Shure SM7dB Microphone Released – Now with Built-in Preamp

Audio Gear News

by Jeff LochOctober 2^nd, 2023

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Shure recently released an upgraded version of its famous SM7b dynamic microphone: the SM7dB. This new version now features a built-in preamp with +18 and +28dB boost, but you can also turn it off if needed. So let’s take a closer look at it!

The Shure SM7b was introduced in 2001, while the first SM7 version was released in 1973. This dynamic microphone was primarily designed to capture rich vocals in recording studios. Similar to the Shure SM58 for live performances, the SM7 and SM7b quickly became worldwide industry-standard microphones to record vocals. Shure recently released an upgraded version, the Shure SM7dB, designed to solve a problem most content creators encounter: having enough gain.

What’s the problem with the Shure SM7b?

Over the last couple of years, many content creators and YouTubers used the SM7b as a podcast microphone. I also have one, and it’s a hard-to-beat vocal dynamic microphone in the sub-$500 price range.

However, the Shure SM7b typically demands a significant amount of gain to achieve optimal sound quality. Indeed, with gain requirements over 60dB, most cameras, sound recorders, and audio interfaces can’t provide enough “juice” to the SM7b. To solve that problem, you can purchase a gain preamp like the famous Cloudlifter, but it’s an additional cost and device in the sound chain.

Shure SM7dB – features

Most likely, the team at Shure saw how many content creators and YouTubers use their SM7b and decided to release an upgraded version to solve that gain “issue”: the SM7dB.

The SM7dB has a similar design to the SM7b and is only slightly longer. The microphone still requires 48V phantom power to work, but it now features a built-in audio preamp. At the back of the microphone, you’ll find a switch to either bypass the preamp or activate it with two gain settings: +18 dB or +28 dB.

Other than that, the Shure SM7dB retains the elements that contributed to the success of its predecessor, including:

• Identical sound to the SM7b with a Cardioid polar pattern.
• On the inside, it has air suspension shock isolation, which eliminates mechanical noise transmission.
• An included removable windscreen to protect your recording from plosive and breath sounds.
• Two switches at the back of the microphone: a bass roll-off and midrange emphasis.

Price and availability

The Shure SM7dB is available now for $499. As a direct comparison, the SM7b retails for $399.

For more information, please visit Shure’s website here.

What do you think about this upgraded version of the Shure SM7b? Do you consider upgrading to the SM7dB? Did you already use the original Shure SM7b? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!