 is a little less soft but quite a bit more clear. Honestly the SM7B sounds so soft with some voices that it might even sound a little nasal sometimes.
Both mics sound great but I'd go for the Shure SM7B as they can be repaired, Electrovoice don't offer repair on their microphones only replacement so once you're out of warranty you're basically screwed as I found out recently when I contacted Electrovoice about my RE320 which was out of warranty. Shure have much better customer service and thier mics can be repaired as Shure make the parts readily available unlike Electrovoice which are made by Bosch a German company that don't offer repair or even sell parts.
@@officialWWM the SM7B and the RE20 are the kings and queens of Broadcasting. But in my opinion, the sound of the re20 is more clear and sounds better to my ears
Due to it's recent explosion in popularity, 7B-fatigue is becoming a real problem. In comparison, the RE20 is refreshing to listen to imo. Keep up the great work Jordan, best video so far homie.
Just been drowning in reviews of the Shure and EV20 and much like this review here: The Electro-Voice EV20 is the consensus clear-cut winner (sounds better to MY ears as well)
SM7B is more pleasant to listen to for long periods of time, the clarity of the EV RE20 is great, but over time with certain voices it can be fatiguing. 7B's proximity effect is handled perfectly with the capsule being installed lower than the end of the metal mesh.
llistening to your video on studio monitors your voice sounds way better on the Electro-Voice RE-20. By the way the Shure SM 7b is made in Mexico while the EV is made in USA. For my taste comparing boath of them the SM7B sounds kinda muffled.
I actually _like_ the proximity effect of the SM7B, and its ability to handle any type of harsh sibilance. For example, you have what sounds to be some kind of dentalized lisp. When you spoke through the RE20, it was much more apparent to me as a listener than when you spoke through the SM7B, which almost completely eliminated it. I mean no offense whatsoever, by the way... I just feel like the SM7B compliments the unique elements of your voice more than the RE20 =)
this was an awesome review, straight to the point with no beating the bush. Good job, keep at it! and btw, I am team RE20: once I got it, never looked back
Same here. My SM7B has been parked since the RE20 showed up. I'm so glad they finally made a black version, the old grey one was just too 80's for me to use on camera.
Electro Voice RE20 is not as warm as Shure SM7B in my opinion. Also the RE20 needs a shockmount. It also has a sponge structure that gets dusty and decays over the years. This is a built-in pop filter. Without realizing it, users can spend years with a dusty and rotten filter. Users do not notice this, as dusting will occur over time. The Shure SM7B is not affected by the electromagnetic environment as much as the RE20. I don't want to use a RE20 with a built-in filter that needs a Shockmount, dusty over time, has started to rot. That's why it's always tempting to use the Shure SM7B with internal shock mount, which is easier to maintain. Everyone finds the cable on it meaningless, but it is the cable that gives it such elegance.
Yeah, I really like the RE20. Not so much the RE320. I was planning to save up for the RE20, never very interested in the SM7B. In the mean time, I'm going to make my own mic if I could find a good donor capsule to use with a custom chassy. I may take some design details from a few mics, like for example I like the XLR cable for the SM7B being mounted where it is rather than on the back of the mic.
you can buy jli condenser capsules for very cheap. for 12 quid they make their 2555, and theres a different one that has a built in jfet (jli 2590). they both sound great, and are electrets so you dont need to piss around with external bias voltages, buy from resellers though, because jli have really expensive postage. Also its interesting that you like the xlr where it is on the 7b. i think it looks messy and its almost like they designed it and thought "fuck we forgot the connector"
I kind of get where you're coming from. I love reading the comments here because there is no "right" or "wrong" everyone has their own perspective which is great.
Sir.. if you’re going to say “this is how it sounds when clicking a pen”… just a suggestion but you should both talk over the sound of the pen clicking, but also be silent over the sound of the pen clicking.
Great review! And very helpful. I like that you didn't give any opinion until well into the video. For me, the Variable D on the RE-20 is a major selling point. The semi-pro talent I work with is very inconsistent with the distance to the mic, and interrupting their train of thought to talk about proximity effect would ruin the program. My only gripe is how often the RE-20 needs repair. We have 3 that need to be repaired right now, so I was considering moving to Shure, because you can use a Shure mic as a hammer, and it's still sound as good as new. But for us, the RE-20 will work best, even if the long-term cots are significantly higher.
What kind of repairs do they need? Is it from handling wear and tear or foam falling apart? Hard to see where a microphone would fail for a novice like myself.
@@MartinKPettersson it's the foam inside. Our mics just sit in a studio on a stand. I've worked with hundreds of SM58s that have all been through who knows what kind of abuse - the ball is all dented up, and the paint is ever worn.... but those SM58s still sounded like new. Our EV-20s are quite old, so maybe you'll be fine for 10 years.
@@SoCalVipers Thank you for clearing that up. Good to know if I happen to find an older version out there used. I do like the sound of the EV-20's alot so am leaning towards that over the SM7B which sound rather muddled to me. Ofc dificulty is that I don't know which one would suit my voice better? It sounds like your some kind of soundtechnician. Not asking for a full rundown of what to do but if you listen quickly to one of my videos on my channel would you say that my voice would lend it self better to the clearer sound of the EV-20 or the in my ears more mudled and darker sound of the SM7B? Last few videos have been recorded with an Audio Technica Lavalier mic into a Zoom F4.
Knowing how people consume their content is critical, good thing you brought it up cause personally with my audio setup the RE-20 was superior. But someone on their cellphone truly won't know the difference at all.
We've recently started using an RE20 for our cartoon voice acting, and it sounds fantastic. We've tried an SM57 for the same task previously, but the RE20 has a perfect amount of top end clarity for us.
I come from the location sound school of microphones but had decided to buy of few microphones to plug into my new rodecaster pro, so after listening to your reviews I’ve purchased the Ev Re20 and the shure sm7b and just to mix it up a little got my hands on a second hand rode NT1 let the fun begin
The compact nature and convenience of the sm7b has me preferred, already spending a lot on a mic and my budget isn't exactly tight but it's not huge either so I don't want to worry about buying a shock mount. I do like the RE20's sound more however the sm7b still holds up enough to warrant me saving the extra money for elsewhere. I also plan to use it for videos and streams primarily so the extra clarity in the RE20 isn't quite as desperate. I know I can get away with my current mic but I also use voice chat in various games and applications so I like the luxury of being confident in the audio profile compared to my at2020, which sounds good but not quite great and obviously picks up much more background noise. I know confidently that I won't desire an upgrade from the sm7b any time soon as it'll do anything I want it to do just fine and even better with proper EQ.
Great comparison. Both are great mics and I own both. I've been in radio since the 80s and the go to on air mic has always been the RE20. You just can't get any better for the spoken word IN A BROADCAST environment...and I just picked a black one up for live streaming....because we all love cool. You mentioned the downside to owning an RE20 was needing to pair it with that Godzilla of shock mounts. While mostly true, it was never designed to be used where it could be seen, like in a radio station....BUT, it does have a certain; albeit weird, eye appeal when it is. Anyway, great comparison, easy to understand and you hit on all the major points I think people are interested in.
Would you say that you need a shock mount for it if doing a sit down video where it won't come in contact with a table, or anything else that the person who is sitting down might be touching? Only reason I could see would be vibrations in the floor?
@@MartinKPettersson I imagine it would be a good idea to have it mounted, even floors created vibrations and such. I don't have a floor stand so I can't really give you a good answer, but my mics are attached to a large wooden desk, covered in a large, thick gaming mat, Elgato arm is clamped to the desk, over the mat, and I've never had any issues. You don't have to go with the EV shock mount, there are others out there, Heil ++...you just have to take the mics circumference into mind when looking. I prefer EVs so I can grab the mic during streams with little to no noise...if I was doing voice over, that wouldn't be a good idea.
I spent 41 years as a broadcaster and agree with your conclusion. In fact my last station switched out from the Shure SM7B to the EV RE20 in all on-air studios. Shure mic's were left in production facilities, but all "live" mic's were changed over to the EV RE20. The change in the on air sound was very noticeable and much improved due in part to pre-broadcast processing but also due to an improved signal for the processing to work with. I still do production work at home (I'm retired) and guess which Mic I use? The EV RE20!
Great comment. Idk when the whole SM7B craze started but it simply can’t compete with the RE-20 for broadcasting. I’m in my 30th yr in radio and mine has followed me to every station.
Jordan, This was a fantastic video. I came across it while searching for a better solution to my home office. I'm on a lot of tele-conferences and I need something better than just my headset mic. I also have some background helping out at my house of worship first with their sound board and then with their stream when we went online in march. I appreciate the thought and detail that went into this production. The wash wall lights matching the cables on the mics was a really nice touch. I consider myself to be a fairly critical listener but it wasn't until a few minutes into the video that I could hear the difference. Up until you did the proximity test I was preferring the Shure because it seemed to handle background noise better. But when you demonstrated the Variable-D technology (something I'd read about but not heard demonstrated so succinctly before) I was very impressed. Your use of the current price site for all the hardware is an extra bit of thought that shows the care and consideration that goes into your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and passion with the rest of us.
Thanks for the comment Jay. I've read the manual. The RE20 relies on a filter at the front of the microphone as it's only built in shock mount. I would hardly call this an "internal shock mount". It's a pop filter that they're trying to pass off as a mediocre shock mount for marketing purposes. It's something they felt they had to address in the marketing literature, but I wouldn't call it an effective shock mount by any means.
🎙😎 good discussion! (I still think listeners pick up on mic differences "subliminally" even if they don't notice. SM7B has become a podcast standard! but that also makes it "common" sounding. The slightly less popular RE20 might stand out more... )
What about for vocals? I keep hearing with the Shure SM7B you have to get a cloud lifter? I've never heard that with the RE20? If you have to get the lifter for vocals that's even more doe. I have an expensive tube mic already, so I was thinking about getting 1 more mic for different background vocal character or lead vocal double. Would love to know your take? Thanks
For vocals, just like with any microphone, it depends on the voice. The SM7B is famous for being used extensively on Michael Jackson's "Thriller" for Michael's vocals and Vincent Price’s spoken word. The RE-20 has been used by Stevie Wonder and Mick Jagger for vocals. Either are great mics for the right voice, instrument, and situation. Many like them for broadcast and podcasting because they're dynamic mics, and you need to get close; this eliminates much of the background and off-axis noises. Many like the SM7B for its proximity effect, whereas the RE-20 was designed specifically to minimize the proximity effect giving uncolored sound up close, off-axis, and at further distances allowing broadcasters to move around the mic more freely and still sound great. These mics were designed around professional preamplifiers with a wide range of gain. Today, some find that they need to add a signal amplifier before the mic preamp when their preamps have an insufficient range of gain or are noisy when nearly maxed out.
im looking to start making music but I graduated la film school next year and I used the rode nta1 and its way to loud , picks up everything and makes this buzzing sound, so I got the audio tech at2020 and its perfect but its ike 150$ and I want to step it up and maybe get something new.
The RE20 is a great mic for sound engineers to mic people not familiar with being mic'd or how to use a mic, proximity effect etc. In Ireland the cost of the RE20 (€622 + €162 = €784) with the shockmount over the SM7b (€389 all in) is just over twice the price. For a lot of home users with limited budget and looking for value, the SM7B is the go to. You could have 2 SM7b's for the same money or better again, build your mic collection or buy a better mixer/interface with the savings or have a great weekend out! As said, very few people will notice the difference in quality when not side by side. A more accurate comparison would be the RE320 @ €325 but with the shockmount still another €100 more expensive.
So mic missing from this review... where to start? "I don't like using switches on mic?" OK, then. Working the SM 7 way further back that intended and then complaining about less low end? OK then. Working both mics way off axis? Not mentioning that so many use the SM7 with no windscreen and how that cleans up the top end? Not dealing with variable D on the RE20? I could go on, but you get the drift.
Literally listening on my Logitech PC speakers there's no difference but the second I put on my Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless headset it was night & day. These cans aren't even a proper audiophile headset, just a higher end wireless gamer headset with a few bells & whistles. I don't hear much difference in the low end (but Hell I'm a war vet & about 10% deaf on that end anyway) but man does that high end difference stand out.
Using the wave xlr and the rode nt1 but my room is untreated and quite noisy I was wondering if I should either get the shure sm7b or the re20? Any help is appreciated
I've been using an SM7B for years and recently got an RE20 due to all of the great reviews (and because I wanted to try something new). I set it up with a GoXLR mini (which replaced my broken previous audio chain of cloudlifter > presonus studio channel > scarlett solo) and just couldn't EQ it to get a clear, full sound. I realize this is probably my own mistake but after hours of tinkering, I went back to the SM7B.
good video \m/ love what u covered and talked about would love to hear more on vocals and styles i recorded my last album for until we sleep self titled which u can find on atmospheric black metal album with the re20 and loved it recently just grabbed the shure sm7db if i am correct with the built in pre amps to finally give this mic a shot but i do love the re20 and how clear it comes in and etc and all tht u stated but would love to try to have the shure and the re20 both recording since i do screaming and singing as well plus other stuff with the mics but ty for the video homie had to come and search videos again since i bought the new shure and i was like idk i love the re20 but doesnt hurt to record 2 tracks on two diffrent mics and see what u like bets for what part or fits well where haha ty ty
The old saying goes record it properly and the mix takes care of itself. I like the SM7B but it requires post processing to get it sounding good, the RE20 records with a presence and articulation which saves you post production time. I’ve got the SM7B, just ordered the RE20 to see how it plays out.
@@anton5381 the RE20 has a lot more of a fuller sound with a nice top end, the Shure SM7B has less low end and the top end isn't as pronounced which helps naturally give you better sibilance control. Personally you want to work with a base level sound that you want. I found myself adding brightness to the Shure SM7B a lot where as the RE20 already had that particular crispness that I like. An EQ boosts what's there so I would focus on getting the sound you want.
@@MoghulVeyron Nice! Thank you for sharing. I'm at the beginning of VO work, and my room is awful at ths point and can't be changed, so this is the reason i decided to try a dynamic microphone - sm7b, but i found it a bit too muddy and the noise floor... especially after trying the rode nt1, wich is a really quiet condenser microphone. And seems like the lacking details can't be added to it with eq. Re20 sounds much better for me. Just got in a SHURE marketing trap...
The RE20 is a bit more intrusive, vs the shure sm7b being a bit more neutral. I think for something with more background noise, the RE20 might punch through a bit more but that could be a benefit or a hinderance.
7:00 its interesting watching this on my studio monitors, then on samsung buds where u can tell the difference between the two and then just on phone speaker where i cant tell the difference at all from either mic close up or far away lol
When listening through Sennheiser HD800S, there is a massive difference in these mics. I have both and prefer the RE20. It picks up my uncommon voice better.
Rode nt1 sounds better than sm7b. Dont even compare a decent condebser with shure sm7b. Sm7b gives you a little bit better noise rejection but not even much if compared to rode nt1 using a noise gatr well. Re20 is a way better microphone than shure sm7b and souns sooooo close to a condenser. Best dynamic microphone period
I totally agree. To me the sm7b makes people sound like a douchebag DJ or something with its lowend. I have a Rode NT1 and it shits on the sm7b. I'm continually suprised by it's noise rejection. Even when recording vocals in an treated bedroom, the sound of the room doesn't really make its way into the recording. If I record too close to a wall, I do get some buildup in the low mids. The low noise floor is also really really incredible on the Rode. After this review, I'm very pleased with the RE20. I think the sm7b is super overrated now.
Nobody ever spoke into the end of the sm7 at any radio station I ever worked at; always into the side. That may be the reason I think the sm7 sucks. Course the design leads you to talk into the side unlike the re20. If I ever have the displeasure of using an sm7 I will try using it like an re20. Did I mention the small sucks?
A very good and informative video. I'm listening now on Sennheiser HD600 connected to Marantz HD-DAC1. Your comments about the alignment of the headphones and mic frequency responses make me compare the DT990 pro and HD600 characteristics. The DT990 are darker. Another problem is that the YT sound compression doesn't allow to hear all the details. But in spite of that the difference is very clear and I agree that the RE20 is better. But this is also reflected by its price.
I can hear the difference with Skullcandy Cruser EVO - and I still prefer the SM7B. A legend is a LEGEND. RE20 is not bad, but it does not offer that "extra" special, not to me at least.
I’m thinking about replacing my SM7B with a RE20 because I’d like to be a bit more separated from the microphone. I use a GoXLR to feed the Shure in case it counts. Are they gonna be the same in terms of audio levels / distance? I don’t want a condenser mic because I like the noise rejection but I’m tired of being less than a fist away from the SM7B in order to being heard. Thanks!
Hi, I own the sm7b, I do not have the RE20, but I would like to get one. The RE20 is more sensitive at around -56 dB (compared to -59 for the sm7b) and also has an output transformer. The sm7b does not use an output transformer and that is part of the reason (along with the lower sensitivity) that it needs so much gain. So while the RE20 is still gain hungry it shouldn't need as much gain to get the same output levels. Also when looking at the polar patterns the 7b falls off on the lower frequencies around 25 degrees or so, but the higher frequencies fall off between about 15 to 20 degrees. The RE20 on the other hand has a much more forgiving pickup pattern where it doesn't drop off until 35 to 40 degrees or so and then actually appears to have a bit tighter of a pattern as it works it way toward the back, though the sm7b looks like it should reject from the 180 the best and the RE20 looks to have the least sensitivity around 150 degrees. However, as with any dynamic you will want to be at around 4-6" away at the furthest distance, the sm7b's capsule is recessed about 2" already so that gives you about 2-4" of working room from the end of it. So yes, it will give you more room to move around and as it uses the Variable D technology it has minimal proximity effect so it maintains a more even, consistent tone whether you are further or closer. However, I'd advise to try to maintain being 3-4" off of the RE20 if / when you get it just to maintain a bit of "breathing room" to account for if you do lean back or anything like that. Hope that helps :)
Aesthetically, the RE20 is far superior for my particular tastes. I've just never liked the look of the SM7B at all. Sound-wise, with proper EQ on the SM7B (reduce that low frequency boom and add a little bit of high frequency presence), I very much prefer the natural tone and smoothness of the SM7B over the RE20. For simple things like spoken word, there is far less ear fatigue coming from the SM7B. It just sounds so pleasant and I think is excellent for long sessions of listening to the human voice. Again, this is only if the proper EQ is being applied to the SM7B.
No disrespect, but you are *wrong* about your review with these microphones. Both of these are professional broadcast microphones that are designed to provide a very flat response. Neither of these will perform the way they were designed to until they are amplified with +$4000 amplifiers. They are designed to be able to be tailored to a specific voice and not have precoloration as you suggest. The SM7B can be just as bright and sparkly on top as the RE20, when properly configured to do so. There are many other microphones on the market which are designed to have precoloration built in and are able to perform with less expensive equipment.
@@thedog5k quite harsh but I do respect your comment coz also own one. lol. But if I've seen the Rhode Procaster 's review prior to buying it, I would have saved a little. RE20 is quite good but not all rounder. imo.
With using just the laptop's own speakers, I could tell the significant difference between the two and EV Re20 sounds way more clear and crisp compared to SM7B, thanks for helping me decide on the microphone to get
These two mics actually sound quite different (at least on my headphones (Hifiman Sundara)).
To keep it simple I'd describe it as the Shure SM7B sounding more soft but less clear, while the EV RE20 is a little less soft but quite a bit more clear.
Honestly the SM7B sounds so soft with some voices that it might even sound a little nasal sometimes.
Both mics sound great but I'd go for the Shure SM7B as they can be repaired, Electrovoice don't offer repair on their microphones only replacement so once you're out of warranty you're basically screwed as I found out recently when I contacted Electrovoice about my RE320 which was out of warranty. Shure have much better customer service and thier mics can be repaired as Shure make the parts readily available unlike Electrovoice which are made by Bosch a German company that don't offer repair or even sell parts.
this is a brilliant point that is never really talked about!
thanks a lot for this
In my Khalid voice. Another one lol. RE-20 is king of broadcasting mics, period. Been using mine for 30 years. Great comparison video.
Anotha one! Thank you for the comment.
Except, it’s not.
@@officialWWM then what is
@@Reexys Sm7b
@@officialWWM the SM7B and the RE20 are the kings and queens of Broadcasting. But in my opinion, the sound of the re20 is more clear and sounds better to my ears
Due to it's recent explosion in popularity, 7B-fatigue is becoming a real problem. In comparison, the RE20 is refreshing to listen to imo. Keep up the great work Jordan, best video so far homie.
I was about to pick up one for $320 should I just head to B&H and do the RE20 instead?
@@tottenhamteacher Do the RE20;
@@talkingpoints2406 ended up with SM7B but honestly I just need to record because I have a Coles 4104b ( BBC Broadcasting)
Podcast she said it best. The SM7B has become the new blue yeti. It’s a great mic, but now everyone has it.
@TV N64 People want it because it's the best microphone under $400 if you have an untreated room.
Just been drowning in reviews of the Shure and EV20 and much like this review here: The Electro-Voice EV20 is the consensus clear-cut winner (sounds better to MY ears as well)
Yes, much more clear. It's a little more expensive, but worth it, IMO.
SM7B is more pleasant to listen to for long periods of time, the clarity of the EV RE20 is great, but over time with certain voices it can be fatiguing.
7B's proximity effect is handled perfectly with the capsule being installed lower than the end of the metal mesh.
llistening to your video on studio monitors your voice sounds way better on the Electro-Voice RE-20. By the way the Shure SM 7b is made in Mexico while the EV is made in USA. For my taste comparing boath of them the SM7B sounds kinda muffled.
I actually _like_ the proximity effect of the SM7B, and its ability to handle any type of harsh sibilance. For example, you have what sounds to be some kind of dentalized lisp. When you spoke through the RE20, it was much more apparent to me as a listener than when you spoke through the SM7B, which almost completely eliminated it. I mean no offense whatsoever, by the way... I just feel like the SM7B compliments the unique elements of your voice more than the RE20 =)
for people who have zero voice like me, the RE20 is a bit better than sm7b which kind of ignore my vocals
RE20 sounds great. I do appreciate them both tho
this was an awesome review, straight to the point with no beating the bush. Good job, keep at it!
and btw, I am team RE20: once I got it, never looked back
Same here. My SM7B has been parked since the RE20 showed up. I'm so glad they finally made a black version, the old grey one was just too 80's for me to use on camera.
I would get RE20 just to not deal with SM7B's cable that sticks outside
Electro Voice RE20 is not as warm as Shure SM7B in my opinion. Also the RE20 needs a shockmount. It also has a sponge structure that gets dusty and decays over the years. This is a built-in pop filter. Without realizing it, users can spend years with a dusty and rotten filter. Users do not notice this, as dusting will occur over time. The Shure SM7B is not affected by the electromagnetic environment as much as the RE20. I don't want to use a RE20 with a built-in filter that needs a Shockmount, dusty over time, has started to rot. That's why it's always tempting to use the Shure SM7B with internal shock mount, which is easier to maintain. Everyone finds the cable on it meaningless, but it is the cable that gives it such elegance.
Yeah, I really like the RE20. Not so much the RE320. I was planning to save up for the RE20, never very interested in the SM7B. In the mean time, I'm going to make my own mic if I could find a good donor capsule to use with a custom chassy. I may take some design details from a few mics, like for example I like the XLR cable for the SM7B being mounted where it is rather than on the back of the mic.
you can buy jli condenser capsules for very cheap. for 12 quid they make their 2555, and theres a different one that has a built in jfet (jli 2590). they both sound great, and are electrets so you dont need to piss around with external bias voltages, buy from resellers though, because jli have really expensive postage.
Also its interesting that you like the xlr where it is on the 7b. i think it looks messy and its almost like they designed it and thought "fuck we forgot the connector"
Thank you for your comparison. About to do some voice over work after 40 years away from broadcast radio
RE20 is beast
sm7b sounds more boring and muffled but also more realistic, just real, whereas the RE20 sound like you are talking through a mic
I kind of get where you're coming from. I love reading the comments here because there is no "right" or "wrong" everyone has their own perspective which is great.
Sir.. if you’re going to say “this is how it sounds when clicking a pen”… just a suggestion but you should both talk over the sound of the pen clicking, but also be silent over the sound of the pen clicking.
Great review! And very helpful. I like that you didn't give any opinion until well into the video. For me, the Variable D on the RE-20 is a major selling point. The semi-pro talent I work with is very inconsistent with the distance to the mic, and interrupting their train of thought to talk about proximity effect would ruin the program. My only gripe is how often the RE-20 needs repair. We have 3 that need to be repaired right now, so I was considering moving to Shure, because you can use a Shure mic as a hammer, and it's still sound as good as new. But for us, the RE-20 will work best, even if the long-term cots are significantly higher.
What kind of repairs do they need?
Is it from handling wear and tear or foam falling apart?
Hard to see where a microphone would fail for a novice like myself.
@@MartinKPettersson it's the foam inside. Our mics just sit in a studio on a stand. I've worked with hundreds of SM58s that have all been through who knows what kind of abuse - the ball is all dented up, and the paint is ever worn.... but those SM58s still sounded like new. Our EV-20s are quite old, so maybe you'll be fine for 10 years.
@@SoCalVipers Thank you for clearing that up. Good to know if I happen to find an older version out there used.
I do like the sound of the EV-20's alot so am leaning towards that over the SM7B which sound rather muddled to me.
Ofc dificulty is that I don't know which one would suit my voice better?
It sounds like your some kind of soundtechnician. Not asking for a full rundown of what to do but if you listen quickly to one of my videos on my channel would you say that my voice would lend it self better to the clearer sound of the EV-20 or the in my ears more mudled and darker sound of the SM7B?
Last few videos have been recorded with an Audio Technica Lavalier mic into a Zoom F4.
I bet the RE20 would sound interesting with a little warm rasp from a vacuum tube.
Great video my guy
Glad you enjoyed
Knowing how people consume their content is critical, good thing you brought it up cause personally with my audio setup the RE-20 was superior. But someone on their cellphone truly won't know the difference at all.
We've recently started using an RE20 for our cartoon voice acting, and it sounds fantastic. We've tried an SM57 for the same task previously, but the RE20 has a perfect amount of top end clarity for us.
They weren’t intended to be the same or copies of each other. Simply just different mics.
I come from the location sound school of microphones but had decided to buy of few microphones to plug into my new rodecaster pro, so after listening to your reviews I’ve purchased the Ev Re20 and the shure sm7b and just to mix it up a little got my hands on a second hand rode NT1 let the fun begin
Aha perfect.
What are your experience with these after almost a year now?
RE20 is made in the USA, SM7B, Mexico. You have your answer.
The compact nature and convenience of the sm7b has me preferred, already spending a lot on a mic and my budget isn't exactly tight but it's not huge either so I don't want to worry about buying a shock mount. I do like the RE20's sound more however the sm7b still holds up enough to warrant me saving the extra money for elsewhere.
I also plan to use it for videos and streams primarily so the extra clarity in the RE20 isn't quite as desperate. I know I can get away with my current mic but I also use voice chat in various games and applications so I like the luxury of being confident in the audio profile compared to my at2020, which sounds good but not quite great and obviously picks up much more background noise. I know confidently that I won't desire an upgrade from the sm7b any time soon as it'll do anything I want it to do just fine and even better with proper EQ.
Great comparison. Both are great mics and I own both. I've been in radio since the 80s and the go to on air mic has always been the RE20. You just can't get any better for the spoken word IN A BROADCAST environment...and I just picked a black one up for live streaming....because we all love cool. You mentioned the downside to owning an RE20 was needing to pair it with that Godzilla of shock mounts. While mostly true, it was never designed to be used where it could be seen, like in a radio station....BUT, it does have a certain; albeit weird, eye appeal when it is. Anyway, great comparison, easy to understand and you hit on all the major points I think people are interested in.
Would you say that you need a shock mount for it if doing a sit down video where it won't come in contact with a table, or anything else that the person who is sitting down might be touching?
Only reason I could see would be vibrations in the floor?
@@MartinKPettersson I imagine it would be a good idea to have it mounted, even floors created vibrations and such. I don't have a floor stand so I can't really give you a good answer, but my mics are attached to a large wooden desk, covered in a large, thick gaming mat, Elgato arm is clamped to the desk, over the mat, and I've never had any issues. You don't have to go with the EV shock mount, there are others out there, Heil ++...you just have to take the mics circumference into mind when looking. I prefer EVs so I can grab the mic during streams with little to no noise...if I was doing voice over, that wouldn't be a good idea.
@@DoktorDetroit Thank you, really apreciate the detailed answer.
the muffle comment I think comes from the way it handles S words.
I spent 41 years as a broadcaster and agree with your conclusion. In fact my last station switched out from the Shure SM7B to the EV RE20 in all on-air studios. Shure mic's were left in production facilities, but all "live" mic's were changed over to the EV RE20. The change in the on air sound was very noticeable and much improved due in part to pre-broadcast processing but also due to an improved signal for the processing to work with. I still do production work at home (I'm retired) and guess which Mic I use? The EV RE20!
The only big downside for the RE20 is the absurd shock mount that you have to use if you need one.
Great comment. Idk when the whole SM7B craze started but it simply can’t compete with the RE-20 for broadcasting. I’m in my 30th yr in radio and mine has followed me to every station.
I bought SM7B, but then I heard RE and sold the SHURE. What can you say about the RE 27? How does it compare to RE 20? I think which one to take.
Jordan, This was a fantastic video. I came across it while searching for a better solution to my home office. I'm on a lot of tele-conferences and I need something better than just my headset mic. I also have some background helping out at my house of worship first with their sound board and then with their stream when we went online in march. I appreciate the thought and detail that went into this production. The wash wall lights matching the cables on the mics was a really nice touch. I consider myself to be a fairly critical listener but it wasn't until a few minutes into the video that I could hear the difference. Up until you did the proximity test I was preferring the Shure because it seemed to handle background noise better. But when you demonstrated the Variable-D technology (something I'd read about but not heard demonstrated so succinctly before) I was very impressed. Your use of the current price site for all the hardware is an extra bit of thought that shows the care and consideration that goes into your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and passion with the rest of us.
The RE20 has an internal pop filter and an internal shock mount. Read the manual.
Thanks for the comment Jay. I've read the manual. The RE20 relies on a filter at the front of the microphone as it's only built in shock mount. I would hardly call this an "internal shock mount". It's a pop filter that they're trying to pass off as a mediocre shock mount for marketing purposes. It's something they felt they had to address in the marketing literature, but I wouldn't call it an effective shock mount by any means.
RE20 is wonderful.
🎙😎 good discussion! (I still think listeners pick up on mic differences "subliminally" even if they don't notice. SM7B has become a podcast standard! but that also makes it "common" sounding. The slightly less popular RE20 might stand out more... )
What about for vocals? I keep hearing with the Shure SM7B you have to get a cloud lifter? I've never heard that with the RE20? If you have to get the lifter for vocals that's even more doe. I have an expensive tube mic already, so I was thinking about getting 1 more mic for different background vocal character or lead vocal double. Would love to know your take? Thanks
For vocals, just like with any microphone, it depends on the voice. The SM7B is famous for being used extensively on Michael Jackson's "Thriller" for Michael's vocals and Vincent Price’s spoken word. The RE-20 has been used by Stevie Wonder and Mick Jagger for vocals. Either are great mics for the right voice, instrument, and situation. Many like them for broadcast and podcasting because they're dynamic mics, and you need to get close; this eliminates much of the background and off-axis noises. Many like the SM7B for its proximity effect, whereas the RE-20 was designed specifically to minimize the proximity effect giving uncolored sound up close, off-axis, and at further distances allowing broadcasters to move around the mic more freely and still sound great. These mics were designed around professional preamplifiers with a wide range of gain. Today, some find that they need to add a signal amplifier before the mic preamp when their preamps have an insufficient range of gain or are noisy when nearly maxed out.
@@BrianKRoss101 perfect comment
im looking to start making music but I graduated la film school next year and I used the rode nta1 and its way to loud , picks up everything and makes this buzzing sound, so I got the audio tech at2020 and its perfect but its ike 150$ and I want to step it up and maybe get something new.
RE20 for Back to the 80s radio!
Excellent comparison video. Thank you.
Epic review bro
Glad you liked it
The RE20 is a great mic for sound engineers to mic people not familiar with being mic'd or how to use a mic, proximity effect etc. In Ireland the cost of the RE20 (€622 + €162 = €784) with the shockmount over the SM7b (€389 all in) is just over twice the price. For a lot of home users with limited budget and looking for value, the SM7B is the go to. You could have 2 SM7b's for the same money or better again, build your mic collection or buy a better mixer/interface with the savings or have a great weekend out! As said, very few people will notice the difference in quality when not side by side. A more accurate comparison would be the RE320 @ €325 but with the shockmount still another €100 more expensive.
So mic missing from this review... where to start? "I don't like using switches on mic?" OK, then. Working the SM 7 way further back that intended and then complaining about less low end? OK then. Working both mics way off axis? Not mentioning that so many use the SM7 with no windscreen and how that cleans up the top end? Not dealing with variable D on the RE20? I could go on, but you get the drift.
Literally listening on my Logitech PC speakers there's no difference but the second I put on my Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless headset it was night & day. These cans aren't even a proper audiophile headset, just a higher end wireless gamer headset with a few bells & whistles. I don't hear much difference in the low end (but Hell I'm a war vet & about 10% deaf on that end anyway) but man does that high end difference stand out.
Using the wave xlr and the rode nt1 but my room is untreated and quite noisy I was wondering if I should either get the shure sm7b or the re20? Any help is appreciated
I've been using an SM7B for years and recently got an RE20 due to all of the great reviews (and because I wanted to try something new). I set it up with a GoXLR mini (which replaced my broken previous audio chain of cloudlifter > presonus studio channel > scarlett solo) and just couldn't EQ it to get a clear, full sound. I realize this is probably my own mistake but after hours of tinkering, I went back to the SM7B.
they sound the same for the purpose they're used 90% of the time, BUT the sm7b is WAY more comfortable on this setting
good video \m/ love what u covered and talked about would love to hear more on vocals and styles i recorded my last album for until we sleep self titled which u can find on atmospheric black metal album with the re20 and loved it recently just grabbed the shure sm7db if i am correct with the built in pre amps to finally give this mic a shot but i do love the re20 and how clear it comes in and etc and all tht u stated but would love to try to have the shure and the re20 both recording since i do screaming and singing as well plus other stuff with the mics but ty for the video homie had to come and search videos again since i bought the new shure and i was like idk i love the re20 but doesnt hurt to record 2 tracks on two diffrent mics and see what u like bets for what part or fits well where haha ty ty
haha that one fist away comparison sold me on the RE20. :D (ofc not that alone) gotta save up a lot but one day it'll hang right in front of me :)
The old saying goes record it properly and the mix takes care of itself. I like the SM7B but it requires post processing to get it sounding good, the RE20 records with a presence and articulation which saves you post production time. I’ve got the SM7B, just ordered the RE20 to see how it plays out.
Hey! Have you compared these mics already? What do you think now about RE20 comparing to 7B?
@@anton5381 the RE20 has a lot more of a fuller sound with a nice top end, the Shure SM7B has less low end and the top end isn't as pronounced which helps naturally give you better sibilance control. Personally you want to work with a base level sound that you want. I found myself adding brightness to the Shure SM7B a lot where as the RE20 already had that particular crispness that I like. An EQ boosts what's there so I would focus on getting the sound you want.
@@MoghulVeyron Nice! Thank you for sharing. I'm at the beginning of VO work, and my room is awful at ths point and can't be changed, so this is the reason i decided to try a dynamic microphone - sm7b, but i found it a bit too muddy and the noise floor... especially after trying the rode nt1, wich is a really quiet condenser microphone.
And seems like the lacking details can't be added to it with eq. Re20 sounds much better for me. Just got in a SHURE marketing trap...
@@anton5381 if you're mixing in a DAW, I would recommend two plugins to help with the sound, NS1 from waves and Soothe from Oek Sound, look into them!
the SM7b have that muffle sound
It does!
With both the presence boost and the low cut filter activated on the SM7B, how does the sound compare to the RE20?
If only someone would invent something called EQ.
They sound really different even with iphone speakers.. he re20 keeps giving me that feeling of relief after listening to the sm7b
The re20 is the best broadcasting mic but the sm7b is a legend on all fields it’s a clear winner!!
Great review! Very impressed by the RE20! I think the SM7B is a bit overrated
Agreed!
Agreed too
what about using one of them on th rode psa!?
Weird thing you prefer the Electrovoice. In my Shure SRH 1840 your voice sounds better on the SM7B.
I want what you're smoking!
The Sm7 sounds so much better. I don’t like the nasal quality of that Re20.
The RE20 is a bit more intrusive, vs the shure sm7b being a bit more neutral. I think for something with more background noise, the RE20 might punch through a bit more but that could be a benefit or a hinderance.
when you are looking at the sm7b you have to budget in $125 at least for the cloud lifter and an extra XLR cable if you don't already have one.
Not with the next gen of interfaces (Vocaster Rodecaster Pro2, Wave XLR, etc.)
@@kettnercreative good
listened using hd600, in my opinion the re20 suits your voice more than the sm7b
The RE20 sounds much better.
7:00 its interesting watching this on my studio monitors, then on samsung buds where u can tell the difference between the two and then just on phone speaker where i cant tell the difference at all from either mic close up or far away lol
100%, it will depend a lot on the speakers/headphones you use.
Good show
GREAT review. Thank you so much for this video.
When listening through Sennheiser HD800S, there is a massive difference in these mics. I have both and prefer the RE20. It picks up my uncommon voice better.
Hey what if I like that proximity effect
Then you know which mic you like better!
Best comparison video
Rode nt1 sounds better than sm7b. Dont even compare a decent condebser with shure sm7b. Sm7b gives you a little bit better noise rejection but not even much if compared to rode nt1 using a noise gatr well. Re20 is a way better microphone than shure sm7b and souns sooooo close to a condenser. Best dynamic microphone period
I totally agree. To me the sm7b makes people sound like a douchebag DJ or something with its lowend. I have a Rode NT1 and it shits on the sm7b. I'm continually suprised by it's noise rejection. Even when recording vocals in an treated bedroom, the sound of the room doesn't really make its way into the recording. If I record too close to a wall, I do get some buildup in the low mids. The low noise floor is also really really incredible on the Rode. After this review, I'm very pleased with the RE20. I think the sm7b is super overrated now.
@@therandomofrandom9152 The NT1 sounds absolutely awful, one of the worst microphones ive ever used.
@@marles139 You can't of known what you're doing, it's an incredible piece of kit.
Great! 👏👌
Nobody ever spoke into the end of the sm7 at any radio station I ever worked at; always into the side. That may be the reason I think the sm7 sucks. Course the design leads you to talk into the side unlike the re20. If I ever have the displeasure of using an sm7 I will try using it like an re20. Did I mention the small sucks?
can you do a review on the shure sm7b with a go xlr?
We have two devices ahead of the GoXLR, but it's certainly on our radar. You looking for the mini or the full?
@@kettnercreative I would be looking for the mini because I am considering on getting it
Quien gano no entiendo ingles??
@@juancarloscardenas3466 el que está a la derecha, el Electro voice RE-20 que usan en el ESPN
Love your videos!
Glad you like them!
A very good and informative video. I'm listening now on Sennheiser HD600 connected to Marantz HD-DAC1. Your comments about the alignment of the headphones and mic frequency responses make me compare the DT990 pro and HD600 characteristics. The DT990 are darker. Another problem is that the YT sound compression doesn't allow to hear all the details. But in spite of that the difference is very clear and I agree that the RE20 is better. But this is also reflected by its price.
I can hear the difference with Skullcandy Cruser EVO - and I still prefer the SM7B. A legend is a LEGEND. RE20 is not bad, but it does not offer that "extra" special, not to me at least.
I’m thinking about replacing my SM7B with a RE20 because I’d like to be a bit more separated from the microphone. I use a GoXLR to feed the Shure in case it counts. Are they gonna be the same in terms of audio levels / distance? I don’t want a condenser mic because I like the noise rejection but I’m tired of being less than a fist away from the SM7B in order to being heard.
Thanks!
Hi, I own the sm7b, I do not have the RE20, but I would like to get one. The RE20 is more sensitive at around -56 dB (compared to -59 for the sm7b) and also has an output transformer. The sm7b does not use an output transformer and that is part of the reason (along with the lower sensitivity) that it needs so much gain. So while the RE20 is still gain hungry it shouldn't need as much gain to get the same output levels.
Also when looking at the polar patterns the 7b falls off on the lower frequencies around 25 degrees or so, but the higher frequencies fall off between about 15 to 20 degrees. The RE20 on the other hand has a much more forgiving pickup pattern where it doesn't drop off until 35 to 40 degrees or so and then actually appears to have a bit tighter of a pattern as it works it way toward the back, though the sm7b looks like it should reject from the 180 the best and the RE20 looks to have the least sensitivity around 150 degrees.
However, as with any dynamic you will want to be at around 4-6" away at the furthest distance, the sm7b's capsule is recessed about 2" already so that gives you about 2-4" of working room from the end of it. So yes, it will give you more room to move around and as it uses the Variable D technology it has minimal proximity effect so it maintains a more even, consistent tone whether you are further or closer. However, I'd advise to try to maintain being 3-4" off of the RE20 if / when you get it just to maintain a bit of "breathing room" to account for if you do lean back or anything like that. Hope that helps :)
Aesthetically, the RE20 is far superior for my particular tastes. I've just never liked the look of the SM7B at all. Sound-wise, with proper EQ on the SM7B (reduce that low frequency boom and add a little bit of high frequency presence), I very much prefer the natural tone and smoothness of the SM7B over the RE20. For simple things like spoken word, there is far less ear fatigue coming from the SM7B. It just sounds so pleasant and I think is excellent for long sessions of listening to the human voice. Again, this is only if the proper EQ is being applied to the SM7B.
No disrespect, but you are *wrong* about your review with these microphones. Both of these are professional broadcast microphones that are designed to provide a very flat response. Neither of these will perform the way they were designed to until they are amplified with +$4000 amplifiers. They are designed to be able to be tailored to a specific voice and not have precoloration as you suggest. The SM7B can be just as bright and sparkly on top as the RE20, when properly configured to do so. There are many other microphones on the market which are designed to have precoloration built in and are able to perform with less expensive equipment.
The SM7B is the ugliest mic ever made.
Have you seen the mics from Blue and NEAT?
One of the reasons its popular is because its attractive... you are in a miniority
@@thedog5k quite harsh but I do respect your comment coz also own one. lol. But if I've seen the Rhode Procaster 's review prior to buying it, I would have saved a little. RE20 is quite good but not all rounder. imo.