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Shure SM 7 Dynamic Microphone Review
The Shure SM7 dynamics mic came highly recommended from the
various professional recording engineers that I've talked to
online. Many pro recording guys say that the SM7 should be one
of the first mics that you buy. I now know why.
The Shure SM7b is basically an upgraded SM57. It looks much
different than an SM57 and sounds different for a number of
reasons. The SM7 started out as a voiceover microphone. If you
watch Howard Stern, you'll notice that Robin uses a Shure SM7.
I'm not sure about the guts inside, but one feature that makes
the Shure SM7 a different microphone is the position of the
capsule. They actually built a cage about 2-3" around the
capsule. So even if your lips are touching the mic, they have a
healthy space from the capsule. I'm sure this was a way to
reduce the proximity effect that comes with the hypercardiod
design.
The downside to putting the capsule at least 2" from tip of the
mic is the chance for picking up other sounds is increased quite
a bit. To combat this effect, they wrapped the cage in foam.
This foam not only increases the isolation of this mic, but it
works as a natural pop filter.
The Shure SM7 has two different tone settings on the back of the
microphone that make it much more flexible. It has a low end
roll off which is common on pro mics and it has a prescense
boost which is not so common on mics. I must be honest, I
haven't experimented much with the low end roll off switch. For
every application that I've used the mic for I haven't wanted a
massive low end.
Last night was the first time I disengaged the low end roll off.
I was recording a band totally live in a crowded, small room. I
had recorded the singer several times before. While he has a
great voice, he wants the tone of his voice to be as thick and
full as possible. I went ahead and turned off the low end filter
for him. I also turned off the prescence boost. I knew his voice
would have plenty of prescense. The band had drums, bass,
electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, and saxaphone
basically all in the same rooms. The band leader was adament
about recording EVERYTHING live. This means that I needed a tad
bit of isolation in the vocals.
It turned out that there was more isolation than I needed. The
Shure SM7 certainly blocked out unwanted sounds quite easily. We
have a Mackie active PA speaker blasting the room full of sound.
I was wearing ear plugs. The SM 7 did an amazing job. I'm very
impressed. The singer said that his vocals never sounded as good
with condenser mics such the Audio Technica 4050 or the AKG 414.
What's amazing is this great sound was done live with no
headphones with noise all over the place.
It's no wonder the SM 7 is used on some many professional
recordings. The SM7's claim to fame is the Micheal Jackson
"Thriller" record. They could have used any vintage microphone
on the planet, but they choose the Shure SM7. I've read that the
Red Hot Chili Peppers have used the SM 7 on vocals on ever album
they have done. I've also heard that 3 Doors Down uses this mic
a lot. You can see James Hetfield from Metallica singing into a
Shure SM 7 on the "Some Kind Of Monster" DVD.
For $350, it's tough to beat a Shure SM 7. It's durable. It will
last. It's pro. This mic is great in a loud, live recording
setting or in an overdub with headphones setting. I'm impressed
by this mic. You can tailer the sound to fit what you are
looking for. I've even heard that it's a great kick drum mic
too. I'll have to try it out. I'd pick the Shure SM7 over just
about any condenser if budget is an issue.
About the author:
Brandon Drury has never recorded onto tape. He's only done hard disk recording.
Written by: Brandon Drury
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