Your interface’s gain decides
Shure says the SM7B needs a preamp with more than 60 dB of gain, or an inline booster. The setup builder checks that against the interface you choose.
XLR microphones for streaming compared
Compare the current microphones with an XLR output by capsule, gain needs, mounts and box contents. Every one needs an audio interface or mixer with a microphone preamp on the XLR route.
Updated October 11, 2026 · 14 models
Razer Seiren V3 Pro comes with a desk stand; Shure MV7+ needs a stand or boom arm. Over USB, Shure MV7+ records up to 24-bit, 48 kHz and Razer Seiren V3 Pro up to 32-bit, 96 kHz. Both are more than a stream carries (Twitch takes AAC audio at up to 160 kbps), so the difference matters for recordings you edit.
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| Specs | Elgato Wave DX | Shure MV7+ | RØDE PodMic USB (Black) | Razer Seiren V3 Pro | Shure SM7B | Samson Q2U | FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 | Samson Q9U | Shure MV7X | RØDE PodMic | RØDE NT1 5th Generation | Audio-Technica AT2020 | FIFINE AmpliTank K688 | Audio-Technica AT2040 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connection | ||||||||||||||
| Connection | XLR | USB/XLR | USB/XLR | USB/XLR | XLR | USB/XLR | USB/XLR | USB/XLR | XLR | XLR | USB/XLR | XLR | USB/XLR | XLR |
| Capsule | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic (humbucking coil) | Dynamic (moving coil) | Dynamic | Condenser (1-inch capsule) | Condenser | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Pickup pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid end-address | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid; side-address | Cardioid; side-address | Cardioid | Hypercardioid |
| Preamp gain needed (dB, more than) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | 60 | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Headphone monitoring | Does not apply | Yes | Yes | Yes | Does not apply | Yes | Yes | Yes | Does not apply | Does not apply | Not confirmed | Does not apply | Yes | Does not apply |
| Frequency response | 50 Hz-15 kHz | 50 Hz-16 kHz | 20 Hz-20 kHz | 50 Hz-16 kHz | 50 to 20,000 Hz | 50 Hz–15 kHz | 50 Hz – 16 kHz | 50 Hz – 20 kHz | 50 Hz – 16 kHz | 50 Hz – 15 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 50 Hz – 16 kHz | 80 Hz – 16 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 2.5 mV/Pa; -52 dBV/Pa | XLR: -55 dBV/Pa; USB: -33 dBFS/Pa | -57 dBV/Pa | -50 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) | -59 dBV/Pa (1.12 mV) at 1 kHz | -54 dBV/Pa | -50 ±3 dB | XLR -57 dBV/Pa; USB -16 dBFS/Pa | -55 dBV/Pa (1.78 mV) at 1 kHz | -57 dBV (1.4 mV at 94 dB SPL) | -32 dB re 1 V/Pa (25 mV at 94 dB SPL) | -37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1 V at 1 Pa | -50 ±3 dBV | -53 dB (2.2 mV) re 1 V/Pa at 1 kHz |
| Sample rate | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | 48 kHz; 96 kHz | Not confirmed | 44.1 kHz; 48 kHz | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Connectors | 3-pin XLR | USB-C; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | 3-pin XLR | USB-C; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | 3-pin XLR | 3-pin XLR | 3-pin XLR; USB-C | 3-pin XLR | USB; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | 3-pin XLR |
| Software | ||||||||||||||
| Works with | Not confirmed | Windows 10 and higher; macOS 12 and higher; iOS 16 and higher; Android 12 and higher | Windows 10+; macOS 10.15+; iOS; Android | Windows for 32-bit float through Razer Synapse | Not confirmed | Mac; PC; Chromebook | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | macOS 11 or later (for RØDE Central); Windows 10 version 1803 or later (for RØDE Central) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Size and mounting | ||||||||||||||
| Mount | 5/8-inch swivel mount; Included 3/8-inch adapter; Included 1/4-inch adapter | 5/8-27 thread | Integrated swing mount | 5/8-27 thread; Adjustable arm mount; Removable desktop stand | Yoke mount for a boom arm or stand; 5/8-inch to 3/8-inch thread adapter | Mic clip; Desktop tripod stand with extension | Metal desk stand; 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads | Integrated yoke mount for a boom arm or mic stand | Adjustable yoke with 5/8-27 thread mount; 3/8-inch Euro thread adapter | Integrated swing mount | Not confirmed | Stand mount for 5/8-27 threads; 5/8-27 to 3/8-16 adapter | Not confirmed | AT8487 mounting clamp; 5/8-27 to 3/8-16 threaded adapter |
| In the box | ||||||||||||||
| Included parts | Wave DX; Swivel mount; 3/8-inch adapter; 1/4-inch adapter; Quick Start Guide | Shure MV7+ microphone; 3 m USB-C-to-USB-C cable; Black foam windscreen; 5/8-inch-to-3/8-inch thread adapter | PodMic USB; External pop filter | Razer Seiren V3 Pro microphone with adjustable arm mount; Removable desktop stand; Removable pop filter; USB cable | SM7B microphone with standard windscreen and yoke mount; A7WS large foam windscreen; RPM602 switch cover plate; 5/8-inch to 3/8-inch thread adapter; Velcro cable tie | Q2U microphone; Mic clip; Tripod stand; Tripod stand extension; Foam windscreen; USB cable (2.25 m); XLR cable (3 m) | AM8 microphone; Metal desk stand; USB cable | Q9U microphone with integrated yoke; 2 m USB-C to USB-C cable; USB-C to USB-A cable; Foam windscreen | MV7X microphone with yoke and windscreen; 3/8-inch brass thread adapter | PodMic | NT1 5th Generation microphone; SM6 shock mount with pop filter; SC29 USB-C cable; XLR-6 XLR cable | AT2020 microphone; Stand mount for 5/8-27 threaded stands; 5/8-27 to 3/8-16 threaded adapter; Soft protective pouch | Not confirmed | AT2040 microphone; AT8487 mounting clamp; 5/8-27 to 3/8-16 threaded adapter; Pouch |
| Before you choose it | ||||||||||||||
| Main check | Add an XLR cable and an interface with a microphone preamp. A USB cable or passive XLR adapter alone cannot connect this microphone to the computer. | Use USB for the microphone’s DSP and headphone features. On XLR, plan processing and monitoring at the interface; those USB features do not follow the analog cable. | Choose a mount that supports the microphone’s documented weight. Use USB for its onboard processing, or plan processing and monitoring separately on the XLR route. | Use USB when you want the microphone’s software processing. On XLR, add an interface and do the processing there; the USB features don’t carry over to the XLR output. | It needs more gain than most entry-level interfaces give: Shure asks for a preamp with more than 60 dB of gain, or an inline booster. Choose the interface before the microphone. | Its USB audio is 16-bit at 44.1 or 48 kHz. On the XLR route it needs an interface with a microphone preamp. | The mute, gain, headphone and lighting controls work over USB only; on XLR it is a plain microphone and the interface does that job. No XLR cable comes in the box. | It has no desk stand: plan a boom arm or mic stand. On the XLR route add a cable and an interface; its mute button works on both outputs. | XLR only: add an XLR cable and an interface with a microphone preamp. Unlike the MV7+, it has no USB output and no on-board processing. | The box holds only the microphone: add an XLR cable, an interface with a microphone preamp and a boom arm. For a USB connection as well, RØDE makes the PodMic USB. | Very sensitive and side-address: speak into its side, in a quiet, treated room. On the XLR route the interface must supply 48 V phantom power. | It needs 48 V phantom power from the interface, plus an XLR cable and a stand. As a sensitive side-address condenser it hears the room; a dynamic suits a noisy desk better. | All its controls work over USB only; on XLR the interface sets gain and monitoring. No XLR cable comes with it, and FIFINE asks for a 2 to 6 inch speaking distance. | XLR only: add a cable, an interface and a boom arm. Its hypercardioid pattern hears little from the sides, so keep it pointed straight at your mouth. |
On the makers’ own sites:
Choose by the job
XLR only or both
Wave DX and SM7B are XLR only. MV7+, PodMic USB, Seiren V3 Pro and Q2U also connect over USB, which helps if you start without an interface.
A broadcast voice, close up
Shure’s guide places the SM7B 1 to 6 inches from the mouth. Plan a boom arm that holds it there without blocking your camera.
Stands and arms
SM7B comes set up for a boom arm and the Wave DX has a swivel mount; neither comes with a stand. PodMic USB has an integrated swing mount.
Cables
None of the XLR-only models comes with an XLR cable. Q2U is the exception among the hybrids: a 3 m XLR cable is in its box.
Where each model fits
An XLR voice microphone for use with an audio interface
Elgato Wave DX
Add an XLR cable and an interface with a microphone preamp. A USB cable or passive XLR adapter alone cannot connect this microphone to the computer.
Connections & full profile →USB now, an XLR interface later
Shure MV7+
Use USB for the microphone’s DSP and headphone features. On XLR, plan processing and monitoring at the interface; those USB features do not follow the analog cable.
Connections & full profile →A USB and XLR microphone: a computer now, a mixer later
RØDE PodMic USB (Black)
Choose a mount that supports the microphone’s documented weight. Use USB for its onboard processing, or plan processing and monitoring separately on the XLR route.
Connections & full profile →A dynamic hybrid microphone for direct USB or an XLR interface
Razer Seiren V3 Pro
Use USB when you want the microphone’s software processing. On XLR, add an interface and do the processing there; the USB features don’t carry over to the XLR output.
Connections & full profile →A broadcast dynamic microphone for a close, speech-focused voice
Shure SM7B
It needs more gain than most entry-level interfaces give: Shure asks for a preamp with more than 60 dB of gain, or an inline booster. Choose the interface before the microphone.
Connections & full profile →View at Shure ↗A USB and XLR dynamic microphone with its cables and a desk stand in the box
Samson Q2U
Its USB audio is 16-bit at 44.1 or 48 kHz. On the XLR route it needs an interface with a microphone preamp.
Connections & full profile →View at Samson ↗A low-cost USB and XLR dynamic microphone with a headphone socket and tap-to-mute
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8
The mute, gain, headphone and lighting controls work over USB only; on XLR it is a plain microphone and the interface does that job. No XLR cable comes in the box.
Connections & full profile →View at FIFINE ↗A broadcast-style dynamic with USB and XLR outputs for a boom arm
Samson Q9U
It has no desk stand: plan a boom arm or mic stand. On the XLR route add a cable and an interface; its mute button works on both outputs.
Connections & full profile →View at Samson ↗An XLR-only dynamic voice microphone from the SM7B family at a lower cost
Shure MV7X
XLR only: add an XLR cable and an interface with a microphone preamp. Unlike the MV7+, it has no USB output and no on-board processing.
Connections & full profile →View at Shure ↗An XLR dynamic podcast microphone with a built-in pop filter and swing mount
RØDE PodMic
The box holds only the microphone: add an XLR cable, an interface with a microphone preamp and a boom arm. For a USB connection as well, RØDE makes the PodMic USB.
Connections & full profile →View at RØDE ↗A studio condenser with both an XLR output and a 32-bit float USB output
RØDE NT1 5th Generation
Very sensitive and side-address: speak into its side, in a quiet, treated room. On the XLR route the interface must supply 48 V phantom power.
Connections & full profile →View at RØDE ↗An XLR studio condenser for a quiet, treated room
Audio-Technica AT2020
It needs 48 V phantom power from the interface, plus an XLR cable and a stand. As a sensitive side-address condenser it hears the room; a dynamic suits a noisy desk better.
Connections & full profile →View at Audio-Technica ↗A low-cost USB and XLR dynamic microphone with a gain knob and headphone socket
FIFINE AmpliTank K688
All its controls work over USB only; on XLR the interface sets gain and monitoring. No XLR cable comes with it, and FIFINE asks for a 2 to 6 inch speaking distance.
Connections & full profile →View at FIFINE ↗A low-cost XLR dynamic podcast microphone with a tight hypercardioid pickup
Audio-Technica AT2040
XLR only: add a cable, an interface and a boom arm. Its hypercardioid pattern hears little from the sides, so keep it pointed straight at your mouth.
Connections & full profile →View at Audio-Technica ↗Three limits of this comparison
- There is no sound-quality ranking here: the site has not tested these microphones and reads only what their makers publish.
- A gain figure a maker does not publish is shown as not confirmed; the site does not estimate it.
- Phantom power is only listed where the maker states it.
Two of them head to head
- Audio-Technica AT2020 vs Audio-Technica AT2040
- Shure MV7+ vs Samson Q2U
- Shure MV7+ vs Razer Seiren V3 Pro
- RØDE PodMic USB (Black) vs Samson Q2U
- RØDE PodMic USB (Black) vs Razer Seiren V3 Pro
- Samson Q2U vs Shure SM7B
- Samson Q2U vs Elgato Wave DX
- Razer Seiren V3 Pro vs Shure SM7B
Already own an older model?
This table lists models you can buy now. An older model you already own can still do the job: add it in the setup builder and test it. Different colors of one model are not listed separately, and a newer version can need different ports or software from the one before it.
To plan the full connection, open the setup builder. It shows any missing port, cable or feature before you buy anything.
Sources
- Elgato Wave DX specifications
- OBS Knowledge Base: Audio Mixer Guide
- Shure MV7+ user guide: system requirements and compatibility
- RØDE PodMic USB specifications
- RØDE PodMic USB specification details
- Razer Seiren V3 Pro specifications
- Razer Seiren V3 Pro specification details
- Shure SM7B product page
- Shure SM7B user guide and specifications
- Samson Q2U features and specifications
- FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 product page and specifications
- Samson Q9U features and specifications
- Shure MV7X user guide and specifications
- Shure MV7X product page
- RØDE PodMic product page and specifications
- RØDE NT1 5th Generation product page and specifications
- Audio-Technica AT2020 product page and specifications
- FIFINE AmpliTank K688 product page and specifications
- Audio-Technica AT2040 product page and specifications