Where they differ
| Specs | RØDE NT-USB+ | Shure SM7B |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB | XLR |
| RØDE NT-USB+ plugs straight into a computer; Shure SM7B needs an audio interface and an XLR cable. | ||
| Capsule | Condenser | Dynamic |
| Shure SM7B is dynamic, which picks up less of the room; RØDE NT-USB+ is a condenser, which suits a quiet room. | ||
| Preamp gain needed | Not published | more than 60 dB |
| Shure SM7B needs more than 60 dB of preamp gain, by its maker’s guide; RØDE NT-USB+’s maker publishes no such need. | ||
| Stand in the box | Yes | No |
| RØDE NT-USB+ comes with a desk stand; Shure SM7B needs a stand or boom arm. | ||
Where they are the same
- Pickup patterns
- Cardioid
Not enough data to compare
We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: XLR cable in the box. The site leaves these out rather than guess.
What else each needs
RØDE NT-USB+
NT-USB+
A USB cable
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
- Check first: A USB cable. Our record of the box lists no USB cable. Check the box before you plan the connection.
- Optional: A boom arm, if you want it closer. A desk stand is in the box. An arm lets you bring the microphone nearer your mouth without it sitting in the camera shot.
- Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.
Shure SM7B
SM7B
An audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input
An XLR cable
An interface with more than 60 dB of gain, or an inline booster
A microphone stand or boom arm
- You need: An audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input. A computer has no XLR input. The interface’s preamp raises the microphone’s signal and sends it to the computer over USB.
- You need: An XLR cable. None comes in the box.
- You need: An interface with more than 60 dB of gain, or an inline booster. Shure asks for a preamp with more than 60 dB of gain for this microphone.
- You need: A microphone stand or boom arm. No stand comes in the box; it mounts on a 5/8-inch or 3/8-inch thread.
Next step
Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear. Test your microphone before you go live.
Full profiles: RØDE NT-USB+ and Shure SM7B.