SHURE SM7B

SM7s first appeared in Michael Jackson's Thriller music video, and they are still a must-have for musicians and enthusiasts alike. You're paying for two things with the SM7B: professional performance and premium construction. Let's break down why the Shure SM7B is a studio staple and why it's worth the price. Who should buy the Shure SM7B? ● For vocalists, the Shure SM7B is the ideal companion for recording in a controlled environment. Depending on the desired effect, users can choose between three frequency responses: flat, bass rolloff, and presence boost. ● The high-pass frequency response is great for reducing low-frequency electronic hums from surrounding equipment in professional audio mixers. Post-production becomes more efficient as there is one less thing to edit out. ● Podcasters should also consider this dynamic microphone. Due to the cardioid pickup pattern, vocal reproduction is clear and off-axis rejection is remarkably effective. Even if you can't afford professional room treatment, the off-axis rejection minimizes unwanted background noise, again, for crisp vocal reproduction. What are the features of the Shure SM7B? The SM7B is a great example of how Shure's focus on detail and quality construction makes a difference. As soon as I removed the mic from its packaging, I noticed the mutable frequency response illustration back. Two

toggles allow you to select one of three 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. What’s more, the yoke’s adjustment is smooth and offers just enough resistance to keep the microphone in its deliberately placed position. Pop filters eliminate plosives and fricatives, so you can speak freely without worrying about how close you are to the capsule. The use of an external pop filter seemed unnecessary when testing the microphone. Additionally, Shure provides its A7WS detachable windscreen to further reduce plosives and produce a more bassy tone. For proper installation of the windscreen, refer to the included user guide as it requires the use of an attachment piece. There is no need for an external pop filter since the pre-installed one works so well. To protect the cartridge and other components, Shure features plenty of advanced internal hardware. As a result of its internal air suspension shocks, mechanical noises are greatly reduced their way into recordings.

It’s also serviced to reject hums emitted from computer monitors. While these sounds are ignored by our brains, they’re often registered by sensitive microphones and can add time to post-production when not preemptively combated. What are the different frequency responses? Before you hit record, you can take control of your projects with the Shure SM7B. Flat: this mode is great for users who want a natural audio reproduction and is versatile, as it is equally suitable for speech and music. On the negative side, if you record a bass-heavy instrument or a vocalist with a particularly low voice, you may find that the proximity effect hinders recording low-midrange sounds. ● Rolling off the bass is similar to applying a high-pass filter to a digital audio interface. This attenuation also quiets low-frequency electrical hums and distortions that could be caused by the proximity effect. ● Mid-range emphasis (presence boost) is similar to the bass rolloff setting, but with slightly more emphasis on the mids and treble. You can use this if you're recording a high-pitched string instrument, such as a violin or guitar. How does the Shure SM7B record?

Like the legendary Elvis microphone, the Shure SM7B is a dynamic mic with a cardioid polar pattern. If you're not familiar with audio hardware jargon, this means that the mic is more durable and less sensitive to loud noises than a condenser mic. The Shure SM7B, then, is designed to minimize audio clipping and signal distortion caused by loud outputs. As this microphone has only one pickup pattern: cardioid, it is not for generalists. This makes it a great choice for podcasters, announcers, and singers since sounds directly in front of the microphone are clearly heard, while off-axis noise is ignored. Another advantage of this heart-shaped polar pattern is its forgiving nature. Users need not be precise about placement, so you can focus more on the musician’s performance than logistics. Shure SM7B requirements ● No matter if you record in a blanket fort or a professional studio, you'll need a mic stand. Instead, podcasters and streamers working from a desktop should consider a mounted boom arm. ● In order to connect the Shure SM7B to an audio interface or mixer, you need an XLR cable. ● The Shure SM7B does not require phantom power, as I initially believed. If you use it with a CL-1 Cloudlifter, it won't damage the equipment.

What is the sound quality of the Shure SM7B? Recording and reproduction of vocals with the Shure SM7B are clear and crisp, especially when recorded in a controlled environment with flat frequency response selected. A flat frequency response is selected in the demo below, and my voice sounds accurate. I recorded this audio clip from my kitchen island desk with the dryer just a few meters away. The recording wasn't done in a sterile room; however, the untouched audio file remains free of the background noise that was undoubtedly present during the recording. If you are going to buy one, hit the link below: https://amzn.to/3scz1Ee