Featured product
Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone
by Shure
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Why it has stayed popular
The Shure SM7B has earned lasting popularity as the standard broadcast microphone for podcasters, streamers, and recording studios. Its warm, smooth sound profile and excellent background noise rejection make it a reliable choice for professional vocal capture.
Who It Fits
The Shure SM7B is an ideal choice for anyone serious about vocal recording, from dedicated podcasters and YouTube creators to professional broadcasters and recording engineers. If your primary goal is capturing clear, warm, and professional-sounding speech or vocals, this microphone delivers a polished broadcast quality right out of the box. It excels at rejecting background noise and room reflections, making it surprisingly forgiving for creators working in untreated bedrooms or makeshift home studios. Voice actors and musicians also rely on it for its smooth, flat frequency response that handles both deep baritones and sharp sibilance without harshness. However, it is not designed for casual use; it requires a dedicated audio setup and a sturdy boom arm to position correctly. If you are building a dedicated recording space and want a microphone that sets the standard for professional broadcast sound, this is a fitting upgrade from entry-level USB microphones.
What to Weigh Before Buying
Before adding the Shure SM7B to your setup, you must consider its specific hardware requirements. Unlike USB microphones that plug directly into a computer, this is an XLR microphone that requires an audio interface or mixer to connect. More importantly, it is notoriously gain-hungry, meaning it requires a significant amount of power to produce adequate volume. Many users find they need an inline preamp booster to bring the signal to a usable level without introducing excessive noise. You will also need a robust mounting solution; while it comes with a yoke mount, its substantial weight means flimsy desktop stands will droop over time, necessitating a heavy-duty boom arm. Finally, consider your recording environment. While it is great at rejecting off-axis noise, it is still a sensitive microphone. Plosives are handled well by the included pop filter, but you still need to manage your room's acoustics. Ensure you have the budget and desk space for the necessary supporting gear.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Shure SM7B seems too demanding for your current setup, there are several worthy alternatives that offer excellent audio quality with fewer requirements. The Rode PodMic is a popular choice that shares a similar broadcast aesthetic and dynamic capsule but is generally easier to drive, requiring less gain from your audio interface. It also costs significantly less, making it a strong entry point for new podcasters. Another option is the Audio-Technica AT2020, which comes in both XLR and USB versions, offering more flexibility for those who want a simpler plug-and-play experience without sacrificing too much audio fidelity. For those who want the broadcast sound but prefer a condenser microphone that captures a wider frequency range, the Rode NT1 is a highly regarded alternative. It is much quieter and more sensitive than the SM7B, capturing every detail of your voice, though it will require a well-treated room to avoid picking up background noise and room echo.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Shure SM7B require an audio interface?
Yes, the Shure SM7B is an XLR microphone and cannot connect directly to a computer via USB. You will need an XLR audio interface or a mixer to provide the connection and convert the analog signal to digital.
Why do people use a preamp booster with this microphone?
The Shure SM7B requires a lot of gain to produce a loud enough signal. Many standard audio interfaces struggle to provide enough clean power, resulting in a quiet recording. A booster adds the necessary gain without introducing unwanted electronic noise.
Is this microphone good for recording music?
While famous for broadcast and podcasting, the Shure SM7B is also widely used in music production. It is excellent for recording aggressive rock vocals, kick drums, and guitar amplifiers, offering a smooth sound that tames harsh frequencies.
