Shure SM7b Microphone Review. The Secret Weapon Mic!

[LearnBadRockGuitar]

I have yet another question. I'm starting a new album and this seems like the mic to get. I don't have a lot of gear, but I do have a mic to mac USB adapter. In your experience, would this be an effective way to use this mic? If not, are there any other mics that you would recommend as a quality condenser with a lower price? Thanks again, Lewin.

[TheMusicDude1997]

THOM YORKE uses the EV RE-20 :)

[Dudemonium11]

Which Presonus AudioBox are you using? I noticed there are several, original then the 22VSL and the 44VSL. Thanks!

[ericandtegan]

This tends to be the go to mic for producers when recording metal vocals too. It is particularly good with the super low guttural death metal stuff too, not bad for a broadcasting mic!

[GuiseppePipes]

ma ma monkey

[whelan1221]

Bababooey



[Gh0sty1]

@whelan1221 ta ta toothey

[clh126]

Great! Really appreciate the advice...I love hearing the references to artists that use it!

[musicbyrussell]

Are you using a compressor at all?

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@musicbyrussell Not in this video.

[Quinkermarine]

Fantastic video, thanks very much, really useful information and very nicely done. :)

[JoshhHood]

Question, Would I need to get a Pre-amp for this Mic if I wanted to record through an AudioBox USB?

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@JoshhHood Good question. The answer is no. I use it plugged directly into my Presonus for most of my videos now. The Presonus AudioBox has hot enough pre-amps to handle the SM7b

[YTCrazytieguy]

If you think this mic is smooth wait till you try an RE20! nice video. It's annoying when people think they have to have a large diaphram condenser for vox.

[Zazquatch1]

What Preamp and Compressor do you use together with the sm 7B?

[shalee7GS]

by the way, I'm sorry if that sounds like a dumb question... I'm not very good with this stuff. I really appreciate your vids though1!

[shalee7GS]

I have a two questions"

1. Will this mic pick up my voice alright if I stand about 1.5-2.5 inches away? Or should I stick with being up close(with exceptions of course)

2. How is it for acoustic recordings?? THANKYOU!!! :)

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@shalee7GS This is a GREAT mic for vocals and recording electric guitar amps. Not great on acoustic guitars.

[KCJacksonMuz]

I just bought this mic, and I agree with this guy. There's no reason to buy anything else. I am an extremely loud singer and no other mic can handle my voice. Just plug this thing in, increase the gain pretty high (you need a lot of gain on this mic) . Then I put a limiter on it and I can sing soft parts, falsetto parts, and bust into a scream only moving about 3" back from the mic and it sounds like gold. Dont even bother with anythign else. This mic is pro as hell.

[JerryJeanMusic]

Great vid - thanks! What are your opinions of using an Apogee Duet with this mic?

[CRANKYONE100]

How does it go with mic'ing up guitar amps??

[arikulong52]

for a second, i feel like I'm listening on the radio.

[DonaldDemon]

I couldn't agree more with your review. This mic has made my vocals sound very professional and is just perfect for home studios. Best mic for the price and is a classic! I'm only using the pre's on my mbox2 so I can't wait to get a good mic pre for it.

[DbRarefactionCurve]

You should also try the electro-voice RE20. Sounds very similar. Same price range as well. Not sure I know which I like more.

[CleanTeamTV]

Can you or someone please help me?!

I just got an SM7b along with an M-Audio DMP3 preamp, and as I was using it I noticed it's REALLY REALLY noisy; it gives this loud and really noticable hiss.. Like, even with the Gain all the way down and the low-cut button pressed in it's still really noisy. & I record in a room, & everything's off when I'm recording to ensure a clean sound (which I did not get). Is anyone else having the same problem? Please get back to me!

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@CleanTeamTV First place to start is with a different Mic cable, then if that doesn't work try a different USB cable.

[OurVirtualJourney]

@CleanTeamTV Any Dynamic mic is going to be noisy/hissy from the gain of the pre-anp. You just have to cut out what you can in editing.

[barkadatalaga]

how in the world did you connect the sm7b straight into your audiobox and get a clean sound without any hiss from the audiobox preamp? i have the EXACT same setup with the sm7b connected via XLR (mogami) into my audiobox and i get this noticable hiss. please help me out!

[DbRarefactionCurve]

Great review. I love this mic as well, it has a slightly faster attack than a sm58, cleaner, very little self noise, warmer and bigger. Really useful when studio does not have gobos. What do you have it plugged into? It sounds fantastic.

[drutgat2]

Thanks for the review. I found it useful, and would have found it even more helpful to have heard you demonstrate it a little on acoustic guitar, and vocals, and to have heard the mid. boost, bass roll-off turned off.

One of the reasons for demonstrating as many uses/contexts as possible is that you're talking about its multiple applications, and also people's voices vary tremendously, so what might be good for one voice might not be good for another.

Thanks, once again.

[hippyfuntime]

I hear alot of talk about this mic being good for loud rock vocals but i know that alot of people use that aren't the loudest rockers in the world i.e. Mr. Jeff Tweedy. What are your thoughts on this being an all around vocal mic?

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@hippyfuntime It is a great vocal mic that can handle several singing styles, loud or soft!

[shaundegracia]

Are you using your Presonus TubePre on this video?

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@shaundegracia No, just the Presonus audio box USB

[xrichardlardnerx]

I swear by this microphone, I use it for all of my vocal covers

[maniacladyb]

im about to upgrade my rode nt1a to this, u think it will sound good on my profire 610?

[boddumblues]

Will this work as a live mic ?

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@boddumblues It's actually quite good at live work, but it needs a solid preamp.

[StefanAjax101]

I'm thinking about buying this mic, though I've never gotten a mic before. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to set it up, can someone tell me how to set it up? #Newbie

[novanine9]

@ArisTokyo - I've got several preamps, including Great River and Universal Audio solo 610 and a Art v3 with a swapped out telefunken tube.

Let me tell ya...the $40 dollar ebay Art tube preamp with the telefunkens stands up well to my other preamps...starved plate and all.

It just depends on what type of sound I'm going for at the time. That;s the whole point of it all...I would not get to caught up in price snob barriers.

THAT'S SHEEP MENTALITY LOGIC...IT'S, ALSO, VERY UNCREATIVE THINKING

[bangimal]

i have this mic in my production studio, and it's amazing. i use it on mainly screaming vocals, but it sounds great on guitar amps, snares, toms and kicks. i even use it on brass. FWIW, this is the mic in flames uses on their guitar amps, and trivium has started using this mic on vocals. i know they did for shattering the skies above, and the song in waves.

[pancho7422]

Hey i'm thinking on buying this mic. I don't know if I should go for a conderser because I want to to record acoustic guitars as well with it. I was thinking on a rode nt2a. What do u think ?? DO u think I would get betters vocals with this mic ?? and it would still work to record acoustic guitars ?

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@pancho7422 No I wouldn't recommend this for acoustic guitars. Look at the CAD Trion 6000. That is one of my favorite new "can do it all" mics.

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@ArisTokyo True it does get power from it, but it also gets tone from it. Trust me a $30 preamp will NOT do that microphone justice. I use it with my Presonus Audiobox USB... which really isn't very expensive, but does a good job at sending me a signal that sounds like it should.

[constantly87]

oh on the mac yeah. my buddy used my equipment, mic, etc. on his mac on garageband and it worked perfectly. must be something with my pc windows 7 or acoustica mixcraft or something.

[constantly87]

well, what are you using to get it to sound so clean? no static. you have an amp, mixer, etc? which kind

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@constantly87 Shure SM7 -> Presonus Audio Box -> Mac

that's all I use to get the audio on the videos.

[constantly87]

should i buy an ART Tube MP Studio Mic Preamp for 30-40 bucks on musicians friend.com

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@constantly87 I wouldn't ad a $30 pre amp to a $500 microphone. The mic is better without a cheap preamp running.

[novanine9]

@GaragebandandBeyond I've got several preamps, including Great River and Universal Audio solo 610 and a Art v3 with a swapped out telefunken tube.

Let me tell ya...the $40 dollar ebay Art tube preamp with the telefunkens stands up well to my other preamps...starved plate and all.

It just depends on what type of sound I'm going for at the time. That;s the whole point of it all...I would not get to caught up in price snob barriers.

[jakpp117]

Dave Grohl uses it too!

[constantly87]

My buddy thinks it might be because the machines are working against each other since the MXL supposedly cuts out static automatically. What do you suggest I do man?

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@constantly87 I would try some new cables first,

[constantly87]

@GaragebandandBeyond yeah? you think it might be the mic or the USB cable? it certainly hasn't been used that often so idk why it's not working so well. but the mixer is practically brand new, what new stuff are you thinking i should get? i appreciate the response man.

[constantly87]

@GaragebandandBeyond @GaragebandandBeyond hey buddy. just got the shure mic. and im using an alesis multimix USB 6, but there's still so much static! it's driving me crazy! please help me. what amp or equipment, etc. are you using? i found this cheap amp, would this be good to buy for the shure? i just need it to record rap and singing.

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@constantly87 If you're getting static try changing cables. What kind of an amp is this "Cheap Amp"? I can't tell you anything about it if I don't know what it is besides cheap!

[constantly87]

Hey buddy. Great video. Quick question. I have an MXL 4000, pretty nice mic it was like $200. But my original phantom power wasn't working so I bought a new and nicer mixer. It's a Multimix 6 USB. And whenever I record, there is so much static! It's driving me crazy! On the mixer, the gain is practically turned down ALL THE WAY, and yet, there is still so much static.

[kozzy420420]

Great videos! I just ordered one of these mics yesterday and should have it in a week or two.

I need to know a decent Pre Amp that will not kill my wallet. Thanks!

[NephilymBand]

Just go it. Looking forward to recording with it!!!!

[raket94]

I've heard it's good for death metal too, so i'm definetly getting one. Seems perfect for everything

[psheezybaby]

so for recording vocals, how do you suggest it gets to the computer? just the presonus audiobox?

[AnthonyDthespaceman]

what do i need to record rap music using the SM7B using mp3 instrumentals?? im asking for step by step instructions please. so not for live performances but for the purpose of recordings

[AnthonyDthespaceman]

do u have to do something to get it working? like tune it or turn it on somehow when u first get the mic?? iv just got one n im testin it n there aint no sound

[6packofsteel]

have you tried this mic for live vocals?

[LedJam26]

I have a presonus audiobox, will this give me enough gain for the sm7b?

Thanks for the great reviews btw.

[SuperUnlawful]

I'm either going to buy the Bluebird,Rode NT1-a, or the Shure SM7b.I have a MXL v67,it picks up my ssss's /plossives like crazy(I really don't know if it is the mic or my cheap interfaces fault).Even with a pop filter.I'm upgrading my interface also.I hope i make the best choice.

Thakz 4 da review

[peterhbyrne]

first off I'd like to thank you for all your vids! i"m just getting into the home recording monster and you have been so helpfull. and your song sounds excellent as well. anyway i got drunk with gear lust and went ahead and took your suggestion about the sm7b. I have a presonus tube pre "the blue 100$ one" and I have an m audio fast track pro. I don't think i'm getting what I should out of the sm7. hissss. what pre amp have you found to work nicely with the sm7b? anything in the 300$ range? tnx

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@peterhbyrne Hey there! I'm so glad you like the videos!

For your problem with the hiss, here's what I suggest. Take the Tube Pre out of the equation first and see if that helps. If so, you probably need a new tube in you TubePre. That's REALLY easy & cheap to do and something I talk about in my review for the TubePre.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

[imperialpod]

@peterhbyrne

I'm afraid you're in the 'too cheap to drive an SM7' club.

The SM7 needs a fair bit of gain that cheap pres just cannot deliver without adding noise.

In my experience, if you're on a budget look for a 'Joe Meek VC3 V.2' or 'Joe Meek VC3Q' on Ebay. Around $100 2nd hand but can drive the SM7 with no noise and gives a nice warm sound.

For a bigger budget, look for an ISA One by Focusrite. Super loud,super quiet and very professional for around $400.

[peterhbyrne]

@imperialpod hey thanks for the tips. i'd like to hear those pres that you supggested. but i did get a golden age 73 and it was 300$ and i think it so;unds great with the sm7b

[Drakaland]

Does Thom Yorke actually use this? I've seen him using the EV RE 20. Would be nice to confirm this since I use a similar style.

Cheers.

[elegantrapture]

I have a question do I HAVE to buy a preamp? We are recording using M-Audio Protools, and using a Mackie Onyx 1640i Firewire Mixer. Would I still need that preamp?

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@elegantrapture For the SM7 I would say yes you need a preamp. They are low output mics and the extra "push" a preamp can offer is necessary.

Good luck

[queenofnorway]

@GaragebandandBeyond Which preamp are you using with the Shure SM7B? I love this microphone too!

Love and Peace,

Queen of Norway

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@queenofnorway In this video I used the PreSonus AudioBox ONLY. Good luck!

[imperialpod]

@elegantrapture

Erm, I believe your Onyx actually has preamps built in and they're usable ones to so theres no point in buying any old rubbish.

In your position only a 'professional' preamp would be an upgrade to what you already have. Something like an 'ISA One' is what you'd be after.

[ieatstuffoffthefloor]

@elegantrapture Your mixer has 60dB of gain on its preamps... you should be fine...

[MrSixFive]

Gotta agree that the SM7B is a great mic..but always wondered what's the best way to hook it up to pc, for say podcasting..or doing live shows on like Blogtv, BlogTalkRadio, etc., etc.,? Thanks for any info!

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@coldsoulguy It really depends on your voice. Start out flat and see what happens!

[mattandhisguitar]

can you do a quick tutorial on how to use the delay, either built in garageband or as a plug in we can download to add thickness to vocals..? or other tracks..

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@Hafrgraut I have no idea what that mic is sorry. For a good live vocal mic buy a Shure Sm58

[Hafrgraut]

@GaragebandandBeyond Thanks. I have one of those, looking for a recording mic. Just thought that mic looked cool. Maybee the SM7b is the way to go, but it's a bit "thick sounding", on your vid anyway. It sounds like it's may be little stingy on the high-end.. (like a SM-58) I have a fairly thin voice, so I might benefit from that, but I'm a bit unsure about the high end which I really need and miss in the SM58.

Great work on your vids. Thanks.

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@Hafrgraut If you have a "Thin" voice I would certainly recommend the SM7b. Also remember to listen to my videos in HD, so you get the best sound quality. The high end is any BUT "Stingy" on that mic. think of Michael Jacksons voice and think of the "Thriller" album. It's a great mic!!

[yetanothersongwriter]

You almost convinced me:)) It would have been nice to hear you sing!

Cheers

A.D

[TVMikepro2]

Do you get the best quality with that pre-amp?

Because some people say that I got to have an expensive pre-amp for good quality.

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@TVMikepro2 No the presonus is certainly not at the "top" of the pre amp quality chain. There are many many preamps and this mic really does require a preamp. That being said, buy the best preamp you can afford. I like the presonus equipment because it sounds good, it's nice quality and is the best "bang for your buck" in my opinion.

[TVMikepro2]

What kind of mic pre-amp do you use?

Some people says that the microphone is bad if you do not use a mic pre-amp.

Is that true?

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@TVMikepro2 I have a Presonus TubePre nd yes the Mic is low output and a preamp is important to have.

[tele335]

I believe Thom Yorke uses the EV RE20, not the Shure SM7b.

anyways, great video and I'm jealous that you have that mic. I want one!

[PocketDrummer]

@tele335 Yes, he does use it. But, Michael Jackson did use it on thriller, and it's the Go-To "Screamer" mic.

[tourofdenali]

Won't the SM7 be quiet as heck without a high-gain preamp?

Nice vid though, and yes, this is one of the "if you have the money and you don't have this, go do something else" mics.

[PocketDrummer]

Yep, it needs a high amount of gain. Thus, you'll want the best preamp you can afford with a high amount of gain. You probably won't want to top out the on-board pres on your interface or mixer if you're trying to do anything serious.

[NotTheMusicMan]

Hey man, I've looked, but it doesn't seem like you have a review of the Samson Go-Mic. Have you had any experience with this mic? I'm a student learning the basics of sound recording and I'm looking for a decent mic that I can take with me or use in my "studio".

Cheers! Your videos have been great help :D

[spctator63]

Hey dude,that's a really good micropfone!But i've seen somebody use it for recording an electric guitar by miking the amp with this microphone...i would like to do that too and i would like to hear your opinion on this...

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@spctator63 I haven't tried it yet, but I have heard that the sound would be BIG and beefy!

[killergirls]

Thanks for uploading this Sir!

[BosshogProductions]

Is the $100 one u reccomended on the christmas gift one any good?

[GaragebandandBeyond]

@BosshogProductions The Samson CO1U is a great mic to start out with. I still use it to record the audio on most of my videos. If you're just getting started out and are on a budget I highly recommend that mic.

[anavas]

what would you suggest is the best pre-amp to buy for the money? 

[Garraliposker]

Thanks Lewin - yo're great as always

[FloProproductions]

Nice microphone! And why are you smegers saying thing like “First!” And “Second!”

Don’t be stupid! =D

[Mildlycrazyfilms5]

SECOND!

[TheGuitarcoverperson]

first