Shure SM7B: The Ultimate Dynamic Microphone
The Shure SM7B is a classic dynamic mic for a good reason – it simply sounds fantastic. The Shure SM7B is a favorite for musicians and streamers alike for its reliable performance, top-grade construction, and for producing clear and crisp recordings.
The SM7B is a pro-grade dynamic microphone designed almost entirely with recording speech and vocal performances in mind. This could be podcasts, voice-overs, broadcasts, or even streaming.
Visually, the Shure SM7B is hard to miss, sporting a sizable enamel aluminum and steel housing and an equally distinct dark gray windscreen.
An efficient design, the microphone hangs from an integrated yoke complete with a three-pin XLR jack and a threaded nut for stand mounting.
In this article, I am going to answer a few of the most asked questions about this legendary microphone that actually debuted during Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video.
Does Shure SM7B Need Phantom Power?
The Shure SM7B doesn’t need phantom power, and the mic’s performance remains unaffected by the presence or absence of phantom power at the mixer input.
That said, although Shure SM7B doesn’t require phantom power, you may want to consider it if you have an aversion to maxing out the gain on your mixer.
Also, phantom power won’t damage the equipment if you happen to use it with a separate gain booster, such as the CL-1 Cloudlifter (Amazon link).
- FOR HOME STUDIOS & PROFESSIONAL RECORDING
- REDUCE NOISE WHILE ADDING MICROPHONE CLARITY & SIGNAL STRENGTH: The Cloudlifter CL-1 mic activator uses Phantom power to give passive mics up to +25dB without passing Phantom power onto the mics themselves. Reduce unwanted feedback while increasing the clarity of your microphones.
- DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL RESULTS
- EXCELLENT COMPATIBILITY: This microphone activator is compatible with tube, battery, or power supply driven microphones – safe for all passive ribbons with no transfer of Phantom power.
- FOR PODCAST
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Does the Shure SM7B require a preamp?
The Shure SM7B does need a preamp. The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone. A typical dynamic mic has a lower output level than a typical condenser mic. So in order to boost the mic gain, you may need a preamp.
However, you don’t necessarily need a dedicated preamp or Cloudlifter. A simple audio interface with a built-in preamp will be enough to amplify your Shure SM7B to the right level for podcasts, voiceovers, streaming, and music.
Does the Shure SM7B need a Pop Filter?
The Shure SM7B comes with a built-in foam windscreen, so you don’t need an extra pop filter. This foam windscreen reduces plosives by reducing the force of the puffs of air directed at the microphone.
The SM7B has a long grille and pop filter. It also is top-address. When speaking into the top of it, it gives plenty of room between the filter and the capsule to allow effective displacement of air.
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Does the Shure SM7B need a Mixer?
The Shure SM7B must be paired with a decent audio interface to give your recordings the best quality possible.
A mixer or an audio interface helps convert the microphone’s analog audio signal into a digital audio signal.
So, the microphone can be used to record straight into the computer. The Shure SM7B’s gain and sound quality can also be improved with the help of an audio interface.
Does the Shure SM7B need a Shockmount?
The Shure SM7B mounts directly onto a mic stand, and the mic has internal shock mounting. so it doesn’t need a shockmount.
Does the Shure SM7B come with a Boom Arm?
No, the Shure SM7B doesn’t come with a boom arm. You will have to purchase one separately to be able to stabilize your SM7B in one place while you record.
Traditionally, the SM7B is mounted to a boom arm so that the mic can be positioned in front of a person sitting in a radio or podcast studio.
Does the Shure SM7B come with a Stand?
No, Shure SM7B doesn’t come with a stand. However, the mic comes with parts that can help you attach it to a stand that you may have to purchase separately.
Is the Shure SM7B Good for Singing?
The Shure SM7B comes with just one cardioid pick-up pattern, which makes it excellent for singing because sounds directly in front of the microphone are clearly registered while off-axis noise is ignored.
Singers can cycle through the mic’s three frequency responses: flat, bass roll off, and presence boost, depending on the desired effect.
What is the Shure SM7B best used for?
The Shure SM7B is a workhorse microphone. It can be used to record everything from percussive, high-SPL sources such as snare drums and toms, to electrified signals such as guitar amplifier and bass cabinet, to more nuanced brass instruments like saxophone and trumpet.
It is also great for vocalists, professional audio mixers, and podcasters.
Can you use the Shure SM7B on stage?
Yes, the Shure SM7B is a versatile dynamic microphone that can be used in a studio as well as on a stage for live performances.
Is Shure SM7B Good for Acoustic Guitar?
Yes, the Shure SM7B is an extremely versatile microphone that works really well for recording acoustic guitars. Since it is a high-quality microphone, you can rest assured that your acoustic guitar will sound great on the recording.
Is Shure SM7B good for Gaming?
The Shure SM7B is one of the most sought-after microphones for gaming. Although it is a dynamic microphone which translates to a slightly lower frequency response and a sound that’s a bit less crisp, it does offer unparalleled sound clarity.
Despite the 16-bit, 44.1 kHz rates, the sound quality in all registers is phenomenal. The rich bass and expressive treble are particularly good.
The internal shock mount and included pop shield also ensure industry-leading performance in removing unwanted noises.
If you want the best noise-canceling, DSP-free, professional-quality mic, the Shure SM7B is the mic for you,
Does Shure SM7B come with XLR Cable?
No, the Shure SM7B doesn’t come with an XLR cable.
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