Shure SM7dB Review / Test
/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