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Audio equipment: Shure SM7dB Microphone vs. Sonos Era 300

Quick Verdict

The Shure SM7dB Microphone and the Sonos Era 300 cater to entirely different needs. The SM7dB is a professional-grade microphone suited for recording and broadcasting, offering excellent sound quality and versatility. The Sonos Era 300, on the other hand, is a smart speaker designed for immersive spatial audio playback and seamless integration into a smart home ecosystem. Choosing between them depends entirely on the intended use case: recording vs. playback.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeShure SM7dB MicrophoneSonos Era 300
Microphone TypeDynamic (moving coil)Smart Speaker with far-field microphone array
Polar PatternCardioidNot applicable for smart speakers
Frequency Response50 Hz to 20,000 HzNot explicitly published
ConnectivityXLR (3-pin male)WiFi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4/5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC, AAC codecs), Apple AirPlay 2, USB-C port (for line-in or Ethernet, requires separate adapters)
Built-in PreampYes, with selectable gain of +18 dB or +28 dB. It can also be bypassed.Not applicable for smart speakers
Onboard ControlsBass rolloff switch, Mid-range emphasis (presence boost), Preamp bypass switch, Preamp gain switch (+18dB / +28dB)Capacitive touch controls for play/pause, skip, replay, volume adjustment, Microphone mute button, Bluetooth pairing button
Software Integration/CompatibilityShure Motiv app (optional, with MVX2U adapter)Sonos App (iOS and Android), Sonos Voice Control, Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
Spatial Audio SupportNot specifiedYes, Dolby Atmos
Multi-room Audio CapabilityNoYes, compatible with other Sonos S2 speakers
Voice Assistant IntegrationNoSonos Voice Control, Amazon Alexa, Siri (via AirPlay 2). Note: No Google Assistant
Dimensions and Weight0.837 kg (1.875 lbs). Dimensions are approximately 8.07 x 3.86 x 5.87 inches.Height: 6.30 in (160 mm), Width: 10.24 in (260 mm), Depth: 7.28 in (185 mm), Weight: 9.85 lbs (4.47 kg)
Power Source48V DC phantom power (required to use the built-in preamp). It can operate in bypass mode without phantom power.AC power, 100-240VAC, 50/60 Hz
PriceNot availableNot available

Overall Comparison

Shure SM7dB: Frequency Response 50 Hz - 20,000 Hz, Preamp Gain +18dB or +28dB, Weight 0.837 kg. Sonos Era 300: Bluetooth 5.0, Height 6.30 in, Weight 4.47 kg, Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos.

Pros and Cons

Shure SM7dB Microphone

Pros:
  • Built-in preamp provides up to +28 dB of low-noise, flat, transparent gain
  • Excellent off-axis rejection
  • Minimizes coloration of off-axis sound
  • Suitable for use in less-than-ideal recording spaces
  • Rugged construction with an all-metal design
  • Versatile use cases (podcasting, broadcasting, vocal recording, streaming, instrument recording)
Cons:
  • May not be ideal if you want a completely honest, accurate microphone
  • Requires an audio interface to connect to a computer via USB or Thunderbolt

Sonos Era 300

Pros:
  • Easy setup and integration into existing Sonos ecosystem
  • Effective spatial audio performance creating an immersive listening experience
  • Balanced and detailed sound across various genres
  • Can be used as a standalone speaker or in multi-room setups
  • Acoustic room calibration (Trueplay) optimizes sound for the environment
  • Known for reliability and durability
  • Humidity-resistant design
Cons:
  • Frequency response not explicitly published
  • Can be a bit bass-heavy (adjustable via EQ)
  • USB-C port requires separate adapters for line-in or Ethernet
  • No Google Assistant integration

User Experiences and Feedback