Earthworks SR117From real comments

Verdict distilled from 34 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment71%
PROS 71%
CONS 29%

Rank based on 34 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a flat, EQ-friendly vocal mic for live or podcast use
  • You need strong off-axis/background noise rejection on noisy stages
  • You're comparing against pricier options like the SM7B or Beta87 and want similar or better honesty for less

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're shopping in Europe where pricing roughly doubles the US price
  • You need a mic tuned to sound flattering without any EQ work
  • You're playing very loud stages where any condenser is risky

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
29Mid
Earthworks SR117
Excellent off-axis and background noise rejectionFlat, neutral tone that EQs wellStrong alternative to SM58/SM7B/Beta87Much higher price in EuropeLimited availability outside the USNot ideal for very loud stages
Earthworks SR117
Excellent off-axis and background noise rejection
Flat, neutral tone that EQs well
Strong alternative to SM58/SM7B/Beta87
Much higher price in Europe
Limited availability outside the US
Not ideal for very loud stages

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Users consistently praise its neutral, honest tonal character. Commenters repeatedly describe the SR117 as flat or 'boring' out of the box, which they see as a strength: it takes EQ or coloring plugins extremely well, unlike brighter dynamics such as the SM58. Several compared it directly to the SM7B and Beta87, noting it solves complaints like low output and heavy proximity effect while staying true to the source voice across podcasting, church vocals, and live sound.

Off-axis and background noise rejection stood out to nearly everyone. Multiple commenters were shocked by how well the mic ignored fan noise, typing sounds, and stage spill, calling it 'world class engineering' and noting it rejected drum kit bleed on tour better than a Beta57a or SR314. This made it popular for noisy rooms, live streams, and touring backing vocal positions next to loud kits.

Pricing satisfaction depends heavily on region. US buyers called the roughly $199-200 price a sweet spot between budget mics and high-end options, with several church and touring engineers recommending it widely. However, European commenters repeatedly complained the same mic costs $330-400 through retailers like Thomann, with one Australian buyer disputing that it counts as 'budget' at that price.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?