The Shure SM7B is beloved by professional musicians for its reliable performance, top-grade construction, and noise attenuating technology that lends itself to clear recordings. This isn’t a mic for those making their first foray into recording, rather it’s for aspiring professionals and industry veterans. The uniform frequency response is excellent for all ranges of recording, and the alternative responses are fitting for other studio needs.
Before recently being adopted by podcasters everywhere, Shure’s SM7B microphone was famous for its use on Michael Jackson’s Thriller record, as an unlikely choice of microphone for the superstar’s vocals. The SM7B isn’t the cheapest microphone, and you’re paying for two things: professional performance and premium construction. We’re breaking down what makes the Shure SM7B a studio staple, and why it’s worth the cost.
The Shure SM7B reflects the company’s attention to detail and prioritization of premium construction. I love the frequency response illustration on the back. Two toggles allow you to select one of four possible responses, depending on what the situation calls for (e.g., bass rolloff, flat, presence boost). The yoke mounting mechanism is brilliant and makes it easy to attach and detach the SM7B from your favorite mic stand. Further, the yoke’s adjustment is smooth and offers just enough resistance to keep the microphone in its deliberately placed position.
There's little need for an external pop filter, since the pre-installed one works so well.
Shure incorporates plenty of advanced internal hardware to protect the cartridge and other components. Its internal air suspension shock apparatus significantly reduces mechanical noises that would otherwise make their way into recordings. It’s also designed to reject hums emitted from computer monitors. If a mic picks up on countless bumps and brushes, it can add a lot of time to the post-production process.
Requirements for the Shure SM7B
Whether you record from a blanket fort or a professional studio, you need a mic stand. Podcasters or streamers working from a desktop should consider a mounted boom arm instead.
