Microphones are some of the most needed devices nowadays, and because there are many of them, it is a struggle to find the right one, especially for some leading brands like Audio Technica and Shure.
Audio Technica AT2020 vs. Shure SM7B! Who are these microphones? Which one is better? To find the answers to these questions and other detailed information, stick to the end of this article! Let’s start!
Key Takeaways
- Audio Technica and Shure are the most potent names for microphones!
- AT2020 is a cardioid condenser microphone; meanwhile, Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone. It is the main difference they have.
- Audio Technica AT2020 and Shure SM7B microphones offer the same connection via an XLR cable.
- The frequency response is one of the things that make these microphones differ a lot!
Meet the Microphones
The first thing I would like to mention is a complete overview of these two great microphones from Audio Technica and Shure. Let me introduce you to AT2020 and SM7B!
Audio Technica AT2020
As you may know, Audio Technica is one of the most famous names regarding audio devices, and there’s no doubt that this brand would bring a great microphone, just like Audio Technica AT2020.
Audio Technica AT2020 is a microphone that is used for different purposes, meaning that it has a versatile use. You will find AT2020 in various recording studios in use by professionals and in-home reproduction of sound.
It has a great connection; after all, it offers a good pick-up of voice and excellent sound quality, which is the essential thing you need.
Key Specifications
- Type: Cardioid Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level: 20 dB
- Impedance: 100 Ohms
- Sensitivity: -37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V @ 1Pa
- Connection: Wired XLR
- Color: Black + White
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 9.6 x 2.6 inches
- Weight: 1.32 pounds
Shure SM7B
Another great name in the world of microphones is Shure, mainly known for its perfect launch, Shure SM7B.
This microphone is the one that you will see hanging around with celebrities, and again, Shure SM7B is found in different recording studios and for personal purposes as well.
From its design to the supreme sound quality, this microphone is able to provide you with everything that one can search for from a microphone. You can be more than sure that the Shure SM7B microphone is there for you for any usage.
Key Specifications
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level:
- Impedance: 150 Ohms
- Sensitivity: -59 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz
- Connection: Wired XLR
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 13.3 x 7.2 x 4.8 inches
- Weight: 2.03 pounds
Audio Technica AT2020 Vs. Shure SM7B – The Main Comparison
Now that you have some of the main ideas about these two perfect microphones, I would like to make a detailed comparison of them. Let us go through some of the main characteristics and differences between Audio Technica AT2020 and Shure SM7B.
What microphones are they? – Type
The main and most important thing that these two microphones differ in is the part of the type. You will find Audio Technica AT2020 as a cardioid condenser microphone. Meanwhile, Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone.
Basically, AT2020, as a cardioid condenser microphone, works with the help of a metal diaphragm and a metal element. It works with vibrations of sound waves and electrical currents.
On the other hand, Shure SM7B, a dynamic microphone, works by electronic signals with the help of electromagnetism. There is the transparent membrane, the wire coil, and a permanent magnet.
You can be more than sure that the differences between the type of microphones don’t show whether one is better than the other. Instead, each type is excellent on its own.
How do they look? – Design and Build Quality
First, these two microphones differ a lot in design part, but they both look perfect and give a sturdy look. Both AT2020 and Shure SM7B come covered in black, but when it comes to other choices, you have the AT2020 in white as well.
Audio Technica AT2020 comes with a metal grille on the top part, and Shure SM7B comes with a windscreen, which is one of the first noticeable differences.
As for the building part, these two microphones are made of solid materials, as AT2020 includes metal on its build, and Shure SM7B is made of stainless steel. Yet again, you know that metal is way stronger than stainless steel, and when it comes to durability, you will have the AT2020 microphone as the long-lasting one.
How to connect them? – Connectivity and Compatibility
Even though there is no difference in the connection part, it is vital to mention how you can connect these two microphones. It is important to know that both AT2020 and Shure SM7B are microphones that come with an XLR cable used to connect to computers, audio interfaces, or any amplifier with the XLR plug on them.
How do they pick up voices? – Polar Pattern and Background Noise
The polar pattern f a microphone is something very important that everybody should have in mind. AT2020 and Shure SM7B are the same in voice pick-up, as they own a unidirectional polar pattern. This means that this microphone picks up the voice in only one direction, and it assures that you should place it in front of you, turned exactly on the part in which it picks up the voice, mostly on the front.
If you are worried about background noise, there is something that you should know. Shure SM7B works with Air Suspension Shock Isolation and a Pop Filter which will be your biggest helpers in fully eliminating background noise that you may find yourself in any environment. AT2020 isn’t the best microphone for eliminating noise, only offering you to rely on the unidirectional polar pattern.
How do they perform? – Sound Quality
Here we are at the essential part that you should know about these two microphones: how they will deliver the sound and the whole audio quality in them.
You can check out the sound’s quality only by checking these microphones’ frequency response. Audio Technica AT2020 has a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, and Shure SM7B has a frequency range of 50Hz – 20kHz. The comparison of the frequency response shows that the AT2020 microphone is better on mids and highs, especially lows. Shure SM7B hasn’t got the best low frequencies of sound.
Overall, these two microphones sound good! However, the Shure SM7B is known for its smooth and warm sound that it provides the users with. AT2020 is stronger, more transparent, and precise enough for everything.
Final Words
After a long talk, we are at the end of today’s article and the final part of the comparison between Audio Technica AT2020 and Shure SM7B.
I know that choosing a microphone isn’t the easiest thing in the whole world, but when you have two microphones from which you have to decide, things become a bit complicated.
Audio Technica AT2020 and Shure SM7B are unique microphones that will help you in many fields. However, if you check out their differences in the sound quality and the background noise, you will find out that there is not found a specific winner, as one of them is better at frequencies meanwhile the other deals better with noise.
I hope this article includes everything you need to know about AT2020 vs. SM7B!
Further Reading
You can read some more fascinating blogs.
how to test a subwoofer, for instance, if you have any doubts. In addition, a guide showing step-by-step how to reset a Vizio soundbar is provided.
If your headphones have static noise make sure you check, this blog to find out how to fix it.
Sound Artist
I’m a Sound Artist creating immersive sonic experiences. I turn everyday objects into music, turning the mundane into something marvellous!
