ReviewFinder Microphones

Shure SM7B

TLDR: The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Shure SM7B rank #3 out of 101. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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10.0
Amazing

The product receives amazing reviews on average (consumer score 10.0). This is slightly above the median microphone score of 9.1.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for Shure SM7B is $399, available here. This is above the median microphone price of $99.99.
  • Lowest price: $22.99
  • Median price: $99.99
  • Highest price: $3295
  • Shure SM7B price: $399
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation.

The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals. Its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation make it a top choice for recording vocalists across various genres.

The microphone's performance in capturing the nuances of the human voice, from subtle inflections to powerful dynamics, is unmatched by many competing models. It is also perfect for voice-over actors, podcasters, or anyone recording vocals, and excels in capturing vocals and instruments with precision and depth.

The SM7B's remarkable noise isolation properties, cardioid polar pattern, and advanced shielding against electromagnetic interference ensure that audio remains clear and consistent, even in environments with significant background noise. Additionally, the SM7B has a shock mount system that minimizes handling noise and vibration.

The microphone is ideal for podcasting, broadcasting, and recording in a variety of settings, including radio stations, streaming setups, and podcast studios. Its dynamic design allows it to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion, making it suitable for recording loud instruments such as drums or electric guitars.

The Shure SM7B is a reliable and versatile microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality. Its rugged construction and excellent performance make it a popular choice among professionals in the audio industry.

Sound Quality

The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, effective noise isolation, and advanced shielding against electromagnetic interference.

The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals. Its wide frequency response range of 50Hz to 20kHz, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation make it a top choice for recording vocalists across various genres.

The microphone's performance in capturing the nuances of the human voice, from subtle inflections to powerful dynamics, is unmatched by many competing models. It is also perfect for voice-over actors, podcasters, or anyone recording vocals, and excels in capturing vocals and instruments with precision and depth.

The SM7B's remarkable noise isolation properties, cardioid polar pattern, and advanced shielding against electromagnetic interference ensure that audio remains clear and consistent, even in environments with significant background noise. Additionally, the SM7B has a shock mount system that minimizes handling noise and vibration, and it features built-in bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis controls that allow you to fine-tune your sound according to your preferences.

Overall, the Shure SM7B is a top-of-the-line microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality and is well worth its price for professional recording and broadcasting needs.

What is the frequency response range of the Shure SM7B?

The Shure SM7B has a wide frequency response range of 50Hz to 20kHz, according to multiple expert reviews in our database.
Based on 19 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Shure SM7B produce clear and detailed sound?

Yes, the Shure SM7B is highly regarded for its exceptional audio fidelity, delivering a magnificent sound quality that meets the highest standards. It is renowned for its ability to capture vocals with exceptional clarity and depth. Its flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation make it a top choice for recording vocalists across various genres. According to expert reviews, the microphone’s performance in capturing the nuances of the human voice, from subtle inflections to powerful dynamics, is unmatched by many competing models.
Based on 15 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

How good is the Shure SM7B microphone at recording vocals?

According to multiple product reviews in ReviewFinder database, the Shure SM7B microphone is considered one of the best microphones for recording vocals. Its flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation make it a top choice for recording vocalists across various genres. The microphone's performance in capturing the nuances of the human voice, from subtle inflections to powerful dynamics, is unmatched by many competing models. It's also perfect for voice-over actors, podcasters, or anyone recording vocals, and excels in capturing vocals and instruments with precision and depth. Overall, it offers exceptional sound quality across a wide frequency range and is well worth its price.
Based on 11 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Shure SM7B microphone capture depth and richness of sound?

The Shure SM7B microphone has a flat frequency response, which means it captures sound across all frequencies evenly. Its presence boost enhances the mid-range frequencies, which are crucial for capturing the nuances of the human voice. The microphone also has effective noise isolation, which helps to eliminate background noise and ensure that the recorded sound is clear and focused. This combination of features allows the SM7B to capture vocals with exceptional clarity and depth, as noted by several product reviews in our database.
Based on 15 quotes from 11 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Shure SM7B perform in terms of noise cancellation and background noise reduction?

The Shure SM7B is renowned for its remarkable noise isolation properties, making it a preferred choice among broadcasters and podcasters, according to multiple product reviews in ReviewFinder's database. Its cardioid polar pattern and advanced shielding against electromagnetic interference ensure that audio remains clear and consistent, even in environments with significant background noise. Additionally, the SM7B has a shock mount system that minimizes handling noise and vibration, and it features built-in bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis controls that allow you to fine-tune your sound according to your preferences.
Based on 18 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

Directionality

The Shure SM7B microphone is a versatile option for recording vocals or acoustic instruments in noisy environments, with a cardioid polar pattern, built-in controls, and advanced shielding against interference.

The Shure SM7B microphone has a cardioid polar pattern that primarily picks up sound from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear, making it ideal for recording vocals or acoustic instruments in a room with many sound sources. It also features built-in bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis controls, allowing users to fine-tune their sound.

The microphone performs well in picking up sound from different distances, with a recommended distance of 2 to 6 inches for vocal recordings. It is also well-suited for recording in noisy environments, with advanced shielding against electromagnetic interference and the ability to eliminate unwanted noise.

Overall, the Shure SM7B is a versatile microphone that is ideal for podcasting, broadcasting, and recording in a variety of settings.

What do experts say about the directional pattern of the Shure SM7B?

According to various product reviews in ReviewFinder database, the Shure SM7B has a cardioid polar pattern, which means it primarily picks up sound from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear. This helps shield your sound from other sources in the room, reducing noise and bleed-through. The SM7B also features built-in bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis controls, which allow you to fine-tune your sound according to your preferences.
Based on 13 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Shure SM7B microphone good at picking up sound from different angles?

The Shure SM7B features a cardioid pickup pattern that provides clear audio quality in all directions. According to reviews on midnightmagicsounds.com, shout4music.com, and castos.com, the cardioid pattern allows the microphone to record sound from the front and sides of the device while rejecting off-axis audio. This makes it perfect for recording vocals or acoustic instruments in a room with many sound sources.
Based on 6 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Shure SM7B microphone perform in picking up sound from different distances?

According to Prime Sound, the ideal distance for positioning the SM7B will vary depending on the sound source and the desired tonal characteristics. A distance of 2 to 6 inches is generally recommended for vocal recordings, as it allows the microphone to capture the full range of frequencies while maintaining a good proximity effect. For instruments, the distance may vary depending on the desired sound.
Based on 14 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Shure SM7B microphone well suited for recording in a noisy environment?

According to the product reviews on Prime Sound and shout4music.com, the Shure SM7B has advanced shielding against electromagnetic interference and is designed to eliminate unwanted noise, making it ideal for podcasting and broadcasting in noisy environments. However, it's important to note that while the microphone can help reduce background noise, it is still important to record in a quiet environment to achieve the best results.
Based on 10 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Shure SM7B microphone requires an XLR cable and delivers broadcast-quality audio, but may require a gain booster and its audio transmission quality can vary depending on equipment and setup.

The Shure SM7B microphone requires an XLR cable to connect to an audio interface or mixer, and does not have any other connectivity options. It delivers broadcast-quality audio across various settings, making it a popular choice for radio stations, streaming setups, and podcast studios.

However, it requires an above-average amount of clean gain to deliver a usable audio signal, and may benefit from a phantom-powered gain booster like the Cloudlifter CL-1. The quality of audio transmission can vary depending on the audio equipment used and the setup of the recording environment.

What are the available connectivity options for the Shure SM7B microphone?

The Shure SM7B requires an audio interface to be connected via XLR cable to a computer or other recording device. The interface is then connected to the computer via USB. It does not have a direct USB connection option. According to the product review on Music Critic, the connection for the microphone is the standard XLR.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to switch between different connectivity options on the Shure SM7B microphone?

The Shure SM7B microphone is an XLR dynamic microphone, which means it requires a preamp or audio interface with XLR input. It does not have any other connectivity options, so there is no need to switch between them.
Based on 8 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the quality of audio transmission vary across different connectivity options on the Shure SM7B microphone?

The Shure SM7B microphone requires an XLR cable to connect to audio equipment, such as an audio interface or mixer. According to a review on Popular Science, this microphone requires an above-average amount of clean gain to deliver a usable audio signal. If the mic is run with underpowered preamps and the signal is too quiet or noisy, a phantom-powered gain booster like the Cloudlifter CL-1 is the perfect match for getting the best sound out of the SM7B. In general, the Shure SM7B delivers broadcast-quality audio across various settings, making it a popular choice for radio stations, streaming setups, and podcast studios, according to a review on Prime Sound. However, it should be noted that the quality of audio transmission can vary depending on the audio equipment used and the setup of the recording environment.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Features

The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone that requires a preamp or audio interface with a preamp to control gain, but has manual switches for EQ and is ideal for podcasters, broadcasters, and musicians who require high-quality recording in noisy environments.

The Shure SM7B is a basic dynamic microphone without any built-in controls such as a mute button or volume controls. It requires a preamp or an audio interface with a preamp to control the gain. However, it does have manual switches for EQ on the back. This microphone is ideal for podcasters, broadcasters, and musicians who require a high-quality microphone for recording vocals or instruments. It is also suitable for recording in noisy environments due to its excellent noise rejection capabilities.

Does the Shure SM7B have a built-in headphone jack?

No, the Shure SM7B does not have a built-in headphone jack.

Does the Shure SM7B have a mute button, and if so, is it easy to use?

No, the Shure SM7B does not have a mute button. It is a basic microphone without any built-in controls.
Based on 6 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Shure SM7B have volume controls, and if so, are they easy to use?

No, the Shure SM7B does not have volume controls. It is a dynamic microphone that requires a preamp or an audio interface with a preamp to control the gain. According to the product review on Laptop Mag, the microphone does have manual switches for EQ on the back, but there are no volume controls.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The Shure SM7B microphone is compatible with most standard microphone preamps and audio interfaces, but requires a preamp with a decent amount of gain to achieve an acceptable recording level.

The Shure SM7B microphone is compatible with most standard microphone preamps and audio interfaces, but it is a low-output dynamic microphone that requires a preamp with a decent amount of gain to achieve an acceptable recording level. The minimum recommended preamp gain is 60 dB.

It uses an XLR connector, making it compatible with any device that has an XLR input. However, it is important to note that the SM7B has a low output level and requires a preamp with a lot of gain to work properly. Popular preamps used with the SM7B include Cloudlifter CL-1, Triton Audio FetHead, and DBX 286S.

If using it with a computer, it is important to ensure that the audio interface or mixer has enough gain to boost the signal. Overall, the Shure SM7B is a versatile microphone that can be used with a variety of devices, but it is important to consider the necessary preamp gain for optimal performance.

Which devices are compatible with the Shure SM7B microphone?

Shure SM7B is compatible with most standard microphone preamps and audio interfaces. However, it is a low-output dynamic microphone, which means it may require a preamp with a decent amount of gain to achieve an acceptable recording level. According to the product manual, the minimum recommended preamp gain is 60 dB. Some popular preamps used with the SM7B include Cloudlifter CL-1, Triton Audio FetHead, and DBX 286S.
Based on 17 quotes from 13 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is there any operating system or software that the Shure SM7B microphone is not compatible with?

The Shure SM7B microphone is a dynamic microphone that uses an XLR connector, which means it can be used with any device that has an XLR input. Therefore, it should be compatible with any operating system or software that supports XLR microphones. However, it is worth noting that the SM7B has a low output level and requires a preamp with a lot of gain to work properly. So, if you are using it with a computer, you will need to make sure that your audio interface or mixer has enough gain to boost the signal.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The Shure SM7B microphone is highly durable and reliable, able to withstand rigorous usage and accidental drops without any effect on its sound or functionality, making it an excellent choice for professionals in recording studios, radio stations, and podcasting setups.

The Shure SM7B microphone is highly durable and can withstand rigorous usage and accidental drops without any effect on its sound or functionality. Its all-metal construction, thick housing, and rugged capsule cage make it a reliable tool in professional settings where equipment failure is not an option.

Reviewers have reported that their SM7B microphones have held up well even after years of consistent use. However, it is important to note that the microphone is not waterproof and should be kept away from water or any liquids to avoid damage. Overall, the Shure SM7B is an excellent choice for professionals who require a durable and reliable microphone for their work.

It is particularly well-suited for use in recording studios, radio stations, and podcasting setups.

What materials are used in the construction of the Shure SM7B microphone?

The Shure SM7B microphone is constructed with an all-metal construction which is made of enamel aluminum and steel housing.
Based on 12 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

How resistant is the Shure SM7B microphone to physical damage such as drops or impacts?

According to various product reviews in our database, the Shure SM7B is highly durable and can withstand rigorous usage and accidental drops without any effect on its sound or functionality. The microphone's thick housing, rugged capsule cage, and all-metal construction make it a reliable tool in professional settings where equipment failure is not an option. Reviewers have also mentioned that their SM7B microphones have held up well even after years of consistent use.
Based on 8 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Shure SM7B waterproof?

No, the Shure SM7B is not waterproof. It is important to keep the microphone away from water or any liquids to avoid damaging it.

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 42 expert reviews of Shure SM7B. Out of the 42 reviews, 6 are video reviews. We value video reviews of products a bit more and rank them a bit higher.

Expert reviews [36]

141
Total expert reviews: 36
  • with a score: 10
  • without a score: 26
Highest score by Music Radar
460
Average score based on 36 reviews
141
Lowest score by Music Critic
86

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Best Alternatives

3 best microphones in the same price range as Shure SM7B

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Electro-Voice RE20 SteelSeries Alias Pro Audio-Technica AT2020
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Electro-Voice RE20 rank #16 out of 141. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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Audio-Technica AT2020 rank #25 out of 141. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.6
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The Electro-Voice RE20 is a dynamic broadcast microphone with exceptional sound quality, advanced noise reduction features, and a wide frequency range, making it a versatile and reliable choice for professional audio recording and broadcasting applications.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 microphone is a highly regarded and versatile option for recording vocals and instruments, offering exceptional sound quality, flexibility in connectivity options, useful features, compatibility with various devices, and durability.
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Microphones above are offered because they are in the same price range as Shure SM7B. To browse more budget and premium microphones go to our microphone ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all microphones.

Rank Change Price Microphone
CNN Underscored
SoundGuys
PC Gamer
PCMag
PianoDreamers
Music Radar
MusicTech
IGN
Tom's Guide
Just Creative
1
- $249
Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 microphone is a versatile and adaptable option for podcasters, streamers, and content creators, offering excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and connectivity options.
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1
8
-
7
4
5
-
8
2
- $87
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers.
1
-
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-
-
-
11
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1
5
3
- $97
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings.
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1
1
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-
-
4
- $150
Elgato Wave 3
The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
3
1
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-
8
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Show all rows
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Shure MV7 Blue Yeti Shure SM57 Elgato Wave 3
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The Shure MV7 microphone is a versatile and adaptable option for podcasters, streamers, and content creators, offering excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and connectivity options. The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers. The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings. The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.