Microphone Battle: Shure SM7B vs Shure MV7
We have one hell of a showdown between two industry-leading microphones from Shure for you today. On one side, is the legendary Shure SM7B. On the other, its modern sibling, the Shure MV7.
Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting, choosing the right microphone can hugely impact your recordings.
My objective here is to dive into the pros and cons of each mic, give you some sound tests, and help you decide which microphone fits your needs best.
The Contenders
Let’s start with the Shure SM7B, a microphone that’s been on the market for over 20 years and remains a favourite among podcasters, vocalists, and broadcasters alike. It’s noted for its warm and balanced sound, great for all sorts of recording environments.
In contrast, the Shure MV7 is a much newer entrant, having been introduced around four years ago. It serves as a more affordable alternative while offering greater versatility with both XLR and USB connectivity options.
If you’re tight on budget but still want a taste of Shure’s quality, the MV7 might catch your eye.
Price Comparison
When it comes to cost, the SM7B will set you back about AU$850, whereas the MV7 hovers around the AU$400 price point. Given the significant price difference, budget-conscious buyers might lean towards the MV7. But, there’s more to consider than just the price tag.
Sound Quality and Performance
- Sibilance: The MV7 tends to have more sibilance, meaning it might sound a bit more exaggerated with the ‘s’ sounds. On the other hand, the SM7B offers a smoother high-end response.
- Plosives (Pop Filter test): The MV7 disappoints with its pop filter, allowing excessive plosive sounds that can be annoying. It also doesn’t handle breaths very well. The SM7B handles this beautifully, though you have to note that the pop filter on the SM7B is much bigger.
Male Voice Test
We had Alex from Bamby Media join us to showcase how both microphones handled a male voice, and the Shure SM7B gave a fuller, richer sound in this scenario. Although a bit “bottom end” heavy, this could be easily fixed in post-production to minimise some of those bassy tones.
Shure MV7 Pros:
- Versatility: Offers both XLR and USB inputs, making it adaptable for upgrading your setup over time.
- Footprint: Smaller and less obtrusive, ideal for video recordings even though the Shure logo is definitely more present than we’d like. It doesn’t take up as much of the frame and allows for a more pleasurable viewing experience.
- Affordable: More budget-friendly than the SM7B, making it accessible for beginners. At almost half the price, this is definitely a factor to consider for budget conscious podcasters.
Shure MV7 Cons:
- Pop Filter: The included pop filter handles plosives and breath sounds poorly. We would recommend purchasing the Shure SM7B pop filter to negate this issue. It fits perfectly on the MV7.
- Sibilance: More sibilance and less pleasing high-end frequencies compared to the SM7B.
Shure SM7B Pros:
- Sound Quality: Superior sound quality with balanced frequencies, great for vocals with more depth and warmth.
- Pop Filtering: Better handling of plosives and breath sounds.
Shure SM7B Cons:
- Price: Much higher price point and we feel it doesn’t warrant the price. You’re paying for a brand name here.
- Gain Hungry: Requires substantial gain, needing additional equipment like a cloud lifter, high quality pre-amp or the sE dynamite will be required to achieve optimum performance. Again, adding to your costs.
- Size: Larger and more obtrusive on video.
Who Is Victorious?
After all these comparisons and tests, the question remains: which microphone should you get?
If you are an early-stage to mid-level podcaster, the Shure MV7 offers outstanding versatility. It allows you to jump into podcasting without a massive upfront investment.
Despite its shortcomings in sibilance and plosive handling, it provides good sound quality for its price. Its ability to switch between USB and XLR connectivity means it can evolve as you upgrade your podcasting setup.
For the budget-conscious podcaster, I personally see no reason for you to go out and buy the SM7B which would have you spending almost AU$1000 on a microphone and appropriate pre-amp. It does not feel necessary.
In the end, your choice will depend heavily on your specific needs and setup. Do you prioritise versatility and budget, or are you eager to present yourself like the professional podcasters that you’ve seen using the Shure SM7B? I know that can be a very real factor to consider.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the SM7B vs. MV7.
What works best for your voice and setup? Remember, just because one mic is widely used doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for you. It’s always a good option to try a few, or watch reviews of different voices showcasing the microphones before deciding for yourself.
BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:
GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:
Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light
Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend:
