Shure
Shure SM7B
Best professional-grade microphone for podcasters and vocal streamers.
The Shure SM7B is a dynamic cardioid microphone renowned for its exceptional performance in broadcast and studio vocal recording. Its frequency response is expertly tuned for close-up vocal clarity, delivering rich, full-sounding voices perfect for radio, podcasts, and streaming. This microphone operates without phantom power and includes an integrated windscreen and pop filter to effectively minimize plosives. Built with a robust aluminum and steel construction for lasting durability, its integrated stand mount ensures effortless positioning. The SM7B is a premier choice for voiceovers and demanding audio production environments.
$385.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
9
/ 1735
#9 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-24%
Below average
Microphone Type
Dynamic
/ Dynamic
Who it's for
- Podcasters and streamers seeking a polished, radio-ready vocal sound
- Creators recording in home offices or untreated acoustic environments
- Professionals needing gear that survives years of daily studio abuse
Who should skip it
- Users with budget audio interfaces lacking powerful, clean preamp gain
- Beginners on a strict budget requiring an all-in-one affordable solution
- Vocalists or musicians needing crisp, airy high-frequency detail
Performance breakdown
Vocal Clarity
Expertly tuned frequency response delivers professional-grade warmth for every voice.
Build Durability
Rugged aluminum and steel construction survives years of demanding studio use.
Plosive Rejection
Integrated windscreen and pop filter effectively eliminate harsh vocal pops.
Interference Shielding
Advanced shielding blocks electromagnetic hum from nearby computer monitors and gear.
Setup Simplicity
Straightforward XLR connectivity and integrated mounting make positioning a breeze.
Gain Requirements
Low sensitivity demands a high-quality preamp or cloudlifter for optimal volume.
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Dynamic
Polar pattern
Cardioid
Frequency range
50 - 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity
-59.0 dB (1.12 mV)
Impedance
150 ohms
Bass roll-off switch
Mid-boost switch
Shielding against electromagnetic interference
Features
- Dynamic cardioid mic for clear vocals
- Tailored for voiceovers and broadcast
- Built-in windscreen and pop filter
- No phantom power required
- Rugged aluminum and steel construction
- Integrated stand mount for easy positioning
- Excellent for podcasts and streaming
- Warm, natural sound reproduction
What customers say
The Shure SM7B is widely regarded as an industry standard for professional vocal recording due to its signature sound. Users consistently praise its warm, rich audio profile that requires minimal post-production for a polished tone. This dynamic microphone excels at rejecting background noise, making it highly effective in untreated home environments. Its build quality is frequently described as exceptionally durable, suggesting a long-term investment. The primary consideration noted by users is the microphone's high gain requirement, often necessitating an external preamp for optimal performance. Despite this added setup cost, the resulting professional audio quality overwhelmingly justifies the investment for serious users.
Know before you buy
No, the SM7B is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power. However, because it has a low output level, you will likely need a high-quality preamp or an inline signal booster to achieve clean, sufficient gain for professional recording.
Yes, its cardioid polar pattern is excellent at rejecting off-axis sound, meaning it focuses primarily on your voice while ignoring background noise or reflections from your room. This makes it a popular choice for podcasters and streamers working in non-professional acoustic environments.
These switches allow you to shape the microphone's frequency response to better suit your voice or recording environment. The bass roll-off helps reduce proximity effect or low-end rumble, while the mid-boost adds presence to help vocals cut through a mix.
No, the SM7B uses an XLR connection, so you will need an external audio interface or a dedicated microphone preamp to connect it to your computer. It is not a USB microphone.
The microphone comes with an integrated windscreen and pop filter designed to handle standard plosives. While it is highly effective for most users, those with very aggressive vocal delivery may still prefer to add an external pop filter for extra protection.
The SM7B weighs 766 grams, which is heavier than many entry-level microphones. You should ensure your boom arm or microphone stand is sturdy enough to support its weight and has a reliable tension adjustment to prevent it from sagging.
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$385