Where they differ
| Specs | Shure SM7B | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | XLR | USB |
| Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 plugs straight into a computer; Shure SM7B needs an audio interface and an XLR cable. | ||
| Capsule | Dynamic | Condenser |
| Shure SM7B is dynamic, which picks up less of the room; Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 is a condenser, which suits a quiet room. | ||
| Preamp gain needed | more than 60 dB | Not published |
| Shure SM7B needs more than 60 dB of preamp gain, by its maker’s guide; Elgato Wave:3 MK.2’s maker publishes no such need. | ||
| Stand in the box | No | Yes |
| Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 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
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.
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
Wave:3 MK.2
A USB port that fits the cable
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
- Check first: A USB port that fits the cable. A USB-C cable is in the box; check its other end against your computer’s ports.
- 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; check the arm fits its 1/4-inch, 5/8-inch or 3/8-inch thread.
- 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.
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: Shure SM7B and Elgato Wave:3 MK.2.