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Experts recommend Shure SM7B more than Rode NT1

As of 3 Jan 2025, experts prefer Shure SM7B over Rode NT1, but both Microphones have solid expert endorsements.

As per this month's meta ranking, Shure SM7B received 3 recommendations: from MusicTech (6 Apr 2022), Music Radar (26 Jun 2024) and PianoDreamers (25 Jan 2023). By contrast, Rode NT1 received only 2 recommendations from PCMag (26 Nov 2024) and Music Radar (26 Jun 2024).

Rank Change Price Microphone
IGN
PCMag
MusicTech
Music Radar
PianoDreamers
PC Gamer
SoundGuys
CNN Underscored
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
8
-1 $399
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation.
-
-
10
12
8
-
-
-
-
-
16
+1 Check price
Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range, low self-noise, cardioid polar pattern, dual connectivity options, and durable construction, making it a versatile and reliable choice for recording vocals and acoustic guitars.
-
6
-
6
-
-
-
-
-
-

Curious to see this month's entire Microphones ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

Endorsement summary:

  • On 26 Jun 2024 Music Radar ranked Rode NT1 as #6 and Shure SM7B as #12
    Rank Microphone Comment
    ... ... ...
    #6 out of 22 Rode NT1
    The best affordable condenser mic for vocals
    ... ... ...
    #12 out of 22 Shure SM7B
    The best for recording vocals in untreated rooms
    ... ... ...
  • On 26 Nov 2024 PCMag ranked Rode NT1 as #6
    Rank Microphone Comment
    ... ... ...
    #6 out of 8 Rode NT1
    Best for USB and XLR Inputs
    ... ... ...
  • On 6 Apr 2022 MusicTech ranked Shure SM7B as #10
    Rank Microphone
    ... ...
    #10 out of 15 Shure SM7B
    ... ...
  • On 25 Jan 2023 PianoDreamers ranked Shure SM7B as #8
    Rank Microphone Comment
    ... ... ...
    #8 out of 11 Shure SM7B
    Best known as MJ's Vocal Mic
    ... ... ...

After counting and adding up the 92 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Shure SM7B outranks Rode NT1. This is not to say that Rode NT1 is a bad option. Like Shure SM7B, it is recommended by experts, but less.

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.
As can be seen below, Shure SM7B outranks Rode NT1 by 8 positions. This indicates that, as of 3 Jan 2025, Shure SM7B is more critically acclaimed than Rode NT1.
Rank Change Price Microphone
IGN
PCMag
MusicTech
Music Radar
PianoDreamers
PC Gamer
SoundGuys
CNN Underscored
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
1
- $100
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers.
-
-
11
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
2
- $99
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings.
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
3
- $120
Elgato Wave 3
The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
8
-
-
-
-
-
1
3
-
-
4
+12 $279
Shure MV7 Plus
5
7
-
-
-
6
-
-
3
-
Show all rows
Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [16]

84
Total expert reviews: 16
  • with a score: 5
  • without a score: 11
Highest score by microphonegeeks.com
100
Average score based on 16 reviews
84
Lowest score by Tom's Hardware
70

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Expert reviews [36]

141
Total expert reviews: 36
  • with a score: 10
  • without a score: 26
Highest score by Music Radar
460
Average score based on 36 reviews
141
Lowest score by Music Critic
86

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
From Seller:
  • Extremely Low-noise Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with SM6 Combination Shock Mount Pop Screen
  • Read more
From Seller:
  • ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting & Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists, Podcasters & Streamers.
  • STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean & Natural Reproduction Of Both Music & Speech.
  • Read more
Video Reviews Most popular unboxing/review videos.
Rode NT1 Condenser Microphone Review
Review by Audio Hotline
Popular! 50K views!
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RØDE NT1 Kit Review & Unboxing | Best Home Studio Microphone 2021
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Popular! 73K views!
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RODE NT1 review (with comparison to the NT1-a)
Review by Booth Junkie
Very popular! 237K views!
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Getting the Most From Your Shure SM7B Microphone
Review by Sweetwater
Very popular! 216K views!
Play video review
Shure SM7B Mic Review / Test
Review by Podcastage
Very popular! 288K views!
Play video review
Shure SM7B Microphone Review: Worth it?
Review by Manchester Music
Very popular! 199K views!
Play video review

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