The Elgato Wave:3 is an affordable USB microphone that’s easy to setup and use right away. It’s one of the most popular microphones for streamers and even gamers that just want a decent microphone. Meanwhile, the Shure SM7B and MV7 are more expensive microphones that deliver a more professional sound quality. The Shure SM7B is an XLR microphone while the Shure MV7 features both XLR and USB connectivity. If you are looking to get a microphone, which of these three should you buy? We compare them below.
Elgato Wave 3 vs Shure SM7B & MV7 Comparison Chart
Design
The Elgato Wave:3 is a USB mic, the Shure SM7B has an XLR interface and the Shure MV7 has both USB and XLR connections.
When it comes to build quality, the Shure microphones definitely have the advantage over the Elgato Wave:3. That’s not to say that the Wave:3 is built poorly, it’s just that both the Shure SM7B and MV7 have a more premium and solid construction. Both the Shure SM7B and MV7 are made of metal while the Elgato Wave:3 is made of a combination of metal and plastic.
As for connectivity, the Elgato Wave:3 is a USB microphone that’s easier to set up. It comes with a desktop stand but it can also be attached to a boom arm. Meanwhile, the Shure SM7B is an XLR microphone, so you’ll need to have a mixer or audio interface in order to use it. The Shure MV7 has both a USB and an XLR interface, so it’s the most flexible of the three.
Features
The Elgato Wave:3 and Shure MV7 have onboard controls, while the Shure SM7B relies on a mixer or audio interface for controls.
Features-wise, the Elgato Wave:3 and the Shure MV7 have the advantage over the Shure SM7B. The Elgato Wave:3 has a multi-function knob that can control the mic gain, headphone volume and the mix volume. It also comes with the Wave link software that allows access to various features such as its High Pass and Clip Guard features.
The Shure MV7 also has onboard controls in the form of a touch control panel. This touch panel allows you to mute the mic and control the mic gain and headphone volume when monitoring. It also comes with the MOTIV app which gives you access to even more controls and settings.
The Shure SM7B does not have too many features as it is an XLR microphone. It needs a mixer or an audio interface if you want to control the gain and the volume, as well as if you want to monitor your recordings. It does have an EQ switch at the back with three presets—Flat, Bass Rolloff and Presence Boost.
Performance
The Shure SM7B is the best sounding microphone out of the three.
All three microphones have a cardioid pattern, meaning that they can pick up sound on the front of the mic, and not at the back. This helps reduce the pick up of unwanted background noise. With their cardioid pickup pattern, all three microphones are excellent for recording vocals, streaming, recording instruments and podcasting.
One big difference here is that the Elgato Wave:3 is a condenser mic, while both Shure microphones are dynamic. Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive, so these are best used in controlled environments like a treated studio. On the other hand, dynamic mics are less sensitive and they are effective even in less-than-ideal environments, i.e., your untreated room, for instance.
As for recording quality, there’s no question that the Shure SM7B is the best out of the three. It provides studio level recording quality with full and rich sound that’s clear and accurate. The Elgato Wave:3 is a bit lacking in the low end, and the Shure MV7 also lacks the richness that the Shure SM7B offers.
Verdict
The Elgato Wave:3 is best for those that want an easy-to-use mic on a budget, while the Shure SM7B and Shure MV7 are better for those that want a more professional audio recording quality.
If you are looking for a starter mic that won’t set you back too much, the Elgato Wave:3 is an excellent choice. It’s affordable and being a USB microphone means that you don’t need much extra equipment to use it. The Shure MV7 is also a good microphone if you are willing to spend more money. It can be used as a USB mic, and later on, when you upgrade your recording equipment, you can use its XLR interface for better sound.
The best of the bunch is the Shure SM7B. If you have the money and the audio equipment to take advantage of its superior quality, it’s the microphone that we recommend you go for.
FAQs
Yes, the Shure SM7B provides better recording qualities than the Shure MV7.
As a cardioid microphone, the Elgato Wave:3 is good for vocals.
It’s better for vocals, but it can perform very well when recording instruments as well.
Yes, it’s one of the most used microphones for vocals due to its clear and crisp audio recording quality.