When choosing the microphones you will surely get confused between many options as there are so many options available in the market. Shure SM7B and Rode NT1A are also two of the microphone that you will get confused with. Both of them are two of the most popular microphones in the industry.
Choosing a microphone is most of the time a long-term investment that you are going to make as you are going to use it most of the time. In this post, I have compared Shure SM7B vs Rode NT1A microphone based on features, performance, etc.
I have tested out both the microphones in my studio and here is the review of both of them which will help you choose the best microphone for yourself.
Shure SM7B Microphone Review
The Shure SM7B is a great microphone that has received lots of love and positive response from the users. It has made a good name in the music tech world, of being an item that has not many veritable friends and is all around appraised just like the best at what it does.
- ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting &...
- STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat,...
- PODCAST & BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The...
- STREAMING CONTENT - Professional Live Streaming Starts With A Microphone Capable...
- PROFESSIONAL XLR CONNECTION - The XLR Connection Along With An Audio Interface...
It is a dynamic microphone that is designed considering recording any vocals or for web recordings, broadcasting, voice-overs, communication, or even streaming. This simple microphone has many beneficial features to provide to a user.
Features of Shure SM7B Microphone
It has a built-in pop shield, and shock mount that helps to reduce any noise and vibration sounds in the mic recording. You don’t need to have any extra peripherals around it other than a stand or boom arm to mount it. This helps you to focus on the mic more easily, enabling the best results across a wide range of applications.
It’s a truly general-purpose mic that may not be a well fit for recording low tones music, but for the simple act of recording any voice and instrumentals, the SM7B’s simplicity and its high level of sound quality and consistency win it all.
This dynamic microphone has a cardioid polar pattern with a 50Hz to 20kHz frequency range and a maximum sound pressure level of 180dB, which is quite good. This mic records one of the finest audio quality, and the results are remarkable.
Having a matte black finish, the quality is of high standards, and the design and construction of this mic please the user. It also has two dip switches on the back that help to switch between the frequency response of the mic.
Shure SM7B microphone is one of the best picks for those who want a dynamic microphone that they can use in their studio for recordings and instrumentals as well. If you are going to record vocals and instrumentals then Shure SM7B can be a good pick for you.
Technical Specifications of Shure SM7B Microphone
| Microphone | Shure SM7B |
| Type | Dynamic |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz – 20kHz |
| Output Impedance | 150 ohms |
| Low Cut Filter | Bass Roll-Off |
| Connector | XLR |
| Max SPL | 180 dB |
| Cartridge Shock Mount | Internal air-suspension shock and vibration isolator |
| Swivel Assembly | Integrated, captive nut for ease of attachment to stand, fits 5/8 in.–27 thread. |
| Polarity | Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 |
| Weight | 765 grams |
| Buy On | Amazon |
Pros and Cons of Shure SM7B Microphone
You can also check out: Shure SG800 Microphone Review
Rode NT1-A Microphone Review
The Rode NT1-A is the other mic contrasted to SM7B. This mic is a condenser microphone that requires more power, and the results are also very promising. It is powered with phantom power support to record quality audio, and this cardioid pattern microphone has been in the business for a very long time.
- Large diaphragm 1” gold-sputtered capsule
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Ultra-low noise, self-noise of only 5dB (A)
- Includes Rode SM6 shock mount, pop filter and dust cover
- Internal capsule shock mounting
Due to its versatility and ease of use, I found it to be very easy to handle and record audio with this mic. It has a cardioid pattern, with a large-diaphragm capacitor and a gold-sputtered one-inch diaphragm. This mic has loads of features to satisfy your needs.
Features of Rode NT1-A Microphone
The Rode NT1-A is made from a beautiful metal body, making it a bit heavier but a more durable option that has a great performance to deliver. It has simple-to-use features and having an amusing design; this mic has performance as well.
Having 20Hz to 20kHz of frequency response level, this microphone has a max SPL of 137dB. It is good enough for a cardioid pattern mic to deal with the sound source while reducing background noises by completely neglecting them and recording a clear and better sound input.
As a result, the user gets a very smooth sound that satisfies its need for a quality microphone for recording good audio sound inputs. It is a great mic to use for recording vocals as well as for acoustic guitars and instrumentals, as it perfectly balances everything in itself.
The low self-noise level of this mic also makes it sensitive enough to catch the clear sound.
If you prefer a condenser microphone over a dynamic microphone then Rode NT1A is the one. The condenser microphone does have some extra advantages over the dynamic microphone in the studio recordings. If you are going to be more focused on vocals than instrumentals then Rode NT1A is the good pick for you.
Technical Specifications of Rode NT1-A Microphone
| Microphone | Rode NT1-A |
| Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Max SPL | 137 dB |
| Diaphragm Size | 1″ (25.4mm) |
| Output Impedance | 100 ohms |
| Self Noise | 5dB A-weighted |
| Connector | XLR |
| Power Source | 48V phantom power |
| Sensitivity | 31.9dB re 1 Volt/Pascal |
| Weight | 326 grams |
| Buy On | Amazon |
Pros and Cons of Rode NT1A Microphone
Also check out: AKG C214 vs. Rode NT1A Microphone Comparison: Which One to Choose? and MXL 4000 vs Rode NT1A: Head to Head Microphone Comparison
Shure SM7B vs RODE NT1A Microphone
I have discussed the features as well as advantages or disadvantages of both of these microphones. Now, it’s time to see how both of these mics are different from each other.
Shure SM7B is clearly built to last longer. The actual unit is made with an all-metal body and with a shock mounting system that permits the mic to be calculated up to a specific degree to follow your choice of placement.
Rode NT1A with regards to its assemble quality, it is all metal body too with a little more weight and a shock mount with the mic. Its shock mount is very good, and it feels strong, including the base that is connected immovably and not unstable by any means.
It has no switch or anything on the unit yet the actual port.
Another difference is that the SM7B is a dynamic microphone, whereas the Rode NT1A is a condenser type.
The NT1A will capture more sound from its surroundings than Shure SM7B, which is why Shure SM7B is mostly used and preferred by streamers and studio recording to prevent capturing too much noise from the room. They are the same with a cardioid pattern which means they record sound from the front and sides.
Shure SM7B microphone is good for those who are going to test the microphone in both studio recordings and instrumentals. Rode NT1A is a good microphone that is more focused on studio recordings, voiceover but oftentimes they might record instrumentals as well.
Conclusion
This was an article on Shure SM7B vs. Rode NT1-A. Both these microphones are an amazing option to consider in case you want a durable and long-lasting quality microphone to record vocals. They can be your daily usable microphones in contrast to other microphones that don’t maintain recording quality after some time.
If you want my personal recommendation then I will suggest you go with the Rode NT1-A microphone for being versatile microphone to work in any condition.
Do you still have anything to ask about Shure SM7B vs Rode NT1A microphone? Do let me know in the comments below. Until then, check out some of my other best articles to get more ideas:
Neumann TLM 102 vs. TLM 103 Microphone Comparison
AKG P420 vs. AKG P220 Microphone Comparison: Which One is Best?
Shure Beta 87A vs. Sennheiser e945 Microphone Comparison: Which One to Pick?
Rode M5 vs AKG P170 Microphone Review: Which is the Best Microphone?
Top 5 Best Wireless Microphones for Fitness Instructors
Far Heen 
Deepak Hoke