Elgato Wave:3 vs Shure SM7B
A side-by-side look at Elgato Wave:3 and Shure SM7B for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Shure SM7B
The broadcast standard that built a generation of podcasters
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Elgato Wave:3 | Shure SM7B | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | - | Podcasters and streamers who want broadcast-quality vocal presence in less-than-perfect rooms |
Key features
Elgato Wave:3
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
Elgato Wave:3
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 Elgato Wave:3 if
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…