This is an excellent overview comparison of both mics. Over the years I've used the Electro-Voice RE320, the SE DynaCaster DCM8, the Shure SM58, and an array of other dynamic and condenser mics. primarily for podcasts and meditation audios. In April, I purchased the Earthworks Ethos and I couldn't be happier. To my ears, the sound is noticeably smoother and more pleasing than the SM7B. While there is no "one magic mic", the Earthworks Ethos is now my daily driver for all of the positive reasons you shared during your video. Thanks for sharing your expertise in this and your other videos. Your review of voice over submissions is super valuable for voice over talent and for anyone doing podcasts or other audio recording work.
@LeSaff sure! They’re both quite similar, but the icon sounded a bit brighter to me which wasn’t what I was looking for at the time. Particularly as I had several other mics that filled that niche for me already.
I super strongly recommend emailing Earthworks and buying the Icon Pro windscreen. It screws right on to the Ethos, and allows for the brighter sound without requiring an external pop filter. Best $50 I’ve spent in a long time!
For studio recording, vocals, and just singing in general; which microphone would you recommend? I wish I could compare the blind test, but I automatically know which one is the SM7B because of the noise in the back. I've spent the last two days trying to decide and really can't come to a conclusion. Would you also maybe recommend me getting both microphones to see which one I like better? If so, what's the best way of approaching that? I could also send a video link to what my voice sounds like, if that would help. Thank you!
If you’re having difficulty deciding, what I’ve done in the past is buy both mics from a returnable source, try them both out for a few days until I decide or the return window is closing, then send one back and keep the winner! They’re quite different mics, and you can’t really go wrong with either-so know that whichever way you go I’m sure you’ll be pleased!
You can also contact the sales team at Sweetwater and ask them. They’re really great about giving detailed insights, and they tend to be more musically inclined that I am in terms of gear.
I took Aquarium Pre Filter Foam Rolls, similar material to the Hakan P110 pop filter, and modified them to fit the Earthworks Ethos. This way, I got a more transparent pop filter that still looks good with the Earthworks Ethos and protects against plosives without blocking the mic too much.
Another great 'real world use' informative video. Thanks Jay. How do the Ethos and Sennheiser 416 compare for voiceover? Would the 416 be better for short promos and Ethos better for long form? be interested to see you do a comparison if possible. Cheers. All the best, Joe.
Thanks Joe! And good question. I’d you want to hear them both I have another comparison on my channel called “finding the best VO mic” or something similar. I don’t compare them directly but they’re both featured. Re your question, you more or less hit it on the head. Both will work for just about any VO use, long or short, but the ETHOS is much flatter/darker in tone, particularly with the windscreen on, which makes it less fatiguing for longer recordings naturally. Whereas the 416 has a hefty presence boost and more “larger than life” sound, making it naturally well suited to short form. However, as I said, both will get the job done in either case. Audible uses 416s in their productions sometimes, and I use the ETHOS in ads fairly often. 😊
Without looking at comments.. Mic B ALL-DAY.. now.. to finish this video.. B sounds much crisp , clean and brighter.. 🤞 B is the Ethos.. because I JUST ordered one brand new open box off eBay for $200!!
In my hearing, the SM7B has an unpleasant resonance comparatively. The Ethos presents a more smooth,natural image and a well rounded low energy that preserves the balance of the entire freq range. I could listen to that all day. Instantly loved Mic A and thought it was the Shure. Ever use a Heil PR40 or PR30? Thanks, Jay.
they sound the same to the consumer, i too can only hear a difference when comparing them back-to-back. i would bet that nobody would notice if u would switch the mics mid show. thats what i care about. like the ethos more for its compact size tho
I have been using my SM7b for years for many of the same reasons that you point out Jay. I am a network and local radio producer. I use the SM7b for promos and certain spots. Like most mics, some EQ and processing may be necessary to get the voice track to "pop" in a mix. I also use a Shure KSM32, TLM103 and an MKH416. Each has its own place. I think of each mic as an artist would use a brush for a certain effect and tone. I also consider the acoustic environment in which the mic will be used. Jay, I always like your comparisons to reveal what each mic has to offer as well as your real world experience with them in various applications. You are the best! Thank you.
I have both of them, so there is no surprise to recognize them correctly (mainly by noise in the recording, ha, ha). I love SM7B, but prefer Ethos. Good comparison, Jay!
@ I don’t do voiceover but I own a Sm7b and i never liked it until I found it’s sweet spot. Took years and It took outboard pre and comp. Gotta hit that transformer and push it. Not a good first mic out of the box. Cloudlifter just boosts its nastiness. In a music mix , a Sm7b can sound like a record once you dial in the sweet spot. Ethos is better out of the box. Ethos better for just running into a interface. Musically , I’d have to hear it in a mix before I could say it’s all the way around better than the Sm7b. Ethos sounds great and I definitely want to try it out.
I have both and the ethos is on my desk.sm7b on the other desk..I prefer the ethos.and.sny earthworks.mics when doing voice work..sm7b is also excellent but ethos is bettwr
This is an excellent overview comparison of both mics. Over the years I've used the Electro-Voice RE320, the SE DynaCaster DCM8, the Shure SM58, and an array of other dynamic and condenser mics. primarily for podcasts and meditation audios. In April, I purchased the Earthworks Ethos and I couldn't be happier. To my ears, the sound is noticeably smoother and more pleasing than the SM7B. While there is no "one magic mic", the Earthworks Ethos is now my daily driver for all of the positive reasons you shared during your video. Thanks for sharing your expertise in this and your other videos. Your review of voice over submissions is super valuable for voice over talent and for anyone doing podcasts or other audio recording work.
Thanks very much! That’s awesome to hear
Hi, I would like to know what made you choose between the ethos and the Icon pro (except the $100 difference if I'm correct)?
@LeSaff sure! They’re both quite similar, but the icon sounded a bit brighter to me which wasn’t what I was looking for at the time. Particularly as I had several other mics that filled that niche for me already.
I super strongly recommend emailing Earthworks and buying the Icon Pro windscreen. It screws right on to the Ethos, and allows for the brighter sound without requiring an external pop filter. Best $50 I’ve spent in a long time!
They sold you one? I wasn’t sure they offered those!
@@jaymyersvoiceover They sure did. It was super straightforward.
For studio recording, vocals, and just singing in general; which microphone would you recommend? I wish I could compare the blind test, but I automatically know which one is the SM7B because of the noise in the back. I've spent the last two days trying to decide and really can't come to a conclusion. Would you also maybe recommend me getting both microphones to see which one I like better? If so, what's the best way of approaching that? I could also send a video link to what my voice sounds like, if that would help. Thank you!
If you’re having difficulty deciding, what I’ve done in the past is buy both mics from a returnable source, try them both out for a few days until I decide or the return window is closing, then send one back and keep the winner! They’re quite different mics, and you can’t really go wrong with either-so know that whichever way you go I’m sure you’ll be pleased!
You can also contact the sales team at Sweetwater and ask them. They’re really great about giving detailed insights, and they tend to be more musically inclined that I am in terms of gear.
@@jaymyersvoiceover Alright, awesome! I will definitely contact them. Is there a certain website (returnable source) you would recommend?
@@realparvana Not really, kind of your personal preference! I use Sweetwater, Vintage King, and Reverb mainly.
Loved the Earthworks ETHOS!! Great reviews.... maybe Earthworks ETHOS vs TLM Family?
It's great right? I'll keep that in mind for down the road!
I would love to see the Ethos compared side by side with either of my workhorses of choice; the RE20 and/or RE27 ND.
What's the giant mic you use for the intro?
It's just a TLM 103 with a pop filter on it :)
I took Aquarium Pre Filter Foam Rolls, similar material to the Hakan P110 pop filter, and modified them to fit the Earthworks Ethos. This way, I got a more transparent pop filter that still looks good with the Earthworks Ethos and protects against plosives without blocking the mic too much.
I like the Earthwork's top end, its smoother. But I love the SM7b's low end, got much more girth.
Another great 'real world use' informative video. Thanks Jay. How do the Ethos and Sennheiser 416 compare for voiceover? Would the 416 be better for short promos and Ethos better for long form? be interested to see you do a comparison if possible. Cheers. All the best, Joe.
Thanks Joe! And good question. I’d you want to hear them both I have another comparison on my channel called “finding the best VO mic” or something similar. I don’t compare them directly but they’re both featured.
Re your question, you more or less hit it on the head. Both will work for just about any VO use, long or short, but the ETHOS is much flatter/darker in tone, particularly with the windscreen on, which makes it less fatiguing for longer recordings naturally. Whereas the 416 has a hefty presence boost and more “larger than life” sound, making it naturally well suited to short form.
However, as I said, both will get the job done in either case. Audible uses 416s in their productions sometimes, and I use the ETHOS in ads fairly often. 😊
@@jaymyersvoiceover Great. Cheers Jay😉👍
416 for ALL, the best voice overs of the world, only use 416 or u87 for all, Always remember!
Without looking at comments.. Mic B ALL-DAY.. now.. to finish this video.. B sounds much crisp , clean and brighter.. 🤞 B is the Ethos.. because I JUST ordered one brand new open box off eBay for $200!!
@@AaronOverEverything ahhh but yet B was the SM7B. I missed it as well so don’t feel bad.
@@ToddDolce I know right lol
In my hearing, the SM7B has an unpleasant resonance comparatively. The Ethos presents a more smooth,natural image and a well rounded low energy that preserves the balance of the entire freq range. I could listen to that all day. Instantly loved Mic A and thought it was the Shure. Ever use a Heil PR40 or PR30? Thanks, Jay.
I think I prefer the Ethos ;-)
they sound the same to the consumer, i too can only hear a difference when comparing them back-to-back. i would bet that nobody would notice if u would switch the mics mid show. thats what i care about. like the ethos more for its compact size tho
Right on!
Shure is a bit more warm darker sound
Mic A, all day.
I have been using my SM7b for years for many of the same reasons that you point out Jay. I am a network and local radio producer. I use the SM7b for promos and certain spots. Like most mics, some EQ and processing may be necessary to get the voice track to "pop" in a mix. I also use a Shure KSM32, TLM103 and an MKH416. Each has its own place. I think of each mic as an artist would use a brush for a certain effect and tone. I also consider the acoustic environment in which the mic will be used. Jay, I always like your comparisons to reveal what each mic has to offer as well as your real world experience with them in various applications. You are the best! Thank you.
Well thanks mate!! Couldn’t agree more
ETHOS needs 10mA on phantom power which is a bit higher than normal. Just something to be aware of. Check your interface.
I’m a bit new to the whole audio gear thing, does that mean that I wouldn’t be able to use a regular focusrite’s phantom power for this mic?
@RudeCanine you should be fine. 🫡
I have both and love both.
Ethos for content creation.
SM7B for music production for me.
But you can use them for everything!
Totally agree! I swith back and forth depending on my moods.
I have both of them, so there is no surprise to recognize them correctly (mainly by noise in the recording, ha, ha). I love SM7B, but prefer Ethos. Good comparison, Jay!
Thanks! I’m a big fan by of both as well 😉
Mic A …
👌
@ I don’t do voiceover but I own a Sm7b and i never liked it until I found it’s sweet spot. Took years and It took outboard pre and comp. Gotta hit that transformer and push it. Not a good first mic out of the box. Cloudlifter just boosts its nastiness. In a music mix , a Sm7b can sound like a record once you dial in the sweet spot.
Ethos is better out of the box. Ethos better for just running into a interface. Musically , I’d have to hear it in a mix before I could say it’s all the way around better than the Sm7b.
Ethos sounds great and I definitely want to try it out.
I have both and the ethos is on my desk.sm7b on the other desk..I prefer the ethos.and.sny earthworks.mics when doing voice work..sm7b is also excellent but ethos is bettwr