In this review, I’ll be taking a look at the Shure SM7B dynamic microphone. Some of you may be familiar with this microphone as the one Michael Jackson used on Thriller. If not, now you are. Let’s get started.
Final verdict on the Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is an iconic microphone for a number of reasons: it’s versatile, durable, reliable, and Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones used it quite a bit. What more is there to say?
What I like
- Versatile.
- Durable.
- Clean frequency response.
What I don’t like
- Requires a lot of gain and may need an external preamp.
Why you should trust me
I’m a producer and audio engineer with over 10 years of experience with a wide range of gear and recording techniques.
I’ve recorded with a plethora of groups, artists, and vocalists throughout my career and have a passion for helping others achieve sonic excellence.
As for the gear, I’ve worked with a huge variety of microphones from Shure, Electro-Voice, Neumann, and AKG, among others.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
Polar pattern and frequency response
The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 50 Hz – 20 kHz.
Often cited as one of the best vocal microphones available, its use was popularized after none other than Michael Jackson used it on his album, Thriller.
The fact that it has remained as one of the most popular microphones is a testament to the clarity of its vocal production. It is particularly good at capturing male vocalists in the baritone range.
It does have a slight presence peak around 5-6 kHz, which adds some sparkle and high-end shine to your records.
The SM7B is a unidirectional dynamic microphone, so if any of you are worried about recording in a less-than-stellar sounding room, fear not.
The microphone will hone in on whatever sound you face in front of it, and will reject most if not all outside sounds and reflections.
Be warned, that this microphone is fairly gain-hungry, and will require a preamp capable of +60 dB at the very least.
Vocals 5.0
While it might not be the best for every scenario, the SM7B has surely proven itself a worthwhile addition to any arsenal.
The clarity of its vocal production is top-notch. It’s especially great for male singers or for subduing nasty mid and high frequencies from sibilance.
The SM7B’s off-axis rejection makes it a great candidate for live vocals. No need to worry about capturing the sound of the audience or your surrounding band members with this microphone.
The only catch is how gain-hungry it is, and while many venues may have the equipment to feed the SM7B properly, sometimes this isn’t the case. Best to check with them before pulling up to the gig expecting to use the SM7B.
Acoustic guitars 3.5
The Shure SM7B won’t sound particularly detailed on acoustic guitars, but can work in a pinch.
From my experience, there will be a lot more midrange in the overall sound rather than high-end.
If you’re looking for a microphone to capture the more percussive elements of the guitar (strumming and picking), you’re better off with a different microphone.
Guitar amps 4.5
The SM7B is more than capable when it comes to recording guitar cabinets. Just stick it towards the cone and plug away. However, due to its unidirectional polar pattern, off-axis positioning is not the SM7B’s strong suit.
Bass amps 4.0
If you’re looking to capture the true lows of your bass, it might be best to use in conjunction with a DI box or a kick mic. This is only because the SM7B only reaches down to 50 Hz.
Still, the Shure SM7B microphone is sure to capture the body and depth of your bass.
Drums 4.0
Just stick it in front of a kick drum or a floor tom and see what happens. It might take some finagling but there are plenty of instances in which the SM7B has captured some great drum sounds.
It may not always be your first choice for recording drums, but it delivers an attitude that can be pretty special when matched in the right context.
Build quality 5.0
As with all Shure microphones, the SM7B is built like a tank. It’s heavy, durable, and thick. This microphone is incredibly rugged and can withstand years of abuse.
Compared to other microphones
Although this is one of my favorite vocal microphones, here are a few comparisons to think about in conjunction with the Shure SM7B.
Shure SM7B vs MV7
The MV7 was specifically tailored towards vocals and speech, and it also features XLR and USB capabilities which the SM7B does not. The MV7 also doesn’t require as much gain as the SM7B.
If you’re a podcaster or a streamer, the MV7 is your best bet. However, serious audio engineers would be better off with the SM7B.
Read the full Shure MV7 review
Shure SM7B vs Electro-Voice RE20
The RE20 is one of the closest comparisons to the SM7B. They’re both superior broadcast microphones, are rather weighty, cost roughly the same, and are fairly heavy in build.
The main difference is that the RE20 features a Variable-D design, allowing you to get up close and personal to the sound source without having to worry about proximity effect.
Personally, I’d choose the RE20, but they’re both great microphones.
Read the full Electro-Voice RE20 review
Shure SM7B vs Rode NT1
Usually, the NT1 will sound better on vocalists unless sibilance is an issue. The SM7B is much better when the vocalist is up close to the microphone.
I’d probably recommend the SM7B for how versatile it is, but again, you really can’t go wrong with one over the other.
Read the full Rode NT1 5th Gen review
Shure SM7B vs Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is a USB microphone and is better suited for podcasters and streamers who aren’t interested in building up a serious audio recording setup. If you’re a real audio engineer, the SM7B is the better of the two.
Who is the Shure SM7B best suited for?
The Shure SM7B is best suited for anybody looking to get the best out of their vocals, as well as have an incredibly versatile workhorse microphone. If you want to recreate Thriller, the SM7B is for you.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazonRecent updates
- April 9, 2024: I’ve updated the text for clarity and made minor improvements to the article structure.
- December 5, 2023: I’ve added quick jump links for more convenient navigation between the sections.
- December 4, 2023: I’ve replaced the Rode NT1-A with the recently tested NT1 5th Gen in the comparison section.
- September 30, 2022: I published the original review based on my experience using the microphone in different recording applications.
