Podcast industry standard for a reason. If you are just chatting or want a solid mid grade mic that is good enough to record songs on this is a good pick. If you have the money there are better mics on the market for the purpose of song and instrumental recording such as a Neumann. Just be ready to shell out four digits per mic for those.

Those of us that want a good general use mic that we will most likely not outgrow get the SM7(dB). You WILL have to buy extra stuff to make this mic work, and WILL NEED to spend time setting the mic up. It is not plug and play. You can slap everything together needed and just go with it, but you will sound bad. Search online for how to set the mic and your XLR amp up properly.

The SM7dB is the upgraded version of the the series and I bought it over the normal SM7 because it takes into account customer feedback about the older version. If you want to save some money the normal SM7 just needs a good dial tunable XLR amp and some decent audio software to make up for its shortcomings. The money you save getting the baseline SM7 over the SM7dB will allow you to buy a decent XLR amp if budget is a concern. So the choice over the SM7 or the SM7dB is budget vs personal preference.

Things you will need to run this mic:

-Mic stand or boom arm

-Special adapter to fit the mic to the stand or boom properly if needed

-XLR amp

-XLR cable (do not be cheap)

-High quality USB-C to USB-A cable or USB-C only cable to connect the XLR amp to your PC

-Recording software of choice (freeware works fine)

-Fine tuning of operating software settings to match the mic

My setup with the SM7dB and everything mentioned above totaled about $900 USD all said and done. You can save a couple hundred by picking the SM7, a cheaper XLR amp, and a lower price boom/stand than I did, but this should give you a rough idea what the true cost of this mic will be. Keep in mind this is still below what it cost for just a Neumann TLM 103 mic with nothing to run it, and that mic is what professional radio and recording studios have considered industry standard for over 25 years. So if you aren't doing professional singing and want to be able to run the whole setup for less than what the cost of a Broadway quality mic alone is, get the SM7(dB).

This is and absolutely great microphone! Here is why

The Room Rejection Is Incredible: If your room sounds like a hollow echo chamber or you have loud neighbors, this mic is a lifesaver. Because it’s a dynamic mic with a tight cardioid pattern, it completely ignores my noisy desktop fan and the echo bouncing off my bare drywall.That Rich "Radio Host" Warmth: When you get right up on the grille (about 2 inches away), it gives your voice a thick, smooth, broadcast-like weight. It rounds out harsh, sharp consonant sounds beautifully.Built Like a Tank: The all-metal build is incredibly reassuring. The integrated swivel mount and heavy-duty housing feel premium and durable enough to last a decade without breaking a sweat.

Sound quality is outstanding. I use this for gaming, streaming, and recording. It’s pricy, especially once you factor in an XLR cable, mount, and audio interface, but the vocal texture and fidelity is next level good. The preamp is a nice addition to an already very capable microphone.

I never used to think I liked the SM7B. But as it turns out, what I didn't like was that anyone on YouTube or Twitch who could get their hands on this microphone would use it without having any idea what they were doing. They would over process this microphone or process it in such a way to ruin all the best things about it. But before you buy it, there are a few things to consider.

First, this is a very dark microphone. That doesn't mean that it's going to make you sound deep and commanding. Your voice will still sound like your voice, but if you were looking for something that compliments your voice in such a way, this microphone could be that. But if your voice is already very deep, this can exaggerate this detail in your voice and even ruin the experience for some listeners.

Second, this microphone is particularly hard to drive, especially if you don't have the right means to do so. Some people will tell you things like "I managed to drive it just fine with my Behringer UM2". But let me tell you, doing so is possible but by no means practical. This will introduce extremely high amounts of "Noise" (Static), and when I tried to replicate this myself, I encountered an issue. As I turned the volume near max the volume curve made a sharp turn upward, making it very hard to control what volume it was set to.

Finally, just cause this is a dynamic microphone, that doesn't mean it doesn't pick up any background noise. Actually this microphone picks up quite a noticeable amount of background noise. So don't think this is going to completely remove the sound of people talking in the other room or that annoying sound of reflection from your room not having any acoustic treatment. It might be a little bit better than some condensers at this, it is by no means the best microphone for isolating.

But what about what truly makes this microphone stand out? Why should you buy this microphone? First, it's an absolute staple in studios big and small, so if for no other reason, the fact that it's so recognizable and loved by so many.

Second, this microphone offers a smooth sound like nothing else I've ever seen in its price range. The soft high end and flat mids, make for a smooth frequency response. In addition, the over all sonic signature of this microphone's quality, as well as it being a dynamic microphone makes for one smooth sounding microphone.

And finally, if for no other reason, the bragging rights that comes with this microphone. While all your friends have their cheap knock offs and SM7B wannabes, you can know the true feeling of owning an SM7B. But in all seriousness, the SM7B has a name and reputation to uphold so you know that sure will have to deliver when it comes to quality.

I hope this answered any questions you might have about this microphone and if you should buy it.

The Shure SM7B absolutely lives up to the hype. The vocal clarity is incredible super clean, smooth, and detailed without sounding harsh. It captures my voice naturally while still giving that rich, warm tone that makes recordings sound professional right out of the box.

What really stands out is how well it handles dynamics. Whether I’m speaking softly or projecting more, it stays balanced and controlled without distortion. It also does a great job rejecting background noise, which is perfect for streaming, podcasting, or recording in less-than-perfect rooms.

The Shure SM7B isn't just a microphone; it's an institution. Revered by broadcasters, podcasters, vocalists, and engineers alike, it has cemented its place as a go-to dynamic microphone for achieving professional, polished audio. While its reputation often precedes it, a closer look at its specifications and performance reveals why it continues to be a top choice, albeit with a few considerations.

Shure SM7B Review: The Legendary Broadcast Standard, Demystified

Price: $439.00

Overview: The Shure SM7B is a premium, professional-grade dynamic microphone celebrated for its warm, clear, and consistent sound. Designed primarily for vocal applications, it excels in capturing speech and singing with exceptional fidelity, while its robust construction and clever design features make it incredibly resilient and adaptable to various recording environments.

Build Quality & Design (5/5 Stars) The moment you pick up the SM7B, its substantial presence is undeniable. At 851.6g (1.877 lbs), it's a hefty piece of equipment, radiating an immediate sense of durability. Its dimensions – 198.7 mm (7.823 in) height, 117 mm (4.606 in) width, and 96 mm (3.78 in) depth – reflect its solid, all-metal construction. This isn't a mic you'll accidentally knock over or worry about on the road. The integrated yoke mount, complete with captive nuts, allows for easy and secure positioning, though its weight necessitates a sturdy microphone stand. The internal shock mount and an effective integrated pop filter/windscreen further enhance its ruggedness and performance, eliminating the need for external accessories in many cases.

Sound Quality & Performance (5/5 Stars) The heart of the SM7B's appeal lies in its sound. As a dynamic transducer with a cardioid polar pattern, it excels at isolating the sound source while rejecting off-axis noise and room ambience – a huge benefit for untreated rooms or live broadcast situations.

Frequency Response: Covering a range from 50 Hz to 20 kHz, the SM7B captures the full spectrum of the human voice with remarkable accuracy. It's known for its smooth, natural midrange, clear highs, and controlled lows, which contribute to its signature "broadcast-ready" sound. This response tames harsh sibilance and plosives naturally, making vocals sit beautifully in a mix.

Built-in EQ Switches: On the rear of the microphone, two switches offer useful tone-shaping capabilities:

Switchable Low Cut: This allows you to roll off low-end frequencies, perfect for mitigating rumble, hum, or the proximity effect that can occur when speaking very close to the mic.

Mid-range Presence Boost: This switch brightens the sound, adding clarity and intelligibility to vocals, often preferred for speech or when a voice needs to cut through a mix. These switches add significant versatility, allowing users to tailor the mic's response to their specific voice or instrument.

Key Specifications Analysis:

Sensitivity (-59.00 dBV/Pa / 1.12 mV/Pa): This is the most crucial specification to understand for the SM7B. Its exceptionally low sensitivity means it requires a significant amount of clean gain from your preamplifier – typically 60dB or more. This is not a plug-and-play microphone for entry-level audio interfaces that might only offer 40-50dB of gain. Without sufficient gain, you'll get a weak, noisy signal. Many users pair it with an in-line preamplifier like a Cloudlifter or FetHead to boost the signal before it hits their interface's preamp, ensuring a clean, strong signal.

Impedance (150 Ω): A standard professional impedance, compatible with virtually all modern preamps and audio interfaces.

Output Connectors (3 Pin XLR): The industry-standard balanced XLR output ensures a professional, interference-free connection.

Attenuation PAD: None – not typically needed for a dynamic mic of this type, especially one with such low sensitivity.

Interchangeable Capsule: No – a fixed, robust design optimized for its specific purpose.

Ease of Use (3/5 Stars - With Important Caveats)

The impression of "ease of use" is a nuanced one for the SM7B. In terms of operational simplicity, once properly set up, it is remarkably easy to use. The integrated pop filter means you don't need a separate, often cumbersome, external one. The yoke mount makes positioning straightforward. The rear EQ switches are simple to understand and engage.

However, the significant caveat lies in its gain requirements. For newcomers or those with basic audio interfaces, achieving an optimal signal level can be a challenge. If "ease of use" implies a simple plug-and-play experience, the SM7B falls short without the right supplementary gear. It demands a high-quality preamp capable of delivering substantial, clean gain. This often means an additional investment beyond the microphone itself, which beginners might not anticipate. Therefore, while operationally simple, the setup process and gear requirements can make it less "easy" for the uninitiated compared to, say, a USB microphone.

Who Is It For?

Podcasters & Broadcasters: Its natural speech reproduction and excellent off-axis rejection make it ideal for clear, professional voice work, even in less-than-perfect acoustic environments.

Vocalists (Singing & Voiceover): Many legendary vocalists have used the SM7B (famously, Michael Jackson on "Thriller"). Its ability to capture a smooth, present vocal without harshness is highly valued.

Streamers & Content Creators: For those serious about their audio quality and willing to invest in the necessary supporting equipment.

Studio Engineers: A versatile dynamic mic for a range of sources, including guitar cabs, bass cabs, and drums.

Pros:

Exceptional Sound Quality: Warm, clear, natural, and broadcast-ready vocals.

Superb Off-Axis Rejection: Minimizes room noise and background distractions.

Built Like a Tank: Extremely durable, designed to last for decades.

Integrated Pop Filter & Shock Mount: Reduces plosives and handling noise without external accessories.

Versatile EQ Switches: Low cut and presence boost for tailoring the sound.

Industry Standard: A professional choice trusted by countless professionals.

Cons:

Demanding Gain Requirements: Its low sensitivity necessitates a high-gain, clean preamplifier (60dB+), often requiring an additional inline preamp (e.g., Cloudlifter), increasing the overall cost and complexity of the setup. This is its only major drawback.

Price: At $439.00, it's a significant investment, especially when factoring in the required preamp.

Physical Size & Weight: May require a robust microphone stand, not ideal for minimalist setups.

Conclusion:

The Shure SM7B undeniably lives up to its legendary status. It delivers on its promise of pristine, professional-grade audio, offering a sound that is both rich and articulate. Its robust construction ensures it will be a reliable workhorse for years to come. However, potential buyers must be aware of its specific needs: this is not a microphone to be paired with just any entry-level interface. If you are prepared to invest not only in the microphone itself but also in a high-quality, high-gain preamplifier, the SM7B will reward you with an unparalleled sonic experience that will elevate your recordings to a truly professional level. For those seeking the iconic, smooth broadcast sound, the SM7B remains an undisputed champion.

Great for recording. The built in pre-amp is almost too much. Crystal clear on spoken and clean vocals and captures all the natural gain in metal vocals. Speedy but worth it.

You know how your singing/speaking voice always sounds richer in your head than it does on tape? This mic makes you sound on tape like you sound in your head.

The Good:

* Thick low-mids, a nice presence bump, and an agreeable proximity effect that has none of that "Help I'm trapped in a box" sound you get with an SM58 or other dynamic cardioid vocal mic.

* Off-axis noise rejection makes this a good choice for live room recording, where a condenser mic would get too much bleed.

* There's just something about the giant foam wind/pop screen that is fun to sing into. This is a friendly mic that sounds great.

You should know:

* You'll need a pre-amp with 60dB gain to get a proper level out of this mic. Most computer audio interfaces with built-in mic pre's have only 30-40db of gain. As a test, if an SM58 in your setup requires that you max the gain, you'll definitely need to pair this mic with an external pre-amp (you probably need one for your SM58 too!).

* This isn't intended as a hand-held live mic, though people have done it.

As shown in the picture i received this today and it is a genuine sm7b. Checked the inside and it all matches. Excellent upgrade from at2020 in my opinion. It was shipped and delivered within 24h (instead of 2 working days) to NL.

Después de usarlo durante bastante tiempo, entiendo perfectamente por qué sigue siendo uno de los micrófonos más utilizados por streamers, podcasters y creadores de contenido. La calidad de sonido es excelente: la voz se escucha cálida, limpia y muy profesional, incluso sin necesidad de aplicar demasiados filtros o procesamiento.

Eso sí, conviene saber que no es un micrófono para conectar y usar directamente. Necesita una interfaz de audio con conexión XLR y, en muchos casos, suficiente ganancia o un preamplificador adicional para sacarle todo el partido, ya que su nivel de salida es relativamente bajo.

En cuanto a construcción, se nota que es un producto premium. Incluye espuma antipop y está diseñado para reducir muy bien los ruidos del entorno y las explosivas de la voz.

No es barato, pero la calidad que ofrece justifica completamente el precio. Si buscas un micrófono profesional y estás dispuesto a acompañarlo con el equipo adecuado, es una compra que merece la pena al 100%

The Shure SM7B is a game-changer for anyone serious about audio quality. As a podcaster and musician, finding a microphone that delivers on versatility and performance is paramount. The SM7B not only meets but exceeds expectations.

Its construction exudes durability, a reassuring factor when investing in quality audio equipment. The sleek design is not just aesthetic but a testament to its robustness, fitting seamlessly into any studio setup.

The standout feature? Its ability to capture rich, warm tones across a wide frequency range. Whether I'm recording vocals, instruments, or voiceovers, the SM7B consistently delivers crystal-clear sound reproduction. The bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis controls allow tailored sound shaping, adapting effortlessly to different recording environments and preferences.

One thing to note: This microphone requires a good amount of gain, so pairing it with a high-quality preamp or interface is recommended for optimal performance. Additionally, its low sensitivity might not suit all recording setups, especially for quieter sound sources.

Despite these considerations, the SM7B's exceptional noise rejection capabilities make it a top choice for professional studios. It effectively minimizes background noise, ensuring clean recordings even in less-than-ideal acoustic settings.

In conclusion, the Shure SM7B is a true workhorse microphone. Its unparalleled sound quality, durability, and adaptability make it a staple for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. While it might demand some additional equipment for optimal performance, the results it delivers justify every penny. If you're seeking a versatile, reliable microphone that consistently produces high-quality audio, the SM7B should be at the top of your list.

Remember to tweak or adjust the review as needed, depending on your personal experiences and preferences with the microphone!

Si estás dudando entre el SM7B clásico y este nuevo SM7dB, te voy a ahorrar tiempo: ve a por este. Como usuario, la diferencia en comodidad es abismal.

🔊 El gran cambio: Ganancia integrada

Lo mejor de este micrófono es que soluciona el eterno problema del modelo anterior. Ya no necesitas comprar un Cloudlifter ni ningún activador de señal extra. Trae un preamplificador integrado que te da ese empujón de ganancia necesario. Lo he conectado directo a mi interfaz y suena con volumen de sobra y sin ese molesto ruido de fondo (hiss) que aparecía antes si subías mucho la ganancia.

🎛️ Diseño mejorado:

Un detalle que parece pequeño pero se agradece muchísimo: los botones de configuración traseros. En el modelo antiguo necesitabas un destornillador o algo punzante para cambiar la configuración. En este, son interruptores reales que puedes cambiar con el dedo en un segundo. Mucho más práctico.

🎙️ Sonido

Mantiene esa firma de sonido "de radio" clásica de Shure: cálido, profundo y muy profesional. Además, el rechazo al ruido ambiente es excelente; si no tienes una habitación tratada acústicamente, este micro te perdona muchos ecos.

En general un micrófono que vale la pena

Good mic. Lil noisy but can work around it. Got it used and works perfectly