Shure conceals preamp in latest SM7dB microphone
Shure conceals preamp in latest SM7dB microphone
Shure SM7dB: Celebrating 50 Years of Iconic Sound
If you’ve never heard of the Shure SM7B, you’ve undoubtedly heard its unmistakable sound. This sleek, black microphone has become a staple in live radio, podcasting, and streaming, delivering the trademark broadcast sound that we all know and love. And now, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Shure has unveiled the latest edition of this iconic microphone – the SM7dB. Not only does it pay homage to its predecessor, but it also addresses one of its biggest pain points.
You see, the SM7B is notorious for requiring a lot of amplification, which can result in quiet audio or an undesirable background “hiss” when used with inferior preamps. To combat this issue, many people opt to purchase an in-line preamp like a FetHead or a CloudLifter, which adds an additional $100 or so to the already $399 SM7B price tag.
But fear not! The SM7dB eliminates the need for additional hardware and promises a “clean” boost in volume. It comes equipped with a built-in preamp that adds either 18- or 28dB of much-needed gain. And the best part? It achieves this without adding any significant size or changing the form factor of the microphone. Sure, it may be slightly longer, and the sleek matte black has been replaced with a shinier finish. But hey, beauty is in the ear of the beholder, right?
Aside from the built-in preamp, the SM7dB offers some other practical changes. It still features the classic SM7B switches for a high pass filter and a mid-frequency boost, but it also introduces two additional switches. One allows you to bypass the preamp, essentially turning the SM7dB into a regular dynamic microphone that doesn’t require phantom power. The other switch toggles between the 18- and 28dB boosts, allowing you to find the perfect amount of gain for your needs.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – phantom power. When the preamp is activated, the SM7dB requires 48v phantom power to drive it. Thankfully, the vast majority of audio interfaces with an XLR input supply phantom power as a standard feature. So, while it may require a slight adjustment to your workflow if you’re used to working with dynamic microphones that don’t need phantom power, it’s a small price to pay for the benefits that the SM7dB brings.
One of the advantages of dynamic microphones is their ability to reject background noise. They’re much more forgiving when it comes to picking up unwanted sounds like passing traffic or ambient room noise. Fortunately, the built-in preamp in the SM7dB doesn’t compromise this feature. It still functions as a dynamic microphone should, providing you with clear and noise-free recordings.
Initially, I thought there might be some audible noise when recording silence with the full 28dB of gain applied. However, I quickly realized that it was simply a result of the increased gain combined with my audio interface set to record at full volume. By adjusting the levels accordingly, the noise floor disappeared, leaving me with the crystal-clear sound that the SM7B is known for.
Now, let’s talk about the price. The SM7dB retails for about $100 more than the regular SM7B. While this may seem like a significant increase, especially if you don’t necessarily need the preamp, it’s worth considering a few factors. If you were planning to purchase an SM7B and an additional preamp separately, the cost would be roughly the same. Plus, if you’re looking to future-proof your setup or simply upgrade to the newest model, the SM7dB offers great value for the price.
Given the massive popularity of the SM7B, there’s no doubt that the new edition will be well-received. Not only does it boast the advantage of increased volume, but it also addresses a more practical concern – the visual aesthetic. The traditional SM7B design places the XLR port facing either up or down on most boom arms or mic stands, making inline preamps look slightly out of place. With the SM7dB, however, you can eliminate this visual distraction from your streams and recordings.
So, whether you’re a seasoned broadcaster, a passionate podcaster, or an aspiring streamer, the Shure SM7dB is definitely a microphone worth considering. With its 50-year legacy, unmatched sound quality, and the new built-in preamp, it’s sure to elevate your audio to new heights. Don’t wait! The SM7dB is available starting today, so why not treat yourself to an upgrade?
