Shure SM7dB Review / Test

MicrophoneReview
Written By Bandrew Scott

Today I review new Shure SM7dB. Does this improve the noise floor of your recordings? Is it worth the money? Should you buy it? In this review I compare it to the SM7b as well as a bunch of other microphones so you can hear it. Other than that it sounds like an SM7b just with a hotter output, so if that's something that sounds appealing it may work for you, but keep your expecations on low noise recording in check.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Mic: No EQ Switches, Preamp Mode +28dB
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:00
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 50Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -59dB / -41dB / -31dB
Impedance: 150 Ohms (27 Ohs in Preamp Mode)
Power Requirement: 48V DC Phantom Power

Buy the Shure SM7dB (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sm7dB
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sm7db
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/46bNDH5
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/shure_sm_7_db.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:27  - What’s in the Box
00:49 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:48 - Specifications
02:00 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:17 - Plosive Test
02:33 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:56 - Background Noise Test 
03:11 - Untreated Room Test
03:30 - Shock Rejection Test
03:45 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:59 - EQ Switch Demo
05:00 - Does the SM7dB Have a Quieter Noise Floor?
07:01 - Intro to Comparison
07:32 - Shure SM58 Comparison
07:58 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
08:26 - Rode Podmic Comparison
08:55 - sE Electronics DCM6 Comparison
09:36 - Shure MV7x Comparison
10:05 - Rode Procaster Comparison
10:33 - sE Electronics Dynacaster Comparison
11:08 - Audio Technica BP40 Comparison
11:33 - Logitech Blue Sona Comparison
12:04 - Beyerdynamic M201tg Comparison
12:34 - Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
13:16 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
14:00 - Music Test
15:28  - Pros & Cons
17:53 - Overall Thoughts
19:22 - Is the SM7dB Better Than the SM7b?
20:50 - Recommendation
23:20 - Conclusion

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

https://www.bandrewscott.com/
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