Shure SM7B – The best deal …
I just received an advertisement email from a popular online gear supplier. Specifically, they advertise an Ev RE-20 mic package for $498. This package includes the proprietary Ev shock-mount and a custom designed pop filter. The selling price is a fair deal in my opinion. I own this mic as well as the mount, and needless to say the RE-20 is a classic.
The purpose of this post is to reiterate what I have been stating for the last two years: In my opinion the Shure SM7B is *the* best deal available if you are looking for a professional broadcast microphone. The reasons are as follows: besides the fact that the mic sounds great – it is extremely forgiving, it provides customization options [high-pass and mid-frequency cut/boost], there is an incorporated shock mount, and foam style pop filters [2] designed for specific applications are included.
I will also stress that the microphone does a stellar job in filtering electro-magnetic interference that may be apparent within the vicinity of the mic. The only minor issue that you need to be aware of is this: the mic needs a good amount of gain in order to be properly driven. This can be problematic if you are using a low quality and/or noisy preamp.
The bottom line is that the Shure SM7B is currently available for less than $350. It is used by professional facilities, and I repeat – it is the best deal out there for serious new media/podcast air personalities.
-ptfigg.
Great advice, Paul. On your earlier advice I got 2 SM7B mics for my setup, and they’re excellent. The included pop filters are great, and you’re absolutely right, the shure is extremely forgiving. It improved the quality of our show significantly — listeners even wrote in to say that they didn’t know what we had done differently, but that they liked it better.
Thanks Bob. I’m glad that the mics are working out well for you.
One thing that I forgot to mention in my post is how durable they are as well. The build quality is exceptional.
-ptfigg.
Hi, Paul,
Can the SM7B be substituted for the Electrovoice RE 20 in the pro rev 1 rig with appropriate savings? The overall deal looks much better with the SM7B than with the Electrovoice RE 20 without any loss of quality.
Thanks,
David
Hi David,
The SM7B would mesh well with the rev.1 pro rig.
I *think* you are probably aware that I don’t actually sell the gear here on the site. All the included components in my designs are readily available. Let me know if I can help you in any way …
-ptfigg.
Hello: I just came upon your site while searching Shure SM7B mics.
I am setting up a home studio using a Dell computer to do voice-over work. I have experience with many Shure models from my time in major market radio broadcasting.
However, it’s intimidating setting things up on the home front when one is used to having an engineer around.
Dell told me my computer specifications are as follows:
Computer Specifics for Microphone
Supply Voltage Requirement (Loading): 5, 12, -12 Volt
Current Consumption (Typical): 300, 500, 30 mA respectively
Microphone Impedance: 600 Ohms
Line-In Impedance: 47 KOhms
CD Audio-In Impedance: 50 KOhms
Microphone Sensitivity: 10 – 200 mVpp
Line-In Sensitivity: 0 – 2 Vpp
CD Audio-In Sensitivity: 0 – 2 Vpp
The type of microphone input connector on the device is 3.5mm mini-phone plug.
Based on that information, can you or any of your readers tell me if this will be the right microphone for my system? All of those specifics mean nothing to me. I need a forgiving mic that will deliver excellent quality on the recording software I am using.
Thank you very much for your help.
Best regards,
Lark
Hi Lark,
The SM7B needs pre-amplification in order to bring its signal up to line level. In this case you need an external device. Examples include audio mixers, processors, or audio interfaces.
The are various issues to consider in order to achieve optimum results.
If you don’t mind, let’s continue this discussion on the forum. This will help others who may have similar questions.
I’ll help get you up to speed …
-ptfigg.
hello,
Which preamp You recommended for Shure SM7b for voiceover home studio work. What do You think about Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro FireWire?
Hi,
I think the MBox should mesh well with the mic for general purpose work. I guess it all depends on how you plan to distribute your recordings.
If you are in the voiceover business and reference quality results are imperative, I would then suggest that you look into a higher end external preamp.
There are many, and some are quite expensive. Also, you may want to consider a vocal strip that has an integrated preamp.
Have a look at these components by Aphex:
http://www.aphex.com/207D.htm
http://www.aphex.com/230.htm
-ptfigg.
Thanx ptfigg,
I read lot of reviews about this Aphex products and I think that both of them are good choice!I must confide on your knowledge, because I have no possibility to audition this combination..
And just one question from the unskilful user of Shure: What is Your recommendation about switch position of SM7b (midrange boost) during voice-over recording?
thanx in advance
Nice site. I was wondering can the shure ksm27 or ksm44 be used for podcasting and how would it compare to the sm7b? I appreciate all the info your site provides
Hi,
I am considering buying the shure sm7b for professional voice over work and some studio vocals although my currently humble home studio.
budget is a concern. I have a computer running Cubase LE and an older Sahphire audio input device.
I’m pretty sure it’s this one.
http://www.markertek.com/Audio-Equipment/Audio-Interface/Computer-Audio-Interface/Focusrite-USA/SAFFIRE.xhtml
I need to know if I need a preamp. I’m not a tech guy. Can anyone point me in the right direction. I’d really appreciate it.
God bless,
Eric
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