How to check for a fake Shure SM7B? My step-by-step buying guide for a used Shure SM7B microphone...

If you're in the market for a used Shure SM7B, you need to be careful with all the fake microphones in the market.
I've checked a few different videos on KZbin and wanted to make my own video which combines all the various nuggets of information I have picked up through my research.

[@vsynccx4263]

I have a shure sm7b that im debating on buying on ebay. This video is super helpful definitely going to be going through this checklist if I end up buying it.

[@leo_hoang]

Glad to hear it… If you do buy from eBay, I would make note of the listing images to check if they differ to what you received and likewise, I would record my unboxing incase you ever need to provide evidence to eBay… I have viewed ones from fb marketplace in person where they differed from photo to real life, so I would be very cautious of eBay listings… Good luck with your search and let me know if you’re successful!

[@reaper5242]

Some other things to look out for: The yokes thumbscrews have brass bushings inside protecting the threading. The xlr port if you look inside the plug actually says shure inside. As well as the top of the xlr port being rounded with no abrubt changes in angle. Also with the xlr port if it's difficult to plug in and unplug the xlr cable its probably fake.

[@leo_hoang]

Thanks for the additional checks! I forgot to mention XLR Port stiffness… I didn’t know about the Shure inside the port being something to look out for… I will take note of that one for next time… 👍

[@alanx216]

Thomann is the way to go

[@selw0nk]

I bought one on AliExpress and don't have those differences or issues. I had mine modded with the Trace Audio Anser mod that adds 48v of phantom power. Basically turns into a SM7DB.

[@leo_hoang]

I’ve never bought anything from Ali Express but if I’m not mistaken you can have different sellers on that platform similar to Amazon? But I also suspect Grey Market mics are also something to consider… so you may have a genuine mic, but produced with the intention to be sold in another country so no warranty cover etc… that may not affect or bother you though, especially for the cost savings I’m sure you had… How much did your mod cost?

[@selw0nk]

@@leo_hoang $129

[@HeresMo]

Bought one on ebay, grommets fell out before I opened the box, the instructions had typos and spaces, eg t alk show. alluminium base not brass and plastic thumb turns, wire was too long and the switches didn't make a difference. The seller was adament it's real, I thought I was buying a used one for £100 but a new unopened box arrived, i've used the mic long enough to know it feels wrong. The one I got was a great knockoff but becuase i've used the mic for years I knew just by holding it. Also my wiring was all wrong and it uses a thicker gauge cable and was clipping while recording in 32bit float while talking with a slightly loud voice, not even shouting. The foam was not the right shape and was much thinner than the original.

[@leo_hoang]

Sorry to hear you got burned with a fake… I see a lot of them on Facebook marketplace still, it’s crazy how many fakes there are floating about…

[@HeresMo]

@@leo_hoang I had no idea there were fakes. I’m not bothered as I’ve got eBay to protect me. I see you in London. Maybe we can collab on some vids

[@leo_hoang]

Sounds good mate… if you have any ideas give me a shout