Shure SM7B
Quick Summary
The Shure SM7B is an awesome microphone, and it’s been a trusted staple in my lineup for most of my recording career. It does exceptionally well recording vocals, and that applies to singers or spoken word.
This mic is a go-to choice for nearly all broadcasters and podcasters because of its authentic and balanced sound quality. It’s very reliable and can also do wonders in the studio recording vocals and instruments.
What I Like: Excellent, authentic recording characteristics. Storied reputation in the recording studio and broadcast booth. Exceptional design and built to last. Versatile applications ranging from vocals to instruments and more.
What I Don’t Like: Somewhat expensive for a dynamic mic. Not super beginner-friendly.
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Contents
Why Trust Me for This Product Review
I’ve had the Shure SM7B in my mic locker for around 15 years, and it continues to impress me. I’ve used this mic for various recording projects, including on vocals, for live streams, and to help record podcasts.
This hands-on experience with the SM7B gives me a solid understanding of its performance in various recording situations. I’ve also built and worked in many recording studios, so I have a professional knowledge of microphones and their uses.
Shure SM7B: What’s In the Box?
- Shure SM7B microphone
- Built-in swivel stand
- Windscreen
- Mic stand adapter
- Velcro mic cord wrap
Shure SM7B: Technical Specifications
Here’s a quick look at the tech specs for the Shure SM7B:
- Mic Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 50Hz-20kHz
- Output Impedance: 150 Ohms
- Color: Black
- Connector: XLR
- Dimensions: 7.8 inch (Length)/5.9 inch (Height)/3.8” Width
- Weight: 1.69 pounds
What’s It Like to Use the Shure SM7B?
Using the Shure SM7B is fantastic. This is one of my favorite microphones, and I’ve never been disappointed, no matter the application. It’s especially great for live recording in the broadcast or podcast booth, and the swivel mount makes it easy to adjust mic placement.
I also love the option built into the mic that gives you varying frequency responses to match your recording situation. You can change things up on the fly to get a better recording, and that feature has come in useful many times.
How Does the Shure SM7B Sound?
The Shure SM7B is one of those microphones you can count on time and time again to deliver clear, authentic sound production. It sounds crystal clear right out of the box, and this is especially true on vocals.
Much of these clear characteristics come from a relatively flat frequency response, but don’t let that trick you into thinking this mic lacks depth. It really enhances whatever is being recorded for the better, even if it doesn’t alter it much.
The SM7B has a natural way of boosting frequencies across the board, whether in the low, mid, or high range. This goes a long way towards making vocals or instruments strikingly authentic with little distortion.
Who Should Get the Shure SM7B?
If you are a podcaster, streamer, or broadcaster, getting an SM7B is a no-brainer. Nearly everyone in those categories has at least one of these mics. And if you plan on having multiple people in your studio, you might need a couple of them.
But the mic also shines in the studio and is a great option to have for recording vocals and instruments. It’s not a great option for beginners, but this mic is highly recommended if you are an intermediate or advanced studio owner or engineer.
What is the Shure SM7B Good For?
The SM7B is a well-known option for recording vocals, especially for spoken word situations, such as radio and podcast interviews. But it’s also great for streaming or recording audio to video and other broadcast type of situations.
It’s also a good option for recording singers. It’s not the best choice for every voice, but if you have an outstanding singer that you need to capture, this mic is great. And you can also use it on guitar amps and stringed instruments with solid results.
Detailed Review of the Shure SM7B
Here is an in-depth look at the key features of the Shure SM7B to give you a better understanding of how it sounds and performs.
Sound Quality
The Shure SM7B has amazing sound quality and delivers excellent results in various recording situations. With a flat frequency response, you get very clear reproduction that can help vocals and instruments shine on their own.
The mic’s clarity also comes out with spoken recording applications, making it a favorite option for any type of broadcasting situation. The SM7B helps to reduce high-end anomalies and unwanted hisses while boosting the mids and lows.
It’s still a dynamic mic, so you shouldn’t expect the warmth and presence of a good condenser mic if you plan on using it in the recording studio. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that this mic doesn’t sound good for recording purposes – it does.
Trusted Broadcast Mic with Added Versatility
The SM7B is a famous microphone model in the broadcaster’s booth. It’s been used on radio shows, for live announcers, during TV airings, and much more over the years. And in more modern times, this has been adapted to podcasts and streaming situations.
This mic was built with those purposes in mind and is highly recommended if you do any sort of recording in that arena. But it can go much further than just recording people speaking and has been used on many famous albums over the years.
It’s just a solid microphone overall, and it’s a worthwhile choice for anyone who does professional recordings in any capacity. I’m consistently amazed at how well this one performs in situations other than spoken word.
Design
The design of the SM7B speaks to its broadcasting roots. It’s not your typical dynamic microphone and doesn’t look the part of a stage mic. It’s larger than something you’d want in your gig bag and is a bit bulky.
But this is all for a good reason, and the built-in swivel mount is excellent when you want to place this mic in your recording booth or interview room. Connected to a good mic stand, you get a lot of versatility that comes in handy.
The long and wide design also helps boost the audio characteristics of this one, and is a big part of the reason you get such accurate low and mid response. The toggle switches on the back of the mic body are easy to use and practical as well.
Pro Tip: You can adjust the toggle switches directly on the mic using a pen or pencil. Not the position of the white lines and the graphic display right on the mic. This gives you a lot of options for recording.
Construction/Durability
Shure is well-known for delivering quality microphones that are built to last and handle just about anything you throw at them, and that rings true with the SM7B. It features a strong and sturdy construction that speaks to its durability.
That said, this isn’t really a road-tested option. It’s better for in-studio uses, whether that’s in your recording studio or broadcast booth. I’m sure it could do well for live-stage abuse, but just make sure you get a good carrying case.
The mic is also bulky and somewhat awkward. It’s not a hand-held design, and you’ll need to mount it properly on a stand for the most effective application and use. But as long as you do that, it’s built for whatever you need it to do.
Value
I highly recommend this microphone and think it’s a great value for professional and intermediate studio owners, musicians, or podcasters. It will give you excellent sound quality you can count on, and it’s very worth looking into.
It’s not a great option for beginners because it has a somewhat higher price tag, and you need to know what you are doing to get the most out of it. It’s not a simple plug-and-play dynamic mic like the Shure SM58.
But even despite a higher price and that small barrier to entry, this mic is great all around. You’ll be sure to get good use out of it, no matter what your specific application is. For me, this mic is a Shure thing!
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to the Shure SM7B.
Is the Shure SM7B any good?
The Shure SM7B is a favorite microphone for many broadcasters and podcasters for its authentic vocal reproduction and dependable sound quality. Alongside a durable construction, this makes it a solid choice for many recording situations.
What are the negatives of the Shure SM7B?
The most significant negative of the Shure SM7B is arguably its price. It’s a fairly expensive microphone that isn’t a budget option. It’s also not a great option for beginners because it takes some getting used to to produce the best sound from it.
Is the Shure SM7B overkill?
The Shure SM7B is a very reliable microphone that has been a professional favorite for decades. It’s well worth the price if you are a working broadcaster, podcaster, or musician. But it can be overkill for beginners.
Why does the SM7B sound so good?
One significant reason why the Shure SM7B sounds so good is because of its design that effectively captures added low-end response. This makes for very accurate vocal reproduction, and that’s why it’s a favorite option for many professionals.
Final Thoughts
The Shure SM7B is a great microphone that really shines in the broadcast booth for live spoken vocal applications. It produces very clear and crisp sound quality that has authentic reproduction alongside good depth. Podcasters and interviews will shine when this one is in use.
On top of that, the mic can also hold its own in the studio for recording singers, amps, and instruments. I think it’s a very versatile option that gives you plenty to explore. Plus, it’s built very well by a band you can trust. The SM7B is solid, all-around.
What is your favorite application of the SM7B? Have you ever used it on instruments in the studio? Let me know in the comments below.
