$30 DIY Shure SM7B Microphone!

[@MichaelVBitoyStory]

Maybe you should sell it as a KIT that includes all the screws and whatnot for convenience.

[@ruffprophetproductions]

That would be nice. But he would probably need to do injection molding instead due to 3D printing not being consistent right?

[@johngalt1967]

That would probably get him sued by shure

[@hazmathews]

@@johngalt1967 I could imagine them not being fans of this, but what would that infringe on? It would just be a kit for a user to modify their microphone as they see fit. He isn't rebranding it or infringing on the trademark in any way.

[@Lanes25]

nakakatuwa naman makita si sir bitoy dito

[@d0grent]

@@hazmathews unfortunately what really matters is that shure can afford much better lawyers than caleb and that goes a long way towards winning a case

[@DirkWerning]

Great video. Thanks. I could really not tell much of a difference between the SM7B and the SM58 and the SM58 is a true workhouses I used in my past life as a sound guy.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Yeah I was shocked how similar they sounded!

[@STMENTNETWORK]

The sm58 sounds like it had a bit more low end but I guess if you do the transformer mod it will sound even closer

[@DirkWerning]

@@STMENTNETWORK true but very close. I was surprised. I’m using the MV7 for my KZbin videos and livestreams currently as it’s easy USB but thinking of making a change and I’ve got a 3D printer friend so 🤔🤔

[@STMENTNETWORK]

@@DirkWerning I’m using the rode podmic and I’m thinking of doing the same things for the experimental factor of it. I had 2 sm7b’s and sold them not cause I didn’t like them just cause I wasn’t podcasting as much as I am now. So If I can get something close for a fraction of the price I’m a go for it

[@DirkWerning]

@@STMENTNETWORK niiiice. My MV7 is JUST out of frame for my lives, might see just a touch of the windscreen lol. Not about the look really but the sound and slowly stepping up the gear piece by piece.

[@shortymcsteve]

As a recording engineer with a background in microphone design - this video, and the comments are absolutley baffling to me. People, please do not waste your time doing this. You're going to introduce some issues by placing your perfectly good SM58 into this housing. If you really hate the look, buy an SM57 + the 'presidential' foam windscreen. You do not need an SM7b for your podcast or whatever you're doing. Every studio I've ever stepped foot in around the planet has always had multiple SM57/8's for a reason. Proudly enjoy them like your favourite musicians do, there's no need to pretend they're something else.

[@blurmusketeer]

Hi! I'm quite curious as to what those issues would be? Genuinely want to know. Thanks!

[@Mu3azOsman]

The real DIY hacks we need in this filmmaking life! this is a great money saver and a surely budget option for so many people and so many uses. Thank you!

[@Barnacules]

I was just on live stream telling people that I should 3D model a case for the SM58 since they are the same internals and here we find your video where you did exactly that and it sounds exactly the same! What a freaking deal to get a $400 microphone for $135 all in and you're only really out a metal housing and the hi pass and low pass filter thing on the back that nobody uses because everyone is going to DSP that stuff. What a freaking amazing deal!

[@2victor2]

FACTS!

[@shanky.y]

i just saw the vid of the live stream and i come to vote this comment, coz you are just awesome !

[@dawebslave3571]

Another example of Google detecting stuff that people has to say and pushing contents to them.

[@MinifigNewsguy]

Cheapa-s. You come off entitled and apparently never worked in radio where the SM series original market

[@australai]

Thanks for this! Fun project. Curious to try this out myself. Some thoughts on differences between the SM7B and this project: The SM7B is supposed to offer better EMI rejection than most mics, supposedly particularly good for having it close to things like electrically noisy computer monitors. Would be interesting to see how the SM58 compares in this regard. Also, part of the deal with the housing for the SM7B is that it is supposed to offer a degree of anti-shock protection to reduce mechanical noise transmission. Would be nice to hear how things like desk bumps or mount arm bumps translate on the SM7B vs the 3D printed kit. Otherwise, would be nice to see microphone tests where you're using an audio clip/recording played through a quality studio monitor under controlled conditions with a few seconds each of spoken, sung, and instrument samples. Obviously the live voice is good too for things like plosive response, but that level of reproducibility I think would help in teasing out the audio differences more clearly.

[@PerfectorZY]

This, a lot of people are buying these just to talk, but it's capable of so much more.

[@mryechkin]

Thank you SO MUCH for this!! Been using this with my SM-57 for a few months now, and it 's perfect. For the money this is as good as it's gonna get for me. I was using the SM57 with the A81WS foam cover for awhile - and while it also sounded great, I wasn't a big fan of the look. When I saw this video, I knew I had to give it a shot. Got the factory SM7B foam, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!

[@drahk1r]

Did your SM57 fit and thread into this 3d Print?

[@tombuck]

Brilliant! Really shows how close the 58 and SM7B are. Plus anytime you can incorporate 3D printing into a project, it’s a win 👍

[@tsdmoto]

This seems like a much better option for many folks when compared to the Amazon brands of broadcast dynamic mics. Well done Sir.

[@djcook]

What mic were you using in this video?

[@MewTSB]

Let him cook

[@PlaneGeekGuy727]

djcook what are u doing here? Im a huge fan of yours! if you want I can build you a mic (if u want :)

[@Bondetaytv.]

For some reason Caleb is number one for this video 🔥🔥 thank you so much for teaching us greatly appreciate it 👌

[@1777DK]

Did anyone try this with the SM57? Not thinking to much about the audio response, but rather the fit inside the SM7B-printed body. Update, I tried this and the fit is good. I put one layer of electrical tape at the top and bottom end on the mic, and the fit is PERFECT.

[@prodbymajuu]

It fits

[@lepatenteux592]

Hello! Thank you for that amazing design! It has some flaws though (I'll come back to it later) I installed a Beta 58a inside instead of anSM58 and the sound is AMAZING while having a good look. Again, great overall design. Flaws in the design: We printed this kit on several machines, FDM and resin, and always had the same issue: the grill won't screw properly... After further inspection, I found exactly why! 1- There is not enough clearance in the base... I had to sand-down the grill ring to make it fit better. It makes the grill more fragile though. Making the diameter of the cavity 1mm larger overall would fix this I am sure (I will try at some point!) 2- The 1st thread is not angled. I did it with a knife and it helps a lot! Thank you!

[@charlessmyth]

When I studied the schematic for the SM7B I thought it was essentially an SM57 capsule in a fancy can. Lo and behold, according to Shure, that is what it is :-) Two things: Leave the transformer in place or you could blow the directly connected voice-coil in the capsule if you inadvertently connect and disconnect phantom power. The mesh screen is metal in the SM7B as a way to provide a Faraday cage, for to isolate the voice-coil from EM disturbances that are prevalent in a professional broadcast studio setting, with light dimmers, etc. My choice is the Shure beta 58A with -51 db of a sensitivity, a built in pop shield, a strong metal grille, etc. I added the official windshield to mine, just to add a finish. I have the "impression" that the audio is slightly smoother, too, but am not sure if it really is. Nice job with the 3-D printing. Perhaps there is a paint with metal particles that would metalize the whole thing.

[@lucianoluggren]

No problem with phantom power and a moving coil dynamic cartridge connected directly to pins 2 and 3 of the xlr without going through a transformer.

[@RAndrewNeal]

The SM58 has a transformer in it as a means to increase its output level, which the 7b does not have. That affects the response of the mic, and the amount of gain needed to reach 0db. Also, the enclosure of the 7b is acoustically designed for background noise rejection, and additionally must be made of metal to shield the mic capsule from electromagnetic noise. Removing the grill from the 58 and replacing it with plastic will affect its signal to noise ratio. This mod would be more complete by removing the transformer from the 58 and placing it in a replica 7b enclosure made of metal.

[@2001mufasa]

theoretically one could just put aluminum foil inside the enclosure then right?

[@RAndrewNeal]

@@2001mufasa Sort of. I don't think aluminum shields as well as iron does, and the grill needs to be able to shield the capsule also. So coating the inside of it with any kind of foil would be very tedious if you want it to look nice and pick up sound properly. The mod in the video is almost cosmetic only. It does serve the function of making sure you can't get your mouth too close to the capsule though, as noted in the video.

[@randomschittz9461]

Out of all the comments, I probably just found the only other audio engineer in this bunch. Trained ears can easily hear the difference in the sound if the mics as well. The boomy nature of the 58 is going to come through once any amount of compression is applied. The 7b also has a larger diaphragm.

[@RAndrewNeal]

@@randomschittz9461 Glad to hear that my knowledge/advice is on par with guys more experienced than I. Though I didn't know that the mic capsules actually had any appreciable difference between them. I thought it was all in the complementary electronics and enclosures. Would the boomy nature still be present if your proximity to the capsule is limited to a minimum (and thereby, the proximity effect)? That does serve as a reminder why it's good to limit the bandwidth of your compression, though. I tend to cut the lows to some degree any time I'm setting up a compressor for vocals.

[@8LAZ3GAMING]

I've had the XM8500 for over 6 years now and it's sooo good! It already sounds great right out of the box with no EQ or processing but you can make it sound sooooo amazing when running EQ and compression through it. I paired mine up with the GoXLR Mini and EQed the mic to make it sound just as good, or maybe even better than 400-500 bucks mic LOL!

[@benjaminrydberg522]

This is so clever! Thank you for making this video. I can’t wait to try this out!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Benjamin! You're welcome. These projects take an insane amount of time but I enjoy them!

[@gabrielschroll3824]

Amazing! And I love that you sell the kit for those of us who don't have 3D printers. Because seriously, how many of us have 3D printers? Money is tight, and aesthetics are important to me, so if I can LOOK like I'm using an SM7B, and it sounds amazing, too, it's a win! Also, thanks for suggesting the bonus mod video at the end! I preferred the XM800 to the SM58. I'm no expert, so I'm reading about the responses and tons and what not, but as an everyman watching KZbin videos, I liked the brighter sound of the XM800. The SM58 sounded muddy to me.

[@eugenemichael9833]

XM 800 sound surprisingly good

[@LanzaroteShowcase]

A few years ago when I was gigging live music I stuck an old sm58 into a small wooden box with just the lead coming out and then taped it completely shut. I used it as a foot stomp like the Cajun blues players and would plug it into the PA with all the top rolled off and whack my foot on it for two hours every night. After a couple of years I opened the box… … the sm58 was bent into an oval shape, completely deformed and damaged. But it still worked fine! I went on to use it as a hammer in my toolkit. Still going strong.

[@cb4j]

Ordered the kit that Mr. Pike sells and it's great quality as seen in the video. Assembly was just as easy. I appreciate the fast shipping! I've had an SM7B before but I don't create audio at a professional capacity for work - only for streaming occasionally and for use in discord. I prefer to feed the fam and get the look I was going for instead with this super cheap version. Thanks for the vid.

[@awogbob]

All pretty decent. Listening to the tests with Sennheiser HD 558's SM7B - Fullness with the most top end clarity SM58 - Lacking some of the highest clarity "sparkle" weird bassy hump that seems to augment the voice XM8500 - Lots less bass and more voiced to mimic SM7B clarity but lacks an even response almost nasally. With all that being said this is me straining my ears to focus on the differences. I think the sm58 works least best on my voice as its already bass heavy in nature. I think doing this project for podcast mics with the XM8500 is the best value prposition

[@iComplainer]

i would do this if I still had access to a 3d printer and id call it the SM7BS

[@dslrvideoshooter]

That is how I labeled all of the 3D STL files 😂😂😂 Great minds think alike!

[@lylyluvda916]

Blown away! I’ve been looking at the $400 mic for a minute and now, I can get the same thing but waaay cheaper! Thanks!

[@veesoho93]

Im runninng around the house like a crazy dude ! Duuuude ! This video is amazing!

[@DozifJuggles]

It only needs a little bit of EQ to take the bass lower and the mids higher and it would sound incredibly closer, insane that they sell the SM58 for so cheap

[@EstelonAgarwaen]

the 58 has been one of the go to stage mics for ages.

[@Hamspiced]

This is a great Mod. Thankyou for the files. One thing i would add to your design. Could you add a small channel down the middle of the body that would make it so you could use a Shure SM58 with the on off switch.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I bet this took a bit of time to put together. Well done Caleb

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Fellow Filmmaker. Yes. Yes it did ha!

[@MeMyselfAndBob]

The sound of the SM58 is incredible compared to the 400$ SM7B! Nicely done! Did you use a cloudlifter and/or audio-interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?

[@jimmy4111]

Nice video! I thought it would be worth mentioning that the sm7b is a large diaphragm dynamic mic, and the sm58 is a standard dynamic mic. That being said, it’s quite impressive how to stack up to each other is this scenario!

[@MeTuLHeD]

Just how large is the diaphragm on the SM7B as compared to the SM58?

[@jimmy4111]

@@MeTuLHeD good question! I know it’s in the range of the large diaphragm dynamic microphones, just like a sennheiser md421.

[@v3zMedia]

This pretty much just killed the new overpriced Chinese Universal Audio SM7B knock off as far as being a cheaper option. You can do a crazy custom paint job on this prior to building it to.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I didn't even know that existed!

[@v3zMedia]

@@dslrvideoshooter well they're about to find out this one exists pretty soon. Good job!

[@v3zMedia]

@@dslrvideoshooter Is it possible for you to add the tilting bracket to the site? I'd like to see if I can get it to function more like the OEM version with a few ideas.

[@billhershey6055]

Julian Krause also came up with this EQ curve to match the SM7b. 10.5k -4db Q5, 6.4k -3db Q3, 4.2k -3db Q1 & optional 80hz +5db 6db/octive

[@ogknowbody]

The SM 7B is an active dynamic mic. It's not the same as dynamic, but it's similar. It take 48v like a condenser

[@ogknowbody]

With that being said your mic sounds great!

[@chaddonal4331]

Wow! For an additional upgrade, consider bumping up to an Audix OM5 or OM6, or Sennheiser 935. Or at the same pricepoint, an SE7. By the way, something is off with the bass on the SM58.

[@arthurw8054]

Really trippy! Some time ago I paired a 57 (slightly less muffled than with the 58, which I also tried) with an A7WS windscreen to approximate the SM7B, and I think it works pretty well. Obviously, I can't make a proper comparison between what I have and you've done from watching your video, but your mod is amazing and it sounds very good. The SM7B-style grill may well improve the similarity, I don't know. But for sure the visuals will appeal to many video podcasters who want the prestige points of being seen with Joe Rogan's microphone LOL. Very interesting & clever, thanks!

[@nofuneral1790]

THIS - if you're going to fake an SM7B get the 57 with the A7WS and eq out a bit of that low end proximity effect (the 58 was doing it hard in this video)

[@breachbangandclear]

3D printing camera gear sounds like a great video series. It would be amazing if there's a video coming where 3d printing is used to make an entire camera rig such as a cage that attaches onto 15mm rods and parts like cheese plates or powerbank/HDMI monitor mounting.

[@design8studio]

Heads up for those trying to print the parts. The part labelled "SM7BS-Grill-V1.stl" loaded into my slicer (Cura) in the wrong orientation. It's obvious from the sloping (intended to eliminate need for supports) that it loaded upside down. Basically the grill part (with holes) should be down and the threaded area (for screwing onto the main body) should be up. Rotating (180 degrees) in the slicer before slicing will get desired result.

[@connorchoong4744]

Focken genius, while there are some minor differences between the 58s and 7Bs, I would definitely op for the 58 with mods. Great video !

[@tapeexperiments]

Pretty darn good. Less highs from most to least. Some mid/low bump on the 7B.

[@lindadonald348]

Brilliant, just use the foam cover and keep bottom of mic placement out of camera shot, sounds the like the keep it simple get 90% results,

[@ectoproductions]

Do you have a video on budget XLR to PC interfaces? What would be a good option for just simple conversion from XLR to PC input?

[@portersblackboard]

😆This is amazing! I have said for quite sometime that I would never get an SM7B just because if I spent $400 there are plenty of other options out that that sound amazing to me and personally look better. But this is pretty darned cool. I have use an SM58 and and it would be pretty darned fun to put that in one of these for kicks. Imagine down in the description area to honestly describe the thing. I wonder how much it would cost to get one of these printed in metal from a place like Shapeways. LOL, probably way cheaper to buy the real deal but what fun a brass or aluminum SM58(SM7B doppelgänger) would be!

[@recyclegeorge3495]

This is a great video and i cannot believe that i could not hear any difference between SM7B and SM58. None whatsoever. The super cheap one sounds just a tiny bit off. Just a tiny bit, pretty close to make it impressive. One option that comes to mind, and i might be wrong, is to buy just the capsule of the SM58 that goes for about 50 bucks and a XLR port to solder on to it. This might turn your 100 dollar build into an even cheaper one. Could be fun to try it. Great video !!

[@camaperture8116]

Great video. The only other comparison I'd like to hear is the SM58 before the mod and then after the mod. Oh, and with the transformer mod you mention at the end.

[@damianalejandoozuna2877]

You can make it even cheaper if you just buy the sm58 capsule or something similar and solder an XLR connection to it.

[@jbshow7324]

I’m 5 months late and this video just changed my life😅 I’m taking all my rode podmics back

[@Moranah]

Where the 100 dollar mic sounded a bit "muddy" to me, I feel like I like the characteristic of the 20 dollar mic more. I don't need a microphone right now, but it is definitely an option if I'd need one in the future, thanks!

[@LTDusersince99]

the sm7b is clearer, but also have filters and can change EQ curves, that has a cost. SM7b is good, but you should try them on a noisy environnement to see if the SM7B is the clear winner

[@BOBFudge]

Wow! Get the $20 mic and an EQ plug-in. I have a Fifine K687 which breaks all the rules when it comes to having a mic, pre-amp, and a-d converter all separate, yet it sounds amazing. I would put it against a shure any day.

[@MotionHueProductions]

Love all the quick testing to easily listen to the differences! Too good!! Thank you.

[@dylanjohndickerson]

You are a genius, Caleb. What an amazing idea!

[@Jo77We]

But what mic did you use for the video itself? It sounded terrible. Otherwise a super video that got me thinking.

[@ElVixe]

This dude is throwing gems to us every time

[@snotvlek4721]

The XM8500 actually sounds more balanced, very cool

[@ghetto_tog]

Yes!!! This is my kind of a video! I could not hear the difference between them.

[@jacobf88]

Just printed mine. Great model Caleb. I’d love to mess around with the yoke and mount if you make the model available.

[@johnteaguefilm]

Do you know whether to select mm or inches when it prompts you what the 3d models were designed in?

[@jacobf88]

@@johnteaguefilm Im using prusa slicer and it doesn't prompt me to choose.

[@generalsou]

Did you use any supports for the overhangs?

[@garretolson]

What infill settings worked for you? Any other tips?

[@jacobf88]

@@generalsou No supports were needed. Orient the models with the "xlr hole" and "grill top" are on the print bed.

[@drahk1r]

Can you design one with the housing set up for a Shure SM57? I would love to print one of those! lol

[@davidson.mp4]

Ok, this one is SUPER LEGIT

[@BulletGaming012]

By the time KZbin does its stuff I can't perceive a difference in the Shure models when on my phone. The budget option sounds excellent too

[@STMENTNETWORK]

Just finished making mines definitely worth it if you don’t wanna spend $400 switching out my podmics for this

[@LeechTM]

fantastic video idea! This is why i really enjoy watching your channel!

[@ninorivera407]

Man this is amaZING! Thank you for this! I have been thinking about doing this with my SM58 for years but had no idea on where to start and who to reach out to for 3D Printing. I figured having the blueprint made and printed would cost as much as the sm7b so I never looked too deep into it. Love the 58 and its sound quality specifically at this price point but its just ugly on camera now that everyone has sm7b lol

[@syneydesign]

Finally a DIY tutorial I'll actually follow

[@priyonjoni]

the very slight variance between the SM7B and SM58 is so little, it could be compensated using subtle amount of EQ.

[@milkandhenny]

You're a really cool guy. Always coming out with little cheats and tricks

[@bhgemini]

I put on my editing headphones for this and had a hard time hearing a difference when you bounced back and forth. I was only worried about the printed grill but it sounds great!

[@CoalitionGaming]

I was actually wondering if anyone had created something like this for handheld mics considering the popularity and desiredness of the SM7B lol. Then your video came out and was exactly what I was hoping to see. I want to try this for my brother's Mackie EM-89d, but it is about an inch longer than the SM58. Hmmmm

[@kevinbeardslee7587]

Would love a follow up with the sm48 and foam as well. Great video!

[@wearecinema1222]

Thanks Caleb

[@JamesLogan-q7l]

Ok what about noise rejection? The appeal for me is that I can have musicians in the same room playing loudly and get a highly isolated signal compared to the 58. Does this enclosure achieve the same thing?

[@yiannimav]

What audio editing do you do for the beginning of the video (the non testing part)? Sounds so crisp!

[@JohnScottB]

Interesting video... my recommendation to those pining after a SM7B but can't afford it - stop buying into the hype! It's a good microphone, but it's not without issues. I respect the heck out of Caleb, but this is nothing more than a cosmetic modification to "look the part" plus an upgrade to the windscreen. Now, he's not wrong that the windscreen on the SM7B is a whole lot better than the SM58 design to avoid plosives, but you can get the same effect simply by adding the Shure A81WS (windscreen) to an SM57. If anyone is interested, I have a video on my channel comparing the SM7B to a stock SM57, a modded one with the transformer removed, as well as a $25 Pyle knockoff and the results were quite surprising and no 3D printing necessary!

[@xurpio]

I would love to see this be done with a samson q2u

[@-ljk-]

how did you print the grill so well. i feel like that would be a nightmare

[@dionaldtubang2894]

Buy SM57 with foam. Mid cut 3db at 2khz 5db cut at 6khz. Boost bass a bit or Use proximity for added bass. Shure engineer said sm7b is basically sm57 with flatter response. But if your after the looks just but a fake sm7b

[@criticalshotstudios]

i have an sm57 and an audio technica mic i can for sure use this kit with, please tell me then you guys start selling the pre printed stuff

[@WillCarterOldAccount]

Love this idea. I’d love to buy this and swap out various mics depending on the tone of the guest on the podcast.

[@valbass]

Awesome video! Where’s the link to the 3D kits? I need 4 haha!

[@fostervf16]

The sm7b definitely sounds the best here. Much more clear. But a beta 58a might get closer to the the sm7b.

[@santosnunez9009]

Any chance you’d sell just the mesh grille print since it’s the tougher file? I’d buy 4 off of you if you did.

[@elierfernandezguerra]

If not you can just get a Sm7b Chinese copy (very robust) and change the mic capsule. The body is just the same and it is not plastic.

[@AnthonyHadleyJr]

Sheesh! And I have an sm58 sitting around. Thanks for this!

[@creatorlife8142]

bloody amazing! Can't wait to make one! :D

[@LIZZYSPECKMANN]

I've been wondering if the kits will get restocked since I don't have a 3d printer and getting it printed from an online shop here seems to cost around double the price of the kit on the store?

[@ZachTNT]

Can you post the files that have the hinge arm with the XLR output? I know it may be difficult to put together and such but I think I can get it looking great and working even better. Thanks.

[@Stefan_Krauter]

That should all apply also to the SM57 ?

[@targaR32]

Such a cool idea, I love the look of the SM7B but not the price. Thanks for the video!

[@honestnerd]

You're a genius. Love these projects!

[@hm_umerr]

In how many days I can get order of SM7BS Microphone Digital 3D Model online?

[@wannabef]

Great idea! I'd like to try this with a cheap SM57 knockoff I have at home.

[@jefgirdler7232]

I need a 3D printer YESTERDAY.

[@wesseldejongh5796]

Can you also put a whole copie of the. Micropone

[@dat_chip]

The first part of your video is a completely different mic. Is it a Røde condensor mic?

[@derekhorsburgh6238]

WOW I really enjoy and learn from your DIY innovations, love your channel, thanks as always 👍👍

[@KwesiAyoKweRobinson]

The 3d file link isn’t working 😫

[@tedacree628]

This looks like a blast lol Would love to see Bandrew from Podcastage test this out!

[@KaiVArts]

Hell yeah! More videos like this!

[@QuicknStraight]

Bang for the buck, the XM8500 can't be beat.

[@LilHoss]

I would love to do this but I have no 3D printer or a way to get the body of the new mic, can this be done with a Sure Beta 58A?