Shure SM7dB Microphone Released – Now with Built-in Preamp
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 SM7dB is a cardioid dynamic microphone with a Shure-designed built-in preamp. This preamp provides up to +28 dB of low-noise, flat, transparent gain – ideal for lower-output interfaces and simplified audio chains. Delivers warm and smooth audio for vocal and studio applications. Preamp bypass switch, adjustable bass roll-off and presence boost, electromagnetic hum shielding, internal shock mounting, and external windscreen ensure clear and consistent audio reproduction.

Features

• Built-in active preamp providing either +18dB or +28dB of extra gain delivers levels suitable for any interface
• Flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech
• Preamp bypass switch to revert to original SM7B performance
• Bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) EQ switch controls
• Superior rejection of electromagnetic hum, optimized for shielding against broadband interference emitted by computer monitors
• Internal “air suspension” shock isolation virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmission
• Highly effective pop filter eliminates need for any add-on protection against explosive breath sounds, even for close-up vocals or narration
• Yoke mounting with captive stand nut for easy mounting and dismounting provides precise control of microphone position
• Classic cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetrical about axis, to provide maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sound
• Rugged construction and excellent cartridge protection for outstanding reliability

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 SM7

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.

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