When it comes to reliable and trustworthy microphones, many people will swear by Shure as one of the best manufacturers of microphones on the market.
Their wallet-friendly price point combined with their dedication to durability and high quality audio is why so many people hold them in such high regard when it comes to making microphones.
If you’re looking to buy a Shure microphone, then you’ll likely be looking at multiple options, but two of their most popular microphones are the MV7 and the SM7B.
Both are extremely similar too, so people often get confused by the differences between the two of them.
So, if both of these microphones have caught your attention, and you’re wondering which one is going to be the best one for you, then we’ve put together this comparison guide to help you better understand the differences between the two microphones!
 |  |
| | |
| $249.00 | $399.00 |
Overview
The SM7B from Shure is undoubtedly a legend when it comes to the world of microphones, but the introduction of the MV7, which is essentially a baby SM7B, so for many people it’s now a lot harder to decide upon a quality microphone for a reasonable price.
Both are incredibly good studio quality broadcast microphones and it’s not unreasonable to suggest that they’re arguably the best dynamic microphones you can buy at their respective price points.
But with the MV7 seeming like it can do everything the SM7B can do, it seems like a good comparison in order to help clear up which of these microphones is best.
Features
The SM7B isn’t a microphone that is laden with features, so it’s easy to get accustomed to.
Upon your initial unboxing, you’ll be greeted by two windshield options, one is slightly slimmer than the other. The slimmer one is designed with both instruments and vocals in mind, whilst the other is designed to help with broadcasting.
Honestly though? Most people end up removing the windshields from the SM7B altogether in order to increase the microphone’s top-end response.
On the rear of the microphone are two switches, which depending on which way you select them, will provide you with either the usual flat response, a bass roll, or a presence boost.
The mic also has both shock isolation and a pop filter built in, which is a nice touch. This built-in rejection filter reduces unwanted sounds.
The SM7B is designed for broadcast, podcasting, and vocal recording applications and offers excellent sound quality in any environment. The SM7B’s wide frequency response allows it to pick up on subtle nuances in sound that other microphones miss.
With its proximity effect, it also adds warmth and depth to vocal recordings. The SM7B is a great choice if you need a reliable, high-quality microphone for professional recording applications.
In comparison though, the MV7 has a lot more features, with arguably the most impressive being the addition of a touch sensitive levels panel which allows you to adjust headphone volume and mic gain, as well as a combination of both.
The Shure Mv7 does not need an audio interface, allowing for a more flexible and cost-effective way to create professional sounding recordings.
The Mv7’s integrated headphone port allows you to monitor mix of your audio in real time while recording.
Both microphones make use of XLR outputs. However, the MV7 also benefits from both XLR and USB outputs with its micro-B USB connectivity, which can be used in conjunction with Shure’s fantastic MOTIV software.
With its built-in A/D converter, USB output, and XLR output, the Mv7 can also be connected to any The ShurePlus™ MOTIV app makes it easy to configure your audio settings with presets and auto level mode gain control.
The MV7 does only come with one windshield, which might feel slightly lackluster in comparison to the two that come with the SM7B, but the added feature of a headphone out socket is what edges it in this section.
Features Winner: MV7
Design & Quality
Anyone that’s had the chance to hold or pick up an SM7B will know just how heavy it is, 765g to be exact.
With an entirely aluminum and steel construction, it means that there’s not a single piece of plastic in sight. With this, you can be sure that this microphone is going to survive all of the drops and bangs you can give it.
In terms of dimensions, the SM7B measures 7.823 inches long, 4.606 inches wide, and 3.78 inches deep, but it is worth pointing out this is a microphone that was designed to be used in conjunction with a stand, as opposed to being handheld. So don’t let the size and weight put you off too quickly.
In comparison, the MV7 is a bit lighter, weighing in at 550g, and it’s also a bit smaller, measuring at 6.457 inches in length, 6.024 inches wide, and 3.543 inches deep.
It’s also constructed entirely out of metal, which helps to live up to that Shure durability hype.
Both the MV7 and the SM7B feature an integrated yoke stand, with the option to be flipped 180 degrees so that they can be mounted on either a mic stand or a boom arm.
So whilst both of these microphones feel durable and solid, we can’t ignore the proven longevity of the SM7B!
Design & Quality Winner: SM7B
Sound
When it comes to the sound quality and characteristics of these two microphones, you’ll find that they’re both extremely similar.
Both of these microphones are low-sensitivity, cardioid dynamic mics that have both high dynamic ranges and flat frequency responses.
Unfortunately, that means that they both tend to struggle when it comes to the high and low ends and will pale in comparison to a condenser mic in terms of the frequency range.
The frequency response is flatter on the SM7B, which is between 50 and 200Hz, as well as having a broader top-end response of 50 – 20 kHz.
The MV7 experiences a bump between 2k and 10k, but this can lead to some sibilance issues beginning to seep in.
Using them both is simple, but the SM7B definitely lives up to its reputation of being gain-hungry, which is something to watch out for.
You also have to get quite up close with the SM7B, but close miking doesn’t have its benefits anyways.
The MV7 does require a decent dose of gain but is nowhere near as wanting as the SM7B, and you don’t have to be as close to the mic either, which makes it great for streamers and podcasters.
Plus the more modern features make the MV7 a sheer joy to use too.
Sound Winner: Tied!
Conclusion
In conclusion, both are great microphones capable of delivering superb audio quality, so for guaranteed longevity, opt for the SM7B. But for the modern features and smaller size, go for the MV7!
