Shure today is launching a new addition to its portfolio of popular microphones. The new Shure SM7dB takes the same beloved design we’ve seen in the past and elevates it with a built-in preamp alongside some other notable improvements.
The real highlight for the new Shure SM7dB microphone is that it now arrives with a built-in preamp. Ensuring that you always have enough power to get the right levels of gain you need, this mic can work with a wider array of audio interfaces. It’s still an XLR microphone, so you’re going to need something to interface with it and your computer of choice.
The preamp can dish out upwards of +28 dB of gain, meaning that all you need is an interface or mixer offering +48V of phantom power. And if you already have an interface that’s ready to power the microphone, you can defer to that and skip the preamp altogether. This is particularly useful if you’re looking to elevate your microphone now to something better, but want the flexibility to save your audio interface upgrade for down the road.
The newest update to the famous SM7B, the SM7dB, features all the smooth, polished sound you’ve loved for years, and adds 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.
Otherwise, the Shure SM7dB has the same sound profile you’ve come to expect. It comes with a classic cardioid pickup pattern which has a narrow pickup field. So anything not directly in front of the microphone will be blocked out, making this ideal for podcasting, music recording, and even serenading your viewers on Twitch with your spot-on game commentary. The whole package helps reduce feedback issues, too. Shure includes a pop filter to round out the package.
As far as mounting options go, there’s a standard 3/8 mount that’ll let you use it with your preferred stand or boom arm. There are kits that include one, but otherwise the stock microphone just gets you the Shure SM7dB by itself.
Now available for purchase, the new Shure SM7dB clocks in at $499. You can buy it now at B&H as well as Adorama. By comparison, it’s $100 over the price of the standard Shure SM7B microphone, which may be a better choice if you don’t need the built-in preamp tech.
Electronicsforward’ Take
Before making the switch over to the Logitech Blue Sona, I had been using one of Shure’s MV7 microphones. While the SM7dB is a massive upgrade from that, I still find myself yearning for the warmer sound that the Shure mic used to capture. I’m excited to see if I can get my hands on one of these and change up my podcasting setup for Electronicsforward Daily yet again.
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