You’re ready to kick off your podcast journey, which is an exciting step. However, to captivate your audience and deliver clear, resonant audio, relying solely on earphone mics won’t cut it. If you aim to bring out the subtle nuances of your voice, you’ll need a professional-grade microphone.
Two dynamic microphones that consistently stand out are the Rode Procaster and the Shure SM7B. While each promises excellent audio quality, deciding between them can be tricky.
This guide will dive into what makes Rode Procaster vs SM7B microphones exceptional, compare their features, and help you choose the right one for your podcast setup.
Main Differences Between Rode Procaster vs SM7B
The main differences between Rode Procaster vs Shure SM7B are:
- 🎙️ Rode Procaster offers clear, broadcast-quality sound with minimal adjustments, whereas the SM7B provides a customizable, warmer audio profile.
- ⚙️ Rode Procaster is easy to set up for immediate use, whereas the SM7B requires a more involved setup for optimal audio quality.
- đź’° Rode Procaster is budget-friendly, whereas the SM7B is pricier but offers advanced, professional-grade features.
Key Features Comparison
| Rode Procaster | Shure SM7B |
|---|---|
| 🎙️ Optimized for speech clarity | 🎤 Warm, smooth vocal tone |
| 🎛️ Internal pop filter | 🎚️ Air suspension system |
| 🛠️ All-metal construction | 🏗️ Sturdy yoke mount |
| 🎧 Podcasting & broadcasting | 🎼 Music production & podcasting |
| 🔒 Fixed internal shock mount | 🔄 External yoke mount |
| ⚡ Standard XLR interfaces | 🔌 XLR-compatible studio gear |
Rode Procaster
Starting with our first microphone of this pair, we have the Rode Procaster.
Rode is a reliable producer and manufacturer of a variety of different microphone models for all price ranges and needs.
Rode touts the Procaster as an entry-level microphone that is perfect for studio equipment for newcomers who have never used microphones before.
This great broadcast-quality dynamic microphone does everything a newbie could want their brand-new piece of kit to do, providing a crisp and clear sound when recorded.
I can also effectively cancel out most if not all, ambient noise when the situation arises. This is perfect if you’re recording your podcast in a noisy household!
The Rode Procaster also has a powerful audio interface that allows it to connect directly to computers and other audio sources.
In addition, the Procaster has a zero-latency headphone jack for real-time monitoring, and it is USB-compatible for easy computer integration.
The microphone has a wide dynamic range of frequencies, allowing it to capture clear and accurate sound quality even in loud environments. It has a shock mount to reduce background noise and a pop filter to reduce plosives.
Plus, as an entry-level microphone, this piece of equipment is often sold at a relatively low price compared to many competitors. After all, you don’t want to scare newcomers off with a bloated price tag, do you?
➡️ Check out the main differences between Rode Procaster vs Podcaster
Pros of Rode Procaster
- âś… Affordable, budget-friendly option
- âś… Rugged, all-metal build
- âś… Internal shock mount reduces handling noise
- âś… Clear, broadcast-quality sound
- âś… Easy to set up and use
Cons of Rode Procaster
- ❌ Limited customization for audio profile
- ❌ Less versatile across multiple recording scenarios
Shure SM7B
Turning to the Rode Procaster’s direct competitor, we have Shure SM7B.
This versatile, dynamic broadcast microphone is tailored to users who know what they want in a good microphone or another audio setup.
This vocal mic is designed to deliver a smooth and clear vocal performance that can work in just about any setting, whether that’s for a streamer, a musician, a voice-over artist, or, as applies to us, a podcaster.
The tonality of this mic is exquisite, even fresh out of the box, but we’ll cover that more later when we compare these products.
This microphone almost eliminates post-production editing, which saves time of working with any recording you may be working on.
This is an amazing microphone for people who know what they want from their equipment!
➡️ See how Shure SM7B compares to the SM7DB
Pros of Shure SM7B
- âś… Highly customizable sound profile
- âś… Advanced air suspension system minimizes vibration noise
- âś… Superior audio clarity with a warm, smooth tone
- âś… Versatile for both music and spoken-word applications
- âś… Durable yoke mount for precise positioning
Cons of Shure SM7B
- ❌ More expensive than comparable dynamic mics
- ❌ Requires more setup time to achieve optimal sound quality
Comparing the Rode Procaster vs Shure SM7B
So, now that we have briefly outlined both of our microphones, we can start directly comparing them with one another!
Specifications
Understanding the specifications is crucial when comparing microphones for your podcast or studio.
Below, we’ve highlighted the key specs of the Rode Procaster and Shure SM7B to help you identify which one aligns best with your recording needs.
| Rode Procaster | Shure SM7B | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic Broadcast Microphone | Dynamic Studio Microphone |
| Frequency Response | 75 Hz – 18 kHz | 50 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 320 Ω | 150 Ω |
| Sensitivity | -56 dB | -59 dB |
| Connector | XLR | XLR |
| Mount | Internal shock mount | External yoke mount |
| Applications | Broadcast, Podcasting | Studio Recording, Podcasting |
| Weight | 745 g | 765 g |
Audio Clarity
This is a vital aspect that all professional microphones need to have. What is the microphone’s point if you can’t record your voice clearly?
Fortunately, this is an aspect that both of these items perform exceptionally, albeit at different levels.
This type of microphone is often used in live and stage shows when performers need extra volume.
When initially used, the Procaster seems to be the best choice, as you need noticeably fewer adjustments to get a desirable sound when an inch away.
However, unlike the Procaster, the SM7B allows you to set a custom profile that is more tailored to your voice. It may take a little time to find the right settings, but you will be able to get a crisper and richer sound from the SM7B.
Verdict
Overall, while the Procaster still sounds great and takes less setup to use, you can get a higher-quality sound with the SM7B.
That is if you’re prepared to learn how to use it right, which can take a while to wrap your head around.
Design
A microphone’s design impacts its durability and performance. The Rode Procaster and Shure SM7B are engineered by leading manufacturers with a history of creating reliable, professional-grade audio equipment.
The Rode Procaster is constructed with rugged, all-metal housing, ensuring its resilience to the demands of podcasting, live broadcasting, or any situation requiring a reliable microphone. It includes an internal shock mount that minimizes handling noise and a built-in pop filter to manage plosives.
The Shure SM7B also stands out with its meticulous construction. Featuring a durable yoke mount, adjusting the microphone’s positioning is easy while ensuring stable attachment to a stand or arm.
The SM7B’s advanced air suspension system isolates vibrations, reducing mechanical noise. Though each microphone is sturdy, a key difference lies in the SM7B’s greater adjustability, which lets you position it precisely to capture the best audio possible.
Verdict
A straight draw between these two.
Price
The Shure SM7B, while still offering good value for its superior quality, carries a higher price tag. Its features—like the customizable audio profile and advanced noise reduction—justify the additional cost for those who are prepared to invest in top-tier sound.
However, for beginners or those on a tighter budget, the Procaster is a compelling alternative that doesn’t compromise much on quality.
Verdict
The Procaster wins here.
Build Quality and Durability
The Rode Procaster and Shure SM7B exemplify high build quality and durability standards. The Procaster’s all-metal body can withstand rough handling, making it ideal for the wear and tear of regular podcasting or studio work.
Its robust construction is complemented by an internal shock mount that minimizes noise from accidental bumps.
The Shure SM7B is similarly rugged, built to endure years of consistent use. Its sturdy yoke mount adds stability and makes repositioning easy.
The microphone’s advanced air suspension system protects the delicate internal components from damage while also reducing vibration-induced noise. When handled properly, both microphones promise years of reliable service.
Verdict
Both microphones are built to last, making this a tie.
User Experience and Ease of Setup
The Rode Procaster is designed for straightforward setup and operation. Its fixed internal shock mount simplifies mounting, while the XLR connectivity ensures compatibility with most audio interfaces.
With its minimal tuning required, the Procaster offers a seamless user experience, especially for beginners.
While also user-friendly, the Shure SM7B requires a bit more finesse to get the most out of it. Setting up the external yoke mount requires careful positioning, and finding the perfect audio profile involves trial and error.
However, the ability to customize the sound profile rewards those willing to invest the time, offering superior, tailored audio quality.
Verdict
The Rode Procaster is easier to set up and get started with, while the Shure SM7B allows more fine-tuning for a personalized experience.
FAQ
Is the Shure SM7B suitable for vocals and instruments?
Yes, the Shure SM7B is versatile. It delivers excellent results for both vocals and instruments, making it popular in studio and live recording settings.
Does the Rode Procaster require a pop filter or additional accessories?
The Rode Procaster has an internal pop filter to minimize plosive sounds, but adding an external pop filter can provide even better control in specific environments.
Do these microphones need a preamp or audio interface for optimal performance?
Both Shure SM7B vs Rode Procaster typically require a preamp or audio interface to reach their best performance due to their lower output levels, especially the Shure SM7B, which benefits from additional gain.
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong with either; each of them is a good broadcast dynamic microphone. So, this will often come down to your exact needs more than a completely objective fact.
If you have been recording for some time and would like to upgrade and invest in a podcasting mic that you know you will be using and are prepared to learn the ropes with, the Shure SM7B will serve you very well.
However, if you are starting podcasting, need a simpler microphone that you know will get the job done, or are on a tighter budget, the reliable and easy-to-use Rode Procaster microphone will not disappoint you.
