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A Legendary Mic for Vocals and Podcasts

Are you seeking a microphone to capture your voice with clarity, warmth, and professionalism? Then, consider the Shure SM7B. This dynamic mic has been around for decades and earned a reputation as one of the best mics for vocals and podcasts. Michael Jackson famously used it on his Thriller album and many other artists and broadcasters.

But what makes the Shure SM7B so unique? Is it worth the investment? I will answer these in this article based on my experience and research. Also, I will share some of the features, pros and cons, and tips on how to get the most out of this mic.

Features

The Shure SM7B has a sleek, sturdy design that fits any studio or home setup. It has a balanced XLR output that can connect to any audio interface or mixer. The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern helps to reduce unwanted sound from the sides and rear, making it ideal for use in noisy environments. Also, it has an internal air suspension isolation system that reduces mechanical noise and vibration. Besides, it has advanced electromagnetic shielding that prevents interference from computer monitors and other electronic devices.

Moreover, this microphone has a wide-range frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz that maintains the natural beauty of the sound it captures. It also has two switches that allow you to adjust the bass roll-off and the mid-range presence boost according to your preference. The bass roll-off reduces low-frequency rumble and wind noise, while the presence boost enhances the clarity and intelligibility of your voice. Furthermore, it includes a user manual and a warranty card.

The Shure SM7B has several advantages and disadvantages, making it stand out and different from other microphones. Below are some of them:

Advantages and Disadvantages

Undeniably, the Shure SM7B has many advantages that make it a good choice for anyone who wants to capture their voice with professional quality and performance. Some of these advantages are:

Advantages

It delivers clear, warm, and natural sound suitable for various applications such as podcasting, streaming, singing, voice-over, and broadcasting.
This microphone is easy to use and set up, with basic controls and indicators.
It is compatible with most audio interfaces, mixers, and phantom power sources.
Durable and reliable, with rugged construction and high-quality components.
Comfortable and ergonomic, with a flexible gooseneck that allows you to adjust the angle and position of the microphone.
This microphone delivers a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response suitable for music and speech.
It has a high-quality sound that is comparable to more expensive microphones.
Besides, it is versatile and can be used for various applications, such as vocals, podcasting, broadcasting, voice-over, instruments, etc.
Lastly, it is easy to use and does not require phantom power or preamplification.

Disadvantages

However, the Shure SM7B also has disadvantages that may make it less appealing for some users. Some of these disadvantages are:

It is relatively expensive compared to other dynamic microphones in the market.
This microphone requires a higher gain or a preamp to achieve optimal sound quality and volume.
It does not have a digital output or a USB interface to connect it directly to your computer or mobile device.

Tips

Firstly, to get the best sound quality from the Shure SM7B, you must use a good audio interface or preamp to provide at least 60 dB of gain for the mic. Some popular options are the Cloudlifter CL-1, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, or the Rode AI-1.
Secondly, for the best vocal performance from the Shure SM7B, you need to speak or sing directly into the mic, about 1 to 6 inches (2.54 to 15 cm) away from the capsule. This will help to block off-axis noise and enhance the proximity effect (the bass boost that occurs when you get closer to the mic).
Lastly, to get the best frequency response from the Shure SM7B, experiment with the switches on the back of the mic. Depending on your voice and the recording you’re doing, you might prefer a flat mode, a bass rolloff mode, a presence boost mode, or a combination of both.

Conclusion

The Shure SM7B is a legendary mic for a good reason – it sounds fantastic. It adds an instantly recognizable “broadcast” quality to any voice and can handle various applications and genres. Also, it is very durable, versatile, and easy to use.

However, it could be a better mic and might only be for some. It’s heavy, bulky, expensive, and not very sensitive or detailed. It would be best to have a good audio interface or preamp to power it correctly.

If you’re looking for a microphone that can capture your voice with clarity, warmth, and professionalism, and you don’t mind the price and the weight, the Shure SM7B might be the perfect choice. It’s a solid investment that you won’t regret.

That ends our Shure SM7B review. Do you have any questions, additional information or comments? Let us know in the section below. Thank you for reading, and see you next time!

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