Shure SM7B
Cardioid dynamic microphone for voice.
Our verdict
Still the reference for podcasting and voice-over in an untreated room. It is the logical investment if you record voice regularly and accept a high-clean-gain interface and a solid boom arm; otherwise, a well-designed USB microphone is enough.
What the community says
The SM7B is the microphone that shows up most often in professional podcasting setups: comparing the configurations published by creators and radio stations, it appears in almost every one. Its rejection of ambient noise explains that consistency — a PC fan, a mechanical keyboard or an untreated room weigh far less on the recordings people share than with a condenser. One point comes up in nearly every thread: it demands a lot of clean gain, and most entry-level interfaces force you to add an inline preamp.
DL« The microphone that structures a pro setup, provided you accept the interface and boom-arm budget it imposes. »
Quick specs
Strengths
- Widely documented background rejection: PC fans and mechanical keyboards are almost inaudible in the takes people share.
- Flat frequency response designed for close-miked voice: this is the 'radio voice' rendering podcasters cite as the benchmark.
- Internal shock mount and sturdy construction explain its longevity: units still in service after more than ten years are running in broadcast.
Limitations
- Hungry for gain: most entry-level interfaces force you to add an inline preamp (Cloudlifter, FetHead) to avoid hiss.
- At 765 g on a light boom arm it nose-dives: the weight demands a decent arm, which adds to the budget.
Who it's for
- +Professional podcasters
- +Twitch streamers and YouTubers
- +Voice-over artists and creators chasing ultimate quality
Skip it if
- -Creators on a tight budget
- -Those looking for a simple plug-and-play USB solution
Ready to buy?
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What to buy as well
The complementary products to get the most out of Shure SM7B from day one.
Batteries & PowerPanasonic Eneloop Pro (AA, lot de 4)
High-capacity rechargeable Ni-MH batteries.
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The software that goes with this gear
What the community uses to get the most out of Shure SM7B: each tile leads to its own review.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Cloudlifter with the Shure SM7B?
Generally yes. The SM7B is an extremely demanding microphone. Unless you own a high-end audio interface providing at least +60dB of clean gain (such as Apollo interfaces or the RodeCaster Pro), a Cloudlifter or FetHead is recommended to avoid hiss.
Can the SM7B be plugged in via USB?
No. The original SM7B is XLR only. If you want the USB equivalent, look at the Shure MV7 (which offers both USB and XLR).