Audio Technica and Shure are both very successful brands in today’s market. While they are both great brands, they both also have some drawbacks.
This article will compare the Shure SM7B with the Audio-Technica AT2020. Having looked at both of these products, the Shure SM7B seems to be the best quality of the two.
The mic and the on-stage recording equipment are very good at Shure. The Audio Technica AT2020 is better if you are kitting out your home studio. Let’s dive into the reasons for this!
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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$399.00
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$99.00
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Quality Of The Sound
Shure SM7B
This Shure dynamic mic is a great product and it is considered very high quality when compared with lots of other similar products (also see, What Is The Best Dynamic Microphone For Vocals‘).
It is perfect for use in the studio and on stage, making the equipment extremely versatile in terms of sound.
The components of this product are of such great quality making the sound absolutely perfect.
While the sound quality is great on this product, the mic is not quite so good at low-frequency sounds.
This is a cardioid polar pattern mic, meaning it is very easy to use to record instruments (also see, ‘Mic Polar Pattern‘).
The Shure SM7B has a high pass filter, which helps to reduce low-frequency rumble and other unwanted noises. It also features a low-cut filter for added control over your sound.
The microphone also has an attenuation switch that can be used to control the level of the incoming audio signal, allowing you to tailor the sound of your recording precisely. This makes it perfect for capturing music, natural sound, or anything else with exacting detail.
Audio Technica AT2020
This product is great because it is low in price and, for the price that you pay for the product, it performs very well. This product is great for your home studio.
This product comes with a pretty low noise level, as it is just 20 dB. The maximum level of this mic is 144dB. The presence boost is in the range of 5-15 kHz, meaning it will increase the clarity of vocals and instruments in the higher frequencies.
This mic is great at dealing with alternating frequencies. This means that this mic is great for both low and high-level frequencies. This is done through the small diaphragm which is how the frequency response is handled.
This microphone has a pretty wide dynamic range which means that the sound on the product is good quality. This product is the stable standard product for use in home studios.
Audio Technica’s mic is great at recording acoustic guitar, instruments, and lead vocals.
Weight And Measurement
Audio Technica AT2020
The Audio Technica AT2020 mic is quite large. It weighs around 1 and a half lbs and it is 9.6 inches long, and 2.6 inches deep.
Although it is a big condenser microphone, it will fit well in your hands and it is not too heavy to hold. It also comes with a mic stand so you won’t have to hold it if you don’t want to.
Shure SM7B
This mic is a similar size to the Audio Technica. It is 7.47 inches by 3.78 inches and it weighs around 1.75 lbs.
As this mic is fairly heavy, you will struggle to use it as a microphone that you can transport around with you. It doesn’t have a headphone output, so you would need to get a separate headphone amplifier if you want to monitor your recordings.
If you’re looking for a microphone that is portable, the Audio Technica is probably the better option for you in terms of price.
Price And Features
Audio Technica AT2020
This microphone is very cheap for the number of great features that it provides. It is made from high quality materials, making it a durable and long lasting microphone.
The main material in the stand is made from metal, meaning this too is very durable. It also comes with a sturdy mount. It is one of the most durable cardioid condenser mic on the market and it comes at a very reasonable price.
This mic also looks like a premium product, even though it is sold at a very reasonable price. Overall, this mic is great value for money as it has some fantastic features.
Shure SM7B
Shure has provided an excellent quality product, however, it is more expensive than Audio Technica. While you will get your money’s worth, you should consider your budget and purchase the mic that is the best choice for you.
When you are making this choice, consider which features you are getting for the price.
This mic is mainly made from high-quality metals. It is very durable because of the way that it is designed. These mics will withstand some drops, so it is definitely worth the price.
Intensity
You should consider whether you will need a mic that picks up high-quality sound from a distance, or whether you will need a vocal mic that you will only use for recording close to the source.
The Shure is better for longer ranges and the Audio Technica is better for closer ranges.
Similar Features
Performance
Both of these mics function in a very similar way. They are used by connecting to a phantom power supply source and they are used for pre recorded audio and live applications. They also come with great features that make them easy to use.
Both the AT2020 and SM7B use an XLR cable to connect to a microphone preamp.
Warranty
These devices come with a similar warranty. Make sure you ask about the warranty when you are purchasing this item in case anything goes wrong. This will depend on the manufacturer, but the average warranty is between 1 and 2 years.
Pros & Cons
Audio Technica AT2020
Pros
- The controls on this mic are very simple and easy to use. It is designed very well, allowing easy access to the controls.
- It is a cheap mic that offers great features for the price.
- It is a very good-looking microphone and it is very durable.
Cons
- You will need to be close to the mic to get an excellent sound quality.
- This microphone also doesn’t come with a pop filter to help deal with background noise (also see, AT2020 Pop Filter).
Shure SM7B
Pros
- This product is consistent, durable, and creates a very nice sound.
- It is a great choice for recording vocals and instruments.
- This product can handle high and low frequencies well.
Cons
- This product is more expensive than its competitors.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason that you are looking to purchase a new microphone is, the AT2020 seems to have come out on top in lots of different ways. It is very sturdy, simple and at a very good price.
However, this may not be the best choice for everyone. If you are looking for the best sound quality, you will be better off choosing the SM7B. The SM7B is better for those who are looking for some professional recording equipment.
More SM7B Comparisons
- Rode NT1A vs Shure SM7B
- Shure SM7B vs Blue Yeti
- Shure MV7 vs SM7B
- Rode Procaster vs SM7B
- Heil PR40 vs Shure SM7B
