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Shure SM7B Microphone Review

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Shure has been in the microphone game a long time— since 1932, in fact. Over the years, they’ve built a reputation as one of the best microphone manufacturers on the market, with stalwarts like the Shure SM56 and Shure SM58 cementing their spot’s performance history.

With a product lineup that’s known to be the best among the best, you can expect that expectations for the Shure SM7B are high, and this mic meets every last of them. The SM7B mic is famous for being the mic Michael Jackson used when he recorded his hit “Thriller”. With the SM7 mic’s dynamic range and a natural sound, it’s no surprise that this ranks among the best dynamic vocal microphones in the world. Read on to find out why.


About the SM7B Microphone


Sennheiser E835 Microphone
Power Required/Consumption1 Lithium battery required
Polar PatternsCardioid
Frequency Response50Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity-59dBV/Pa (1.12 mV) (at 1kHz, open voltage)
Output Impedance150 ohms
ConnectorXLR
Max SPL180dB

The Shure SM7B microphone is one of the top vocal microphones in the world and has been used in radio stations, in studios for voiceover and vocal recording, and in-home gaming set ups as well. While many might labor under the idea that the best sound comes from the most expensive microphones, the SM7B microphone proves that wrong. It’s comparable with even the best condensers from the famously high-end brand Neumann while being three times cheaper than the TLM 103 and eight times cheaper than the U37!

The Shure SM7B vocal dynamic microphone is well-known for its prosperous yet neutral low-end, which has a completely natural sound that makes every recording sound true-to-life— sometimes even better. Unlike typical consumer-grade mics, the SM7B has no distortion, just a clean, balanced bass. These, and the lack of boominess, make it a favorite for users with deep voices. Even those without will enjoy the smooth and transparent high ranges, and unlike other expensive condensers the SM7B has a sound that’s completely smooth.

This microphone is perfect for bringing out the best in a deep baritone, taming and smoothing out a high soprano, and can record something as soft as a whisper or as loud as a gunshot perfectly. With its 180dB SPL, it’s also a top choice for bass drums and full-tilt guitar solos, making it one of the best all-around mics on the market today.


Shure SM7B Microphone Pros


See more product details on Amazon.

The Shure SM7B is one of the most dynamic vocal microphones out there. Unlike other condensers, the SM7B is able to filter out non-essential sounds, which makes it especially ideal for applications beyond simply studio recording, and is exactly why it’s a favorite for radio stations.

It’s also far easier to use, which means you’ll have more consistent sound production and you and your guests don’t have to worry too much about messing up. With a frequency response that goes up to 20kHz, much bigger than other microphones at comparable prices, you can be sure that the SM7B is going to capture your voice to the most flattering degree.\

No ‘Bad’ Air

While microphone sensitivity is important in order to capture all the nuances of a human voice, it can also have its downsides. Many sound engineers has despaired over having to edit out breathiness or unnecessary mechanical noise. Luckily, the Shure SM7B is designed to deal with that. Thanks to its air suspension shock isolation and pop filter, the SM7B is able to eliminate ‘unwanted’ noise, allowing for words to get through cleanly without interference.

Clean Capture

Thanks to its classic cardioid pattern, the SM7B is able to reject off-axis audio while focusing recordings in one area. You can speak, sing, or play music at a comfortable angle and be confident that the microphone can capture your sound perfectly, with little to no outside noise.


Pros and Cons of the Shure SM7B Microphone

ProsCons
✔ Superb sound quality
✔ Dynamic microphone for studio use
✔ Has an internal shock mount and pop filter
✖️ Expensive
✖️ Does not come with its own mic stand

What People Are Saying Shure SM7B Microphone

The Shure SM7B vocal dynamic microphone is perfect for both home and studio environments and can be used for a variety of activities. Thanks to its cardioid pattern pick up, it can easily reject unwanted sounds. Its dynamic frequency range and response also allow for a natural sound, making the mixing process easier than ever. 

“I was using a Bluebird mic for quite a bit which was $100 cheaper, decided to upgrade to this one because I heard great things. This mic has exceeded all expectations. For $400 it can’t be beat in price. It adds such a nice raspy base to my vocal I was missing. This is by far the best mic I’ve used in the studio. 100% recommend”


Reviewer – Charles from sweetwater

Where to Buy the Shure SM7B Microphone

Whether you’re a podcaster, vocalist, or radio announcer, the Shure SM7B is one of the best tools on the market for amplifying and capturing your voice. Cheaper than condenser mics but offering the same, and sometimes better, caliber of sound, this is a must-have for any studio setup. Find the best deals for the Shure SM7B Microphone here.


The Best Mic for Recording

Shure SM7B

The Shure SM7B is renowned for its exceptional audio fidelity, delivering a magnificent sound quality that meets the highest standards. As a dynamic microphone designed for studio use, it excels in capturing vocals and instruments with precision and depth.

Equipped with an internal shock mount and pop filter, it effectively reduces unwanted vibrations and plosive sounds, resulting in clean and professional recordings.

With the Shure SM7B, you can expect top-notch performance and reliability, making it a trusted choice among professionals in the industry.

Sound Quality
10
Design
9
Features
8
Price
9

Summary

The Shure SM7B is one of the top vocal microphones in the world, and its incredible sound quality makes it a favorite for professional studios everywhere. The flat frequency response allows for an excellent recording for any type of sound source, and it's versatile enough to work with most studio settings.

Total Rating

9.0
Ash Burnett

Hailing from Chicago, IL - Ash made his break into journalism at the age of 23 writing music reviews for a local website. Now in his late 30's and after being pulled closer towards the technical side of the music and live gig industry, he founded Shout4Music to write thorough microphone reviews.

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