Gearank High Notes
- 2022.07: Highest Rated Studio Vocal Mic Under $500
- 2022.07: Equal Highest Rated Dynamic Microphone
Tied With:Sennheiser e906 - 2021.05: Equal Highest Rated Dynamic Microphone
Tied With:Sennheiser e906
Sennheiser e935 - 2021.04: Highest Rated Studio Vocal Mic Under $500
- 2017.10: Highest Rated Studio Vocal Mic from $200 to $500
- 2016.10: Highest Rated Studio Vocal Mic Under $500
Gearank Recommended
Website | Source | *Rating Value |
Gearspace | Zarkov | 90/100 |
Audiofanzine | MatrixClaw | 80/100 |
Overview
Used by big name artists such as Sheryl Crow, Sammy Hagar of Chickenfoot and System of a Down’s Seri Tankjan just to name a few, the Shure SM7B continues to be one of the most in-demand and sought after vocal mics on the market today – both for recording and live performances.
Even the King of Pop Michael Jackson, who could have whatever microphone he wanted, recorded vocal parts of Thriller using the original SM7.
These days, the mic has been updated to SM7B, to meet the demands of today’s stages and studios, but it still carries the core features that made the original popular, quality sound that works great for intense vocal work, high SPL handling that can handle loud instruments like drums, and reliability.
Note that to get the most out of recording vocals with this mic you generally want to use a preamp like the Cloud CL-1.
If you’re not into the nuances of condenser mics and you prefer a warm sounding mic for rock, metal and the like, the versatile and reliable SM7B is highly commended.
Specifications
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 50 to 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 150 ohms
- Maximum SPL: 150++ dB
- Bass roll-off control
- Mid-range emphasis / Presence boost control
- Power Requirements: None
Our Shure SM7B was used and enjoyed for about 20 hours before it sounded like a ‘tin can’. The distributor in Australia has checked the mike and found its main cartridge needs to be replaced. The quote for repair is $480 AUD plus postage. The work is guaranteed for 90 days. Amazon can land a new one in Australia for $560 AUD. What would you do?