Audio-Technica AT2040USB vs Shure SM7B
Audio-Technica AT2040USB vs Shure SM7B compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.
The Ruling
Audio-Technica AT2040USB or Shure SM7B? Get the Shure SM7B.
The Shure SM7B wins Low-End Reach and High-End Reach. It is the pricier of the two at $399, so the Audio-Technica AT2040USB stays the pick if $250 matters more than those specs.
At a Glance
Where each one actually leads
Every axis is scored out of 10 from the catalog specs below. The scores are relative to the products on this page, so a 10 means “best of these”, not “perfect”, and two identical columns mean the catalog genuinely cannot separate them. Axes the catalog holds no figure for on both sides are left off entirely rather than guessed at.
| Category | Audio-Technica AT2040USB | Shure SM7B |
|---|---|---|
| Low-End Reach | 8.4/10 | 10/10 |
| High-End Reach | 9.3/10 | 10/10 |
| Value | 10/10 | 3.7/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
Audio-Technica AT2040USB
Dynamic USB microphone optimized for speech intelligibility and broadcast-style voice tone.
It gives up frequency response to the Shure SM7B. It is the cheaper of the two, by $250.00.
Leads on
- Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.
Shure SM7B
Broadcast-standard dynamic XLR microphone known for smooth voice pickup and excellent background rejection.
On paper the Shure SM7B takes frequency response (50Hz-20kHz). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. That costs $250.00 more than the Audio-Technica AT2040USB.
Leads on
-
Frequency Response50Hz-20kHz80Hz-16kHz
Wider frequency response captures more of the audible spectrum, from deep bass to airy highs.
The Record
9 specs, grouped by area
A group is won by whoever takes more of its rows outright. Specs the catalog cannot rank are shown but never decide a group.
Bottom Line
Who each one is for
The Shure SM7B is the pick on the specs the catalog holds, but “better on paper” and “right for you” are different questions. Each case below names what the product is actually good at and who that suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Audio-Technica AT2040USB and Shure SM7B?
The largest gap is frequency response, where the Shure SM7B leads — 50Hz-20kHz against 80Hz-16kHz. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 1 spec. Two microphones from Audio-Technica and Shure, each taking a different approach to sound character and pickup pattern.
Which is better for streaming, Audio-Technica AT2040USB or Shure SM7B?
Get the Shure SM7B. The Shure SM7B wins Low-End Reach and High-End Reach. It is the pricier of the two at $399, so the Audio-Technica AT2040USB stays the pick if $250 matters more than those specs.
Is the Shure SM7B worth the extra $250 over the Audio-Technica AT2040USB?
The Shure SM7B costs $399.00 against $149.00, a difference of $250. The premium buys frequency response (50Hz-20kHz). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.