[whitehouse3]

It’s disappointing to see the Shure SM7B recommended so widely for use in residential environments. While Shure’s classic offering is popular among 2020 media creators (Joe Rogan, Bret Weinstein, and streamers like Tfue or SypherPK) it is still cruel and unforgiving of poor microphone technique, audio reflection, and background noise. Considering its high noise floor when driven by all but the nicest preamps, other options are just more attractive overall.

It’s not that the SM7B is bad. Like any high end tool it requires to skill (and other high end tools) to be effective. Even in amateur hands it can sound great. But for $350 the average podcaster, streamer, or remote worker can do much better.

Otherwise this article is great.

[geerlingguy]

I like the EV RE320; it's way easier to use (don't have to be a perfectionist for technique / distance, at least IMO as much as the SM7B), and it's usually discounted at least $100 less.

The Rode RE20 is a very similar mic used in broadcast radio scenarios almost as much as the SM7, mostly because it is so forgiving of poor technique, and when you have guests on radio shows, it's not nice (or often even possible) to force them to be a certain distance from the mic, and use a certain technique.

[kwerk]

What would you recommend?

[whitehouse3]

Shure's SM58 and SM57 have the same capsule as the SM7B for 1/3 the price and fuss.

Like the Rolex Submariner, the SM58 has been cloned at lower and lower prices since its introduction. The design is solid regardless of the price point. Imitations from Pyle and Audio Technica sound great and cost less, but aren't as rugged.

If you _want_ to spend money for more pleasing tone the Beta 87A from Shure is outstanding. As are similar cardioid microphones from Electro Voice and Neumann

[52-6F-62]

I will 100% back up the SM57 (to a slightly lesser extend the SM58, but it's still an easy make). I've also had no problems with Samson C02s[0] (though they can be bright if you don't EQ them well, but have great isolation) and the MXL 2003A[1] (much warmer—great for vox all around). All are relatively affordable.

[0] http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/conden...

[1] http://www.mxlmics.com/microphones/studio/2003/

[geerlingguy]

I've also driven a truck over an SM58, dropped it about a dozen times, and seen them smashed up beyond recognition—and they still sound as good as new. Those things are built like tanks.

[52-6F-62]

That line of Shure's in general are amazing. I've got an old 565SD from the 60s or 70s that was given to me. It's beat to all hell and still sounds fantastic and is totally reliable. They've re-released them as well if anyone's into the shiny thing

https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/565sd

[schrijver]

The SM58’s best feature is it’s ubiquity (so you know exactly what you’re in for) and how rugged and dependable it is. That’s why they’re everywhere in stage sound IMHO. I don’t really like the sound though. For me it’s lacking in high end. A decent condenser mic (like the 87A for example) will do much better in this regard. Such mics need phantom power but most audio interfaces provide that.