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It is very likely that you have come across the Shure sm7b vs Rode nt1 comparison while looking for microphones. Both these microphones are the best each of these companies offer so the comparison is well and truly due.
We have taken it upon ourselves to settle this Shure sm7b vs Rode nt1 debate for once and all. Thus, in this article, we would try to tell everything there is to know about Shure sm7b vs Rode nt1.
Simply put, both these microphones Shure sm7b and rode nt1 offer great quality and performance. Furthermore, both fall in pretty much the same price bracket. And more importantly, both of them are products of top-tier companies.
So, if you go with either of them you can rest assured that there would be no disappointment. However, the key is to know which one suits you the best. And in this article on Shure sm7b vs Rode nt1, we will try to enlighten you with it. So, let’s get into it without any due.
For starters, let’s look into the specifications of each microphone. Some might be able to deduce the conclusion at first glance of these specifications. However, for others, we have lined up the entire article. So, there is nothing to be worried about.
Shure SM7b vs Rode NT1
| Microphone | Features | Ratings on Amazon |
| Rode NT1 USB Condenser | Type: Condenser Polar Pattern: Cardioid Connectivity: USB | 4.7 / 5 |
Shure SM7B XLR Dynamic | Type: Dynamic Polar Pattern: Cardioid Connectivity: XLR | 4.8 / 5 |
When you look at the specification table you instantly realize the significant differences between the two. The difference essentially means that each of these microphones serves a different audience and job.
The applications of both microphones are different and next in Shure sm7b vs Rode nt1 you would know about them. And also, the reasons that make them good for those specific jobs.
Specifications Comparison | Shure SM7b vs Rode NT1
| Specifications | Shure SM7b | Rode NT1 |
| Type | Dynamic | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Impedance | 150 ohms | 100 ohms |
| Frequency response | 50 Hz-20 kHz | 20 Hz- 20 kHz |
| Max SPL | 180 dB SPL | 132 dB SPL |
| Connector | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 0.76 Kg | 0.3 Kg |
| Switchable Bass Roll Off | Yes | No |
| Presence Boost | Yes | No |
Type of Microphone – Shure SM7B vs Rode NT1
The fundamental difference between two microphones is their type with one being dynamic and the other, the condenser. The Shure sm7b is dynamic while the Rode nt1 is a condenser. Thus, the circuitry of these microphones differs from each other greatly which makes their application different as well.
The dynamic mics are designed to capture the ambient environment as well as the vocals which makes them the first choice for live performances. The condenser microphones, on the other hand, have a design that isolates the sound source and hence makes them ideal for studio recordings.
Furthermore, the circuitry of the dynamic microphones is much sturdier and more capable of working at high levels of sound pressure. The condenser microphones are rather delicate and hence cannot withstand when the sound goes up to a certain level.
Rode NT1 USB Condenser
The Rode NT1, on the other hand, is a dynamic microphone. Thus, it is much more capable than Shure SM7b when it comes to recording low-frequency sounds. The clarity and details that you would get in this microphone at low frequency are unreal and unmatchable.
However, in contrast to this, the condenser microphone is really great at capturing low-frequency audio. The circuitry of dynamic microphones does not exhibit such sensitivity which makes them rather poor when it comes to recording low-frequency sound.
In simple terms, if you need a microphone to record something as loud as drums you must go with the dynamic microphones. However, if you want to get clarity and details in the vocals, the condenser microphones are the way to go.
A drawback that condenser microphones have over dynamic is that they need phantom power. Thus, in addition to purchasing the microphone, you would also need an interface-like device. This can take a toll on your pocket but there are some affordable options that you can always explore.
Performance – Shure SM7B vs Rode NT1
As mentioned earlier in the Shure sm7b vs rode nt1, both of these microphones are exceptional at what they are designed for. Be it Shure sm7b or the Rode nt1 the quality and the value are guaranteed. Their designs are well-thought-out, sturdy, and durable which would justify your investment.
The Rode NT1 uses a 1-inch diaphragm that is large enough to produce a strong signal. This consequently, requires less amplification which in turn produces a high sound-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, the sound of NT1 is completely neutral and stable even when you subject it to a high-range specter.
Moreover, the Rode NT1 also uses quality components that produce exceptionally low levels of noise. They have installed a suspension system in the capsule which makes it resistant to the impacts. This system also acts as a defense mechanism against unwanted shocks, vibrations, and even accidental drops.
All these mechanisms and components work together for one goal which is to give you as clear audio as possible. Although you would be surprised by the audio quality even without an audio booth, it makes the sound even better if you add one.
Shur SM7B XLR Dynamic
The Shure SM7b, being a dynamic microphone, has capabilities to capture loud and high-frequency sounds with ease. Thus, it is the microphone that would be ideal for people who want to record loud instruments like drums or want to perform live on stage.
Shure Sm7b provides similar performance just in different applications. However, the best thing about this microphone is, it can be used in indoor studios as well.
The microphone has bass roll-off, the presence of boost control, a pop filter, and an internal shock. This makes them decent enough for vocal and instrument recordings as well.
As for its main job, live performance, it delivers an amazing sound that is rich, neutral, and natural. The distortions that you get with regular microphones are practically non-existent.
Furthermore, it can capture low frequencies as well, and that too with clarity which is not something one often sees in dynamic microphones. Plus, the frequencies are well balanced which means you will no longer have a shallow or weak sound.
The bottom line is, both the Rode NT1 and Shure SM7B deliver what they promise. However, you have to make sure that you are getting the right microphone for the given job.
Targeted Audience – Shure SM7B vs Rode NT1
It is obvious from the performance and designs that both these microphones serve a different audience. The Shure SM7b, being a dynamic microphone, has capability to capture loud and high-frequency sounds with ease.
Thus, it is the microphone that would be ideal for people who want to record loud instruments like drums or want to perform live on stage.
The Rode NT1, on the other hand, is a dynamic microphone. Thus, it is much more capable than Shure SM7b when it comes to recording low-frequency sounds.
The clarity and details that you would get in this microphone at low frequency are unreal and unmatchable. Thus, this is what makes it ideal for vocalists, voiceover artists, and musicians who want to record low-frequency instruments.
Frequency Response – Shure SM7B vs Rode NT1
As it is evident from the Shure sm7b vs Rode Nt1 comparison table the frequency range is different for both microphones. However, it should not come as a surprise as it has been mentioned several times in the Shure SM7b vs Rode NT1 comparison that both have different roles to serve.
The Rode NT1’s range starts from 20Hz which means it can catch much low-frequency sound. The Shure SM7b stands at 50 Hz which does not seem a lot on paper but is a very different practice. The circuitry also plays a major role in it which is why even though the maximum range of both microphones is the same, the response would be much different.
With that being said, the response at each frequency is pretty flat with minimal fluctuation in both microphones. However, the type of response varies at high and low frequencies, which as mentioned above in sm7b vs nt1 is expected.
Polar Pattern – SM7B vs NT1
The polar Pattern is what determines which part of the microphone is actively capturing the sound. Both of these microphones use cardioid or omnidirectional polar patterns. This essentially means that only one part of the microphone can capture the sound.
Thus, the sound from the surroundings would not be able to make it into either of these microphones. Consequently, the audio would be free of noise or any other interference.
This type of polar pattern is a common occurrence when it comes to condenser microphones but is pretty rare for dynamic mics. Thus, one must give credit to Shure’s team for crafting such a design.
Things can get pretty loud in the live atmosphere which is where this polar pattern would come into play. Regardless of how loud the audience is, the microphone would not allow the noise to make it into it. Thus, even in all the loudness, the audio would be as clear as you can get.
One drawback of such a pattern is that you always have to make sure that the sound source is projected in the right direction. This is not an issue for recording in studios but for a person performing life, this can be quite challenging. However, the benefits it provides are far greater than the cons which is why it should not be of any concern.
Impedance – SM7b vs NT1 Review
Impedance is the resistance the microphone provides to the circuit it is attached to. This essentially determines how long wire can you use with the microphone without distorting the audio. It is not a big deal for condenser mics as one does not move them a lot. However, it is of great significance when it comes to dynamic microphones.
When you look at the table above in the SM7b vs NT1 review, you would see that Shure poses higher resistance than Rode. This is surprising as dynamic microphones are supposed to have low impendence.
Anyhow, it is not that big of a deal as even with this impedance you would be able to use quite a large cable. However, it is the point where SM7b takes the beating from NT1.
MAX SPL – Rode NT1 vs SM7B
Maximum SPL is what defines the maximum loudness a microphone can capture without distorting it. As is evident from the discussion above in Rode NT vs SM7B the latter is much more capable of recording loud sounds. Hence, the max SPL of SM7B is also higher than that of NT1.
This again affirms the point that the Shure SM7B is capable of recording much louder sounds. Thus, it makes an ideal microphone for recording really loud musical instruments and for performances on the stage.
The maximum SPL of NT1 is also quite decent but it clearly lags behind when you compare it with the SM7B. Thus, you would be able to record instruments like violin or acoustic guitar with ease but would not be able to record louder sounds.
Connector Type – SM7B vs NT1 Comparison
These microphones are of premier quality which you must have guessed by now after the discussion in SM7B vs NT1 Comparison. And like any premier or top-tier microphone, they have an XLR connector. This connector is ideal because pretty much all the accessories or the components in the studio and on stage use the same port.
Thus, you would not have to use extra adapters which can compromise the quality of audio they provide.
Price – Shure SM7B vs NT1
Shure SM7B costs around 400 USD while the NT1 comes at around 200 USD. The price difference between the two is quite since both of these are fundamentally different and one cannot really compare their prices. However, what we can say is that the investment on either of these mics mentioned in Shure SM7B vs NT1 is a decent one. And you would not regret spending these bucks on them.
Top Picks | Shure SM7b vs Rode NT1
| Microphone | Features | Ratings on Amazon |
| Rode NT1 USB Condenser | Type: Condenser Polar Pattern: Cardioid Connectivity: USB | 4.7 / 5 |
Shure SM7B XLR Dynamic | Type: Dynamic Polar Pattern: Cardioid Connectivity: XLR | 4.8 / 5 |
Conclusion – SM7b vs Rode NT1 Comparison
The bottom line of the SM7b vs Rode NT1 Comparison is that both these microphones belong in the high tier. The performances are impressive and one gets full value out of them.
However, the microphones are fundamentally different and so are their applications. Thus, one must be aware of their strong and weak suits before making the purchase.
This is all that we had on Shure SM7b vs Rode NT1. We hope this has answered all your queries on Shure SM7b vs Rode NT1. However, if you have anything to add or ask let us know in the given section.
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