Best Shure SM7B Alternatives: High-Quality Options for Every Budget

The Shure SM7B has achieved legendary status among podcasters, streamers, and recording artists as the gold standard for broadcast-quality dynamic microphones. Its rich, warm sound profile, excellent rejection of ambient noise, and professional build quality have made it a fixture in studios worldwide. However, at around $400, it represents a significant investment, especially when you factor in the additional equipment needed to drive this gain-hungry microphone properly.

Fortunately, the microphone market has expanded significantly in recent years, offering numerous alternatives that deliver comparable performance at various price points. Whether you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, a microphone with different sonic characteristics, or a unit that doesn’t require as much gain, this guide will explore the best Shure SM7B alternatives available today.

Why Consider an Alternative to the Shure SM7B?

Before diving into the alternatives, it’s worth understanding why you might look beyond the SM7B:

Price: At approximately $400, the SM7B represents a significant investment
Gain Requirements: The SM7B requires substantial gain (often 60+ dB), necessitating an additional preamp or audio interface
Different Sound Characteristics: While versatile, the SM7B’s sonic profile might not be ideal for all voices or applications
Form Factor: The size and mounting requirements might not work for all setups
Availability: Supply chain issues sometimes make the SM7B difficult to find

With these considerations in mind, let’s explore some excellent alternatives across different price ranges.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives ($100-200)

1. Rode PodMic ($99)

The Rode PodMic has quickly established itself as one of the most popular SM7B alternatives, particularly among podcasters and streamers.

Key Features:

Dynamic capsule with internal pop filter
Integrated shock mounting
Broadcast-quality sound
Compact form factor
Excellent off-axis rejection

Sound Profile: The PodMic offers a warm, rich tone with a slight presence boost that enhances vocal clarity. While not identical to the SM7B, it delivers a professional broadcast sound at a fraction of the price.

Advantages Over SM7B: At just $99, the PodMic is significantly more affordable. It also requires less gain than the SM7B, making it easier to use with budget audio interfaces. Its compact size is ideal for smaller spaces.

Ideal For: Podcasters, streamers, and content creators on a budget who want professional sound without breaking the bank.

2. Audio-Technica AT2040 ($99)

Audio-Technica’s entry into the podcast microphone space has been met with widespread approval for its exceptional sound quality and value.

Key Features:

Hypercardioid dynamic capsule
Large diaphragm design
Multistage internal windscreen
All-metal construction
Integrated shock mount

Sound Profile: The AT2040 delivers a balanced, broadcast-ready sound with excellent proximity effect and rich low-end. The hypercardioid pattern provides superior background noise rejection.

Advantages Over SM7B: Like the PodMic, the AT2040 is considerably more affordable and requires less gain. Its hypercardioid pattern may provide even better isolation in untreated rooms.

Ideal For: Podcasters and vocalists seeking the richness of a large-diaphragm dynamic without the associated cost.

3. Behringer BA 19A ($89)

Behringer’s entry into the broadcast dynamic microphone market represents incredible value for money and has surprised many with its performance.

Key Features:

Cardioid dynamic capsule
Built-in pop filter
Integrated shock mount
Frequency response tailored for vocals
Metal construction

Sound Profile: The BA 19A offers a remarkably similar sound profile to the SM7B, with warm mids, controlled bass, and smooth highs. Many users have commented on how closely it resembles the SM7B’s signature sound.

Advantages Over SM7B: At just $89, it’s less than a quarter of the SM7B’s price. It also requires less gain and comes with an integrated shock mount.

Ideal For: Budget-conscious content creators who want the SM7B sound without the investment.

Mid-Range Alternatives ($200-300)

4. Electro-Voice RE320 ($299)

The Electro-Voice RE320 builds on the legacy of the legendary RE20 while offering versatility with its dual voice tailoring.

Key Features:

Variable-D technology (minimizes proximity effect)
Dual voice tailoring switch (for voice or instruments)
Neodymium magnets for higher output
Integrated pop filter
Robust metal construction

Sound Profile: The RE320 offers a crisp, detailed sound with excellent articulation. The Variable-D technology provides consistent tonality regardless of distance, and the voice tailoring switch allows for either a flat response or a contoured response with bass rolloff and presence boost.

Advantages Over SM7B: Higher output level requiring less gain, versatile sound options with the voice tailoring switch, and less susceptibility to proximity effect.

Ideal For: Broadcasters, podcasters, and musicians who need versatility for recording both vocals and instruments.

5. sE Electronics DynaCaster ($299)

A relatively new contender, the sE Electronics DynaCaster has quickly earned praise for its exceptional sound quality and innovative features.

Key Features:

Hand-crafted dynamic capsule
Built-in windscreen and pop filter
Two-stage proximity control
Passive and active modes
Switchable 200Hz high-pass filter

Sound Profile: The DynaCaster offers a rich, detailed sound with exceptional clarity and presence. The two-stage proximity control allows you to fine-tune the bass response based on your voice and distance from the microphone.

Advantages Over SM7B: The active mode eliminates the need for a separate preamp or booster, the adjustable proximity effect gives more tonal options, and the switchable high-pass filter helps control room rumble.

Ideal For: Professional content creators and vocalists who want premium sound quality with greater flexibility than the SM7B offers.

6. Rode Procaster ($229)

The Rode Procaster is specifically designed for broadcast applications, with features tailored to deliver professional results in both studio and remote settings.

Key Features:

Broadcast-quality dynamic capsule
Internal pop filter and shock mounting
Balanced XLR output
All-metal construction
Tight cardioid pattern

Sound Profile: The Procaster offers excellent full-bodied sound with a slightly brighter character than the SM7B. It excels at capturing detailed vocals with minimal ambient noise.

Advantages Over SM7B: Lower price point, higher sensitivity requiring less gain, and lighter weight for easier boom arm mounting.

Ideal For: Broadcasters, podcasters, and voice-over artists who need clear, present vocals with excellent ambient noise rejection.

Premium Alternatives ($300+)

7. Electro-Voice RE20 ($449)

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a true broadcast legend that has been a studio staple for decades, known for its natural sound reproduction and consistency.

Key Features:

Variable-D technology (minimal proximity effect)
Large diaphragm dynamic capsule
Internal pop filter and shock mounting
Frequency response tailored for broadcast
Heavy-duty construction

Sound Profile: The RE20 provides a warm, natural sound with exceptional detail and clarity. It’s known for its flat, neutral response and predictable performance.

Advantages Over SM7B: More consistent sound regardless of speaking position (thanks to Variable-D technology), slightly higher output, and an industry-standard sound that’s particularly flattering for deeper voices.

Ideal For: Professional broadcasters, podcasters with deeper voices, and studios seeking a timeless, reliable microphone.

8. Shure MV7 ($249)

Shure’s own alternative to the SM7B combines the best of both worlds: professional dynamic microphone quality with the convenience of USB connectivity.

Key Features:

Dual USB/XLR outputs
Touch panel control interface
Auto-level mode for easy setup
Companion app with extensive sound shaping
Integrated headphone monitoring

Sound Profile: The MV7 delivers a sound signature inspired by the SM7B, with rich mids and controlled bass. When used with the companion app, the sound can be further tailored to various applications.

Advantages Over SM7B: Dual connectivity options, easier setup with auto-level mode, integrated headphone monitoring, and a more accessible price point.

Ideal For: Content creators who want Shure quality with the flexibility to connect directly to computers or traditional audio equipment.

9. Earthworks ETHOS ($699)

The Earthworks ETHOS represents a premium alternative that pushes the boundaries of dynamic microphone performance.

Key Features:

Premium stainless steel construction
Extended frequency response (20Hz to 30kHz)
Precision-machined components
Extremely low handling noise
Flat, honest frequency response

Sound Profile: The ETHOS delivers an exceptionally detailed, transparent sound with remarkable transient response and articulation. It captures vocals with a level of clarity and precision typically associated with high-end condenser microphones.

Advantages Over SM7B: Superior transient response, extended frequency range, lower handling noise, and a more “high-definition” sound quality overall.

Ideal For: Professional studios, audiophile podcasters, and recording engineers seeking the absolute highest quality dynamic microphone performance.

Special Mention: Hybrid and Unique Alternatives

10. AKG C636 ($499)

While technically a condenser microphone, the AKG C636 deserves mention for its exceptional background noise rejection and feedback resistance, making it suitable for applications where the SM7B typically excels.

Key Features:

Condenser capsule with dynamic-like noise rejection
Multi-layer pop noise protection
Cardioid polar pattern
Extremely low handling noise
Durable all-metal construction

Sound Profile: The C636 delivers the detail and articulation of a condenser microphone with the feedback resistance and handling noise rejection of a dynamic. It offers a brighter, more detailed sound than the SM7B while still controlling background noise effectively.

Advantages Over SM7B: Higher output, greater detail and high-frequency extension, and the versatility of a condenser microphone without typical background noise issues.

Ideal For: Content creators with treated rooms who want more detailed sound than a typical dynamic microphone can provide.

Essential Accessories for SM7B Alternatives

While many of these alternatives require less gain than the SM7B, some may still benefit from additional equipment:

Cloudlifter CL-1 or Triton Audio FetHead: In-line preamps that provide clean gain for gain-hungry dynamic microphones
Shock mount: For microphones that don’t include integrated shock mounting
Pop filter: Additional pop protection for plosives, especially important for close-miking
Boom arm: For flexible positioning and to minimize desk noise

Choosing the Right Alternative for You

When selecting an SM7B alternative, consider these factors:

Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on both the microphone and necessary accessories
Voice type: Different microphones complement different voices—warmer mics for brighter voices, brighter mics for deeper voices
Environment: Consider how much ambient noise rejection you need based on your recording space
Application: Your specific use case (podcasting, streaming, music recording) might favor certain characteristics
Existing equipment: Ensure your audio interface provides sufficient gain for your chosen microphone

Conclusion

While the Shure SM7B remains a gold standard in broadcast dynamic microphones, the alternatives listed here offer excellent performance across a range of price points and use cases. From the budget-friendly Rode PodMic and Behringer BA 19A to premium options like the Electro-Voice RE20 and Earthworks ETHOS, there’s a perfect SM7B alternative for every voice and application.

The best microphone isn’t necessarily the most expensive one—it’s the one that complements your voice and workflow while meeting your specific needs. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can find an SM7B alternative that delivers professional results without unnecessary compromise.