Do You NEED A CLOUDLIFTER?

[@thejasontlewis]

Here's the issues as I see it: Most people who buy and SM7b are planning to do at least SOME streaming. The most popular budget interfaces have generally all the issues you mention, so there's no 'post' for them to use for make-up gain. They need the full level at the source at the time. That's why people often recommend a cloudlifter. It keeps you out of the noisy portion of the cheap Focusrite preamp but still gives you enough juice. That's why the Zoom sounded better with the FetHead. At the end of the day, I'd rather have +20dB of clean gain to make up for my subpar gear if I was just starting to make an investment in my audio. Your AudioFuse Studio is a $900 interface. The Focusrite Solo or 2i2 are a fraction of the cost and they sound like it. Most people who aren't recording music primarily won't spend $900 on an interface. So if they're buying the SM7b the do NEED an in-line booster if they are streaming. Not to mention most people making videos or podcasts don't know enough about how to boost in post yet. Most music folks know a little more, so there's not as much of a learning curve. I mean, My signal chain is a SM7b into a Warm Audio WA73 EQ into a WA76 into a UA Twin Duo X. I don't need a Cloudlifter but my signal chain also cost about $3000. I'd rather advise people to be on the safe side and buy a Cloudlifter. It's not going to hurt either way. Once they've gained enough experience to know what all the terminology means and how to know what they're doing when they're twisting the knobs, they can assess or upgrade. When I've talked to beginners about the investment they need to make to get good audio, they hear $400 for an SM7b immediately get sticker shock. Honestly, if they're going to to skimp on the interface I'd rather insist they get a Cloudlifter to save them frustration and save their viewers/listeners from bad audio.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Or they can buy a microphone that doesnt require that kind of gain. There are a lot of workarounds here...

[@thejasontlewis]

@@DarkCornerStudios Yeah, but until other, bigger creators and streamers keep using the SM7b people will still buy it. People buy the SM7b because it offers visual legitimacy. If you have the same mic as the more successful creator/streamer it offers social proof that you are worth watching.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@thejasontlewis Yep...the biggest lie ever told (In tech circles that is) The EQing of the sm7b is way more important than the gain...

[@seanwebb605]

@@thejasontlewis I bought a Shure SM7b because I work in a TV station and I know it will produce the kind of sound TV and radio stations will expect. Plus the quality and durability. I bought a Focusrite interface because it can kind of do the job starting out, was readily available at a local retailer, I could afford to lost $250 Cdn if I didn't end up using it much and I was pretty certain I could resale it to the next guy fairly easily. Then I learned about the Sound Devices MixPre with super clean pre amps and I spent the $1,000 on that unit. More as a recording device than as an interface, but could for some of the video field work I want to do anyway. It's perfectly fine for "professional" TV/Radio and sound recordist to suggest that anyone serious about media production should buy the best stuff. The truth is many people just want a passable setup for a video chat, livestream or podcast that's going to get compressed down for KZbin or another platform. As soon as you introduce most of this gear you upping the budget quite a bit. A good microphone requires a good support. Each item in the chain introduces complications and a learning curve. Potential to mess it up while spending more money. The question I have been trying to ask myself is what I need to get started and will it meet the standards of the clients I hope to work for? Will others in my field take me seriously or think of me as a $5 Fivver job guy? You can easily dump $1,000 into gear only to find out that the true barrier to entry is about $4,000 before you can produce good media projects that will be taken seriously and offer a return on investment. People doing audio books for $100 per final hour are happy to use Audacity on the computer they already have and know they are mastering for 16 bit mono anyway. My intention is to treat my space as best as possible, use my Shure SM7B correctly, record clean audio and master wav with 32 floating bit. I can drop it down to some crappy standard if they insist. I bought a Cloudlifter. I'll get some use out of it. It only cost me $100 Cdn. I'll use it when I am playing with my old Zoom H6.

[@GadesChannel]

@@DarkCornerStudios Exactly! it is annoying to listen to a video praising the SM7B and ensuring that you are listening to audio that "has not been processed". But after the fact, when you have that mic, you know well that the raw recording doesn't sound like it does in these videos. That there was a noise reduction or a noise gate and, of course, amplification...

[@WhatsnextCommunityNL]

Thanks a lot for this video!! Been getting started with audio and this is the first video which explains all the terminology before comparing everything. As someone who's not an audiohead this was amazing. Thanks!!

[@richardhagerty6811]

You absolutely need one with a ribbon mic. Gain isn't the main issue here. Ribbon mic's can be destroyed with phantom power. An inline pre-amp isolates the mic from phantom power while boosting the level to match condenser mic's. It's especially important if you use condenser and ribbon mic's at the same time. There is no downside to an inline pre-amp in this application. A ribbon repair will cost twice the price of a Fet-Head or similar device.

[@danielvought1802]

In line preamps have a nice tone though. Some people do it because they don’t want to buy a high-end preamp but they want that nice little bit of polished sound on the vocal.

[@AsherHoe]

Absolutely...Which was exactly my case...!

[@AkashlalBathe]

@Dark Corner Studios - FYI at 7:37, there's a Fethead Phantom model that passes Phantom power that you can use with a condensor mic :)

[@GadesChannel]

I agree with you, Aiden. But, of course, after buying SM7B I HAD TO buy also an activator (because almost all reviews of this mic told me I should and I turned thinking off - my recordings were sooooo quiet! ;) ) After two months of trials and experiments I know I can use my Focusrite Clarett (EIN -129dBu) and also my Tascam DR-100Mk3 (EIN -124dBu) to record SM7B. And, of course, make it louder in post-process without increasing noises. Finally, anyway, you have to remove the noise that results from the 150 Ohm resistance SM7B ;) And if you (not you, Aiden - you, reader :) ) need to increase the gain during streaming in OBS, you can easily add a limiter to your mic's setup and push the gain up without any problems and even you will get a protection against the clipping ;)

[@daveycrockett9447]

i would have to disagree with you. I just purchased a Shure WH20XL dynamic headset mic... and plugged into my Fishman Loudbox - for doing live music/busking. I have to turn the volume knob all the way up and thats not good - as the mic doesnt have good gain since it's a dynamic mic. So yea.. i think if the Cloud lifter increases the gain - and its convenient and portable, it will serve its purpose well.

[@hughrichardson7402]

Absolutely! I could always do with a little less rain

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Took me longer than I thought it would to get this. Sigh

[@totallyfrozen]

0:30 Nah, not a friend. You’d hear that from a salesman. A friend would say, “Dude, you’re buy an SM7b. DON’T!”

[@mudsh4rk]

I mentioned it in a comment on one of your other videos, but the Cathedral Pipes Durham is a really nice alternative to the Cloudlifter for a much lower price. It's a bit of an off-the-radar company that mostly makes pretty serious, 4 figure microphones but the Durham is very reasonably priced ($65 right now; their only other preamp is almost $1700) and sounds great.

[@MichaelW.1980]

I got one back then with my first setup. A RØDE Procaster through a TritonAudio Fethead into a Steinberg UR22 MK. II was it. I’m the end, the Fethead turned out to be kinda useless. It could reduce noise on that interface, but the issue is: I need more headroom so that normal talking level was -24dBFS on the input, rather than -12dBFS. And at that point, the noise level was determined by the dynamic range, rather than the preamp‘s EIN. So I ended up buying another audio interface. Also, who can actually tell the difference between preamp noise or microphone noise? Who can tell the difference between preamp/microphone noise and room noise? Can you actually tell, where the noise, that you hear comes from?

[@MrPolarBear_]

This is all very confusing stuff I have the Shure sm58 and have always thought the audio was really quiet so on my interface (behringer u-phoria umc404hd ) I have been trying to get levels at between -12 to -6 db while recording to try and make it louder with out clipping and then further increasing the audio in post after recording. So it seems like I should try to aim for lower db range and then just increase it by much more in post.

[@VirginieDESFORGES]

Hello. I don't share your opinion. I prefer to do without the Streamlabs noise gate, which takes up processor resources and forces me to completely increase the level of my Realtek ALC1220-VB chipset. So for me between my iRigPRE2 and my Shure SH55 Serie II, it will be a Triton Audio FetHead, which is ideal on Shure dynamic cardioid microphones in 150 Ohms.

[@RockG.o.d]

Mic boosters are not needed. I finally got one after years of not using one because a few of my friends who record music said I need one. It made no difference except more noise like I suspected. I think the only people who really need one these days are those with the cheapest equipment.

[@RockG.o.d]

I’d also add. Some people also think recording at a higher bitrate is better, but that will remove a lot of visual detail they would get recording at something like 16bit.

[@kenwebster5053]

It depends on the situation, If you have a long snake run form stage to mixer, then the low signal lines in the snake will accumulate higher noise to signal due to Crosstalk form high signal lines, EMI, RFI etc. Therefore the FetHead plugged directly into the mic body is still an advantage in reducing noise. Will anyone notice? How long is a b=piece of string?

[@princessl.d.g.]

Okay, I have the SM7B and the SSL2+ audio interface. When I hook up my microphone, along with a cloud lifter, I noticed how more noise is introduced vs. not having the cloud lifter hooked up to it. Strange.

[@gitarman666]

Exactly Running Apollo gear here but most modern interfaces are fine as you said Anybody worth their salt can deal with the tracking levels and reduced transients just imagine what gets sent to the studio for mixing Some “almost unusable” stems but time to earn your bread or at least learn how to Same with noise and if your spending money anywhere and want easy peasy noise cleanup try izotope rx9 Money better spent that can used on a lot more than just your low up mics

[@vewu2614]

Let's say you are using an interface with 50 dB gain set at about 85-90% and -129dB EIN. Is it then not simply possible to amplify the signal of the Shure SM7B and thus the interface in post? Doesn't this have the same effect as a Cloudlifter?

[@onzkicg]

Thanks I already own a mic preamp, before my interface but what’s attractive here is the size and no need for wall adapter so I start looking for reviews like this to justify my want to buy 😂 What would interest me more though if there’s a plugin that acts like this, like a gain but clean I would rather spend on on that one to further reduce my setup, anyway I’m just a singer + acoustic gtr setup. I’m new to mixing so I want to develop that critical listening ear that detects that EIN quickly:)

[@pip5528]

I don't have a dynamic mic quite yet but I do have a 2i2 3rd gen which only has 3 dB less noise if you put a Cloudlifter in front of it and there is so little noise when you crank the gain anyway so it really doesn't matter.

[@swampdweller5]

Thanks for this video. This is so helpful! I actually did not purchase either fethead or cloudlifter which leads to a question for you. I ran my sm7b into a small makie mixing board and used it to boost the gains as a pre and sent it directly into my Foucusrite 2i2 then to my DAW. I think it sounds great, but that might not be correct. Perhaps you have some thoughts on it? btw- I am recording real instruments. Saxophone, flute, percussion, gongs, etc...Cheers

[@DarkCornerStudios]

That setup is fine!

[@REGNiZZ]

I always wanted a video on this topic. Thankyou for this video

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers!!! Glad I could fill the void for ya

[@AmbiguousGxrlzCluster]

I think my SM58 requires an inline preamp, I find other telling me I am too quiet even at 8 gain and anything above that seems to peak. My SSL2+ doesn't seem good enough.

[@tawmifm]

The 58 doesn't really require much gain. I personally use a very similar dynamic mic with the SSL 2 and I do have to crank it to 90% because I speak very softly, but it works just fine. I'd try checking the mic technique

[@AmbiguousGxrlzCluster]

@tawmifm I already got a inline preamp and found it solved the issue, I go -10 consistently and the gain is at 4. Peaking is a little more prevalent but not terrible.

[@Thestripper1]

Correct me me if I'm wrong here but isn't there something about the quality of phantom power current, that is sent from the zoom or other device and is needed to drive the fethead, that can effect the noise and over all performance of fetheads and cloudlifters?

[@PNWGuitar]

Does the presonus 1824c need a mic booster?

[@Eddylive]

I use a Rodecaster pro 1, I'm thinking about grabbing an sm7b, have you tested that combo? Sm7b and Rodecaster pro 1

[@IsraelSuperguide]

wow, thanks for your honesty,. I used a Presonus Audiobox USB 96 and I have been wondering if I need one or not...?

[@rohmann000]

would you recommend using a Zoom H5 for the Shure MV7 ?

[@retrogamingbygones4454]

Holy crap, that guitar tone at the end is brutal. Good video. I had been tempted by the hype of an inline preamp, but I think the SSL2's preamps should suffice.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

SSL2 is a fantastic and clean interface. Dont give into the hype...lol Also...that music is fantastic...curious if too heavy for some

[@retrogamingbygones4454]

Classic, great... Modern, great... Brutal, great too... Reminded me of Big Wreck's "A Place To Call Home", but more modern.

[@rudygomez6996]

I have a presonus studiolive 16.4.2 mixer. Are these good enough without external preamp, i tried looking up specs but i have no idea what i was reading

[@michaelvenne9386]

Thank You ! I like this video.

[@davidsillars3181]

I think my id22 does have adequate gain, and plus the Dbx 286s no problem. However I definitely get best results with the Fet head on my Procaster. Going by purely subjective measures. Rode M5s came in exchange for the dodgy Dbx btw. Very nice. Studio session Saturday so may miss you guys Friday. 😩😩🥳

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Aww...thats ok...we will hold a seat for you the next week!

[@Hairseezio]

y r ppl mentioning the 286 on mic inline vids

[@joshuaglassman7558]

I must be doing something wrong. I got the Fethead to use with a Shure SM7B and a Zoom F6. When I plug the Fethead in, it completely blocks the signal. Phantom power is activated, so I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Any help would be appreciated. 😪

[@DryLipJohn]

Hey, great vid I just got my first mic set up with a ev-r20 and a audient id4. So far not impressed at all , I’m very quiet over discord and the local recording is just okay. I have to be right up on the mic for it to sounds acceptable and I wish to be able to speak away from it and still get some nice gain. I was told to get a cloud lifter , what would you recommend ?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

What do you mean speak away from it? The re20 is a close talker mic...relatively...generally about 2-4 inches. That interface should have plenty of gain for that mic... Not sure what the issue is

[@devonstone4305]

Hello man thanks for the video very informative I have a rodecaster pro the first generation and I have a warm audio WA47 jr condenser microphone and with gain all the way up its still very low and intermitten. When i use the same mic with my Tascam Dr-60dmk2 it sounds great however with the rodecaster its unusable Do you have any insight on how I can rectify this issue thanks

[@BrannonNod]

I just Got The Shure SM7B Im connecting it to the Zoom F8N... I should be ok with out a lifter yes?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

That thing has a tonne of gain and is a beast. Shouldn't be a problem what so ever. Interesting setup

[@BrannonNod]

@@DarkCornerStudios lol I know I was using the Lewett LCT440 Pure but I wanted to get a better sound because I have a PC running in the background.. So I'm looking to do my Talking head, VoiceOver and a few Live events on KZbin 👍

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@BrannonNod Yeah...I have the same problem since I updated my PC. At some point I am looking at relocating the PC to another room and routing everything in.

[@princessl.d.g.]

I have the SHURE SM7B plugged into the SSL2+ audio interface, along with a cloud lifter. I notice that when I use the cloud lifter, more noise is introduced. When I don't use the cloud lifter, the SM7B sounds good. Usually, with other audio interfaces, I have to use a cloud lifter with my SM7B.

[@williamwestonn]

Try the SM7B on a Goxlr, put it to its recommended gain for those of us livestreaming with similar microphones. I can for sure use the mic... I mean it sounds great for me and my friends, but i cant use noisegate... Its clipping my voice at 53Db already, but putting the gain at the right place introduces noise but the gate works better... I just dont like the noice when speaking :/

[@princessl.d.g.]

What does it mean when I don't see a waveform in my DAW after recording vocals? I have my gain on my audio interface at 9.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Probably means your phantom power wasn't on

[@RodrigoLana]

Que vídeo sensacional!

[@Paulywogg]

What about a High Pass filter for Voiceover with a mic like the TZ X2 Vintage? Would you recommend that? Any concerns?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I generally do that in post...though if you require it inline...just be careful and check it twice before you hit record. Can't uncook bacon as Dylan likes to say

[@seanwebb605]

What interface did you say you were using?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Audiofuse Studio - amzn.to/3kCFZAr

[@ellisgl]

"... of gain to push." I don't like this term, since it usually ends with "... the microphone". Preamps don't push the microphone.

[@TheGeekGauntletPodcast]

Not really need them anymore. Especially with Audio interfaces nowadays.

[@xMACHOxMANx]

Hey man, So i decided to go with the shure mv7 and the elgato wind xlr. Im guessing i wouldnt need a cloudlifter for this?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I don't think so...though I haven't used the elgato before Try it out first...and see what kind of levels you get

[@xMACHOxMANx]

@@DarkCornerStudios Okay thanks. When i also looked up some reviews and someone mentioned a cloudlifter and asked if they needed one also. The person said this : "No, the wave XLR is equipped with 75dB of gain making any mic work with it without the use of a cloud lifter." So that confused me a little.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@xMACHOxMANx if it has 75 dB of gain...you do NOT need a cloud lifter. Sm7b works perfectly with about 60db

[@xMACHOxMANx]

@@DarkCornerStudios Ok thanks for getting back sir. Also. Cool outro riff. lol.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks man...some great stuff at epidemic sound.

[@vvidover]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks for watching!

[@princessl.d.g.]

Are those monitors, in the background, the Presonus Eris E5’s? 😁

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Eris e8 actually...I do like them

[@nerdyneedsalife8315]

Unpopular opinion?: Shure SM57/58 is better for streamers as they can get that proximity effect with fewer hardware requirements compared to the SM7B. If people hate how the mics look, the 58 is on Colorware for an extra $50 to paint it.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Stay tuned for tomorrow's video. I have a few unpopular opinions coming up...lol

[@nerdyneedsalife8315]

@@DarkCornerStudios Subscribed and ready cap'n.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers and welcome!

[@rubenalonsoviguerassalazar1539]

Buen video.

[@happypathway5418]

huge difference with my CloudLifter. Running an SM7b into an Apollo Twin. I'd highly suggest using a CloudLifter. My SM7b was pretty much useless without it.

[@zeeshankidwai7110]

End game thanos

[@Hairseezio]

7:52 7:52 EXPLAIN FURTHER PLS. This sounds like this should’ve been the 1st thing said in the video. @darkcornerstudios