Rode NT1 (5th Generation) vs Shure SM7B

Both are microphones. Compared on 26 specs that the makers publish.

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Spec	RodeNT1 (5th Generation)	ShureSM7B
Connections
Connector	XLR / USB-C	XLR
Sound and audio specs
Type	Condenser	Dynamic
Polar patternSame	Cardioid	Cardioid
Diaphragm	Large-diaphragm	Not listed by maker
Frequency response	20–20,000 Hz	50–20,000 Hz
Sample rate	192 kHz	Not listed by maker
Bit depth	24-bit / 32-bit floating point-bit	Not listed by maker
Sensitivity	-32 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (25 mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1 kHz	-59.00 dBV/Pa (1.12 mV/Pa)
Self-noise	4 dB(A)	Not listed by maker
Max SPL	142 dB SPL	Not listed by maker
Low-cut filter	High-pass filter	Not listed by maker
Output impedance	100 Ω	150 Ω
Drivers and power
Phantom power	Yes	Not listed by maker
Power	Via XLR: P48 Via USB: 5V	Not listed by maker
Controls and features
Onboard DSP	Yes	Not listed by maker
Gain control	Yes	Not listed by maker
Shock mount	Yes	Not listed by maker
Pop filterSame	Yes	Yes
Computer and phone
Works with (computer)	Windows 10 Mac OS 10.15	Not listed by maker
Software included	RØDE Connect, RØDE Central	Not listed by maker
Body
Build	Aluminium body with high-grade finishes	Dark gray enamel aluminum and steel case with dark gray foam windscreen.
Colors	Black or silver	Charcoal
Weight	308 g	852 g
Size	Length: 52 Width: 52 Height: 189 mm	Not listed by maker
In the box and model
In the box	Shock mount, pop filter, XLR and USB cables	SM7B, A7WS Detachable Windscreen, RPM602 Switch Cover Plate
Model number	NT1GEN5B, NT1GEN5	SM7B
Check price	Check price on AmazonAffiliate link	Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Where they differ

Type: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Condenser, SM7B lists Dynamic.
Frequency response: NT1 (5th Generation) lists 20–20,000 Hz, SM7B lists 50–20,000 Hz.
Max SPL: NT1 (5th Generation) lists 142 dB SPL, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Phantom power: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Yes, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Connector: NT1 (5th Generation) lists XLR / USB-C, SM7B lists XLR.
Sensitivity: NT1 (5th Generation) lists -32 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (25 mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1 kHz, SM7B lists -59.00 dBV/Pa (1.12 mV/Pa).
Self-noise: NT1 (5th Generation) lists 4 dB(A), SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Output impedance: NT1 (5th Generation) lists 100 Ω, SM7B lists 150 Ω.
Bit depth: NT1 (5th Generation) lists 24-bit / 32-bit floating point-bit, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Sample rate: NT1 (5th Generation) lists 192 kHz, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Shock mount: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Yes, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Power: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Via XLR: P48 Via USB: 5V, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Weight: NT1 (5th Generation) lists 308 g, SM7B lists 852 g.
Size: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Length: 52 Width: 52 Height: 189 mm, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
In the box: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Shock mount, pop filter, XLR and USB cables, SM7B lists SM7B, A7WS Detachable Windscreen, RPM602 Switch Cover Plate.
Diaphragm: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Large-diaphragm, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Works with (computer): NT1 (5th Generation) lists Windows 10 Mac OS 10.15, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Software included: NT1 (5th Generation) lists RØDE Connect, RØDE Central, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Onboard DSP: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Yes, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Build: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Aluminium body with high-grade finishes, SM7B lists Dark gray enamel aluminum and steel case with dark gray foam windscreen..
Colors: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Black or silver, SM7B lists Charcoal.
Low-cut filter: NT1 (5th Generation) lists High-pass filter, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Gain control: NT1 (5th Generation) lists Yes, SM7B does not list this in our sources.
Model number: NT1 (5th Generation) lists NT1GEN5B, NT1GEN5, SM7B lists SM7B.

Which one fits which situation

Quick answer

The Rode NT1 (5th Generation) is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone. The Shure SM7B is a cardioid dynamic microphone.

The Rode NT1 (5th Generation) offers both XLR and USB-C connections. The Shure SM7B lists a 3-pin XLR connector.

Start with the connection your setup needs, then compare the stated specs that matter for your work.

Choose Rode NT1 (5th Generation) if

You want USB-C recording straight into a computer, without an external audio interface.
You want self-noise of 4dBA, as the maker states it.
You want a max SPL of 142 dB SPL.
You want a 1-inch HF6 capsule.
You want a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range, as the maker lists it.
You want a shock mount and pop filter in the box.
You want 32-bit float digital output.

Choose Shure SM7B if

You want bass rolloff and presence boost controls.
You want air suspension shock isolation.
You want a detachable windscreen.
You want a yoke mount with a captive stand nut.
You want an A7WS windscreen and an RPM602 switch cover plate in the box.

By use case

Podcasting

The maker names professional podcasts as a use for the Shure SM7B. The user guide for the Rode NT1 (5th Generation) covers software for recording podcasts and streaming.

Vocals

The maker of the Rode NT1 (5th Generation) lists vocals and speech as uses. The Shure SM7B page describes its frequency response as appropriate for music and speech.

Guitar

The maker of the Rode NT1 (5th Generation) also lists guitar, piano, drums and percussion as uses.

What the specs do not tell you

The Rode NT1 (5th Generation) pages do not state a headphone output jack on the microphone, a physical pad switch, a physical high-pass filter switch, or a warranty duration on this page.

The Shure SM7B pages do not state a maximum SPL or an equivalent self-noise in dBA.

Spec sheets cannot show how a microphone responds in your room, so record a short test before you commit.