Shure SM7B: The Mic of Legends
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Shure |
| Price | ~$420 |
| Type | Dynamic cardioid microphone |
| Sensitivity | -59 dBV/Pa (VERY LOW = needs gain++) |
| Capsule Type | Dynamic (moving coil) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Max SPL | 180 dB (indestructible) |
| Weight | 765g (solid!) |
The Shure SM7B is THE absolute reference dynamic microphone. Used on "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, by Joe Rogan on his podcast (400M listens), and in all the world's biggest studios.
Price: ~$420. In this ultra-detailed review, we'll see why the SM7B is cult, how to use it properly (it requires technique!), and whether it's really worth 5x the price of a condenser mic.
📜 History of the SM7B: Why It's Legendary
The original SM7 was released in 1973. It became Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson's mic for the "Thriller" (1982) album, the best-selling album in history. The SM7B (improved version) was released in 2001 and became THE modern reference.
Why the SM7B is cult:
- 🎤 Michael Jackson's voice on "Thriller", "Bad", "Dangerous"
- 🎙️ Joe Rogan Experience: The world's #1 podcast (visible in every episode)
- 🎵 Used by: Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Drake, Billie Eilish
- 📻 Professional radio: NPR, BBC, all major radio stations
- 🏆 Industry standard for broadcast vocals and US rap
🔥 Fun Fact
The SM7B is the most seen mic in YouTube/Twitch studios. All streamers/podcasters buy it... but 70% don't know it needs a very powerful preamp (otherwise it's too quiet). More on this below.
🎵 Audio Quality: Warm, Present, Controlled
The SM7B sound is warm, present in the midrange, with controlled bass. It's a "radio" sound, professional, requiring little EQ in post-production.
Sound signature:
- 🔊 Controlled bass: No mud, mastered proximity effect
- 🎙️ Present midrange: Voice naturally stands out in the mix
- ✨ Smooth highs: No aggressive sibilance (perfect for sibilant voices)
- 🛡️ Excellent rejection: Ignores background noise (keyboard, mouse, AC)
- 📻 "Broadcast" sound: The sound of pro radio voices
Sound comparison:
- SM7B = Warm, intimate, natural presence, controlled
- Neumann U87 ($3000) = Detailed, airy, neutral, transparent
- Rode NT1-A ($200) = Bright, detailed, can sound harsh
- Audio-Technica AT2020 ($100) = Neutral, flat, lacks character
The SM7B has character. It's not a transparent mic. It colors the voice in a flattering way.
⚠️ THE Gain Problem (IMPORTANT!)
The SM7B has very low sensitivity (-59 dBV/Pa). In plain terms: it outputs a very weak signal that requires enormous gain to reach a usable level.
Concrete problem:
With a standard audio interface (Scarlett 2i2, Behringer, etc.), you'll turn the gain to MAX... and the signal will still be too weak. By pushing gain to max, you add preamp noise (hiss, background noise).
Solutions:
| Solution | Price | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudlifter CL-1 | ~$150 | +25dB clean gain (most popular solution) |
| Triton FetHead | ~$70 | +27dB gain (cheaper, excellent) |
| High-end interface | $500+ | Universal Audio, RME, Audient = powerful preamps |
| External preamp | $300-2000 | Neve, API, Universal Audio = ultimate quality |
🚨 WARNING
DO NOT buy the SM7B if you have a budget interface (Behringer, M-Audio, low-end Presonus). You'll be disappointed by the noise. Minimum budget = SM7B ($420) + Cloudlifter ($150) = $570 total.
⚖️ SM7B vs Rode NT1-A: The Great Duel
| Criteria | Shure SM7B | Rode NT1-A |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $420 (+ Cloudlifter $150) | $200 |
| Type | Dynamic | Condenser |
| Sound | Warm, broadcast, present | Bright, detailed, airy |
| Noise rejection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐ Weak (picks up everything) |
| Setup required | Complex (gain++) | Simple (phantom +48V) |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Indestructible | ⭐⭐⭐ Fragile |
| Acoustic treatment | Optional | Mandatory |
| Pro usage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Industry standard | ⭐⭐⭐ Home studio |
Verdict:
- SM7B = If you have an untreated room, need noise rejection, broadcast/rap vocals. Long-term investment.
- NT1-A = If you have an acoustically treated studio, need detail, tight budget. Excellent to start.
🎚️ Optimal SM7B Settings
SM7B switches:
- Bass Roll-Off: Activate if proximity effect too strong (voice too bassy). Deactivate for naturally thin voices.
- Presence Boost: Activate to add brightness (+4dB at 4kHz). Deactivate for naturally bright/sibilant voices.
Optimal positioning:
- 📏 Distance: 10-15 cm from mouth (controlled proximity effect)
- 📐 Angle: Directly facing or slightly off-axis if sibilance
- 🛑 Pop filter: Not necessary (already integrated), but can help for strong plosives
Recommended signal chain:
SM7B → Cloudlifter CL-1 → Interface (Scarlett/Volt) → DAW
Interface gain setting: 50-70% (Cloudlifter does the heavy lifting)
🎯 Final Verdict
The Shure SM7B is a long-term investment for professional broadcast/studio sound. But it REQUIRES a Cloudlifter or high-end interface. Real budget = $570 minimum.
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional audio quality (pro broadcast sound)
- Unmatched background noise rejection
- Legendary durability (lifetime warranty)
- Warm, present sound, little EQ needed
- Integrated pop filter
- Industry standard (radio, podcast, rap)
❌ Weaknesses
- Very low sensitivity (needs Cloudlifter)
- High price ($570 with Cloudlifter)
- Heavy (765g = solid boom arm required)
- Not ideal for detailed singing (prefer condenser)