When podcasting is not all about sound, sound is for sure one of the most important factors to consider.

Choosing the right microphone can feel like a tough decision, especially when you're just starting your podcast, and you might be aiming at good sound quality on a budget.

We all know that whether you're recording your first podcast, broadcasting to thousands of virtual listeners, or laying down tracks in your home studio, the quality of your audio is what will make the difference between an amateur work and a professional result.

Among all the mics that gained a place on the podium in recent years, there's one that has won the hearts of top podcasters: the Shure SM7B.

The Shure SM7B dynamic microphone is part of the setup of famous podcasters like Joe Rogan and Marc Maron.

Need more names to confirm its reputation? The list could go on, but I guess these Shure fans should be convincing enough! If not, know that iconic artists have loved this brand over time.

Michael Jackson used a Shure Sm7 mic when recording most on his first few albums, including Thriller.

Known for its exceptional build quality and ability to capture amazing sound, the SM7B remains one of the best microphones for vocal performance, whether you're podcasting, streaming, or recording in the studio.

In this detailed review, we’ll tell you everything we know about the Shure SM7B

We'll take a close look at the mic’s features, such as sound quality, build, and performance, and compare it to its main competitors in podcasting and music.

N.B.: We don’t participate in any affiliate programs: the links to the manufacturer’s site are purely to provide more information, with no financial benefit for us. What truly matters to us is your trust.

Key Specs of the Shure SM7B

Here’s a quick overview of the key specifications of the Shure SM7B, giving you a clear picture of its capabilities:

Microphone Type: Dynamic

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Connection Type: XLR

Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz

Sensitivity: -59.0 dB

Max SPL: 180 dB

Weight: 766g (with yoke mount)

Dimensions: 7.4 x 3.5 inches

Accessories: Windscreen, switch cover, stand adapter

Price: 399 - 499 Euro (varies by retailer)

Sturdy and Professional Design

The Shure SM7B is renowned for its solid build and robust design. Made from tough black aluminum, the microphone comes with a large windscreen and an integrated yoke mount for easy positioning on boom arms or microphone stands.

This construction ensures that the SM7B can handle tough studio conditions and last for years, even with heavy use.

One of the most appreciated design features is the yoke mount, which not only looks sleek but also offers great flexibility in adjusting the microphone's angle.

Whether you’re recording in a live studio or at home, the yoke mount makes it easy to find the perfect recording position.

The mic also comes with two different windscreens. Both are highly effective in reducing plosive sounds—those pesky "P" and "B" noises that can ruin recordings.

For podcasters and vocalists, this feature is valuable since it eliminates the need for an external pop filter, though some professionals still prefer using one.

Sound Quality: Professional Clarity and Versatility

1. Flat Frequency Response One of the main features of the Shure SM7B is its flat and wide frequency response, which captures sound exactly as it is,and does not alter its tone.

This makes the microphone perfect for a wide range of uses, from podcasting to vocal recording, and even capturing instruments.

The wide frequency response, from 50 Hz to 20 kHz, allows the SM7B to pick up everything from deep bass to high treble notes.

The flat response between 50 Hz and 4 kHz makes it so that ther's no unnatural boost in bass or mid frequencies.

There are slight peaks between 5 kHz and 10 kHz, which add a natural brightness to vocals, helping them stand out in a mix without sounding harsh.

2. Cardioid Polar PatternAnother great feature of this mic is its cardioid polar pattern, which captures sound directly in front of the microphone while reducing noise from the sides and rear.

This narrow pattern is ideal for non-soundproof rooms, since it minimizes background noise and room reverb.

This means that for podcasters recording in home studios, your voice will be the focus of the recording with minimal background noise.

3. Built-in FiltersThe SM7B comes with two built-in EQ switches (one for bass roll-off and one for presence boost) that let users tweak the mic’s frequency response to suit different recording environments.

These include:

1. Bass roll-off filter: This switch reduces low frequencies below 400 Hz, effectively minimizing room hum, mic stand noise, or proximity effect (the increase in bass response when the mic is close to the sound source).

2. Presence boost: This filter boosts frequencies between 1 kHz and 10 kHz, adding 3 dB of gain to make vocals clearer and more present. This is especially useful for content that requires a strong focus on words, like podcasts and live broadcasts.

These adjustable settings make the SM7B an extremely versatile tool for a wide range of vocal applications.

Performance and Practical Applications

1. Podcasting and Streaming Performance

The clarity and depth of this mic give podcasts a professional sound that helps attract and maintain listeners' attention.This microphone is capable of capturing clear, warm voices without picking up background noise.

As previously said, this feature makes it ideal for podcasters, streamers, and radio broadcasters.

2. Studio Recording and Music Applications The Shure SM7B also holds a special place in music studios. While most professional studios use condenser mics for vocal recording, the dynamic nature of the SM7B offers some unique advantages.

Being able handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) up to 180 dB it can capture powerful sound sources like electric guitars, drums, and brass instruments without distortion, while its flat frequency response ensures a clean and accurate sound capture.

For vocalists, the mic’s ability to handle proximity effect opens up a wide range of possibilities: this mic allows singers to play with the bass and richness of their sound simply by varying their distance from the mic.

You can believe me when I say that such a feature is a huge plus for podcasters too!

Setting Up the Shure SM7B: What You Need to Know

Unlike USB microphones, the Shure SM7B requires a pre amp to function. With a sensitivity of -59.0 dB, this mic produces a fairly weak signal compared to condenser mics.

I assume this isn’t a huge obstacle as you're considering buying a pricey premium microphone, but it does mean you’ll need to pair it with a pre amp or a mic activator like the Cloudlifter to boost the signal. So make sure that tool fits within your spending budget too.

Without a good pre amp, you may also find that the mic's output is very low, even with the gain on your interface turned all the way up.

As this is an important point to consider, let's recap here’s what you’ll need to set up the SM7B:

• Audio Interface: Any professional interface with an XLR input will work fine. Popular choices include the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, PreSonus AudioBox, or Apollo Twin.

• XLR Cable: A high-quality XLR cable is essential to connect the SM7B to your interface.

• Pre amp or Mic Activator: As mentioned, the Cloudlifter CL-1 is a great option to boost the signal, but other pre amps like the dbx 286s can offer even more control over your sound.

  

Comparing Competitors: Is the SM7B Still a Top Choice in 2024?

While the Shure SM7B is an exceptional microphone, how does it stack up against newer options on the market? Let's find out!

Shure SM7B

• $ 399

• Dynamic

• Cardioid

• Podcasting, Broadcast

The Rode NT1-A is an excellent alternative for those who need a versatile condenser microphone for recording vocals or instruments in the studio.

Its bright top-end makes it perfect for high-frequency detail, though it’s less suited for untreated rooms.

• $ 249

• Condenser

• Cardioid

• Studio Recording, Music

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a budget-friendly option but doesn’t offer the same level of noise reduction and durability as the SM7B.

• $ 99

• Condenser

• Cardioid

• Podcasting, Home Studios

The Electro-Voice RE20 is another industry-standard microphone used in radio broadcasts. It offers similar performance but comes at nearly double the price of the SM7B.

• $ 449

• Dynamic

• Cardioid

• Radio Broadcast, Podcasting

Is it Still Worth Buying in 2024?

Able to stand the test of time, the Shure SM7B remains one of the best microphones for podcasting, streaming, and music production in 2024.

It’s definitely worth the investment, especially for those who are serious about creating professional-quality content. This amazing mic is still one of the top choices available.

Though it comes with a higher price tag and requires additional equipment like a pre amp, the investment is well worth it for the long-term performance you’ll get from this iconic microphone.

Online Reviews: What Users Are Saying

Based on reviews from a popular platform, where the Shure SM7B has amassed around 12,000 reviews, users are overwhelmingly positive about the mic’s performance and build quality.

Customers love the microphone for its incredible sound quality and durable construction. But that’s not all!

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons based on customer feedback:

Pros

1. Incredible vocal sound quality

2. Durable build that lasts a long time

3. Cardioid pattern minimizes noise

4. Versatile for podcasts, music, and more

Cons

1. Requires a pre amp for optimal results

2. Heavier than most mics (needs a sturdy stand)

3. Higher price compared to entry-level mics

4. Not as "bright" as condensers for music

While opinions vary on value for money and setup ease, most agree that the Shure SM7B is worth the investment.

Some find the high price and need for extra equipment make it a costly choice, while others find the setup process a bit tricky compared to simple USB plug-and-play mics.

Despite these minor concerns, the general consensus among users is that the Shure SM7B remains one of the best mics out there, especially for those serious about achieving high-quality audio for vocal recordings.

Overall user rating: 9.6/10

Still unsure how to choose the best headphones for your podcast? If so, read our guide!

Author's note

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