ReviewFinder Microphones

Shure SM7B

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36 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

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
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews 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.

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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.

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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. Overall, the Shure SM7B is a reliable and versatile microphone for professional audio recording and broadcasting.

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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. Overall, the Shure SM7B is a reliable and versatile microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality.

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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.

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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.

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Position in ranking

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

Rank Change Price Microphone
Wirecutter
Tom's Guide
IGN
MusicTech
Music Radar
PianoDreamers
PC Gamer
SoundGuys
CNN Underscored
PCMag
1
- $100
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.
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1
-
11
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-
1
-
2
- $244
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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-
5
4
8
-
1
-
-
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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.
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-
8
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1
3
-
Show all rows
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26 Jun 2024 (1 month ago)
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25 Jan 2023 (1 year ago)
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Highest recommended microphones this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. microphones below are at the top of our ranking this July.

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Blue Yeti Shure MV7 Shure SM57 Elgato Wave 3
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Blue Yeti rank #1 out of 146. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.6
Amazing
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In comparison:
Shure MV7 rank #2 out of 146. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.8
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Shure SM57 rank #3 out of 146. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
10.0
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Elgato Wave 3 rank #4 out of 146. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.7
Amazing
Price
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 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 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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