Shure SM7B test - Is the legendary dynamic microphone worth the price? And what's the new dB version all about?
The SM7B has been around since 2001, the first SM7 was even launched in 1973. But what can the 23-year-old microphone do and is it now obsolete? What is the SM7dB version all about?
Our Rating:
★★★★★
The sound couldn't be better, because it has made the SM7B legendary.
★★★★☆
After all, it's an XLR microphone that does exactly what it promises. If you need more connectivity, buy the MV7+.
★★★★★
The workmanship is absolutely top, it really does last for years. Only the cable management is slightly vulnerable, but can be repaired.
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What is the dynamic Shure SM7B suitable for?
First of all, the hard facts:
- Dynamic microphone
- XLR connection
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Windscreen and pop screen included
- No stand included, compatible with all microphone arms and microphone stands
- Frequency range: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
If we take a look at these facts and the frequency response, it quickly becomes clear why this microphone is mainly used for voice recordings and vocals. The SM7B is part of the standard repertoire for professional audio in particular. This is because, as a dynamic microphone, it tends to emphasize the bass, is slightly directional due to its cardioid characteristic (less background noise) and therefore sounds very natural and full.
Even for users who find the SM7B too bass-oriented, there is a bass cut on the back of the microphone, as well as a presence boost, i.e. a treble boost on the microphone itself.
It is often used for instruments, vocals and also as a speaker microphone. It can therefore be aimed at a guitar body or used in a podcast.
Scope of delivery:
The microphone itself with the dynamic capsule is supplied with few accessories. This is because it has so many applications. In addition to the microphone itself, you get two foams that can be placed over the protective grille of the capsule. With the Shure SM7B, the thinner foam is usually sufficient as pop protection. A holder is not included, but there is a small Velcro strip for cable management and an adapter screw so that the microphone can be screwed to any stand.
Sound examples of the microphone:
We have tested the SM7B. We use it with Fethead and the Motu M4 audio interface. This ensures sufficient amplification. We also did not use any effects.
The SM7dB model - More dB thanks to integrated preamplifier
An important point to note with the SM7B is that you need a USB audio interface with a lot of pre-amplification. Other alternatives are a so-called fethead, which pre-amplifies the signal a little, or the SM7dB, which already has an integrated fethead. The microphone preamplifier (preamp) is therefore crucial.
The SM7dB is therefore the “complete version” without a third-party provider, which may seem attractive at first, but is not necessarily worthwhile in terms of performance. With an SM7B and a fethead, you can definitely get away cheaper.
Why is the microphone so legendary? Predecessor SM7 and Michael Jackson
The Shure brand has long shone with legendary microphones: For example, with the SM58 as the still most popular live microphone and the SM57 as a recording microphone. The Shure SM7 has been around since 1973 and was allegedly used by Michael Jackson for the recording of “Thriller”. It is now a vintage microphone.
Another factor is the full, bassy sound and, in addition to word of mouth between sound nerds, social media. Because if you have a podcast or live stream and you’re a big fan, you use the SM7B and of course hold it up to the camera 😉
Many famous YouTube and Twitch streamers also use this microphone, although there are also other streaming microphones. In terms of sound, it has simply prevailed.
What accessories do you need?
As already mentioned above in the scope of delivery, you only get the high-quality microphone for the price. To ensure that the SM7B sounds really high-quality, we definitely recommend a microphone boom or a microphone stand. This is the only way to ensure that you don’t pick up any transmission noise when you hold the microphone in your hands or attach it to the table in any other way. With the budget, you should definitely include a microphone arm or swivel mount.
The SM7B doesn’t necessarily need a pop filter, because the foam that is placed over the microphone absorbs plosive sounds, i.e. Ps and Bs, very well. If you tend to get very close to the microphone and emphasize the plosive sounds a lot, then the foam might not work enough and you could think about an additional pop filter.
Conclusion: A Shure SM7B test for your voice is worthwhile!
As already mentioned above, the sound of the microphone depends very much on your voice. The SM7B is often used for voice recordings and voice overs of male voices due to its very full but rather muffled sound. The microphone also helps to create a full foundation for vocals and rap. You often have to add a few trebles so that the microphone stands out in the mix. The microphone is also suitable for streamers and YouTubers.
Nevertheless, the SM7B is not the first choice for many due to its price. We have other microphones in our blog. For example, a comparison of cheaper USB microphones and podcast microphones.
This could be interesting for you:
How to find the best podcast mic for you
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