Microphones
Elgato Wave:3vsShure SM7B
Compare Elgato Wave:3 and Shure SM7B side by side. See pricing, features, and which is right for your podcast.
Pricing Comparison
| Tier | Elgato Wave:3 | Shure SM7B |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $399 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Elgato Wave:3 | Shure SM7B |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | USB | XLR |
| Polar Pattern | cardioid | cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz-20kHz | 50Hz-20kHz |
| Headphone Jack | ||
| Gain Control | ||
| Mute Button | ||
| Includes Stand | ||
| Max SPL | 180 |
Elgato Wave:3 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Clipguard prevents distortion
- Wave Link digital mixing software
- Stream Deck integration
Cons
- USB only, no XLR option
- Condenser picks up more noise
- Wave Link has learning curve
Shure SM7B Pros & Cons
Pros
- Legendary broadcast sound quality
- Excellent noise rejection
- Extremely durable construction
Cons
- Requires high-gain preamp (60dB+)
- XLR only, no USB option
- Premium price point
The Verdict
Choose Elgato Wave:3 if you:
- →Streamers using Stream Deck
- →Elgato ecosystem users
- →Content creators needing mixing
Choose Shure SM7B if you:
- →Professional podcasters
- →Home studios with proper preamps
- →Those wanting broadcast-quality sound