I just got into this stuff a couple of weeks ago, and I have learned so much about microphones. Now onto interfaces and preamps. I have no idea what these things are! Educate me, Sound Gods!!!
I watched this video years ago, and im still coming back to it. I used my Procaster for 4 years now, and today I ordered the Broadcaster. Im soooo excited!
The reason the SM7B sounds muffled "like it has a veil over it" is because it does! That black foam windscreen (even the thinner one) is quite substantial and with it secured by the black ring at the base it significantly degrades the sound. Taking off the foam transforms the SM7B into a different mic, with noticeably better clarity and definition across the spectrum. More presence and air, and yes, a bit more sibilant, but overall a distinctly cleaner sound. Looks a little odd at first. Put a decent pop filter in front of a foamless SM7B and see what you think. - And a huge Thank You! for generously producing and sharing these videos. You are coaching and mentoring an enormous number of people who use voice in a diversity of personal and professional pursuits.
For radio (or podcasts) that hypes the high mids with multiband compressors a lot that veil is will actual help a ton. But for regular spoken voice I agree, get a nylon popfilter for that thing. It's beautiful.
Exactly the sound of the SM7b sounds like it is in a closet ..... take any condenser mic put a fat thick windscreen leave some air space and you sound similar to the sm7b.... BUT you don't look as cool.....
It is funny because this video made me decide years ago to go for that Broadcaster mic. Doing so much voiceover work with it now days for radio imaging, it is absolutely perfect.
Agreed. I have a Broadcaster and an SM7B myself and sound/tone-wise the RODE is superior across the board, except it's a little less forgiving in untreated rooms being a condenser and it's a little more plosive than the 7B.
@THEDDTinc. NEW the Broadcaster has a certain richness that my RE20 doesn't have, but what I will say is this, the RE20 kinda has the sound I wanted in my head (that awesome radio sound but not too much boom and sizzle). I haven't compared the the RE320 with the Broadcaster though, which is probably a better comparison given the RE20 is a little more expensive again the the Broadcaster and RE320. With all that said: my favourite mic is my Rode NTG-3 Shotgun mic :-)
@THEDDTinc. NEW my recommendation these days would be the RE20 or if you wanted something a little cheaper and slightly higher output RE320. They're so versatile and sound fantastic. The RODE NTG-3 sounds best on my voice, because my voice doesn't have a lot of low and mid-bass, and the NTG-3 helps me in that range. If you already have a deeper voice, or you're recording in a space with a lot of standing bass waves, I'd avoid going with a shotgun mic. Just my opinion.
@@JoshuaCListon Is the Broadcaster also good for other applications other than Voice, like how the SM7B works very nice on Guitar cabs, Bass Cabs, Drums etc
Wow! In flat mode, just listening on my car speakers, the Rode impressed me. When all the switches on the SM7B were engaged, it sounded off. I cranked the speakers on the Sure and did hear some noise that wasn't evident in the Rode. This has once again confirmed my decision that if I need a front address mic in the future, it will more than likely be an EV RE series or, now, a Rode Broadcaster. Thanks Mike! Always a great educational video that saves tons of time and money.
Mike, you're one of the best channels that I use as a reference to choose or decide, and I always refer my voice-over friends to see your videos when they ask me " which mic to buy" , respect
Thank you. I will be buying a Rode Broadcaster for my main channel (not this one), I do youtube tuition and I really like the proximity effect on the broadcaster. Also in some countries the broadcaster is used in most radio stations.
Great video, thank you. I ran through the comments and it seems to me that nobody mentioned that the indicator light can be switched on/off through two additional pins of the XLR connector of the Broadcaster. Broadcast consoles usually has this feature of controlling an on air lamp via dedicated contacts. When said additional pins of the XLR connector of the microphone is not used, the LED can simply indicate the presence of phantom power. Please note that muting a microphone on a mixer will not switch off the phantom power since even several seconds are required to polarize a condenser when the phantom power arrives and usually one does not have time to wait for the microphone to be ready when unmuted.
Nice comparison. As much as the SM7B has a solid reputation, I'm sat here with a decent pair of headphones on and the Rode is my preference. It may be a little more fatiguing to listen to over a long duration as it is a little bright but it really sounds sweet and rich. It suits your voice.
Yes, SM7B is more like sound in a can, and lack of presence, a little bit boost of mid-range in a not-so-good way(sound for me, haven't seen its freq. map). I am fan of both company, I have Shuer SM58 & Super55, also have RODE NT1 & NT2000 & M5 Pair, but IMO, for song & voice-over recording I choose RODE, for Live or other noise enviroment performing Shuer is the only option. I used to work at a traditional FM station(in China) several years ago, they used 4 RODE Broadcasters and a pair of Dynaudio LYD8 monitor, the sound just tight and punchy and powerful, so now I am considering for buy one(Broadcaster). and at last and the most important, this is a very good comparision, THANK YOU!
Love my SM7B. The Broadcaster sounds nice, but in less than ideal environments, condensor mics can sound far more noisy than dynamic. And a solid preamp will take care of any noise concerns. My SM7B sings with the Grace M101 preamp running into an Audient ID22 (passthrough.)
We have Rode Broadcasters in our Radio Suites at the University for training Broadcast Radio Journalist. Great to learn the proximity effect is enhanced the closer you get. Great comparison review. Thank you.
The Rode broadcaster is a great mic and has no gain issues. The presence or what I call sparkle in the top end is awesome and I do get up on my broadcaster as it produces a very rich sound with presence. The sm7b has always sounded dull and dark to me. Love to see you put the CAD 100s up against this rode broadcaster. My voice like yours always sounds better on a condenser mic. Much more articulate.
Pretty much the results that I got when I compared my new Broadcaster to my SM7b. It's also has much less self-noise (at least with the signal chain I'm running). Thanks for the awesome vids Mike!
Would love it if, somewhere down the line Mike would get the opportunity to throw the Rode Procaster at the Shure SM7B. Basically I want a dynamic mic, but this price point is a little too high for me. But, obviously, I think that these mics are the quality I do want. So if the Procaster stands up, that might be the one for me.
Excellent video as usual. Most anyone I've talked to about the SM7B, including producers at the radio stations I work with (and I use their SM7B's as well in their studios) all recommend using a Cloud Lifter or a FetHead with it because it's so quiet. Factory specs say requires minimum 70 dB of gain but 90 is optimal. Wondering if you ever use such an add-on with it to pump up it's performance. Keep up the great work!
Hey Mike, thanks for this comparison. The SM7B is great, but people need to know just how many other mics out there compete with it at lower price points. I was wondering if you would consider doing a video about phase cancellation. I have tons of issues monitoring my voice while recording with my voice and the headphone monitor phase cancelling each other, which makes it really hard to listen to myself talk for extended periods of time. Is there anything I can do about it? Thanks again.
Listening to this with my Sennheiser HD280 Pro, the Rode sounds better on your voice, its brighter and clearer and I quite like the sound. With the Shure, when you put the presence boost on, it seemed to just boost the high frequencies and cut all the bass and I would have liked more bass than that and with the bass roll off on, it sounded too thin to me.I don't normally like the sound of Rode mics, but that is quite a good sounding mic.
Wow, after hearing this comparison, I'm confused why the SM7b is still seen as like a "standard"... The Broadcaster sounds WAY better to my ear. You're totally right about the SM7b's "presence" boost. It sounds more like a mid/high-mid boost. Like it adds more nasal tones with a bit of brightness. Kind of like the sound of a phone call... The Broadcaster just sounds so much more crisp and clear while still keeping that low end that people like in a voiceover/radio/podcast mic sound. Maybe the SM7 is just one of those things that stays around because it's been around. People see it a lot, so they think of it as "the radio mic", so then they get one, which makes more people see it etc etc etc. It's like how people think things like Beats headphones are good because they see famous/rich people with them. Definitely considering picking up a Broadcaster now!
I've been using a Rode Procaster for a little over a year now and I've absolutely love it, but I've been thinking about picking up an SM7B as well. Now, you have me thinking that I like the Rode Broadcaster a little better.
Mike, I have used you videos many times to help other You Tubers and Twitch gamers to decide on a mic. You videos are informative and in depth yet fun to watch. I now have a request. Can you review some mics that can be used on cameras like a DSLR and can also be used on a stand for podcasting and vlogs? A dual use mic would be very helpful to many of us. Thanks! And keep up the great work.
That's why many radios use Røde Broadcaster, not Shure SM7B. (By the way, i saw one radio that they used Shure and then they changed into Røde Bradcaster)
I've watched most of your great videos (some of them several times), but I never left a comment. This is the first time... The information you share is always helpful. Your voice is so relaxing (sometimes your videos play in my headphone in the background while I'm coding my games). I'd love to make my room isolated from the noisy neighborhood and noise cancellation headphone helps, but still doesn't let me work and record in quiet :P I've checked your kits, along with several other websites and videos about how to make a sound proof room or booth. But most of them are just acoustic treatments, and not real sound proofing. Is there a way I can make a silent booth? minimum of 2m x 2m ? ... Whisperroom is super duper expensive and I'm not even considering. Thanks again for the great work you do. You've made improvements in our lives! :)
Brilliant video Mike. The broadcaster sounds absolutely phenomenal. Real quandary because I was thinking about investing in the SM7b but may have to save a little more for the Rode.
I looked at just about every mic I could find a review for that was in my price range, and there are several out there that I thought would really work for me, but not gonna lie, the look of the SM7B did have something to do with me picking it.
I have a $500 price range. Mostly doing voice-overs and some podcast. I want a mic that has the proximity effect as well and I do not want to add any after effects to it. What mic do I get?
Explore with Rick i think, you should buy Røde Broadcaster because you are going to save money (idk like 80 dollars) and then you can think about pre-amps, compressors and etc.
Like, I have Røde Broadcaster and i'm loving it, The Microphone's sound is rich and when i'm listening to myself, i feel so good, but it's your choice.
Rode Broadcaster all the way! It’s what I use on my show. Up close and personal and the sound is amazing. Great comparison! I’ve often wondered. But I am a huge RODE Fan! Thanks again. 👽
Explore with Rick That’s kinda what we do at Paranormal Analytical for Radio and Facebook. The Rode Broadcaster is just awesome. The SM7B is great, but I just prefer the RODE.
Explore with Rick I use the Yamaha MG10XU on the show and it works great. You can find them around $160. The good thing about the RODE, you don't have to drive your pre-amps to hard. The SM7B you will be pushing it to the limits and still have to work on it in Post.
This guy has a very cool voice i have to say. Wow! So, as an owner of the broadcaster, in my opinion it sounds just way better than the SM7B in direct comparison
I used it for 2 years, I sold it a month ago and that I realized the mistake, I sold it much lower than our market ($ 220), new ones in the store ~ $ 600, they took it in 4 hours, I didn’t even have time to change my mind))) Now I’m sorry, because the room naked, and he worked perfectly in an empty room ...
so glad i found you!!!!!!!!!!!! I love your channel and content, so helpful to see someone with your passion reviewing all these mics! i been working with a blue yeti because i didn't want to invest before i knew what i was doing and im at a point where i need an actually good mic. thank you for these videos! so much!
I used it with a roadcaster 1) Already switched to more serious equipment, a ua610 tube preamp and a rare altair cn220 radium compressor / gate (500 € 2001, already vintage)
Love your videos. What would you suggest as a good microphone for a female voice podcaster and live social media broadcaster? I am using a cheap usb microphone right now and am upgrading.
Thank you Mike. I prefer the Rode as I found to be, to my ear, more alive. Shure is lazy and I am waiting for it to deliver. For me, it does not. Shure is less present; I have to work for Shure to listen to and get the feeling. Rode is effortless for me. Then again, the sound is such a personal thing and I am glad we have choices to get exactly the effect we think we like. Give Shure "the bean" and it starts the wind and sticks up the joint.....smiles.
Hi Mike, great video, thank you! A question: what are the benefits of the low-cut buttons on these mics, over just cutting out the low end via EQ in post?
Dude, I love your intros, they crack me up...glad to hear your A/C is back. Question, can you use phantom power with the Dynamic Shure or would it damage it?
Mr. Booth Junkie, I have a question for you since you seem to be an expert on microphones. What microphone would you recommend for a professional podcast? My issue is that I live next to a noisy street and even with acoustic treatment you can still hear cars in the background. I need one that is very good at cancelling background noise. I'm looking for something around $500 range. Any advice from you would be greatly appreciated.
I used it for 2 years, I sold it a month ago and that I realized the mistake, I sold it much lower than our market ($ 220), new ones in the store ~ $ 600, they took it in 4 hours, I didn’t even have time to change my mind))) Now I’m sorry, because the room naked, and he worked perfectly in an empty room ...
Broadcaster has a higher pitch, though SM7B has a deepness, smoothness and richness to it I like. Broadcaster is a good mic, but I would personally go for the Shure
im not sure whether it's condenser or dynamic. i feel like sm7b is better for purposes i would use a dynamic mic for. and if i wanted more higher pitches, i would use a condenser rather than a broadcasting mic.
Hi Mike. Thanks for the review I have both and love them. But a 3 way comparison try the Sennheiser MD421. Or 4 way Electrovoice 320. Or 5 way. No stop it. Love the videos Mike.
I'm a HUGE fan of yours and a big fan of Rode mics... Thank you for another great video! I agree with most folks here - I think the Broadcaster sounds better on your voice (which is very similar to my own)
The broadcaster works perfectly fine without a cloudlifter, so its a cheaper option. Also some people complain that even with the cloudlifter the audio sounds disappointing, not only few are having this issue.
I have had a broadcaster for 2 years already, the lows were initially cut there, I compared it with the nt1000 (they have the same capsules), but it worked fine for me with a bass-baritone, there is no booming like on most microphones. im use him with ua610 preamp
This video was perfect timing for me. I have a CAD E100, but I was getting some background hiss, so I bought an SM7B last night. I also already own a fetthead to boost the gain, but I was hoping to eliminate any background noise. I am about to try it. :) Any other dynamic mics in this class I could look into?
The CAD E100 is supposed to be a super quiet mic. So you probably have some room noise. OR you could think about upgrading your preamps on your interface, they could be introducing that hiss you are talking about. My guess is your preamp or interface is introducing the hiss....
Hi Mike, would you compare the Broadcaster to the other classics (mk 416 and tlm 103), because I think we all noticed how well the broadcaster sounded with your voice here.
I love you videos Mike! I learned a ton about mics and audio gear and voice over work in general from you. Keep it up! As for these two, I prefer the SM7B. I just prefer dynamics in general. Thanks again!
So, just to clarify, the SM7B doesn't require phantom power since it's a dynamic mic right? Also, one other question sir, if you can't afford the neccessary accessories for an XLR mic, are there any USB microphones that you could recommend? Or, at the very least, are there any USB microphones that you don't hate?
I’ve picked up a Focusrite 6i6 Gen 1 in preparation for the shure sm7b. I understand that I will need a Cloudlifter if I want to get a clean gain, but can the microphone be used temporarily without the Cloudlifter?
My need is voice over and online conferences such as zoom meeting etc. And, I am thinking of buying SM7B. Is it a good choice as per my need or I need road broadcaster? Pls respond if you can.
Just about any cheap mic is find of zoom and conferencing. really. now, if you want to do voice over - that is an entirely different level. What mic to get? The combo of your budget and target audience will determine the range of mic, but the following topics will help define which mic in a range, and where to use it. Learn the following; * the difference between sound isolation, and absorption and why they matter. * what is a noise floor * what a frequency response curve is, and why it is important * the difference between dynamic and a condenser mic. That research will help a lot on any mic questions - and answer you next 10 questions as well.
lol, CONGRATS on the AC! And thank you for your videos. You are an inspiration and a joy. And no, I'm not joking. I'm actually serious. Awesome job man, awesome job.
Hey! Thanks a bunch for all the great videos... one question if I may: my sm7b is hissing and I can't find the reason... any idea?? I have a fethead plugged straight into the sm7b and it runs into a new focusrite scarlett solo... this is so frustrating
Mike I was gonna ask you a question in regards to the Broadcaster mic. I use the Broadcaster and different people from time to time will co-host with me and they sit opposite, the other mic is a Shure sm58. My question is that I have mic bleed. Which mic would be the culprit as mic bleed is aweful. Is it the sm58 picking my vocals up when I talk on my Broadcaster? If anyone else knows they can chime in on this.
If anything, the Broadcaster has the worse front/back ratio. Sounds like you may have acoustic issues. Make sure mic distance is kept relatively low (like what you see in this video), keep mics apart as far as possible, and try not to have any mic face an untreated wall straight on (but rather always at an angle closer to 45°). Also double-check your electronics just in case. How much bleed from one into the other are you seeing anyway? I would try shooting for maybe 40 dB below wanted signal, that seems quite realistic.
PileOfEmptyTapes I'll check all that when I get home. Directly behind me is a wall of board games would that be damaging to my sound. The other mic is far away for it not to be too much of an issue maybe 2.5 feet
Would love to see a collaboration with Podcastage. Think it would be both interesting & entertaining. A christmas special rounding up the years mic releases and their favourites would be an example.
I had SM7B, Its was good, but like your said you need to crank up the gain. When I had at 7+ on my soundcard, it made some hiss sound that I had eq alot of songs. So after couple of years, I sold it. Its good for broadcast. But it gave me alot of headache, because I record it. I had to eq alot, to sounded great. My other phantom power of my neumann u87 copy, which is jjlabs bmc3 which look like an black version of u87, which is much better sound wise then my SM7B. If you ever buy an SM7B, you need like he said an cloudlifter.
If you want these videos to give us a certain idea of quality, please I ask you to modulate the audio to the video as high as possible without distortion. Thank you.
He says it "sounds really good for an end address broadcast microphone" Is this a dig? I'm not super familiar with microphones but are end address broadcast microhpones not considered good?
Man if i had the money the sm76(b?) sounds so nice and clean to me. oh well, cheap usb mic works fine for my taste. no pro, just hobby. cheers, keep 'em coming.
what is your exact setup? I use a procaster + cloudlifter+scarlet solo but when I want the volume to be high enough at about 60% gain on the scarlet it starts getting distorted
No Mike. Thank YOU for making the videos!
Podcastage and this....are fantastic resources...and create audio addictions. A good thing
My two favorite channels for all things microphones! Podcastage and Booth Junkie, thank you both!
I just got into this stuff a couple of weeks ago, and I have learned so much about microphones. Now onto interfaces and preamps. I have no idea what these things are! Educate me, Sound Gods!!!
Podcaststage and Booth Junkie are my top two goto Audio channels. I learn so much from you two!
@Elchanan I FEEL the love. 🤜🤛
That broadcaster just sounds phenomenal.
I watched this video years ago, and im still coming back to it.
I used my Procaster for 4 years now, and today I ordered the Broadcaster.
Im soooo excited!
You like it? :)
The reason the SM7B sounds muffled "like it has a veil over it" is because it does! That black foam windscreen (even the thinner one) is quite substantial and with it secured by the black ring at the base it significantly degrades the sound. Taking off the foam transforms the SM7B into a different mic, with noticeably better clarity and definition across the spectrum. More presence and air, and yes, a bit more sibilant, but overall a distinctly cleaner sound. Looks a little odd at first. Put a decent pop filter in front of a foamless SM7B and see what you think. - And a huge Thank You! for generously producing and sharing these videos. You are coaching and mentoring an enormous number of people who use voice in a diversity of personal and professional pursuits.
For radio (or podcasts) that hypes the high mids with multiband compressors a lot that veil is will actual help a ton.
But for regular spoken voice I agree, get a nylon popfilter for that thing. It's beautiful.
But that windscreen does a hell of a job in preventing closest and curbing sibilants making the mic sound super smooth without ever feeling fatiguing.
Exactly the sound of the SM7b sounds like it is in a closet ..... take any condenser mic put a fat thick windscreen leave some air space and you sound similar to the sm7b.... BUT you don't look as cool.....
It is funny because this video made me decide years ago to go for that Broadcaster mic. Doing so much voiceover work with it now days for radio imaging, it is absolutely perfect.
Wow, sounds like that Broadcaster is better for your voice in just about every setting you compared. I really dig the sound of that one! :)
Agreed. I have a Broadcaster and an SM7B myself and sound/tone-wise the RODE is superior across the board, except it's a little less forgiving in untreated rooms being a condenser and it's a little more plosive than the 7B.
@THEDDTinc. NEW the Broadcaster has a certain richness that my RE20 doesn't have, but what I will say is this, the RE20 kinda has the sound I wanted in my head (that awesome radio sound but not too much boom and sizzle). I haven't compared the the RE320 with the Broadcaster though, which is probably a better comparison given the RE20 is a little more expensive again the the Broadcaster and RE320. With all that said: my favourite mic is my Rode NTG-3 Shotgun mic :-)
@THEDDTinc. NEW my recommendation these days would be the RE20 or if you wanted something a little cheaper and slightly higher output RE320. They're so versatile and sound fantastic. The RODE NTG-3 sounds best on my voice, because my voice doesn't have a lot of low and mid-bass, and the NTG-3 helps me in that range. If you already have a deeper voice, or you're recording in a space with a lot of standing bass waves, I'd avoid going with a shotgun mic. Just my opinion.
@@JoshuaCListon Is the Broadcaster also good for other applications other than Voice, like how the SM7B works very nice on Guitar cabs, Bass Cabs, Drums etc
Wow! In flat mode, just listening on my car speakers, the Rode impressed me. When all the switches on the SM7B were engaged, it sounded off. I cranked the speakers on the Sure and did hear some noise that wasn't evident in the Rode.
This has once again confirmed my decision that if I need a front address mic in the future, it will more than likely be an EV RE series or, now, a Rode Broadcaster.
Thanks Mike! Always a great educational video that saves tons of time and money.
Shure
That Broadcaster is really impressive! I don't think I've ever heard one before, I'd totally consider getting one myself one day.
Definitely an awesome mic and it works with just a normal interface.
Mike, you're one of the best channels that I use as a reference to choose or decide, and I always refer my voice-over friends to see your videos when they ask me " which mic to buy" , respect
Thank you. I will be buying a Rode Broadcaster for my main channel (not this one), I do youtube tuition and I really like the proximity effect on the broadcaster. Also in some countries the broadcaster is used in most radio stations.
Great video, thank you. I ran through the comments and it seems to me that nobody mentioned that the indicator light can be switched on/off through two additional pins of the XLR connector of the Broadcaster. Broadcast consoles usually has this feature of controlling an on air lamp via dedicated contacts. When said additional pins of the XLR connector of the microphone is not used, the LED can simply indicate the presence of phantom power. Please note that muting a microphone on a mixer will not switch off the phantom power since even several seconds are required to polarize a condenser when the phantom power arrives and usually one does not have time to wait for the microphone to be ready when unmuted.
Nice comparison. As much as the SM7B has a solid reputation, I'm sat here with a decent pair of headphones on and the Rode is my preference. It may be a little more fatiguing to listen to over a long duration as it is a little bright but it really sounds sweet and rich. It suits your voice.
The broadcaster works best for your voice in my opinion.
Yes, SM7B is more like sound in a can, and lack of presence, a little bit boost of mid-range in a not-so-good way(sound for me, haven't seen its freq. map). I am fan of both company, I have Shuer SM58 & Super55, also have RODE NT1 & NT2000 & M5 Pair, but IMO, for song & voice-over recording I choose RODE, for Live or other noise enviroment performing Shuer is the only option. I used to work at a traditional FM station(in China) several years ago, they used 4 RODE Broadcasters and a pair of Dynaudio LYD8 monitor, the sound just tight and punchy and powerful, so now I am considering for buy one(Broadcaster). and at last and the most important, this is a very good comparision, THANK YOU!
Love my SM7B. The Broadcaster sounds nice, but in less than ideal environments, condensor mics can sound far more noisy than dynamic. And a solid preamp will take care of any noise concerns. My SM7B sings with the Grace M101 preamp running into an Audient ID22 (passthrough.)
We have Rode Broadcasters in our Radio Suites at the University for training Broadcast Radio Journalist. Great to learn the proximity effect is enhanced the closer you get. Great comparison review. Thank you.
Thanks Mike! I came here because l had a crappy USB mic. I learnt from you, bought my Rode mic and keep watching because you're a legend.
The Rode broadcaster is a great mic and has no gain issues. The presence or what I call sparkle in the top end is awesome and I do get up on my broadcaster as it produces a very rich sound with presence. The sm7b has always sounded dull and dark to me. Love to see you put the CAD 100s up against this rode broadcaster. My voice like yours always sounds better on a condenser mic. Much more articulate.
Pretty much the results that I got when I compared my new Broadcaster to my SM7b. It's also has much less self-noise (at least with the signal chain I'm running). Thanks for the awesome vids Mike!
Would love it if, somewhere down the line Mike would get the opportunity to throw the Rode Procaster at the Shure SM7B. Basically I want a dynamic mic, but this price point is a little too high for me. But, obviously, I think that these mics are the quality I do want. So if the Procaster stands up, that might be the one for me.
10:12 "The Broadcaster" :) Nice proximity effect there.
Just can't beat that warm, smooth, slightly compressed sound of the SM7B.
Excellent video as usual. Most anyone I've talked to about the SM7B, including producers at the radio stations I work with (and I use their SM7B's as well in their studios) all recommend using a Cloud Lifter or a FetHead with it because it's so quiet. Factory specs say requires minimum 70 dB of gain but 90 is optimal. Wondering if you ever use such an add-on with it to pump up it's performance.
Keep up the great work!
The answer is, yes
ruclips.net/video/VlCIZ60NCfk/видео.html
Yes Mike, thank you! We're grateful for you. Great stuff, keep on rollin!
Hey Mike, thanks for this comparison. The SM7B is great, but people need to know just how many other mics out there compete with it at lower price points.
I was wondering if you would consider doing a video about phase cancellation. I have tons of issues monitoring my voice while recording with my voice and the headphone monitor phase cancelling each other, which makes it really hard to listen to myself talk for extended periods of time. Is there anything I can do about it?
Thanks again.
Listening to this with my Sennheiser HD280 Pro, the Rode sounds better on your voice, its brighter and clearer and I quite like the sound. With the Shure, when you put the presence boost on, it seemed to just boost the high frequencies and cut all the bass and I would have liked more bass than that and with the bass roll off on, it sounded too thin to me.I don't normally like the sound of Rode mics, but that is quite a good sounding mic.
Hell yeah the two mics I have been looking for more details on, excellent!
I think your vids have taught me more than you give yourself credit for x
Think I’m gonna get myself a RODE Broadcaster. Should I get a RODE Procaster as well?
Wow, after hearing this comparison, I'm confused why the SM7b is still seen as like a "standard"... The Broadcaster sounds WAY better to my ear. You're totally right about the SM7b's "presence" boost. It sounds more like a mid/high-mid boost. Like it adds more nasal tones with a bit of brightness. Kind of like the sound of a phone call... The Broadcaster just sounds so much more crisp and clear while still keeping that low end that people like in a voiceover/radio/podcast mic sound.
Maybe the SM7 is just one of those things that stays around because it's been around. People see it a lot, so they think of it as "the radio mic", so then they get one, which makes more people see it etc etc etc. It's like how people think things like Beats headphones are good because they see famous/rich people with them. Definitely considering picking up a Broadcaster now!
I've been using a Rode Procaster for a little over a year now and I've absolutely love it, but I've been thinking about picking up an SM7B as well. Now, you have me thinking that I like the Rode Broadcaster a little better.
My goodness your voice sounds GREAT on the Broadcaster.
Mike, I have used you videos many times to help other You Tubers and Twitch gamers to decide on a mic. You videos are informative and in depth yet fun to watch.
I now have a request. Can you review some mics that can be used on cameras like a DSLR and can also be used on a stand for podcasting and vlogs? A dual use mic would be very helpful to many of us.
Thanks! And keep up the great work.
That's why many radios use Røde Broadcaster, not Shure SM7B. (By the way, i saw one radio that they used Shure and then they changed into Røde Bradcaster)
I've watched most of your great videos (some of them several times), but I never left a comment. This is the first time...
The information you share is always helpful. Your voice is so relaxing (sometimes your videos play in my headphone in the background while I'm coding my games).
I'd love to make my room isolated from the noisy neighborhood and noise cancellation headphone helps, but still doesn't let me work and record in quiet :P
I've checked your kits, along with several other websites and videos about how to make a sound proof room or booth. But most of them are just acoustic treatments, and not real sound proofing.
Is there a way I can make a silent booth? minimum of 2m x 2m ? ... Whisperroom is super duper expensive and I'm not even considering.
Thanks again for the great work you do. You've made improvements in our lives! :)
Great video, Broadcaster sounds a bit brighter , but i would buy both. Maybe using a cloudlifter in the sm7b makes a difference...
It does make a huge difference, I went form using my interface at 95% gain to get a desirable level to around 50% for the same level!
Brilliant video Mike. The broadcaster sounds absolutely phenomenal. Real quandary because I was thinking about investing in the SM7b but may have to save a little more for the Rode.
I looked at just about every mic I could find a review for that was in my price range, and there are several out there that I thought would really work for me, but not gonna lie, the look of the SM7B did have something to do with me picking it.
I have a $500 price range. Mostly doing voice-overs and some podcast. I want a mic that has the proximity effect as well and I do not want to add any after effects to it. What mic do I get?
Explore with Rick i think, you should buy Røde Broadcaster because you are going to save money (idk like 80 dollars) and then you can think about pre-amps, compressors and etc.
Armandas Gudžiūnas I don't have a sound proofing room though.
Armandas Gudžiūnas edit: I'm using final cut.
Like, I have Røde Broadcaster and i'm loving it, The Microphone's sound is rich and when i'm listening to myself, i feel so good, but it's your choice.
And i don't have sound proofing room also.
Rode Broadcaster all the way! It’s what I use on my show. Up close and personal and the sound is amazing. Great comparison! I’ve often wondered. But I am a huge RODE Fan! Thanks again. 👽
What if your telling scary stories. What mic?
Explore with Rick That’s kinda what we do at Paranormal Analytical for Radio and Facebook. The Rode Broadcaster is just awesome. The SM7B is great, but I just prefer the RODE.
What pre amp do you recommend with the road? Scarlett forcite?
@@GhostlyCop your slowly selling me on the rode. So I'm still open.
Explore with Rick I use the Yamaha MG10XU on the show and it works great. You can find them around $160. The good thing about the RODE, you don't have to drive your pre-amps to hard. The SM7B you will be pushing it to the limits and still have to work on it in Post.
Thanks for making this video, mate. That RØDE mic sounds bloody fantastic! Bravo.
“Go get a mic ... Record something amazing”
Thank you! ☺️☺️☺️ I’ve learned so much from watching your videos.
Thanks for being thankful. This and podcastage are addicting. I love it. Thanks to both of you guys for doing it!
Mike and the Mics! I love these. This is helping me decide which direction I want to go for voice acting
This guy has a very cool voice i have to say. Wow!
So, as an owner of the broadcaster, in my opinion it sounds just way better than the SM7B in direct comparison
I used it for 2 years, I sold it a month ago and that I realized the mistake, I sold it much lower than our market ($ 220), new ones in the store ~ $ 600, they took it in 4 hours, I didn’t even have time to change my mind))) Now I’m sorry, because the room naked, and he worked perfectly in an empty room ...
@@xavallpelmenbi4798 Which of them have you used and sold?
@@PixelGxming broadcaster)it is ~$400 in Europe, we have new $600+, $400 on the secondary market!!! Russia
@@xavallpelmenbi4798 Dang thats expensive
so glad i found you!!!!!!!!!!!! I love your channel and content, so helpful to see someone with your passion reviewing all these mics! i been working with a blue yeti because i didn't want to invest before i knew what i was doing and im at a point where i need an actually good mic. thank you for these videos! so much!
Thank you dude! You're really helping me get started with my career and I appreciate it.
Bonus. If you pair the Rode Broadcaster mic with a RodeCaster Pro 1 or 2 mixing board there are presets that really make the signal standout.
I used it with a roadcaster 1) Already switched to more serious equipment, a ua610 tube preamp and a rare altair cn220 radium compressor / gate (500 € 2001, already vintage)
SM7B sounds very muffled compared to the Broadcaster
Love your videos. What would you suggest as a good microphone for a female voice podcaster and live social media broadcaster? I am using a cheap usb microphone right now and am upgrading.
Mike thank you!!! Your channel taught me SOOO much, I hope my developing work is an entertaining and as uplifting as your content!
Thank you Mike. I prefer the Rode as I found to be, to my ear, more alive. Shure is lazy and I am waiting for it to deliver. For me, it does not.
Shure is less present; I have to work for Shure to listen to and get the feeling. Rode is effortless for me. Then again, the sound is such a personal thing and I am glad we have choices to get exactly the effect we think we like.
Give Shure "the bean" and it starts the wind and sticks up the joint.....smiles.
Hi Mike, great video, thank you! A question: what are the benefits of the low-cut buttons on these mics, over just cutting out the low end via EQ in post?
Big thanks to you Mike cause I have learned alot to kickstart my career in VO!
Dude, I love your intros, they crack me up...glad to hear your A/C is back. Question, can you use phantom power with the Dynamic Shure or would it damage it?
Mr. Booth Junkie, I have a question for you since you seem to be an expert on microphones. What microphone would you recommend for a professional podcast? My issue is that I live next to a noisy street and even with acoustic treatment you can still hear cars in the background. I need one that is very good at cancelling background noise. I'm looking for something around $500 range. Any advice from you would be greatly appreciated.
You might have already made a video on it, or just answered it, but is the Blue Snowball iCE worth the price or is it overpriced?
I just picked up a second hand Broadcaster. Can't wait to have a play with it!
I used it for 2 years, I sold it a month ago and that I realized the mistake, I sold it much lower than our market ($ 220), new ones in the store ~ $ 600, they took it in 4 hours, I didn’t even have time to change my mind))) Now I’m sorry, because the room naked, and he worked perfectly in an empty room ...
Broadcaster has a higher pitch, though SM7B has a deepness, smoothness and richness to it I like. Broadcaster is a good mic, but I would personally go for the Shure
The Brodcaster also sounds more sibilant.
im not sure whether it's condenser or dynamic. i feel like sm7b is better for purposes i would use a dynamic mic for. and if i wanted more higher pitches, i would use a condenser rather than a broadcasting mic.
??? ??? the broadcaster is a condenser mic.
Hi Mike. Thanks for the review
I have both and love them. But a 3 way comparison try the Sennheiser MD421. Or 4 way Electrovoice 320. Or 5 way. No stop it. Love the videos Mike.
I'm a HUGE fan of yours and a big fan of Rode mics... Thank you for another great video! I agree with most folks here - I think the Broadcaster sounds better on your voice (which is very similar to my own)
I like both of these. I need help making my decision.
The broadcaster works perfectly fine without a cloudlifter, so its a cheaper option. Also some people complain that even with the cloudlifter the audio sounds disappointing, not only few are having this issue.
@@BGfootballfan any downfalls of the road broadcaster?
Thanks for the vid Mike! A lot of drummer's are hip to SM7b for snare too.. I'd try it.
My first mic, the q2u is because of you! Thanks!
whoa the broadcaster sounds amazing! Lively Full and well balanced
Funnily enough, when you engaged the presence boost on the SM7B and the bass cut on both, they actually sounded a lot more different then before.
I have had a broadcaster for 2 years already, the lows were initially cut there, I compared it with the nt1000 (they have the same capsules), but it worked fine for me with a bass-baritone, there is no booming like on most microphones. im use him with ua610 preamp
This video was perfect timing for me. I have a CAD E100, but I was getting some background hiss, so I bought an SM7B last night. I also already own a fetthead to boost the gain, but I was hoping to eliminate any background noise. I am about to try it. :) Any other dynamic mics in this class I could look into?
I heard good things about AT BP40 and Beyerdynamic M99.
The CAD E100 is supposed to be a super quiet mic. So you probably have some room noise. OR you could think about upgrading your preamps on your interface, they could be introducing that hiss you are talking about. My guess is your preamp or interface is introducing the hiss....
Hi Mike, would you compare the Broadcaster to the other classics (mk 416 and tlm 103), because I think we all noticed how well the broadcaster sounded with your voice here.
I love you videos Mike! I learned a ton about mics and audio gear and voice over work in general from you.
Keep it up!
As for these two, I prefer the SM7B. I just prefer dynamics in general.
Thanks again!
Mike, thank YOU for making great videos. I love nerding out on this (and lots of other) stuff!
So, just to clarify, the SM7B doesn't require phantom power since it's a dynamic mic right? Also, one other question sir, if you can't afford the neccessary accessories for an XLR mic, are there any USB microphones that you could recommend? Or, at the very least, are there any USB microphones that you don't hate?
What head phones do you prefer?
That broadcaster is buttery! Narrate all the things.
Witch is the best for radio broadcasting ?
I’ve picked up a Focusrite 6i6 Gen 1 in preparation for the shure sm7b. I understand that I will need a Cloudlifter if I want to get a clean gain, but can the microphone be used temporarily without the Cloudlifter?
Your videos are great. Thank you for putting so much effort into them!
The rode really does sound amazing and I’ll probably use that. But damn it the 7b just sounds so classic.
Hey Mike thanks for your videos. All the best!
Always great watching your videos, I've learned so much! Thank YOU!
Wait, that guy from Hangover has a RUclips channel? That's great!
I love both mics but nothing is sexier than that SM7B
Mike, you're looking healthy and handsome these days. We love you.
I wish you had a video on the MXL BCD-1... Ive been looking at that because of its price compared to these 2...
My need is voice over and online conferences such as zoom meeting etc. And, I am thinking of buying SM7B. Is it a good choice as per my need or I need road broadcaster? Pls respond if you can.
Just about any cheap mic is find of zoom and conferencing. really.
now, if you want to do voice over - that is an entirely different level.
What mic to get?
The combo of your budget and target audience will determine the range of mic, but the following topics will help define which mic in a range, and where to use it.
Learn the following;
* the difference between sound isolation, and absorption and why they matter.
* what is a noise floor
* what a frequency response curve is, and why it is important
* the difference between dynamic and a condenser mic.
That research will help a lot on any mic questions - and answer you next 10 questions as well.
lol, CONGRATS on the AC!
And thank you for your videos. You are an inspiration and a joy. And no, I'm not joking. I'm actually serious.
Awesome job man, awesome job.
Hi mike, greeting from the Netherlands.
Hey! Thanks a bunch for all the great videos... one question if I may: my sm7b is hissing and I can't find the reason... any idea?? I have a fethead plugged straight into the sm7b and it runs into a new focusrite scarlett solo... this is so frustrating
Mike I was gonna ask you a question in regards to the Broadcaster mic. I use the Broadcaster and different people from time to time will co-host with me and they sit opposite, the other mic is a Shure sm58. My question is that I have mic bleed. Which mic would be the culprit as mic bleed is aweful. Is it the sm58 picking my vocals up when I talk on my Broadcaster? If anyone else knows they can chime in on this.
If anything, the Broadcaster has the worse front/back ratio. Sounds like you may have acoustic issues. Make sure mic distance is kept relatively low (like what you see in this video), keep mics apart as far as possible, and try not to have any mic face an untreated wall straight on (but rather always at an angle closer to 45°). Also double-check your electronics just in case. How much bleed from one into the other are you seeing anyway? I would try shooting for maybe 40 dB below wanted signal, that seems quite realistic.
PileOfEmptyTapes I'll check all that when I get home. Directly behind me is a wall of board games would that be damaging to my sound. The other mic is far away for it not to be too much of an issue maybe 2.5
feet
Would love to see a collaboration with Podcastage. Think it would be both interesting & entertaining. A christmas special rounding up the years mic releases and their favourites would be an example.
I come for the mics, I stay for the Mike!
#datvoice!
Love your stuff man, you're always my go to with anything audio related :)
I had SM7B, Its was good, but like your said you need to crank up the gain. When I had at 7+ on my soundcard, it made some hiss sound that I had eq alot of songs. So after couple of years, I sold it. Its good for broadcast. But it gave me alot of headache, because I record it. I had to eq alot, to sounded great. My other phantom power of my neumann u87 copy, which is jjlabs bmc3 which look like an black version of u87, which is much better sound wise then my SM7B. If you ever buy an SM7B, you need like he said an cloudlifter.
Wow, I'm amazed at how you didn't need a pop filter
I watch other videos and the plosives are present so I wonder if there is some processing or if other youtubers have scuffed their videos
@@majnu100 he's a pro.. That's all
If you want these videos to give us a certain idea of quality, please I ask you to modulate the audio to the video as high as possible without distortion. Thank you.
He says it "sounds really good for an end address broadcast microphone" Is this a dig? I'm not super familiar with microphones but are end address broadcast microhpones not considered good?
Я ждал это видео очень очень долго)))) Спасибо!)
Wow. That Rode mic sounds amazing.
Excellent review thank you for that!
Man if i had the money the sm76(b?) sounds so nice and clean to me. oh well, cheap usb mic works fine for my taste. no pro, just hobby. cheers, keep 'em coming.
what is your exact setup? I use a procaster + cloudlifter+scarlet solo but when I want the volume to be high enough at about 60% gain on the scarlet it starts getting distorted