Shure SM7B vs EV RE20: Which Broadcast Mic is Better?
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If you have ever watched a high-end podcast or a professional radio broadcast, you have almost certainly seen one of two microphones: the sleek, black Shure SM7B or the massive, grey Electro-Voice RE20. These two dynamic microphones have dominated the vocal recording space for decades. But when Indian creators and studio owners finally save up enough money to invest in a premium broadcast microphone, they inevitably face the ultimate choice: SM7B or RE20?
While both mics are legendary, the reality of buying and operating them in India adds a layer of complexity that overseas reviewers rarely mention. From massive price disparities to intense gain requirements, choosing between these two titans isn't just about how they sound; it's about what it takes to run them properly in a home studio or podcast setup. Let's break down exactly how the Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 compare, and which one actually makes sense for your recording environment.
The Indian Pricing and Availability Gap
In the United States, the SM7B and the RE20 are relatively close in price (usually around a $50 difference). In India, however, the pricing story is entirely different.
The Shure SM7B has a massive official distribution network in India. You can easily find genuine units hovering around ₹40,000 to ₹42,500 at major pro-audio retailers. Because it is so popular, availability is rarely an issue, though you must be careful to buy from authorized dealers to avoid the rampant counterfeit market.
The Electro-Voice RE20, on the other hand, is a much rarer beast in the subcontinent. Because it is often imported on demand, the price on platforms like Bajaao or specialized dealers frequently jumps to ₹79,000 or more. This near 2x price multiple fundamentally changes the conversation. You are no longer comparing two similarly-priced mics; you are asking if the RE20 is worth almost double the price of an SM7B.
The Shure SM7B: The Modern Standard
Check current price of the Shure SM7B on Amazon →
The Shure SM7B is famous for a reason. Michael Jackson recorded "Thriller" on an earlier version of it, and today, it is the undisputed king of YouTube and podcasting. It is a dynamic microphone, meaning it is incredibly forgiving of untreated, echoey rooms compared to sensitive condenser mics.
What makes the SM7B so beloved is its "radio-ready" tone. It naturally compresses the voice slightly, thickening the low-end and smoothing out harsh sibilance (those piercing 'S' sounds). If your voice sounds thin or nasal, the SM7B acts like a warm blanket, giving you that authoritative broadcast sound instantly.
However, the SM7B has one infamous flaw: it is incredibly "gain-hungry." It requires around 60dB of clean gain just to get a usable signal. If you plug an SM7B directly into a budget ₹10,000 audio interface, you will likely have to crank the gain knob to maximum, introducing a loud, annoying background hiss. To run it properly, you almost always need to factor in the cost of an inline preamp (like a Cloudlifter or FetHead), adding another ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 to your budget, unless you buy the newer SM7dB version which has a preamp built-in.
The Electro-Voice RE20: The Broadcast Legend
If the SM7B is the modern standard, the Electro-Voice RE20 is the legacy heavyweight. Walk into any serious FM radio station globally, and you will see RE20s. It is an absolute tank of a microphone, but its claim to fame is a patented technology called "Variable-D."
With almost every directional microphone in existence, if you get closer to the mic, the bass frequencies artificially increase. This is called the "proximity effect." Some podcasters love it because it makes their voice sound deeper. However, if a singer or guest moves their head back and forth while speaking, their voice will constantly change in tone and thickness.
The RE20's Variable-D technology almost completely eliminates the proximity effect. You can move around the microphone, back up, or lean in, and your vocal tone remains perfectly consistent. For recording animated guests, fast-moving vocalists, or broadcast professionals who need a completely even tone, the RE20 is practically magic.
Sonically, the RE20 is more detailed and flat than the SM7B. It doesn't have the heavy "warm blanket" effect. It captures the natural top-end detail of a voice much better, making it sound more like a high-end condenser microphone while maintaining the room-rejecting benefits of a dynamic mic. It is also slightly less gain-hungry than the SM7B, though a good preamp is still recommended.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Sound Profile
The SM7B gives you a warm, thick, and highly stylized broadcast tone. It flatters thinner voices but can sometimes sound a bit "dark" or muffled on naturally deep voices. The RE20 is much flatter, more natural, and captures top-end detail beautifully. If you want accuracy, the RE20 wins; if you want immediate "podcast warmth," the SM7B takes it.
Room Rejection
Both mics are excellent at ignoring background noise like computer fans, AC hums, and street traffic. Because they are dynamic microphones, they only pick up what is directly in front of them. For Indian home studios dealing with ceiling fans and neighborhood noise, both are massive upgrades over a condenser mic.
The Proximity Effect
The SM7B relies heavily on the proximity effect for its signature sound; you have to stay close to it. The RE20's Variable-D technology means you can move freely without the tone shifting. For unscripted conversations or energetic singers, the RE20 is much more forgiving of bad mic technique.
Summary Comparison
Here is a quick reference guide on how these two microphones compare in the Indian market.
| Feature | Shure SM7B | Electro-Voice RE20 |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Price (India) | ₹40,000 on Amazon - ₹42,500 | ₹79,000+ (Import dependent) |
| Tone Profile | Warm, thick, dark | Flat, natural, detailed top-end |
| Proximity Effect | Strong (bass increases up close) | Virtually none (Variable-D tech) |
| Gain Requirement | Very High (needs 60dB+) | High (but easier to drive than SM7B) |
| Availability | Widely available | Hard to find locally |
The Final Verdict
If you are operating in India, the decision usually makes itself based on budget. The Shure SM7B is the undisputed winner for value and accessibility. Even when you factor in the additional ₹15,000 for a Cloudlifter or high-end preamp, the total package is still significantly cheaper than importing an RE20. It gives you an instantly recognizable, highly professional sound that flatters almost everyone.
However, if budget is absolutely no object, or if you are outfitting a professional commercial radio station in India, the Electro-Voice RE20 is arguably the superior microphone technically. Its ability to eliminate the proximity effect makes it a joy to mix, and its natural top-end detail makes it a more versatile tool for recording both vocals and instruments (it is legendary on kick drums and bass cabs). It is a lifetime investment piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Shure SM7B without a Cloudlifter?
Yes, but only if your audio interface has exceptionally powerful and clean preamps (at least 60-65dB of gain). If you are using a standard entry-level interface, you will likely introduce loud background hiss without a Cloudlifter or FetHead.
Why is the EV RE20 so much more expensive in India?
Unlike Shure, Electro-Voice does not have the same level of widespread retail distribution for their broadcast mics in India. The RE20 is often imported on demand, meaning the price you see includes heavy import duties, shipping logistics, and seller margins.
Are these microphones good for singing, or just podcasts?
They are incredible for singing. The SM7B is heavily used in rock, metal, and pop (famously by artists like John Mayer and Michael Jackson). The RE20 is also fantastic for capturing natural vocal performances without the harshness of a cheap condenser mic.
Do I need phantom power (48V) for these microphones?
No. Both the SM7B and the RE20 are dynamic microphones and do not require phantom power to operate. However, if you use an inline booster like a Cloudlifter with them, the Cloudlifter itself will require phantom power to function.
Which mic is better for an untreated room?
Both are phenomenal for untreated rooms because dynamic microphones reject a lot of ambient noise. However, because the SM7B requires you to be right up against the grille to get its signature sound, it tends to capture slightly less "room sound" than the RE20 in practice.