Product Comparison: Shure SM7B vs Rode NT2-A

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Best Pick

Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone

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Rode NT2-A Studio Microphone

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General Specifications

Brand

Shure

Rode

Model

SM7B

NT2-A

Origin

Mexico

Australia

About the Product

The SM7B dynamic microphone has a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response appropriate for music and speech in all professional audio applications. It features excellent shielding against electromagnetic hum generated by computer monitors, neon lights, and other electrical devices.

The NT2-A carries on the tradition forged by the now legendary RØDE NT2. A professional large 1" capsule studio microphone incorporating three-position pick-up patterns, pad and high pass filter switches conveniently located on the mic body.

Key Specs

Microphone Type

Dynamic

Condenser

Polar Pattern

Cardioid

Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-of-Eight

Minimum Frequency Response

50 Hz

20 Hz

Maximum Frequency Response

20 kHz

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone

If you are the type of person that wants to record music (especially rock, rap, and metal), or want a beautiful sounding mic for your gaming videos or what have you, seriously consider this one.
I have had many different styles, types and brands of mics over the years and I can say without question that this is my absolute favorite mic. I use mine for pod casting and voice over recording.
We were considering a condenser mic, but i think we made the right choice considering the dynamics of vocal types that I use. We did not need a special preamp for this, we simply used the usb interface we already had.
It is perfect for any type of voice so if you using it for on-air broadcasting, a podcast or for voiceovers it is perfect.
This microphone is truly flat (out of the box). You can adjust its frequency response quite easily.

Rode NT2-A Studio Microphone

I figured we could give the NT2-A a shot so we could exploit the figure-8 polar pattern. So, we got the mic set up in front of our vocalist, drums and amps off to the side, and the upright bass behind the mic... and it turned out this was the most perfect gear purchase I've ever made.
It sounds really good on male vocals and it's very smooth sounding without being harsh. I can usually run this mic though a SSL Alpha Channel with no EQ and get the sound I'm looking for.
This mic seem to capture all the harmonics and I was very satisfied with the sound. I put this particular mic through a universal audio 610 Mk2, I must tell you the sound was astonishing.
It is an incredibly warm and surprisingly natural sounding mic. It does not overly boost the presence like some mics, nor does it try to lie to you. It is a very accurate, rich, and balanced microphone.
It's a pretty flat responding mic with the only exception being maybe a small boost (maybe 1 db) at 5k.

Size & Weight

Height

5.86 in.

8.23 in.

Width

3.85 in.

2.17 in.

Depth

7.11 in.

2.17 in.

Weight

1.69 lbs.

1.9 lbs.

Features

Maximum SPL

180 dB SPL

147 dB SPL

Output Impedance

150 Ω

200 Ω

Microphone Sensitivity

-59.0dB

-36.0dB

Interface

XLR

Extras

Built In Pop Filter, Switchable bass rolloff, A7WS windscreen, Ultra-rugged construction

Large 1” HF1 gold sputtered capsule, Ultra low noise, Internal capsule shock mounting, Includes shock mount, pop filter and dust cover

Equivalent Noise Level

7 dBA

Power Options

+24V Phantom power required from mixer or inteface, +48V Phantom power required from mixer or inteface

Output Impedance
Maximum SPL

What customers say about "Features"

Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone

This is a fairly pricey microphone, but the sound is great. I use this microphone for ham radio - just needed an impedance matching transformer - lots available here on amazon. Very happy with the purchase.
Specifically, the input impedance of the pre matters a lot. My preamp has continuously variable impedance, and the tonal character of the mic varies significantly based upon these settings
As others have mentioned the output needs a decent preamp but works with all the pro studio gear I've ever connected to it.
Then a much more knowledgeable audio technician explained to me that it is a very power hungry mic and needs a capable preamp to really shine.
It seems the cable connection is not perfect with a certain angle. I manage to get things done properly, but thinking about the price I'm not happy about it.

Rode NT2-A Studio Microphone

I am _extremely_ impressed with how well we could get clear vocals recorded in the same room as drums (without brushes!) and amped guitar+upright bass.
So anyway I use this for YouTube voice over and I love it. It's a very smooth presence boosted airy mic. This mic has dips in all the right places.
I love how the lowes sound lush and full and the highes are smooth without the harshness that some of my other mics have. I am a happy customer!
The Shock Mount is actually made very well and is a great improvement over the plastic ones Rode has shipped with their mics in the past. As a added bonus, the Rode K2 will fit the shock mount as well!
This is a very versatile mic, and it sounds great to my ears. I use it for acoustic guitar, vocals, mic'ing my amp, percussion etc. It sounds great capturing clean strat sounds on my amp, about 2 inches from the grill.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)

Certifications

EEC, CE

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

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