Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response
- Write a Review
- SKU
- #270247000000000
-
- MSRP:
- $436.00
-
- Your Savings:
- - $87.00
-
Free Shipping on Orders over $25
-
- Your Price:
- $34900
- Free Shipping
- Top Rated
- Top Seller
- Price Match
- Satisfaction Guarantee
-
res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
-
res13061907804224321993172Shure MX202P MicroFlex Overhead Condenser Mic with Plate-Mou... $199.99 - $209.99
res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
-
res13061907804224321993172
-
res13061907804224321993172Mogami Gold Neglex Quad Microphone Cable for Studio Neutrik ... $39.95 - $109.95
res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
-
res13061907804224321993172Live Wire Advantage Standard EXM Series Microphone Cable 15... $14.99 - $99.99
-
res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
- res13061907804224321993172
One of the best all-time dynamic vocal mics—used on Michael Jackson's Thriller album.
The flat, 50Hz-20kHz frequency response of the Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response is designed especially for spoken word, but recording engineers have discovered that it's also an exceptional mic for adding body to thin vocals and handling loud rock/metal singers. It also has the ability to tame harsh or sibilant sounds from hi-hat, cymbals, and voice. The SM7B is highly shielded against electrical interference, and includes bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls with graphic display, and internal "air suspension" shock isolation. It ships with a standard windscreen and an A7WS detachable windscreen for close-talk applications.
Need some convincing that this might be the mic for you? This is the vocal mic, then known as simply the SM7, that Bruce Swedien used to record Michael Jackson's vocals on Thriller, the best-selling album of all time and it's a favorite of Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers as well.
Application note: The SM7B is a low output mic, so plugging direct into an audio interface may not offer enough gain. In such a case you need a preamp with a decent amount of gain. Due to its smooth sound and thickening characteristics, a transparent-sounding preamp will be a preferred choice. (See our Preamp Buying Guide for a thorough discussion of transparent vs. color preamps.)
Features
- Flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech
- Bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls with graphic display of response setting
- Improved rejection of electromagnetic hum, optimized for shielding against broadband interference emitted by computer monitors
- Internal "air suspension" shock isolation virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmission
- Highly effective pop filter eliminates need for any add-on protection against explosive breath sounds, even for close-up vocals or narration
- Now shipping with the A7WS detachable windscreen, designed to reduce plosive sounds and gives a warmer tone for close-talk vocals
- Yoke mounting with captive stand nut for easy mounting and dismounting provides precise control of microphone position
- Classic cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetrical about axis, to provide maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sound
- Rugged construction and excellent cartridge protection for outstanding reliability
Once you hear what this mic can do for your vocal recordings, you'll wish you found it sooner. Don't delay, order today!
SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response Specifications:
- Type: Dynamic
- Frequency Response: 50Hz — 20kHz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional)
- Impedance: 150 ohms (150 ohms actual), for connection to microphone inputs rated at 19 to 300 ohms.
- Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3.
- Output Level (at 1,000 Hz): Open Circuit Voltage*: -59.0 dB (1.12 mV)
- *0 dB = 1 volt per Pascal
- Electromagnetic Hum Sensitivity (Typical, Equivalent SPL/milliOersted):
- 60 Hz: 11 dB
- 500 Hz: 24 dB
- 1 kHz: 33 dB
- Switches: Bass roll off and mid-range emphasis: slotted response selector switches.
- Cartridge Shock Mount: Internal air-suspension shock and vibration isolator
- Connector: 3-pin professional audio (XLR)
- Swivel Assembly: Integrated, captive nut for ease of attachment to stand, fits 5/8 in.-27 thread
-
VideoMic Shotgun Condenser Microphone -
NT1000 Microphone -
R0DE NT3 Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone Demo
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 26 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
Most Liked Positive Review
It's alright.
For a dynamic, this is pretty decent. You don't get the mouth clicks and sibilances and as much background noise as you do with a condenser. So it's good for voiceover and podcasts and...Read complete review
For a dynamic, this is pretty decent. You don't get the mouth clicks and sibilances and as much background noise as you do with a condenser. So it's good for voiceover and podcasts and so on. For vocals, it has a thick, potentially stuffy and middy, focused and closed kind of sound. Not an open, broad and neutral sound like a condenser. It has a crisp top end if you high-shelve it with an EQ. But the thing is, it doesn't work on all voices. I don't like it on teenish middy sounding voices that lack top crispness and chest-resonating bass, as this mic seems to bring out the 600 to 1000 Hz area a bit too much even on the flat setting. So I always have to eq that down a bit, roll off the bottom, and shelve boost the highs. Therefore I don't consider this an EQ-free mic. It does take EQ well though, and can be made to sound good that way.
All in all, I prefer the more open sound of a condenser. The SM7B can sound stuffy or nasal if you don't position it right; it's a LOT more sensitive to positioning relative to the mouth than a condenser. You can't move your head around when you sing, but need it bolted in place.
And no, it's not plosive free; you do get reduced but still present plosives, but nothing like compared to a condenser. And no, it doesn't cut out all background noise. At 68 dB gain it will pick up paper being shuffled a yard behind it and the hum of the refrigerator ten yards away, and room reflections in an untreated room. But it's still quieter that way versus a condenser. For me, it's good enough to keep, but not good enough to keep me from buying other potentially better sounding vocal mics.
The bass roll-off and mid boost is a nice feature, but I found it works best set to flat. The collar part that attaches to the mic stand rotates by itself when you screw it down, so you don't have to rotate the whole mic like with some mic clips.
Very rugged. Although the short audio cable going from the XLR input to the mic body itself, that cord I suppose could fray after a decade of heavy use, but I've never heard of such a problem. It's just the softest most dangly thing on the mic, that's all.
In my mind this mic is worth around two hundred fifty bucks, but some say they'd pay a thousand.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Decent, but overhyped
This is a decent, low output dynamic that works best on loud rock vocals. That's about the only application that I might ever choose it for, as I have other mics that are better...Read complete review
This is a decent, low output dynamic that works best on loud rock vocals. That's about the only application that I might ever choose it for, as I have other mics that are better for electric guitar, acoustic guitar, softer vocals, drums, etc. If you buy this thinking you're just going to be blown away you'll most likely be disappointed. And be sure you have a preamp with lots of clean gain as this is a very low output mic.
Reviews
Reviewed by 26 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Great Results In Bad Room
- Versatile
- Vocals Without Cans
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response:
I frequently record people who don't love the sound of their own voices (I include myself in this group). This microphone is great for recording when a vocalist prefers to hear a mix through monitors (at a reasonably low volume) instead of headphones, as it picks up very little of anyting not directly in front of it. It is also great for recording in an imperfect room or untreated room.
If you are used to recording with a condenser, you may find the sound thin until you get used to it, but results sit very nicely in a mix with little processing.
Comments about Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response:
For a dynamic, this is pretty decent. You don't get the mouth clicks and sibilances and as much background noise as you do with a condenser. So it's good for voiceover and podcasts and so on. For vocals, it has a thick, potentially stuffy and middy, focused and closed kind of sound. Not an open, broad and neutral sound like a condenser. It has a crisp top end if you high-shelve it with an EQ. But the thing is, it doesn't work on all voices. I don't like it on teenish middy sounding voices that lack top crispness and chest-resonating bass, as this mic seems to bring out the 600 to 1000 Hz area a bit too much even on the flat setting. So I always have to eq that down a bit, roll off the bottom, and shelve boost the highs. Therefore I don't consider this an EQ-free mic. It does take EQ well though, and can be made to sound good that way.
All in all, I prefer the more open sound of a condenser. The SM7B can sound stuffy or nasal if you don't position it right; it's a LOT more sensitive to positioning relative to the mouth than a condenser. You can't move your head around when you sing, but need it bolted in place.
And no, it's not plosive free; you do get reduced but still present plosives, but nothing like compared to a condenser. And no, it doesn't cut out all background noise. At 68 dB gain it will pick up paper being shuffled a yard behind it and the hum of the refrigerator ten yards away, and room reflections in an untreated room. But it's still quieter that way versus a condenser. For me, it's good enough to keep, but not good enough to keep me from buying other potentially better sounding vocal mics.
The bass roll-off and mid boost is a nice feature, but I found it works best set to flat. The collar part that attaches to the mic stand rotates by itself when you screw it down, so you don't have to rotate the whole mic like with some mic clips.
Very rugged. Although the short audio cable going from the XLR input to the mic body itself, that cord I suppose could fray after a decade of heavy use, but I've never heard of such a problem. It's just the softest most dangly thing on the mic, that's all.
In my mind this mic is worth around two hundred fifty bucks, but some say they'd pay a thousand.
Comments about Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response:
this mic is awsome, for vocals, snare of bass drums, and great for acoustic guitar. i love it
this mic is great. it has awsome hi and lo pass filters.
it is rugged, and sturdy, yu dont have to worry about it falling apart. the sound is great for vocals. if you like hardcore music like me it is great for screams.
theres nothing this good on the market in the price range.
Comments about Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response:
Excellent! Check out my comments in the quality section!
Check out my review on this mic with the Gap-pre 73 for more details on this combo!
But yes, this mic is also a sleeper. In my friends studio, he has a Neumann TLM 103, Blackberry, and a couple other lower grade LDC mics like Rode NT-1, but we were very surprised how great this mic sounded for male rock vocal. It also has a great way of thickening up the vox, which is great for any singers that have somewhat thinner nasal, tenor type voices.
Don't forget, this was the mic used on Michael Jackson's thriller album! Don't let the fact that this mic is not phantom powered scare you. I will say that you really need to juice this thing though, you need at least 70.
Comments about Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response:
This Mic has ramped up my vocal sound to where I want it to be. I run it through the focusrite liquid channel and get amazingly good sounds. I originally wanted it because I saw Jeff Tweedy using it on the making of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I love this mic.
Comments about Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response:
Even with a crappy preamp this thing is out of control quiet. no noise, crispy clean, awesome low end. amazing for metal vocals/ screaming, loud cleans. coupled it with an expensive pre and recorded blank noise.. you could virtually hear NOTHING. does not pick up room sound. at all. needs a bawlz ton of gain, but that could be a positive. wont ever use a different mic again for loud vocals. i spend months studying things before i buy them.. so believe me when i say to get this. if you dont like it.. ill let you punch me in the face.
Comments about Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response:
After a lot of research I picked up the SM7B about a month ago. Having used it for a month in various applications ranging from snare drum to acoustic guitar to vocals, I've got to agree with the rampant praise this mic gets. I have somewhat of a nasally voice but I find the response of this mic is ideal. I get a mid bump like an SM57 but with incredible clarity on top (this mic is rated to go up to 20kHz). I tried it on snare and although it was good, I prefer the Audix i5. I find this mic really shines as a mid in an m/s stereo matrix with an AKG 414 in figure 8 as the side mic. The SM7B has a couple built in EQ switches but I find I don't even need them, especially since I prefer to EQ later on in software.As others have noted, this mic has extremely low output. As long as you've got a preamp that you can really crank for clean gain, you'll get the best out of this mic. I'm very glad I bought this mic. You probably will be too.
Comments about Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response:
This is a decent, low output dynamic that works best on loud rock vocals. That's about the only application that I might ever choose it for, as I have other mics that are better for electric guitar, acoustic guitar, softer vocals, drums, etc. If you buy this thinking you're just going to be blown away you'll most likely be disappointed. And be sure you have a preamp with lots of clean gain as this is a very low output mic.
Comments about Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response:
I run a studio out of my home and this took my recordings to the next level. I went from a demo studio to bands using my work on iTunes overnight. I just finished recording a couple songs for a local band that sings/screams and this did amazing on both. The fact that it's dynamic makes it perfect for the music I record. You can even roll off the bass or boost the mids with a switch. IDK what this can't do so no matter what you record get it now! I rather have an SM7B than a 414 (But I'm still getting one to add to the collection) ;)
Comments about Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response:
The SM7B (with a tube preamp) is the mic I used on recent commercials for national brands and a university with acclaim from the producers and clients. It has excellent presence without the hard edge on the high end I have experienced with the popular and much more expensive Neumann TLM 103.Rick Jensen, Rick Jensen Productions
