The new Shure SM7dB microphone adds a built-in preamp to the legendary SM7b microphone!
From Shure’s website:
An audio icon is reborn – the Shure SM7dB has the sound you’ve loved for years, but with the convenience of a built-in preamp providing all the extra gain you’ll ever need. The latest iteration of this legendary XLR dynamic microphone makes it easier for podcasters, streamers and musicians to get perfect vocals from any recording setup.
Built-in Preamp. Built on Legacy.
The SM7dB is a dynamic vocal microphone with built-in preamp providing up to +28 dB of low-noise, flat, transparent gain ideal for almost any interface and simplified audio chains.
- Selectable preamp boost of either +18dB or +28dB of extra gain
- Flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech
- Preamp bypass switch deactivates the preamp to revert to original SM7B performance
- Bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) EQ controls
- Superior 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
- 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
In the box:
- 1 SM7dB
- 1 Close-Talk Windscreen
- 1 3/8” Thread Adapter
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8 Responses
So it’s like a built-in Fethead or Cloudlifter? It’s a great idea as long as the Shure preamp quality matches that of the other two solutions. The price premium of the SM7dB over the SM7B seems in line with that.
Yes, it’s a built-in gain booster doing the same job as a Fethead or Cloudlifter. And I’d bet Shure has matched or exceeded the quality of those two products, though I haven’t compared them myself.
Also, Hi Max!!!
This is interesting, but I wonder if it’s a bit of an overcomplicating that just ramps the price up. Will the price increase be more than a cloudlifter?
The SM7dB price increase is $100.
A Fethead costs around $50-60.
A Cloudlifter costs around $150.
An SE Electronics Dynamite costs around $150.
Interesting.
I think they built it in because it’s just easier to have everything in one piece of hardware. And the SM7b in particularly always needed lots of gain, as you know.
Also, Hi Barry!!! Yeah, Oh Yeah
Also, the Cloudlifter requires an extra XLR cable.
It sure looks pretty and shiny… I love my SM-58, but if I were to stray from that, this little guy looks appealing.