I’m listening via monitoring headphones and I love the sound of the Shure MV7. It’s cleaner, you get that broadcast quality Shure is widely known for, doesn’t need a preamp, and it can be plugged into a computer via usb unlike the SM7B and SM7dB. As for the boomy sound, I’m sure it can be significantly improved by proper equalization, which we do anyway regardless of what mic we use. The only problem I noticed is how it handles plosives but I think it can be fixed by using a better windscreen or pop filter.
It's a good option that I may have gone for if it was available when I bought mine to replace my Sennheiser shotgun that I used for my podcast. I'm ok with the Shure SM7B/Cloudlifter/Audient iD14 setup. I also use a Synco Mic D2 for voiceover with the iD14. The $100 difference for the mic over the Cloudlifter won't make me switch, but your video shows well how well it works if you're just now investing in this gear that you can simplify your recording setup.
Great video. I also preferred the SM7dB. The Rode and MV7 sounded like they were accentuating the sibilance. You could certainly fix that with plug-ins, but better to not have to deal with it.
That's a smart move on their part. My issue with the SM7B is that it always sounds muffled. The highs are not very crisp. That *does* have the advantage of reducing mouth noises, however. I'm more partial to the sound of the RE20 mic, even though it has its issues as well, like the ridiculous shock mount.
I hear you there. As someone who mixes everything that I record, I like that it's a bit more flat and not hyped in the top end like so many mics are. But if you want a plug and play mic without any eq or anything, there are some other options that might be better. The RE20 is another classic for sure!
Excellent comp, thanks. I've been watching YT reviews specifically to find a cheaper alternative to the SM7B, but they all only confirm that the SM7B has a warm fullness/smoothness that is unmatched, and I suspect listeners will be more prone to suffering ear fatigue on the cheaper mics, even if it's unconscious... Maybe the SE Dynacaster comes close, I dunno. I don't care for the MV7 at all, and for any of these $100-200 "broadcast" mics, IMHO you may as well just use a handheld 58 or an SE V7 or something... I already have some decent pres and a Fethead, so I'm hoping the new SM7dB brings down the street price/used price on the standard 7B without the internal preamp. Subscribed.
I got mine this week. I prefer the digital USB adapter for it over the XLR connection. Software seems fixed now. Which I know was a draw back to the adapter. Can't go wrong with it. Think it's a little over priced personally for the microphone.
Bro, I watched like 10 vids looking for my next mic upgrade. Your video hit that target dead on. Thanks for another solid vid! As usual solid content!.....credit card just got pulled out again :D
I'm stoked there is no more cloudlifter necessary, but they priced this such that it's actually $75+ cheaper to buy the original SM7b & Cloudlifter together. $225 cheaper if you have an interface with a preamp built in. I don't think they quite thought their pricing through too well. Especially with all the new competition that are amazing on their own.
Interesting. On my end it's about a $100 difference between the two and a cloudlifter costs $150 so it ends up being $50 cheaper to go with the db... maybe I'm looking on the wrong sites though!
Great video! I have the Shure MV7 and Cloudlifter combo and it's really excellent. The SM7db sounds excellent, but I just couldn't convince myself to spend almost twice as much on it.
I bought two of these immediately and have been completely disappointed with them. The built in preamp introduces a lot of hiss and lifts the noise floor quite a bit. I'm better off just cranking the gain on my interface as it sounds cleaner. Tested on a Rodecaster Pro II, Focusrite, Zoom Podtrak, and Presonus IO24... all with the same results. Did I get two defective mic's? Very confused as I keep sing positive reviews.
That’s really interesting! I didn’t notice a difference in the noise when using the in built preamp vs cranking the preamp on my focusrite and then matching levels in post (the focusrite couldn’t get loud enough to match, even maxed out) so I wonder why you had that result!?
I preferred it naked; no boosts, no cloud. Listening on DT 990s Pro 250ohm, Scarlett 2i2. Saw a vid comparing SM7B vs SM7db... may have been mic placement, but the 7B sounded fuller, less stale.
Nice! Thanks for sharing! As for the sm7db vs sm7b, my contact at shure confirmed that they are in fact the EXACT same internals except for the new preamp so I feel like the differences likely had to do with placement if anything, but that’s just what I think.
Some people have been noticing sound differences (excluding volume) between the Shure SM7B and the new SM7dB. Some users have even returned the new version and chosen to keep the old one. As someone who is interested in purchasing this microphone, I would appreciate hearing more opinions on this matter. Has anyone here experienced the same?
The thing is, even cheap interfaces like the Scarlett’s, they produce enough gain for the 7B. Basically every interface has been able to supply enough gain, and the noise performance between cloudlifter, vs not, is negligible. This has been tested a number of times, even with the Scarletts
The thumbnail gave off Podcastage vibes lol. But this is awesome that Shure finally did this. I've had my SM7B for 10 years, use it all the time for recording. Streaming I mainly use my Ethos, but this is a fantastic mic. For me I just use the high pass switch and its perfect for my voice.
Such a great video! I’m going to buy this new microphone, I make videos as you can see and also stream, could you please tell me if I need something else besides de mic? Mixer? Something else like that? And also which boom arm do you recommend? Thank you ❤
I mean, it's nice. I don't have an issue with my 7b on my Presonus Studio 24c - it has lots of clean gain. Cool if you haven't already bought an Sm7b ( likely with a preamp as well).
I own the Rode Podmic USB and use usb in my gaming streams, discord, my podcast over on Spotify, pretty much everything and it sounds amazing. You dont need a cloudlifter obviously with USB but it has XLR as well if you prefer an Audio interface, plus the Rode Caster software that come free with EQ, a Compressor, Noise Gate, etc. Its just a great Mic. The Shure SM7b or now the db is also an amazing mic but cost wise, The Rode PodMic USB is awesome and can connect 2 ways!!! Your thoughs Dunna??
Podmic USB is definitely solid! I prefer the sound of the sm7b/sm7db but that’s just my personal preference. And you’re right that the Rode is much more affordable.
@dunnadidit Yeah the Shure will always be the beast of Voice. I wonder if shure will ever release a USB version of the SM7b? I know they have the Mv7, but a SM7B!! That's would be nuts 😳
Good on Shure for now having this as a option but a $35 Klark Teknik mic booster would do the trick for most people. I must admit I like the 10db or 28db switch on the new mic.
Yeah that's totally an option and I don't think they're going to stop selling the sm7b so people can still go that way! But you nailed it, having the multiple levels as well as the ability to just turn the preamp off was quite nice.
Hi Dybba, Great video sir. I have a couple of questions for you, if you don't mind. 1) I'm looking at getting the Focusrite Vocaster One to use with the Shure SM7B. My first question is would using a Cloud Lifter result in any better audio than just using the Vocaster One by itself? 2) In looking into the Focusrite Vocaster One, it appears that it has a camera output. Does this mean that you can record audio from the Shure SM7B directly into the camera then? Would the audio be the same quality as recording into a computer? The camera I currently use is the Sony a6100 if that matters. Thanks!
Sounds great, I just got mine in January, I like to be recent with a lot of my equipment. But, I won't repleace my SM7B and Cloud Lifter yet as it's still so good. Now, with this i think you'll see a lot of people selling the SM7B and Cloud Lifter (people who want to get rid of their equipment) as a combo for way less. I'll wait for a while to see if the preamp has problems! :D
If that works for you then thats great! I find it introduces a bit too much noise from the preamp itself, and if I talk quietly it's pretty low. But everyones needs are different!
Where to start? I did not like how the Podmic sounded. Now, while I liked the overall tonality of the SM7dB, the hiss was very annoying and made the MV7 sound professional and pleasing. I am surprised that the SM7dB , designed exactly to feature a low noise amplfier is actually noisier than the much cheaper MV7.
Right??? That caught me off guard too! I actually did some other tests with separate cables and separate interfaces just to make sure there wasn’t something else wrong in the chain but it always came out the same!
🎧 *I spent a long time listening to examples on headphones.* Personally, I liked the sound of the _Shure sm7db + Cloudlifter better._ It seems that the Cloudlifter preamp is of better quality than the one built into the microphone. I bought 2 x Shure sm7b a long time ago. I don't see any reason to update yet.
Do I hear that microphones do not produce the same sound? The old Shure SM7b has more high and medium frequencies. I hear a less deaf and more pronounced sound. If you hear the same thing, write a comment or like.
The charcoal matte black on the SM7B looks better on a video-podcast than the SM7db. I wonder why they made the update more shiny, as it seems that one of the advantages of the SM7B is that it looks so good on video
Generally my problem with the SM-7B is.. I find it tiring to the ear - after prolonged listening. Bruce Swedien said in an interview something like ‘it cuts right through’. That’s right for when a voice needs to compete with lots of other instruments. But when it’s just a podcast voice that I’m listening to for some time, my ears really need a break. And when that’s your podcast, sorry! I personally think the Electrovoice RE20 does a better job in that regard. The cream of the crop would be a nice Neumann or DPA condenser.. But than you’ve got a problem that those mics will loose the loudness war against the 7B..
That midrange boost does not sound good at all. I suppose with some voices it could help but yes it sounds great with a flat response. (Writing this before your conclusion) I actually think the SM7DB with cloudlifter sounded the best, but no matter if using cloudlifter or preamp it sounded worlds better than the cheaper options. That Rode sounded thin and the MV7 was muddy.
I remember when I remember, I remember when I lost my mind There was something so pleasant about that place Even your emotions have an echo, in so much space
OK, so, the argument here is what?.....get a Shure SM7db at $499 so you don't have to get a Shure SM7b at $399 plus theoretically a Cloudlifter at $149? Just an FYI, the Cloudlifter mythology is just that....mythology. I have one and have had since I got the Shure SM7b roughly 7 years ago. I've run the Shure SM7b with and without the Cloudlifter. It works just fine without a Cloudlifter running through an Apogee Duet, Zoom H6, Zoom H8.....and a $49 Behringer Xenyx mixer. I've never understood the Cloudlifter myth. But, great review, regardless.
It's definitely only some preamps for sure. It's not necessarily about how high or low end the preamp is, just how much gain it has to give. Like I said, my focusrite preamp I CAN'T get it loud enough (for how I like it). But if you've been running it without and you're happy, then that's awesome! So I guess my "argument" here is that everyone should assess their own situation and just use my experience asa piece information from which they can make an informed decision for their situation... as with all my review videos. I never want to seem like anyone NEEDS anything, it all depends on the situation and what YOU need.
@@dunnadidit that's interesting that the Focusrite isn't giving you what you want. All 4 of the setups I described (Duet, H6, H8, Xenyx) all have gain adjustment dials so they're probably supplying what's needed. I bought and use the Cloudlifter because I was told by an audio engineer it was required. I found out by accident that it wasn't (at least with the equipment I have).
Yeah, it really depends on the source. If I get RIGHT UP on top of the mic I can get enough gain just for a talking source. Or if I’m recording a vocalist who has a lot of power (I used to record most of my rock and screaming vocalists with this mic and maybe a condenser at the same time because this one sounds nice on the really loud stuff), then I don’t need that boost. But if I want to sit a good away and talk normally, the focusrite needs to be cranked right to the top and I find that then you can actually hear the preamp noise introduced on top of the mic noise. The cloudlifter seemed to work better for me in that case. But I’m happy to hear that others are finding they don’t need the cloudlifter. Then you can just go sm7b and save some cash!
I really wish they would of some how brought down the mics self noise… being at 22db it’s still noisy no matter what preamp you have or use or even the internal booster… any booster also brings up the self noise even higher.
Bruce Swiden also said the SM7 is not the same as These modern SM7B, There is a video of him saying that. "Bruce Swedien on Shure SM7 vs SM7B , recording Michael Jackson’s Thriller Vocal"
Most new audio interfaces are able to handle the sm7b with the high gain requirement so I feel for people who already have a good audio interface or a cloud lifter don’t have to necessarily upgrade or spend the extra $100
Hey, I literally just bought an SM7B from Thomann (£339) and a Cloudlifter CL1 from Amazon (£155) about 2 weeks ago, 3339 + 155 = £494. My return windows for both items are still open. The SM7db is going for around the £500 mark in the UK. My interface is a Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen. Do you guys think it's worth returning my SM7B and Cloudlifter for the SM7dB? I also get a bit of white noise/background hiss when using SM7B-Cloudlifter-Scarlett Solo. Do you think the SM7db could help alleviate some of it?
Noise level between the sm7db and the sm7b with the cloudlifter was pretty similar... maybe a LITTLE bit better with the cloudlifter but not a hugely noticeable amount. I think the thing you really would be gaining from the sm7db is the convenience of it being all in one device as well as there being less cables and components in the chain that could all individually get broken or have issues.
@@dunnadidit Shure actually licensed the Cloudlifter technology for this product. The Cloud logo is even on the back of the box and it's detailed in their press release.
While you can uae your Cloudlifter with virtually all dynamic mics, the one inside the SM7dB is just for this one mic. So the external booster is more flexible. However, having such an ugly external box with more cables looks worse than this new sexy mic.
Great video! Would have been interesting how the built in preamp compares to not only the Cloudlifter, but also just an interface with better preamps. Still, good job on the video!
What are the chances of the built-in preamp failing? Should an external pre-amp paired with an SM7B fail, replacing the preamp seems a lot less stressful than repairing/replacing the whole mic itself. Thoughts?
SM7db is definitely the winner here. I love that they integrated this right into the mic. Just when I thought I was done with the office remodel I find this 🤣 Great vid bro
I have to be honest, I'm not too fond of the fact they put their name on the side like they did with the MV7! If i was to buy another SM7B i wouldn't get this one for that reason, it looks tacky for me! But, that's just my opinion :D
I hear you there. I have lots of gear with gaff tape all over it because i think the logos on them look bad or a little too "advertis-ey" In this case I actually had to work pretty hard with the lighting to get the logo to show up so I'll probably leave it but I could go for a nice plain matte black version.
Hi, thank you for your video. My actual gear is an older ZOOM H2n which I can plug in USB without any problems but I have to edit the vocal for my videos. If I upgrade to this expansive Shure SM7db, could you tell me, if there is a great quality boost for me. Do I have to edit my sound too with the Shure?
In my opinion, there isn’t really a situation where I don’t edit the audio in some way if I have the ability to, eq/compression etc. The sm7db is a nice sounding mic with a pleasing frequency response but I still like to boost the high frequencies a bit and roll off below 100hz or so at a minimum. I would say that it is a significant upgrade to the built in mics of the h2n but it really depends on how you’re going to use it and the situations you find yourself in
I would use it only for a little bit youtube to speak in my videos infront of the mac on my desk. So I am afraid it is to much for this situation for the money it costs. So, what do you think about this?@@dunnadidit
It does! I don’t know that I ever specifically stated that other than saying the cloudlifter needs it and that the inbuilt preamp is basically the same.
An audio interface simply converts the signal from analog to digital, but also typically has gain controls. Regardless of the extra gain control… an audio interface is a MUST if you want to record this mic into a computer.
the sm7b is so popular because it's easy to listen to, it dulls the harsh sibilance sounds which makes listening to podcasts over a long time less fatiguing
That’s a great point! That’s kind of what I was getting at when I said it wasn’t over hyped frequency wise. A lot of other microphones try to boost the heck out of the low and high frequencies and it works better some times than others.
Shure MV7 w cloud lifter! I am not a creator on here. But I can hear the difference. I turned off everything in my house to listen. I was waiting to hear a difference in your voice. The difference wasn't in your voice but in the SILENCE between and within you speaking. The Shure MV7 w cloud filter truly silenced everything out or the "white noise" I guess it's called so that all I heard was you.
But its 200€ more expensive...😬Yes the cloudlifter is also 166€ on it's own but I think it sounded almost the same with the preamp disabled and maxing out the scarlet.
There must be a conversion thing happening because you’re not the first person to say that, from what I can see on my end, the new mic is $100 more and the cloudlifter is $150 (these are USD since most of my audience is in the US) so I’m not sure why it’s different elsewhere!
@@dunnadidit Probably. Here in Germany the SM7b is 389€ and the SM7dB is 589€. Both including taxes and shipping. But of course for a big studio 200€ more or less is not even worth thinking about...
@jorrit_o I hear that, my mindset has changed a lot from when I was just a solo freelance audio engineer. $500 would have been a “super expensive” mic to me then, but now that I’ve made a living as an audio engineer and now as a youtuber who is constantly upgrading both camera and audio equipment, it doesn’t seem as big of a deal. I try to always keep that younger version of myself in mind.
@@dunnadidit Sorry it it came across like I wanted to say that it’s not much to you.😅 I meant that the time that is needed to add an additional part and to carry it around might justify paying 200 more upfront for a bigger radio station or something like that.
Oh I didn’t take it like that at all! Your point just brought up that thought of how things have changed for me too. I may not be a big radio station or have those kinds of budgets but when I’m buying gear now it’s very different than when I used to buy it now that I’m doing this for a living. I thought your point was well made in its foundation that the cost of something like this is going to “feel” completely different to every person/company looking to buy it. That extra cost might be HUGE or not even a blip on the radar.
Not much excitement about the new SM7B (SM7dB). I love the original SM7B. Its design is simple, not much of a branding, and it works perfectly with the RCP2 without using the in-line preamp like Cloudlifter.
I will give you the best reason to not buy the new sm7db and buy the regular sm7b with a cloud lifter. The reason is that you can use that cloud lifter with every dynamic you have in your collection trust me it makes an amazing difference to those other mics. I get it sure wants people to buy this mic but for those of us that know what's up knows what's up.
I’m a picky person, but I think they should have taken away the branding, hide the stupid wire that sticks out, allow you to put a cap/cover over the switches and make the yolk look better. Then I would have bought it. I do like my things to look aesthetically pleasing. The Logitech Blue Sona is a good example.
NO LONGER NEEDS A CLOUD LIFTER BUT CHARGES YOU THE SAME AMMOUNT AN EXTRA 100-200 DEPENDING BTW YOU CAN GET A SUBZERO CLOUD LIFTER OR A GOOD OFF BRAND THAT WILL SORT THIS MIC FOR 20 QUID SORRY FOR CAPS BTW JUST GET THE SM7B AND A 20 QUID LIFTER AND YOUR GOLDEN THIS IS SADLY OVER PRICED
This is a practically useless upgrade. A regular SM7B with a Fethead is the same price, and more versatile (as you can the in-line preamp with other mics), so it's much more cost-effective. The only reason for this upgrade, is so that Shure can have a reason to slap a big logo on one of their most popular products.
Fetheads dropped significantly in price too. They’re $50 at the time of writing this. Granted you’ll need an extra cable, and I use an EVO 4, but sometimes it’ll get a crackling noise. Not sure if it’s the cables, but sometimes moving it stops it. It would be nice to have, but for the regular pro user (not myself), the extra gain isn’t beneficial. Most audio interfaces can handle the 7B. The logo on the new model just doesn’t look right on it. They should’ve sticked with the MV7 only.
This mic is a clear discrepancy of what consumer actually want vs what brands wants and what brands thought consumers want: 1) Brand thought with so many podcast using the SM7B, if they add the Shure logo, it will be free advertising for them. The only reason I'm not buying 6 of the SM7dB and bought 6 Lauten Audio LS-208 is purely because of the logo that Shure added. If I don't use it hang down, the logo will be upside down unless I open the screw and rotate it and screw it back. 2) They beauty of the SM7B is how subtle it was, the black plate makes it look so clean, now they no longer gives you the back plate 3) It's nice that they make the switch easier to access, but what's the point if no one even uses the switches in the first place? 4) Build in Pre-amp 5 years too late, now entry level audio intefaces already have 69 db of gain like the latest generation scarlett, 76 db of gain with the Rodecaster pro II/duo, 80 db of gain with mackie DLZ creator. How about studios? People will studio already have preamp like the 1073 which already have more than enough gain to power the SM7B. 5) The mic color (shiny) and proportion just looks wrong and camera, the elongated design with the tape, just make the mic looks weird, the original SM7B already look perfect, why mess with that? 6)Here's what people actually want, we want the next generation of SM7B -Better sound so we can upgrade our current SM7B to the next generation SM7C. Maybe neodymium magnet? Improved capsule? Better internals? -The wire coming out from the side, we want it to be internal so it will look cleaner on camera -Better yok mount so it's easier to screw -Built in wire mesh pop filter inside the cage for the capsule, perhaps something like the JZ-PF pop filter -We want the rest to be the same, because of the MAYA effect - Most Advanced, Yet Acceptable - To sell something familiar, you must make it surprising and to sell something surprising, you must make it familiar.
Have loved the SM7B since I first recorded with it in high school. Love that they’ve finally updated it for what so many people are using it for now.
It's just so good! I left mine at my studio in Edmonton and I've missed it until now!
Was not expecting fall out boy lyrics but I’m here for it
Haha glad you enjoyed that!
I’m listening via monitoring headphones and I love the sound of the Shure MV7. It’s cleaner, you get that broadcast quality Shure is widely known for, doesn’t need a preamp, and it can be plugged into a computer via usb unlike the SM7B and SM7dB. As for the boomy sound, I’m sure it can be significantly improved by proper equalization, which we do anyway regardless of what mic we use. The only problem I noticed is how it handles plosives but I think it can be fixed by using a better windscreen or pop filter.
Nice! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Yeah I use the sm7b pop filter on the mv7 and love the sound.
@@domehouse79 does it have any noise and do you need to play with the gain like the SM7b? Would you take it over say the blue yeti?
It's a good option that I may have gone for if it was available when I bought mine to replace my Sennheiser shotgun that I used for my podcast. I'm ok with the Shure SM7B/Cloudlifter/Audient iD14 setup. I also use a Synco Mic D2 for voiceover with the iD14. The $100 difference for the mic over the Cloudlifter won't make me switch, but your video shows well how well it works if you're just now investing in this gear that you can simplify your recording setup.
this is fantastic. What a sick upgrade. And your earnest read of song lyrics was genuinely great
Pretty solid hey!? Thanks so much!
Great video. I also preferred the SM7dB. The Rode and MV7 sounded like they were accentuating the sibilance. You could certainly fix that with plug-ins, but better to not have to deal with it.
Agreed, I’d rather start nice and clean/flat and work from there instead of overhyped to begin with and have to fix.
That's a smart move on their part. My issue with the SM7B is that it always sounds muffled. The highs are not very crisp. That *does* have the advantage of reducing mouth noises, however. I'm more partial to the sound of the RE20 mic, even though it has its issues as well, like the ridiculous shock mount.
I hear you there. As someone who mixes everything that I record, I like that it's a bit more flat and not hyped in the top end like so many mics are. But if you want a plug and play mic without any eq or anything, there are some other options that might be better. The RE20 is another classic for sure!
@@dunnadidit Indeed.
Excellent comp, thanks. I've been watching YT reviews specifically to find a cheaper alternative to the SM7B, but they all only confirm that the SM7B has a warm fullness/smoothness that is unmatched, and I suspect listeners will be more prone to suffering ear fatigue on the cheaper mics, even if it's unconscious... Maybe the SE Dynacaster comes close, I dunno. I don't care for the MV7 at all, and for any of these $100-200 "broadcast" mics, IMHO you may as well just use a handheld 58 or an SE V7 or something... I already have some decent pres and a Fethead, so I'm hoping the new SM7dB brings down the street price/used price on the standard 7B without the internal preamp. Subscribed.
This is a really great addition! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Super video Dunna, thanks for going through all the demonstrations, really useful.
Thanks so much for watching!
Wow, the shure's built-in preamp is NOISY
I got mine this week. I prefer the digital USB adapter for it over the XLR connection. Software seems fixed now. Which I know was a draw back to the adapter. Can't go wrong with it. Think it's a little over priced personally for the microphone.
Bro, I watched like 10 vids looking for my next mic upgrade. Your video hit that target dead on. Thanks for another solid vid! As usual solid content!.....credit card just got pulled out again :D
Great insight man! Learned alot
I’m glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!
I'm stoked there is no more cloudlifter necessary, but they priced this such that it's actually $75+ cheaper to buy the original SM7b & Cloudlifter together. $225 cheaper if you have an interface with a preamp built in. I don't think they quite thought their pricing through too well. Especially with all the new competition that are amazing on their own.
Interesting. On my end it's about a $100 difference between the two and a cloudlifter costs $150 so it ends up being $50 cheaper to go with the db... maybe I'm looking on the wrong sites though!
Naw you're right it is cheaper @dunna
Great video! I have the Shure MV7 and Cloudlifter combo and it's really excellent. The SM7db sounds excellent, but I just couldn't convince myself to spend almost twice as much on it.
I hear that! Glad you’re happy with what you’ve got. That’s all that matters!
I bought two of these immediately and have been completely disappointed with them. The built in preamp introduces a lot of hiss and lifts the noise floor quite a bit. I'm better off just cranking the gain on my interface as it sounds cleaner. Tested on a Rodecaster Pro II, Focusrite, Zoom Podtrak, and Presonus IO24... all with the same results. Did I get two defective mic's? Very confused as I keep sing positive reviews.
That’s really interesting! I didn’t notice a difference in the noise when using the in built preamp vs cranking the preamp on my focusrite and then matching levels in post (the focusrite couldn’t get loud enough to match, even maxed out) so I wonder why you had that result!?
@@dunnadidit Rodecaster 2 has pretty nice preamps so that may be why. Still kinda strange. Not super impressed!
I preferred it naked; no boosts, no cloud.
Listening on DT 990s Pro 250ohm, Scarlett 2i2.
Saw a vid comparing SM7B vs SM7db... may have been mic placement, but the 7B sounded fuller, less stale.
Nice! Thanks for sharing!
As for the sm7db vs sm7b, my contact at shure confirmed that they are in fact the EXACT same internals except for the new preamp so I feel like the differences likely had to do with placement if anything, but that’s just what I think.
Some people have been noticing sound differences (excluding volume) between the Shure SM7B and the new SM7dB. Some users have even returned the new version and chosen to keep the old one. As someone who is interested in purchasing this microphone, I would appreciate hearing more opinions on this matter. Has anyone here experienced the same?
YO YOOOOOOO, you answered my question as soon as I seen the microphone with a "stand". This was a great tutorial!
Hey man, what mic stand do you use with the SM7db?
Great vid btw
The thing is, even cheap interfaces like the Scarlett’s, they produce enough gain for the 7B. Basically every interface has been able to supply enough gain, and the noise performance between cloudlifter, vs not, is negligible. This has been tested a number of times, even with the Scarletts
Good to know thanks.
i use a sm7b with my scarlet and it sounds just fine. def have to crank the gain up pretty high if ur just talking but it gets the job done perfectly
The thumbnail gave off Podcastage vibes lol.
But this is awesome that Shure finally did this. I've had my SM7B for 10 years, use it all the time for recording. Streaming I mainly use my Ethos, but this is a fantastic mic. For me I just use the high pass switch and its perfect for my voice.
Haha that’s awesome!!
Such a great video!
I’m going to buy this new microphone, I make videos as you can see and also stream, could you please tell me if I need something else besides de mic? Mixer? Something else like that? And also which boom arm do you recommend? Thank you ❤
I mean, it's nice. I don't have an issue with my 7b on my Presonus Studio 24c - it has lots of clean gain. Cool if you haven't already bought an Sm7b ( likely with a preamp as well).
100%
Let's go! No more cloudlifters!
Heck yeah my dude!
I own the Rode Podmic USB and use usb in my gaming streams, discord, my podcast over on Spotify, pretty much everything and it sounds amazing. You dont need a cloudlifter obviously with USB but it has XLR as well if you prefer an Audio interface, plus the Rode Caster software that come free with EQ, a Compressor, Noise Gate, etc. Its just a great Mic. The Shure SM7b or now the db is also an amazing mic but cost wise, The Rode PodMic USB is awesome and can connect 2 ways!!! Your thoughs Dunna??
Podmic USB is definitely solid! I prefer the sound of the sm7b/sm7db but that’s just my personal preference. And you’re right that the Rode is much more affordable.
@dunnadidit Yeah the Shure will always be the beast of Voice. I wonder if shure will ever release a USB version of the SM7b? I know they have the Mv7, but a SM7B!! That's would be nuts 😳
Really interesting video - cheers Dunna! 👌
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this informative review!
Thank you for watching!
Good on Shure for now having this as a option but a $35 Klark Teknik mic booster would do the trick for most people. I must admit I like the 10db or 28db switch on the new mic.
Yeah that's totally an option and I don't think they're going to stop selling the sm7b so people can still go that way! But you nailed it, having the multiple levels as well as the ability to just turn the preamp off was quite nice.
@@dunnadidit Yes I agree! Thanks for all the hard work you do in your videos.
Thanks for watching!!
Divine timing lol. just bought the SM7B a couple weeks ago with a cloudlifter - no point in upgrading, right?
Nah probably not.
Hi Dybba, Great video sir. I have a couple of questions for you, if you don't mind.
1) I'm looking at getting the Focusrite Vocaster One to use with the Shure SM7B. My first question is would using a Cloud Lifter result in any better audio than just using the Vocaster One by itself?
2) In looking into the Focusrite Vocaster One, it appears that it has a camera output. Does this mean that you can record audio from the Shure SM7B directly into the camera then? Would the audio be the same quality as recording into a computer? The camera I currently use is the Sony a6100 if that matters.
Thanks!
God damn... i needed way too long to recognize fall out boy haha. Nice video!
Haha just trying to make it fun for the millenials.
Sounds great, I just got mine in January, I like to be recent with a lot of my equipment. But, I won't repleace my SM7B and Cloud Lifter yet as it's still so good. Now, with this i think you'll see a lot of people selling the SM7B and Cloud Lifter (people who want to get rid of their equipment) as a combo for way less. I'll wait for a while to see if the preamp has problems! :D
Of course Dunna would make a video of this!!! Hell yeeeeaahhhhh
great review dude.
Thanks for watching!
Great video man. Learned a lot! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I use it just with Scarlett on max gain and seems fine
If that works for you then thats great! I find it introduces a bit too much noise from the preamp itself, and if I talk quietly it's pretty low. But everyones needs are different!
Where to start? I did not like how the Podmic sounded. Now, while I liked the overall tonality of the SM7dB, the hiss was very annoying and made the MV7 sound professional and pleasing. I am surprised that the SM7dB , designed exactly to feature a low noise amplfier is actually noisier than the much cheaper MV7.
Right??? That caught me off guard too! I actually did some other tests with separate cables and separate interfaces just to make sure there wasn’t something else wrong in the chain but it always came out the same!
🎧 *I spent a long time listening to examples on headphones.* Personally, I liked the sound of the _Shure sm7db + Cloudlifter better._ It seems that the Cloudlifter preamp is of better quality than the one built into the microphone. I bought 2 x Shure sm7b a long time ago. I don't see any reason to update yet.
Do I hear that microphones do not produce the same sound? The old Shure SM7b has more high and medium frequencies. I hear a less deaf and more pronounced sound. If you hear the same thing, write a comment or like.
The charcoal matte black on the SM7B looks better on a video-podcast than the SM7db. I wonder why they made the update more shiny, as it seems that one of the advantages of the SM7B is that it looks so good on video
Generally my problem with the SM-7B is.. I find it tiring to the ear - after prolonged listening.
Bruce Swedien said in an interview something like ‘it cuts right through’. That’s right for when a voice needs to compete with lots of other instruments.
But when it’s just a podcast voice that I’m listening to for some time, my ears really need a break. And when that’s your podcast, sorry!
I personally think the Electrovoice RE20 does a better job in that regard. The cream of the crop would be a nice Neumann or DPA condenser..
But than you’ve got a problem that those mics will loose the loudness war against the 7B..
That midrange boost does not sound good at all. I suppose with some voices it could help but yes it sounds great with a flat response.
(Writing this before your conclusion) I actually think the SM7DB with cloudlifter sounded the best, but no matter if using cloudlifter or preamp it sounded worlds better than the cheaper options. That Rode sounded thin and the MV7 was muddy.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I remember when
I remember, I remember when I lost my mind
There was something so pleasant about that place
Even your emotions have an echo, in so much space
Does that make me crazy!!
OK, so, the argument here is what?.....get a Shure SM7db at $499 so you don't have to get a Shure SM7b at $399 plus theoretically a Cloudlifter at $149? Just an FYI, the Cloudlifter mythology is just that....mythology.
I have one and have had since I got the Shure SM7b roughly 7 years ago.
I've run the Shure SM7b with and without the Cloudlifter.
It works just fine without a Cloudlifter running through an Apogee Duet, Zoom H6, Zoom H8.....and a $49 Behringer Xenyx mixer.
I've never understood the Cloudlifter myth.
But, great review, regardless.
It's definitely only some preamps for sure. It's not necessarily about how high or low end the preamp is, just how much gain it has to give. Like I said, my focusrite preamp I CAN'T get it loud enough (for how I like it). But if you've been running it without and you're happy, then that's awesome!
So I guess my "argument" here is that everyone should assess their own situation and just use my experience asa piece information from which they can make an informed decision for their situation... as with all my review videos. I never want to seem like anyone NEEDS anything, it all depends on the situation and what YOU need.
@@dunnadidit that's interesting that the Focusrite isn't giving you what you want. All 4 of the setups I described (Duet, H6, H8, Xenyx) all have gain adjustment dials so they're probably supplying what's needed. I bought and use the Cloudlifter because I was told by an audio engineer it was required. I found out by accident that it wasn't (at least with the equipment I have).
Yeah, it really depends on the source. If I get RIGHT UP on top of the mic I can get enough gain just for a talking source. Or if I’m recording a vocalist who has a lot of power (I used to record most of my rock and screaming vocalists with this mic and maybe a condenser at the same time because this one sounds nice on the really loud stuff), then I don’t need that boost. But if I want to sit a good away and talk normally, the focusrite needs to be cranked right to the top and I find that then you can actually hear the preamp noise introduced on top of the mic noise. The cloudlifter seemed to work better for me in that case. But I’m happy to hear that others are finding they don’t need the cloudlifter. Then you can just go sm7b and save some cash!
I just stumbled upon this video and i was wondering what mic stand is that?!
I really wish they would of some how brought down the mics self noise… being at 22db it’s still noisy no matter what preamp you have or use or even the internal booster… any booster also brings up the self noise even higher.
Strange isn’t it since the SM58 sounds close but far less noise
@@UXXV I actually like the sm58 and the 57 more on vocals, if you use the A2WS foam screen on them… they sound amazing after the vocals are mixed
Bruce Swiden also said the SM7 is not the same as These modern SM7B, There is a video of him saying that.
"Bruce Swedien on Shure SM7 vs SM7B , recording Michael Jackson’s Thriller Vocal"
Oooh! I'm going searching, that sounds like a fun one to watch. Thanks for sharing!
Most new audio interfaces are able to handle the sm7b with the high gain requirement so I feel for people who already have a good audio interface or a cloud lifter don’t have to necessarily upgrade or spend the extra $100
Hell yeah
Feels good to get a hell yeah from the microphone master himself!
The image you put up for "1973" was actually an SM5.
So glad I waited. Almost bought an SM7B so I'll be getting this instead
Nice!
Hey, I literally just bought an SM7B from Thomann (£339) and a Cloudlifter CL1 from Amazon (£155) about 2 weeks ago, 3339 + 155 = £494. My return windows for both items are still open. The SM7db is going for around the £500 mark in the UK. My interface is a Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen.
Do you guys think it's worth returning my SM7B and Cloudlifter for the SM7dB?
I also get a bit of white noise/background hiss when using SM7B-Cloudlifter-Scarlett Solo. Do you think the SM7db could help alleviate some of it?
Noise level between the sm7db and the sm7b with the cloudlifter was pretty similar... maybe a LITTLE bit better with the cloudlifter but not a hugely noticeable amount. I think the thing you really would be gaining from the sm7db is the convenience of it being all in one device as well as there being less cables and components in the chain that could all individually get broken or have issues.
@@dunnadidit Shure actually licensed the Cloudlifter technology for this product. The Cloud logo is even on the back of the box and it's detailed in their press release.
While you can uae your Cloudlifter with virtually all dynamic mics, the one inside the SM7dB is just for this one mic. So the external booster is more flexible. However, having such an ugly external box with more cables looks worse than this new sexy mic.
Great video!
Would have been interesting how the built in preamp compares to not only the Cloudlifter, but also just an interface with better preamps.
Still, good job on the video!
Shure licensed the Cloudlifter for the built-in preamp, so it actually is a Cloudlifter - albeit one they tweaked for the mic.
@@bmcconnon Interesting, thanks for the info!
I think base to enhanced sounds good. Just like the original..after some sweeteners. Good review.
Thanks for watching!
I actually liked the SM7db’s mid boost on your voice as well. To me it wasn’t too much.
Nice! Thanks for letting me know!
LOL “the YOLK system” 🍳
It’s “yoke” but you knew that didn’t you. Yay engagement!
😉 😏 😜
What are the chances of the built-in preamp failing? Should an external pre-amp paired with an SM7B fail, replacing the preamp seems a lot less stressful than repairing/replacing the whole mic itself. Thoughts?
SM7db is definitely the winner here. I love that they integrated this right into the mic. Just when I thought I was done with the office remodel I find this 🤣 Great vid bro
You'll never be done. 😂
Haha this is too true.
@@StevenWebb real talk 🤣
I have to be honest, I'm not too fond of the fact they put their name on the side like they did with the MV7! If i was to buy another SM7B i wouldn't get this one for that reason, it looks tacky for me! But, that's just my opinion :D
And yes i would pay the extra for a cloud lifter just to avoid that lol The original looks super professional compared.
I hear you there. I have lots of gear with gaff tape all over it because i think the logos on them look bad or a little too "advertis-ey" In this case I actually had to work pretty hard with the lighting to get the logo to show up so I'll probably leave it but I could go for a nice plain matte black version.
@@dunnadidit @marcusgregoryrichardson22 Or you just pull a Casey Neistat and spray paint over it. 🤷🏻♂
@JoshSchorle there we go haha
Very informative video.
Thank you nice Review
Hi, thank you for your video. My actual gear is an older ZOOM H2n which I can plug in USB without any problems but I have to edit the vocal for my videos. If I upgrade to this expansive Shure SM7db, could you tell me, if there is a great quality boost for me. Do I have to edit my sound too with the Shure?
In my opinion, there isn’t really a situation where I don’t edit the audio in some way if I have the ability to, eq/compression etc. The sm7db is a nice sounding mic with a pleasing frequency response but I still like to boost the high frequencies a bit and roll off below 100hz or so at a minimum. I would say that it is a significant upgrade to the built in mics of the h2n but it really depends on how you’re going to use it and the situations you find yourself in
I would use it only for a little bit youtube to speak in my videos infront of the mac on my desk. So I am afraid it is to much for this situation for the money it costs. So, what do you think about this?@@dunnadidit
What mic stand are you using here bro? trying to buy one for the same mic!
I’m assuming the SM7dB requires phantom power, a detail I must have missed.
It does! I don’t know that I ever specifically stated that other than saying the cloudlifter needs it and that the inbuilt preamp is basically the same.
There’s something about hearing lyric read like it’s a novel!
Is an audio interface still required for the SM7dB, or is a 48V phantom power supply enough?
An audio interface simply converts the signal from analog to digital, but also typically has gain controls.
Regardless of the extra gain control… an audio interface is a MUST if you want to record this mic into a computer.
Where did you get the table top stand from?
Honestly, I’ve had it for probably 18 years at this point. I probably got it at a music store in my hometown
If I buy this, what else do I need? an Amp?
Can ask what's the stand you used with the Shure SM7dB?
I bought it MANY years ago, but I'm pretty sure it's this one → geni.us/TJUv1Pu
@@dunnadidit Thank you so much!!
Brother you’re the man 😂
Thanks so much!
The branding on the side was a stupid decision as a lot of creators use it upside down.
In the studio tho? I'll take 3 please.
Can I plug the sm7dB into the FX3 XLR handle directly
So in layman's terms are you telling me I don't need a dynamic fetthead for the sm7b to get as decent level.of gain for recording?🎉🎉🎉
The fact they raised it to about 25 db to.model the gain from cloudlifter or fetthead is actually great. Well played shure
You got it!
the sm7b is so popular because it's easy to listen to, it dulls the harsh sibilance sounds which makes listening to podcasts over a long time less fatiguing
That’s a great point! That’s kind of what I was getting at when I said it wasn’t over hyped frequency wise. A lot of other microphones try to boost the heck out of the low and high frequencies and it works better some times than others.
Question is: Will the integrated pre-amp introduce a point of failure to a product that lasts a lifetime? ^^
Why does it sound right through headphones but when I playback the audio recording it sounds normal as if nothing is connected.
i love your videos the color grading is just 😍 but its a yoke not a yolk
Shure MV7 w cloud lifter! I am not a creator on here. But I can hear the difference. I turned off everything in my house to listen. I was waiting to hear a difference in your voice. The difference wasn't in your voice but in the SILENCE between and within you speaking. The Shure MV7 w cloud filter truly silenced everything out or the "white noise" I guess it's called so that all I heard was you.
hey bro what’s that stand you had the mic on called?
I don’t really hear a difference between preamp on or off on the shure sm7db
But its 200€ more expensive...😬Yes the cloudlifter is also 166€ on it's own but I think it sounded almost the same with the preamp disabled and maxing out the scarlet.
There must be a conversion thing happening because you’re not the first person to say that, from what I can see on my end, the new mic is $100 more and the cloudlifter is $150 (these are USD since most of my audience is in the US) so I’m not sure why it’s different elsewhere!
@@dunnadidit Probably. Here in Germany the SM7b is 389€ and the SM7dB is 589€. Both including taxes and shipping. But of course for a big studio 200€ more or less is not even worth thinking about...
@jorrit_o I hear that, my mindset has changed a lot from when I was just a solo freelance audio engineer. $500 would have been a “super expensive” mic to me then, but now that I’ve made a living as an audio engineer and now as a youtuber who is constantly upgrading both camera and audio equipment, it doesn’t seem as big of a deal. I try to always keep that younger version of myself in mind.
@@dunnadidit Sorry it it came across like I wanted to say that it’s not much to you.😅
I meant that the time that is needed to add an additional part and to carry it around might justify paying 200 more upfront for a bigger radio station or something like that.
Oh I didn’t take it like that at all! Your point just brought up that thought of how things have changed for me too. I may not be a big radio station or have those kinds of budgets but when I’m buying gear now it’s very different than when I used to buy it now that I’m doing this for a living. I thought your point was well made in its foundation that the cost of something like this is going to “feel” completely different to every person/company looking to buy it. That extra cost might be HUGE or not even a blip on the radar.
Not much excitement about the new SM7B (SM7dB). I love the original SM7B. Its design is simple, not much of a branding, and it works perfectly with the RCP2 without using the in-line preamp like Cloudlifter.
Nice!
Cool stuff
I will give you the best reason to not buy the new sm7db and buy the regular sm7b with a cloud lifter. The reason is that you can use that cloud lifter with every dynamic you have in your collection trust me it makes an amazing difference to those other mics. I get it sure wants people to buy this mic but for those of us that know what's up knows what's up.
the SM7B s biggest problem is also one it s biggest perks that make it the GOAT of the metal vocal world
I’m a picky person, but I think they should have taken away the branding, hide the stupid wire that sticks out, allow you to put a cap/cover over the switches and make the yolk look better. Then I would have bought it. I do like my things to look aesthetically pleasing. The Logitech Blue Sona is a good example.
I can get behind this!
NO LONGER NEEDS A CLOUD LIFTER BUT CHARGES YOU THE SAME AMMOUNT AN EXTRA 100-200 DEPENDING BTW YOU CAN GET A SUBZERO CLOUD LIFTER OR A GOOD OFF BRAND THAT WILL SORT THIS MIC FOR 20 QUID SORRY FOR CAPS BTW JUST GET THE SM7B AND A 20 QUID LIFTER AND YOUR GOLDEN THIS IS SADLY OVER PRICED
4:54 😂
😉😜
I just don't like the way it looks. There is a minimalism to the SM7b that is just perfect.
I agree with this. I wish it was matte.
WHY DOES IT STILL HAVE THE CABLE???
Lol 😂 not Sugar we’re goin down
You know it
just liking and commenting on this video simply for the Fall Out Boy lyrics
Thank you kindly!
MV7 is the best
Strange, I still hear the noise
This is a practically useless upgrade. A regular SM7B with a Fethead is the same price, and more versatile (as you can the in-line preamp with other mics), so it's much more cost-effective.
The only reason for this upgrade, is so that Shure can have a reason to slap a big logo on one of their most popular products.
Fetheads dropped significantly in price too. They’re $50 at the time of writing this. Granted you’ll need an extra cable, and I use an EVO 4, but sometimes it’ll get a crackling noise. Not sure if it’s the cables, but sometimes moving it stops it.
It would be nice to have, but for the regular pro user (not myself), the extra gain isn’t beneficial. Most audio interfaces can handle the 7B. The logo on the new model just doesn’t look right on it. They should’ve sticked with the MV7 only.
Jus get a ElectroVoice RE-20. Sounds way better than Shure mics.
The sm57 can have similar or even better sound for only 100 bucks
Dang I just bought the 7B
This mic is a clear discrepancy of what consumer actually want vs what brands wants and what brands thought consumers want:
1) Brand thought with so many podcast using the SM7B, if they add the Shure logo, it will be free advertising for them. The only reason I'm not buying 6 of the SM7dB and bought 6 Lauten Audio LS-208 is purely because of the logo that Shure added. If I don't use it hang down, the logo will be upside down unless I open the screw and rotate it and screw it back.
2) They beauty of the SM7B is how subtle it was, the black plate makes it look so clean, now they no longer gives you the back plate
3) It's nice that they make the switch easier to access, but what's the point if no one even uses the switches in the first place?
4) Build in Pre-amp 5 years too late, now entry level audio intefaces already have 69 db of gain like the latest generation scarlett, 76 db of gain with the Rodecaster pro II/duo, 80 db of gain with mackie DLZ creator. How about studios? People will studio already have preamp like the 1073 which already have more than enough gain to power the SM7B.
5) The mic color (shiny) and proportion just looks wrong and camera, the elongated design with the tape, just make the mic looks weird, the original SM7B already look perfect, why mess with that?
6)Here's what people actually want, we want the next generation of SM7B
-Better sound so we can upgrade our current SM7B to the next generation SM7C. Maybe neodymium magnet? Improved capsule? Better internals?
-The wire coming out from the side, we want it to be internal so it will look cleaner on camera
-Better yok mount so it's easier to screw
-Built in wire mesh pop filter inside the cage for the capsule, perhaps something like the JZ-PF pop filter
-We want the rest to be the same, because of the MAYA effect - Most Advanced, Yet Acceptable - To sell something familiar, you must make it surprising and to sell something surprising, you must make it familiar.
That’s just who I am this week.