Microphones
Shure MV7vsShure SM7B
Compare Shure MV7 and Shure SM7B side by side. See pricing, features, and which is right for your podcast.
Pricing Comparison
| Tier | Shure MV7 | Shure SM7B |
|---|---|---|
| Price | MV7 (discontinued): $249 MV7+: $299 | $439 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Shure MV7 | Shure SM7B |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | USB/XLR | XLR |
| Polar Pattern | cardioid | cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-16kHz | 50Hz-20kHz |
| Headphone Jack | ||
| Gain Control | ||
| Mute Button | ||
| Includes Stand | ||
| Max SPL | 180 |
Shure MV7 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Both USB and XLR connections
- SM7B-inspired sound quality
- Touch panel and app control
Cons
- Not quite SM7B quality
- No stand included
- USB limits some features
Shure SM7B Pros & Cons
Pros
- Warm, full broadcast sound
- Rejects room noise well
- Durable enough to last years
Cons
- Needs a preamp with at least 60dB gain
- XLR only, so you also need an interface
- $439 is expensive for a first mic
The Verdict
Shure MV7 is best for:
- →Podcasters wanting upgrade path
- →Those wanting SM7B sound, simplified
- →USB users who may go XLR later
Shure SM7B is best for:
- →Podcasters who already have a good preamp
- →Home studios with some acoustic treatment
- →People upgrading from a USB mic
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper: Shure MV7 or Shure SM7B?
- Shure MV7 costs less. Both are one-time purchases: MV7 (discontinued) is $249 against $439 for SM7B.
- What is the main difference between Shure MV7 and Shure SM7B?
- Shure MV7 covers Headphone Jack, Gain Control, and Mute Button, which Shure SM7B does not. Nothing on the compared feature list goes the other way.