SM7B wins for a couple reasons imo: for one, it doesn’t need an additional shock mount/pop filter like the RE20 does (if you want optimal shock and plosive rejection.) I’ve also heard horror stories of how difficult it is to replace the internal foam on the RE20 after a few years of use when that foam starts to deteriorate. On top of that, it’s harder to get support/replacement parts, whereas Shure sells the entire cartridge assembly and all the parts (metal yoke, tightening nuts/washers, grille and foam windscreens.) on sites like B and H Photo. It’s more serviceable overall.
I like the sm7b but everyone and their mom have it when it comes to audio sometimes you gotta try new things to find your sound. That being said i ordered the re20 sounds great would probably sound great for vocals. Its mic month at sweetwater so i took advantage to get the free shockmount and finance options
Kinda Funny was the first time I noticed the sm7b too, years ago back in their old studio. I thought they sounded great and it looked amazing but then that sticker shock hit. I did eventually end up owning both an sm7b and re20. The sm7b worked better on my voice but I love that little bit of sparkle in the re20's top end.
I see lots of content creators with the RE20, and this is going to sound shallow as all f*ck, but it’s just an ugly mic. I respect that it sounds fantastic, and gives more movement flexibility when using it, but it loses so much in style points, and I wish they’d update it to look nicer. Not the most important aspect to consider, I know, but at the same time, it kinda is important in its own way. A content creator’s partner in crime is the mic. It’s in every shot, and an eyesore of a mic might matter more than people think. The SM7B has the flexibility to be a stealthy quiet black, or has room for customization to make it pop as someone’s own. I’ve seen people with colored pop filters and custom made stickers that represent the brand of the RU-vid channel of the user. Not a deciding factor, but still, that kind of thing is very cool, and I feel like the RE20 falls so flat with the way it looks. I know it’s a very shallow reason to pick a mic, and I already feel the audio snobs judging me for this take, but the presentation of the product is part of what makes my heart happy, okay!?
Now even though I feel the re20 looks cool I 1000000% understand your perspective. The microphone is in frame at all times, you gotta like what you (and the audience) are seeing. I don't see your point as shallow at all. It's a valid thing to consider when spending money.
Hey bruh really like your videos. I was wondering since I have a shure sm7b and a goxlr mini right now. I have been considering a beacn mix create to replace the mini. But i dont want to replace the mic. How do I get the mic to work with the beacn mix create since there is no port for it on the device? Any help would be appreciated thanks. Also is the beacn app running smooth now?
Hey thanks for the kind words. So you will need an audio interface for the mic, then add the audio interface as a sources in becan app which will allow you to control it on the mix create.
Just bought an RE20, but now wondering if I should get an SM7B. I found the SM7B had a lot of plosives even talking into the side of the mouth. Is this something you found? Also, what tone of voices do you think suits each of these mics? FYI, I use the mic for story narration, I just have a deeper voice, and felt the SM7B felt too deep and muddy, but not sure if I'm missing out not having it.
