Electro-Voice RE320 vs Shure SM7B
A side-by-side look at Electro-Voice RE320 and Shure SM7B for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Electro-Voice RE320
Variable-D dynamic that killed proximity effect before it was cool
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Shure SM7B
The broadcast standard that built a generation of podcasters
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Electro-Voice RE320 | Shure SM7B | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters and broadcasters who move around while recording and need consistent tonal response from varying distances | Podcasters and streamers who want broadcast-quality vocal presence in less-than-perfect rooms |
Key features
Electro-Voice RE320
- Cardioid dynamic XLR with Variable-D proximity effect control
- Dual-curve frequency switch: general (45 Hz to 18 kHz) and kick (30 Hz to 18 kHz)
- Output impedance 150 ohms balanced
- Humbucking coil for electromagnetic interference rejection
- Neodymium capsule for high sensitivity
- No phantom power required
Shure SM7B
- Dynamic cardioid, XLR only
- 50 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response
- Internal air-suspension shock mount
- Switchable bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis
- Detachable windscreen and close-talk windscreen included
- 150 ohm output impedance
Pros and cons
Electro-Voice RE320
Pros
- Variable-D technology provides consistent tone across mic distances
- Dual-curve switch doubles as a broadcast and instrument mic
- Humbucking coil rejects interference from studio equipment
- Trusted by broadcast engineers and podcast veterans alike
Cons
- Requires a preamp with solid clean gain like most dynamic mics
- Heavier form factor than handheld-style dynamics
- Less brand recognition than Shure or RODE for new buyers
Shure SM7B
Pros
- Outstanding off-axis rejection in untreated rooms
- Switchable EQ on the mic body itself
- Built like a tank - lasts decades
- Consistent, flattering vocal sound
Cons
- Needs a lot of gain - budget interfaces will introduce noise
- XLR only, no USB option
- Heavy for some lightweight boom arms
The verdict
Choose Electro-Voice RE320 if
Podcasters and broadcasters who move around while recording and need consistent tonal response from varying distances.
The RE320 solves the proximity effect problem in a way most podcasters do not appreciate until they have lived with a mic that does not. Variable-D means your voice sounds consistent whether you are 4 inches or 10 inches from…
Choose Shure SM7B if
Podcasters and streamers who want broadcast-quality vocal presence in less-than-perfect rooms.
There's a reason every serious podcasting setup photo has an SM7B in it - the off-axis rejection is excellent and the cardioid pattern forgives a lot of bad room acoustics. The built-in switchable EQ settings (bass rolloff, mid-range boost) let…