What is the best microphone for recording vocals?

The Shure SM7B is the industry standard for professional vocal recording, used on countless hit records. For home studios on a budget, the Rode NT1-A delivers studio-quality condenser sound at $269, while the Shure SM57 at $99 is the best starting point for any home recordist.

What microphone is best for home recording?

For home recording, start with the Shure SM57 ($99) for instruments and the Audio-Technica AT2020 ($99) for vocals. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 bundle with the Rode NT1-A is an excellent all-in-one starter package that covers both microphone and audio interface needs.

Do I need a condenser or dynamic microphone?

Condenser mics like the Rode NT1-A capture more detail and high frequencies, making them ideal for studio vocals and acoustic instruments. Dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B and SM57 are more rugged, reject background noise better, and work great for loud sources like guitar amps and live vocals.

How much should I spend on a good microphone?

A good starter microphone costs $99-$200. The sweet spot for home studio quality is $200-$400, where you find options like the Rode NT1-A ($269) and Shure SM7B ($399). Professional mics like the Neumann U 87 Ai cost upwards of $3,000 but are rarely necessary for home recording.

What is the best microphone under $200?

The Shure SM57 ($99) is the best under-$200 microphone for its versatility, durability, and legendary status. The Audio-Technica AT2020 ($99) is the best budget condenser for vocals. The Rode NT-USB ($169) is the top choice for USB plug-and-play simplicity.

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EV RE20 vs Shure SM7B: Dynamic Broadcast Mic Legends Compared (2026)

Name: Shure SM7B
Brand: Shure
Price: 399 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (18453 reviews)

The Electro-Voice RE20 and Shure SM7B are the two most important dynamic microphones in broadcast history. The RE20 defined radio. The SM7B defined modern podcasting. Both are legends, but they sound completely different.

Electro-Voice RE20: The Variable-D Broadcast Standard

The RE20's Variable-D technology eliminates proximity effect. Frequency response is flat and natural for a dynamic. On kick drum, it is legendary with punch and definition. The sound is naturally present and open, requiring less EQ than almost any other dynamic.

Shure SM7B: The Intimate, Warm Voice of Modern Broadcast

The SM7B embraces proximity effect for an intimate, warm sound that defines modern podcasting. The rolled-off highs result in a smooth sound forgiving of sibilance. This is why it has become the default for spoken word content.

Broadcast Character: Natural vs Intimate

The RE20 sounds like the voice of authority. The SM7B sounds like the voice of intimacy. For radio and voice-over, the RE20's flatter response is technically superior. For podcasting, the SM7B's warm proximity effect makes voices engaging.

Broadcast Mic Decision: EV RE20 or Shure SM7B?

For professional radio and voice-over, the RE20 is superior with its Variable-D technology. For podcasting and streaming, the SM7B is the cultural icon. On musical sources, the RE20 is more versatile for kick drum, bass, and horns. Many broadcast studios own both.

Verdict RE20 for natural broadcast and musical versatility. SM7B for intimate podcast and content creation.

Products in this Guide

Electro-Voice RE20

★★★★½ 6,543

$449 USD

The broadcast standard. Variable-D technology eliminates proximity effect. The definitive choice for podcasting, voiceover, and kick drums.

Gear4Music

Sweetwater

Musik Produktiv Amazon R Reverb A Andertons

Bax Music

Music Store

Shure SM7B

★★★★½ 18,453

$399 USD

The industry-standard dynamic microphone for broadcast, podcasting, and vocal recording. Warm, smooth sound with excellent rejection.