One of the best all-time dynamic vocal mics - used on Michael Jackson's Thriller album

The flat, 50Hz-20kHz frequency response of the Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response is designed especially for spoken word, but recording engineers have discovered that it's also an exceptional mic for adding body to thin vocals and handling loud rock/metal singers. It also has the ability to tame harsh or sibilant sounds from hi-hat, cymbals, and voice. Highly shielded against electrical interference. Bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls with graphic display. Internal "air suspension" shock isolation. Ships with standard windscreen and an A7WS detachable windscreen for close-talk applications.

Forget the specs! This is the vocal mic that Bruce Swedien used to record Michael Jackson's vocals on Thriller, the best-selling album of all time.

Application note: The SM7B is a low output mic, so plugging direct into an audio interface may not offer enough gain. In such a case you need a preamp with a decent amount of gain. Due to its smooth sound and thickening characteristics, a transparent-sounding preamp will be a preferred choice. (See our Preamp Buying Guide for a thorough discussion of transparent vs. color preamps.)

Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response Features:

• Flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech
• Bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls with graphic display of response setting
• Improved rejection of electromagnetic hum, optimized for shielding against broadband interference emitted by computer monitors
• Internal "air suspension" shock isolation virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmission
• Highly effective pop filter eliminates need for any add-on protection against explosive breath sounds, even for close-up vocals or narration
• Now shipping with the A7WS detachable windscreen, designed to reduce plosive sounds and gives a warmer tone for close-talk vocals
• Yoke mounting with captive stand nut for easy mounting and dismounting provides precise control of microphone position
• Classic cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetrical about axis, to provide maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sound
• Rugged construction and excellent cartridge protection for outstanding reliability

Once you hear what this mic can do for your vocal recordings, you'll wish you found it sooner. Don't delay, order today!

Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response Specifications:

• Type: Dynamic
• Frequency Response: 50Hz — 20kHz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional)
• Impedance: 150 ohms (150 ohms actual), for connection to microphone inputs rated at 19 to 300 ohms.
• Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3.
• Output Level (at 1,000 Hz): Open Circuit Voltage*: -59.0 dB (1.12 mV)
• *0 dB = 1 volt per Pascal
• Electromagnetic Hum Sensitivity (Typical, Equivalent SPL/milliOersted):
• 60 Hz: 11 dB
• 500 Hz: 24 dB
• 1 kHz: 33 dB
• Switches: Bass roll off and mid-range emphasis: slotted response selector switches.
• Cartridge Shock Mount: Internal air-suspension shock and vibration isolator.
• Connector: 3-pin professional audio (XLR)
• Swivel Assembly: Integrated, captive nut for ease of attachment to stand, fits 5/8 in.-27 thread.
• Case: Dark gray enamel aluminum and steel case with dark gray foam windscreen.

Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response

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Average of 17 User Ratings

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Customer Reviews

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The One and Only!!

Posted by Studioman on Oct 23, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Musician,Recording Engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Metal, Acoustic

This mic is the real deal!! Freakin' Awesome in every department! You do not have to worry about this purchase. Can't say enough good things about it. I use it for vocals mainly but i heard of alot of engineers using it for guitar cabs and snares. IMPORTANT NOTE: BUY A PREAMP FOR IT! YOU WILL NEED IT TO GET IT UP TO LEVEL! This mic is not hot like a condenser or even a regular 58! You can get by without one but trust me you will need one.

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This is it!

Posted by Jay from Portland, OR. on Oct 3, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active musician and engineer/producer

Reviewer's Play Style: From metal to pop

Why Shure doesn't charge thousands of dollars for this thing I'll never know, but simply put...it is THE best! If you have a screaming vocalist that you need to record right with depth and fullness, this is it, also is insane with raspy whisper vocals, I mean this is a flat out MANS MIC!!!

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Value

This is it!

Posted by Jay from Portland, OR. on Oct 3, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active musician and engineer/producer

Reviewer's Play Style: From metal to pop

Why Shure doesn't charge thousands of dollars for this thing I'll never know, but simply put...it is THE best! If you have a screaming vocalist that you need to record right with depth and fullness, this is it, also is insane with raspy whisper vocals, I mean this is a flat out MANS MIC!!!

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AWESOME MIC!

Posted by scotty from Syracuse, NY on Aug 23, 2009

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: professional musician

Reviewer's Play Style: hardcore, metal, metalcore

my band used this mic to record our vocals on our EP we just released. We used a condensor on it through a mixer and it made our vocalist's scream insanely punchy!! much needed if recording with a screaming band if you want the vocals to be punchy.

Also, always use a condesnor on a mic for screams when recording. it sounds sooooo much better.

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SM7b...Incredible Quality...Very Economical

Posted by Adam R. from Baltimore, MD on Feb 25, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Recording Engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock

I read all the reviews about this mic and after experiencing the sibalant and very dynamic (in a bad way) nature of condenser mics on a particular nasally, punk rock type vocalist I knew I had to get this to round out my mic collection.

Well...James Hetfield of Metallica, Michael Jackson (as the product description says), Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brandon Boyd of Incubus and countless other lead singers can't be wrong. This mic really does tame the wildness out of singers in a very good way.

And mixers will love you (or it'll make your job easier if you're the recorder/mixer) because the SM7b has this ability to mix very easily. Really, just some compression and maybe a little mid-EQ and you're golden.

I have not tried this mic on female vocalists yet so I can't comment there. But on my own voice as well as the vocalist whose voice was to be honest irritating on a $500+ condenser mic sounded nice and smooth on this Shure mic.

That other thing I like about this mic is it doesn't pick up a lot of room echo. So you can record in a not-so-ideal-room (like most home studios) and still get a great vocal sound.

One caveat: Like most/all dynamic microphones your mic preamp makes a big difference in quality. I think the SM7b sounds best under the "clean/uncolored" category of preamps.

Totally worth the price of admission and then some. A great addition to our home recording studio that will stick around until the end.

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Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response

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