Do you need to add an external preamp to use the SM7dB?
No. The SM7dB has a built-in Shure-designed preamp that delivers up to +28 dB of clean, transparent gain with no background noise: it has enough output level to drive any XLR interface. It frees you from bulky inline preamps.
What do I need to connect it?
An audio interface or a mixing desk supplying +48 V phantom power: this is what powers the built-in preamp. The connection is via XLR, and the preamp is designed for most audio interfaces and simple audio chains.
+18 dB or +28 dB: which one should you choose?
+28 dB for podcasting and soft voices, where a lot of gain is needed. +18 dB for loud sources, a guitar amp for example. And the Bypass switch, to the left, disables the preamp: you get back the original performance of the SM7B.
Is the sound really identical to that of the SM7B?
Yes. The same proven dynamic capsule, the same sound signature as the original SM7B and a frequency response of 50 to 20,000 Hz that the preamp preserves. You get the same detail, all the highs and lows, with the preamp engaged or bypassed.
Do you need to add a pop filter in front of the mic?
No, it is built in and effective enough to make any additional protection against plosives unnecessary, even in close-up vocal or speech recording. A windscreen is also supplied in the box.
My office is not acoustically treated: will it pick up the whole room?
No. Its cardioid polar pattern provides maximum rejection of off-axis sound, with minimal colouration. The excellent rear rejection isolates your voice from background noise: this is what makes it perfect for recording spaces that are far from perfect.
Do desk and keyboard noises get into the recording?
They are greatly reduced: the mic has built-in air suspension shock isolation that virtually eliminates the transmission of mechanical noise. Its yoke mount with captive stand nut also makes mounting easy and positioning precise.
Does it suffer from hum from computer monitors?
No, this is one of its strengths: superior rejection of electromagnetic hum and immunity to the broadband interference emitted by computer monitors. A real advantage for a streaming setup surrounded by screens.
What is in the box, and what do you need to add?
You receive the SM7dB microphone, its windscreen and a 3/8-inch thread adapter. You will therefore also need an XLR cable, which is not in the box. The yoke mount with captive stand nut is part of the microphone itself.
What are the SM7dB's EQ settings for?
The mic has two built-in tone controls: bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis, for greater presence. You can therefore shape the tone at the source, before you even open your recording software.
Can it be used for anything other than voice?
Yes. Its wide, flat frequency response delivers excellent-quality capture on vocals as well as instruments, from 50 to 20,000 Hz. For a loud source, typically a guitar amp, select +18 dB or bypass the preamp.
Is this Shure SM7dB new and under warranty?
Yes: a new and genuine microphone (reference SM7DB), supplied with its invoice, which serves as the warranty document for 1 year. Its rugged construction and the excellent protection of its capsule make it utterly reliable, in the studio as on stage.
