Shure SM7b vs CAD E100S - Dynamic vs Condenser

Comparison of the Shure SM7B dynamic vs CAD E100S condenser microphones.
Shure SM7B: geni.us/Huv3i (Amazon)
Cloudlifter: geni.us/8NSN (Amazon)
CAD E100S: geni.us/H3kNl (Amazon)

[@michaelgraphone3906]

The CAD E100S sounded as if you needed to boost it a bit when comparing it to the Shure SM7b, especially before the CL1. I have a similar set up, except I don't use a Zoom for recording, my preamp is a Grace m101 which will give the SM7b more than enough gain, especially when you change the Grace to ribbon mode. I really love both mics, however I find pluses and minuses with both, The SM7b has a mid boost switch, which can change the cut of the mic and give you a few more db's of mids and highs. This works on some voices very well. There is also a high pass filter, so essentially you have 4 different sound modes in one mic. The windscreens also give the Shure different voices, try it without the foam screens and the mic really opens up. The tone of the SM7b is tailored for voice as well. I find when recording someone who has a lot of mouth noise, or sibilance, this mic greatly reduces both. As you said, the Shure will also pick up less room than most condensers. The E100S is just a wonderful microphone, low noise, tight hyper cardiod pattern, great sound, but it is less forgiving if you are slightly off axis and it has a more pronounced proximity effect than the Shure, meaning, if you are adding corrections to say some long form narration, an audio book for example, if you are not in the exact same place, there will be noticeable differences in tone. But it is one of the best mics for voice over bar none, in my opinion. Very smooth, natural and overall pleasant to listen to, without the overly hyped frequencies, both high and low of many mics. It just presents the voice in an almost detached space, allowing it to sit unnoticed by the listener. Needs very little post processing. When it comes to an Electrovoice, I like the RE 320, it sounds very similar to a Sennheiser 416, nice high end, not too boomy bottom. The RE 20 needs a bit more power than the Shure and has a duller, flatter sound than the 320. The advantage of the RE 320 is, you don't need a Cloudlifter, it's a much hotter mic than the SM7b and RE 20, sounds more like a condenser, with less proximity, the Electrovoice Vari D system is great for that, and costs less than the RE20, Shure and CAD. There are enough online shootouts to give you an idea of how both mics sound. I have a Neumann TLM 102, like it better for voice than the TLM 103, but that's just me. I chose an AKG C414 XL II (when I was comparing it against the TLM 103), which costs a little more than the TLM 103, but it is a much more versatile microphone over all, comes with everything you need, right out of the box. That said, if I were advising someone looking for the best value, sound and so on, I would choose a CAD E100S, just my opinion.

[@azeemsarfarazlexicon101]

Michael Graphone MAN! You sound like a Pro man

[@officialWWM]

Who cares what you think? 🙄

[@jasononey]

NOW - "Go pick a microphone and record something AMAZING!" - what a line!!!!!!

[@azeemsarfarazlexicon101]

Bionic Tdb he sounded so genuine and original

[@Indigo_Gaming]

Was just at your Massdrop E100S video. Wondering if it would be a better fit than my SM7B. Voila! Here's your video comparing the two! Best voice recording channel on KZbin, keep it up!

[@de_buffer]

Bro I've been following you for a while and I really don't understand why you don't have a bigger following. Real helpful man. Keep it up!

[@dannytrotter1392]

also if you're into recording music the sm7b sounds great on a kick drum

[@MichaelW.1980]

This was an excellent overview the time it got released. However, times have moved on and today they are actually multiple entry level and prosumer devices very capable of driving the SM7B To its potential, with out the need for something like the Cloudlifter. So the extra cost is no more a consideration point.

[@nerdaxic]

I was looking for gear to start doing actual, good quality voice-over for my KZbin channel. Just glad I stumbled upon your channel! After watching bunch of your different mic comparisons and reviews, I feel like I have made a good, informed choice between NT1, SM7B and AT4040. Selecting the one that is not technically the best and most accurate, but fits my job and my voice the best. I chose SM7B. It is not easy to convey that kind of "gut feeling" and experience through medium like video, you succeeded. Just absolutely marvelous work, simple but effective - Keep it up!

[@parkerhatcher224]

The cloudlifter is a fantastic tool with the sm7b.

[@tyisafk]

I use a Fethead with my SM57. Those things are a life saver! Though I've been thinking of switching to a condenser because since I have a higher voice, those dynamics sound like my voice is in a cone. If I had a richer voice it would probably pop a lot better because dynamics are just better at lower frequencies whereas with mine, it just makes it too bassy and if I use EQ to fix it, it reduces definition in the sound. Condensers have a much more natural sound but they pick up SO damn much and that's not good for my setup lol

[@TheRealPistolP]

SM7B sounded beautiful with the cloudlifter... picked up the sound of your voice and all of the subtleties in your enunciation in a great way

[@PreciseAimm]

facts

[@AndyGaskin]

Great analysis. I rented an SM7B and I had to crank my gain to the max to get a halfway decent signal. And the audio was still weaker than I'd hoped. It's a great mic, but probably better suited for a professional environment.

[@ProdByClockwerk]

Actually you’re wrong. It’s best suited for a non profession environment. Find me a mic that in a non professional sound treated room gets rid of room noise, plosives, and reduces sybilince (sp) more than this the sm7b. I’ll wait.

[@timhet200]

Good points at 15:00 about the 7b being useful if recording at the same time as others such as a multi person podcast. You see lead singers use these too, presumably to reduce bleed from other band members playing while recording the vocals if not in a booth.

[@spieletrend]

This was awesome! Thinking about getting the Shure SM7B and this helped alot.

[@BlueYoshiGamer]

4 years now are verified

[@mikelangford3206]

Thanks so much for this. I wasn't find the same type of clear comparison anywhere else. I'm new in radio and working on a home recording set up for commercials and a future youtube channel and this helped immensely!

[@edbond8467]

I just found this old review and loved it! Thank you. My “daily driver” is an SM7B + dbx286s in an untreated space. Because of you and Allen Williams I bought a vintage CAD e-100. One quick recording and I fell in love. It took me back several decades to the narration and radio that I did in college. Of course, that means I am now busy planning a treated space where I can use the e-100 for recorded output. It’s that old creeping commitment to gear and good sound. Keep it up. You do an awesome job with Booth Junkie!

[@alexandermartin2713]

Your voice sounded better with the Shure/CL imo. The plosives were still popping in the CAD despite the pop filter.

[@piscesdreams1023]

I used a cloudlifter with my SM7B until I sold it today. My Audient iD14 does an amazing job and it’s no longer necessary. EDIT: I did try a FetHead and have to admit it makes a huge difference. I definitely would recommend a FetHead over the Cloudlifter.

[@Tephnos]

Was that a FetHead with the ID14 or do you mean on the old interface?

[@tubetone74]

Curious, why would you recommend the FetHead over the Cloudlifter?

[@therealcrystaldolce]

I found an old used CAD E100 which sounds absolutely amazing, but because it's not as popular as the Sure SM7B I was nervous about buying it. Your video gave me insight on the subject. Thanks!!

[@delgaudm]

Good call Phil. I keep two vintage e100 mics in my locker. They really are a secret weapon for voiceover!

[@CSProduction12]

for my sm7b.. I use something called a triton fat hed or maybe it's spelled fat head... any way what it does is snap in between the mics XLR connecter and the XLR cable it is really small, it will turn the Phantom power on your mixer into preamp gain! it sounds great and is much cheaper then the cloud lifter. . I got mine used on ebay for about $60

[@dudedudeson6869]

I second that. The FetHead is truly an amazing piece of gear.

[@VYDZER]

Toons on Strings it’s FetHead. And I use the same thing

[@theluvlounge]

I just purchased a SM7B and Cloud. This has been the best video by far on educating me about these mics. Thanks!

[@gmjones2001]

I'm STILL loving my Shure Sm7b. I have a Fethead that I used with my Audient ID14 at first. Now I have a Mackie 802VLZ4 and simply 'gain stack' with that. Since the ID14 has no way of bypassing the preamp this gain stacking must happen. The Fethead may sound a bit better but for my use having the mixer in my setup offers a lot of other pluses beyond just getting my Shure SM7b's gain up.

[@xray111xxx]

I got the SM7B for its character and I have the Cloud lifter. I need the beast of mics. This is it. But the CAD is a good one. I have use them before, good sound too.

[@themindunset]

Let me just say this... Your voice sounds absolutely awesome in the 7B with the cloudlifter and even without it. Hands down... it's a fabulous mic.

[@matthewraden5210]

The clearest explanation of the differences between dynamic and condenser mics that I have ever heard, period!

[@h05ty13on3]

Thanks for another very informative video. I'm attempting to get started in voice work and your videos have already helped me greatly. Keep up the great work.

[@BoothJunkie]

+Donnie Lee glad you liked it! Best of luck with your voice work!

[@KleeMusicAZ]

I just ordered an SM7B and a Cloudlifter last night. I've done a lot of research and found it to be desirable for extreme metal vocals. This video helped me validate my decision. Great job and thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

[@azeemsarfarazlexicon101]

CK Soundscapes can’t agree more with you on that

[@phillieg58]

Electrical Engineer here The purpose and intent of a differential microphone preamplifier is to get as much gain with the least amount of noise. Going from microphone level to line level audio allows longer microphone cables without picking up electromagnetic interference (EMI), noise, interference, and high common-mode rejection ratio. Recommended XLR microphone cables are star quad double braided copper shielded microphone cables such as Belden 8424 Cable. Use Belden 8424-star quad cable between the microphones and the differential microphone preamplifiers not greater than 7 feet or 2 meters for the least amount of noise. XLR Cables on the output of the differential microphone preamplifiers do not have to be very high quality because audio signals are at line level greater than +4 decibels as opposed to microphone level at -51 decibels. Long microphone cable lengths at microphone signal levels will pick up lot of noise and in some cases AM radio stations, hum or electromagnetic interference (EMI) when microphone cables are close electrical wiring. Long microphone cable lines behave more like antennas than microphone lines. After the microphone preamplifiers your audio signal are at line level and very much greater than the noise that you will pick up on long microphone lines. The key to getting the lowest possible noise with the greatest amount of gain is only using the lowest noise components such as Texas Instruments ultra-low noise operational amplifier LM4562, metal film resistors, ceramic capacitors, tantalum capacitors for power supply filtering 4 10 pack nickel metal hydride rechargeable AA batteries 7918, and 7818 linear voltage regulators, DC coupling no DC blocking capacitors no audio transformers. Of course, it only works with dynamic and ribbon microphones. My custom-made differential microphone preamplifier has a 60-decibel gain with a 100Khz low pass filter. By being battery powered there is no hum and noise pickup.

[@lkjkj5035]

Its a good male vocal video, good sound. Just to add the SM7b can pick up rf noise more easily too, also mentioned on the Shure site. I had that RF issue in a small area desktop workspace the SM7b was picking up a rf issue with the preamp turned up. The condensors sensitivity pickup the pc fans! and all the rest... I find middle sensitvity mics like the KSM 27 works great and can go straight into a standard interface with centered gain/50%. The CAD E100 is really sensitve and requires a good room, I had one and it was picking up the attic fan!

[@abruni83]

Hi Mike, I bought a SM7B and at the same time ordered a Cloudlifter CL1 following your (and the rest of internet) advice. My pre-amp is quite good and clean, from my Roland R-26. It provides 62dBu of gain to the SM7B, covering the needed 59dbu required by the excellent Shure SM7B. Well, after several sessions testing my voice recording with and without the CL1 with several gain levels, I concluded that the cloudlifter CL1 was not necessary in my setup. Just for the records, since the Roland R26 is not that popular out there. Thanks for your videos! They are of great help to any people interested on audio and VO techniques.

[@bradleysmith681]

Yes, the need for a CL really depends on the preamp.. Some preamps need a CL; others don't..

[@mixolydianmix5606]

Straight forward and informative, great explanation the best I've listened to so far about the SM7B.

[@3shwa2yatTV]

keep up, you will be big deal

[@BoothJunkie]

Thanks for watching! +‫عشوائيات‬‎

[@FabioKasper]

Excellent video as usual. I'm a happy owner of a SM7B (and a Cloudlifter), btw... ;-)

[@Hostile_Design]

Lol, I have a dual mesh pop filter and the bigger foam thing on my SM7B, and I still pop like crazy on it. Especially when doing vocals, but to be fair, those can be summarized as "random shouting". I didn't use it with a Cloudlifter in the beginning, as for vocals, I simply didn't need it. But it was a must for when I started using it for work calls and whatnot, especially as I then have it a bit further away from me. I'm quite certain I could have gotten a bit of a nicer mic if I spent the same money it and the Cloudlifter cost on something else, but I for sure did not know enough to do so when I bought it, and one thing I will give it is that it is amazing at rejecting the noise from the electromagnetic nightmare that is my workstation, along with all the bussing fans and extra crap that comes with that territory.

[@JBoy340a]

Wonderful description! I do voice recoding in a less than ideal office. I use a Rode Procaster with a cloudlifter. External noise is rejected by the dynamic mic, and I can run at lower gain.

[@nellomaxim]

You know what....this tutorial was amazing. It answered so many questions I have had about mocrophones

[@scrow9]

This was exactly what I needed to know, even MORE than I needed in fact! Thanks for the upload!!

[@eugenek1180]

Excellent review! It helped me decide as I would actually like to be able to be farther away from the microphone and not have a lot of loss.

[@onixz100]

You can really hear the hiss/noise floor for the Sm7b due to the gain.

[@TheBigSargeShow101]

I use a dbx 286s and I still have alot of back ground noise. You should do a video with the SM7B and the dbx for correct settings.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

There are no correct settings you can take over. The setting will change wildly room to room. If you get background noise either build a better room or increase your gate/invest into active denoising devices.

[@Organplayer1947]

Great review. Good volume ...good articulation as usual!! All dynamics need a preamp but we know these often have very good side and back rejection. All typically sensitive condensers may require a lot of 'fixing' in the final mix...BUT always, to my ears, present great presence. This e100S appears to be exceptionally good in rejection side and back....YET is a condenser! Thanks for your professional assessment!!

[@lambentblaze736]

On the bright side now, you have a wealth of options and price ranges for things like the Cloudlifter. There's the SS-1 and the Cathedral Pipes Durham (which I opted for) which cost $75 and $65 respectively and they fulfill the same purpose.

[@JuanNadal]

Your videos are always sooo helpful!

[@dutchycakes7009]

Fantastic review man. Really appreciate the effort you put into this!

[@BoothJunkie]

+DutchyCakes thank you!

[@azeemsarfarazlexicon101]

Please count me among your fans now. Never seen such an honest review EVER.

[@AnonyMous-pb6nj]

great video - all the other videos I've watched reviewed the sm7b with the cloudlifter which had a silent noisefloor both before AND after they added the cloudlifter, they simply showcased it off as something to add more gain to the mic.

[@MikeG-js1jt]

I use 2 pre-amps to run mine, mic goes into an audiofuse studio, then an insert to a DBX 286s, so each pre-amp just has to lift a little "weight"..... noise floor is essentially silent

[@DanyAguilar]

Shure SM7B is a win!

[@JohnTerhorstPhD]

Mic Del Audio thank you for your work! Just got the CL-1 to go with the Heil PR-40.

[@Rakoah]

Thanks for the video. Subbed... I just bought this mic two days ago. Running it into a high impedance transformer, which I then have running into the Hi-Z input on the front of my apollo twin duo. I also have to crank the Pre-Amp via UAD Console, pretty much to max in order to get a decent signal.. I was debating on getting the cloudlifter but didn't want to spend the extra money but after seeing this I will deffinteley get it. Makes a big difference.

[@deepytv]

Thank you man! I'm having the Shure SM7B and the RODE NT1-A. With that i'm using the Behringer Xenyx X1204 USB. Both mics sound really good through the Behringer, but of course if you're going to buy the SM7B with the Behringer, it's going to get a lot more expensive. But that also depends on what you're doing. The NT1-A also sounds awesome through the Behringer, but still. If you're sure you want to buy the SM7B, then just buy the Cloudlifter instead of a mixer. And thanks to you Junkie! Your videos are really helpful!

[@MrJohanmessi]

Cringer what IS the best for you among those 2 MIC?

[@deepytv]

That's difficult for me to answer. I can't tell you which one is better. I'm still just using the mixer and not with a cloudlifter, and both mics sound really good through the mixer. If you don't want to spent your money on a cloudlifter or something, then i'd go with the nt1-a, it's a good mic for vocals etc. I'm using it for my short films and trailers, because it just sounds so good with the nt1-a. If you now wanna make commentaries and gaming videos, i'd go with the shure sm7b. I'm using that mic since my unboxing video of the shure sm7b. I also made a comparison in my unboxing video with the nt1-a and the sm7b, but sadly i forgot to change the settings on my mixer for the sm7b so it fits to the sm7b since it's a different mic. In my channel trailer, i'm using the nt1-a with just my mixer, then i edited it a little bit in audacity. You can try to watch my channel trailer if you'd like to hear what you can get out of the nt1-a. And in my newest videos i'm using the sm7b, but i didn't edit my voice with the sm7b yet, so what you hear in my newest videos, isn't the best you can get out of the sm7b. Overall, like i said. I love both mics, they're both really good. It depends on what you're doing, since i'm using the sm7b a lot, i'm goind to buy a cloudlifter soon or maybe just an audio interface. Again, it really depends on what you're doing. If you'd like some help, i'd be able to help you :)

[@MrJohanmessi]

Cringer thank you so much cringer, i'll be using my Next first MIC for singing... i discovered a MIC called electro voice re20 i'll bet for it

[@deepytv]

No problem! That's a great mic too! Are you gonna use a mixer for that, or are you just gonna go with an audio interface? For singing i recommend using a mixer. You can also connect an audio interface to that so that you boost your voice. I'd recommend a mixer, since you can do a lot with EQ so your voice sounds a lot better :)

[@MrJohanmessi]

Cringer muchas gracias for your suggest i'll keep in mind, but i dont have a mixer, im using an octacapture by roland interface, i've heard the re20 need a good preamp so thats another investment

[@evanmannell7343]

It may also be worth noting that the CAD e100s has the lowest “self noise” of pretty much any microphone on the market.

[@mstrick64]

I'm a new subscriber and just discovered your channel. Nicely done! I have the SM7B and found the hiss to be a little bit of a problem. However, I am thankful to know I can add the Cloudfilter to resolve that issue without spending more money. Keep up the work. Enjoying your stuff!

Unless you have a really good preamp or powerful gain on your interface, I don't recommend the SM7B. It's a good mic if you have a board, but the gain is too low. I had one. You can also use an inline cloudlifter but it just raises the gain on both your voice and all other noise.

[@DaimonChroniques]

That's why I love my combo UMC 204HD + RE 320 for a cheap but fair dynamic experience : enough gain without adding a cloudlifter, sounds great, looks cool... And it's thanks to you Mike ! Live long and prosper ^^

[@YaYeVlad]

Imo, the volume falloff is about equal, but the hiss was noticeable with the Shure, even with the cloudlifter.

[@artv4692]

Definitely one of the best videos on the subject, keep it up

[@MrHamit64]

Don't forget this is the mike M J used for Thriller. I actually got interested in it though because it's the 1 dinamic I found thus far that can hear up to 20 KHZ. I kinda like it. though even with the cloud lifter pumping it up I still find the Rode Reporteer omni dinamic a little brighter. And that 1 only goes up to 15 KHZ. I've touched an RE 20. That thing feels cool. I'm blind by the way. I love the Zoom H5. It's an epic recorder. Olympus has something like the Zooms now. The LS-100. The good thing about the LS-100 is that it talks. So in effect the menus are accessible. Doesn't mean blind people can't use an H recorder though. Neal Ewers who's also blind has a few of them. He also has the awesome $4000 Sound Devices 744-T recorder. Man the Rode NT1-A sounds epic on that thing. I'd love a sound devices recorder and a matched pare of NT1-As.

[@RonnieGRox]

Best review and educational video I've seen! Thanks

[@ninerlives]

The Cloudlifter just increases the loudness of the noise with the gain also from my experience. I don’t see how it’s beneficial.

[@1badmoefoe]

Thank you for going into such great detail. I'm trying to purchase my first mike.

[@azeemsarfarazlexicon101]

Daniel Nation me too

[@bobertpiano]

Could I use a CL with a condenser mic if I had an external phantom power source between the CL and the mic? Is that a bad idea?? I'm just recording out of my home so I want to get clean audio from soft singing vocals (hence the condenser) but also clean gain from the cloudlifter... thank you for any help!!!

[@asdifsodkfs]

Triton Audio FetHead Phantom. It's a pre-preamp just like the CloudLifter, but it's for condenser microphones and very compact.

[@prasadkumar6739]

loud voices sounds robotic in blue yeti. Can you help me with it ?

[@BenShankscreative]

I'm not even into sound stuff that much - but I'm subscribing because I like what you're doing

[@dagger_4d]

Well I would get a condenser mic but I just don’t have a treated room at this point so the sm7b was an obvious choice for me

[@philippetersen64]

You sound good on both, thanks for the info

[@ezzel-bendary8762]

First of all I would like to mention that I am one of your big fans as I am interested in the way that you’re giving technical details that we won’t find it on other channels so I have a question if you please…I already have the DBX 286s but I would like something similar(with the same quality)for traveling(smaller one)and also a recommended traveling sound card(it doesn’t matter if it’s expensive) but I need those two things for traveling(small) ones for traveling, will you kindly help me with any recommendations? P.s” I need it for voice over and podcasting work only”. Thank you so much and I wish you all the best 🙏

[@robehickmann]

The sm7b is much louder in this video so it's hard to do a fair comparison. On the low end my observation has been that cheaper dynamic mics like the sm57/58 result in less background hiss than the cheapest condenser mics as they are simpler technically, less to skimp on.

[@TheTrippleTKA]

If I want to start a podcast (audio and video) and it involves eating and drinking with at least 2-3 people at a table, what would be the best audio set up? It's most likely to be set in not-so ideal, not sound proofed warehouse, so I've considered the SM7B, as it is the most recommended mics for multi-people podcast, including by you here. So each person will have their own SM7B mics. However, I want the audios to pick up soundbites while we're eating the food (sure, a bit of ASMR if you will), as well as when we're having conversations, obviously. But I'm just dreading the idea of losing signal as we're having to move away from the mic to take bites or get close to the plates etc. Obviously we'd have to move the mouth around a bit if we're eating. I just want it to feel like diner table conversation, with crisp sounds. The volume sounded pretty low when you took a step back, even with the cloud lifter. I didn't like that inconsistency all that much. So all things considered, what would be the ideal set up for me? Should I get one of these condenser or dynamic mics? Or a clip-on mic? or the overhead mic? If you could give me some feedbacks that would be wonderful!

[@abruni83]

Great comparisons and explanations!

[@MarkGFL]

Very useful video, thanks.

[@AlexanderRichterTD]

Found exactly what I was searching for. Thx

[@allaudione]

Hey Mike Great stuff - have you ever used two mics -(one in phase) and the other one (out of phase) to cancel out back ground sound -

[@quantummath]

Great job dude! excellent presentation. Big thumbs up and subscribed.

[@liamonstream]

Love you Mike, thanks for your awesome videos

[@paulcundasamy9631]

Active mics can be very noisy if the internal electronics are sub standard conversely the dynamic mic can be very quiet (hiss) if you use a good quality mic pre, for me the sm7b is a way better mic.

[@HATEregelt]

Try the SM7B without the windshield a bit angled to avoid plosives, you will love it even more! :)

[@HATEregelt]

Glad to hear that, and if you really want to bring it to life, i swear, get a mic processor, dbx286s for example, best purchase of my life!

[@ReddenDoom]

I recently picked up a 286s and want to try the SM7b on it. How is the response without the shield? My concern was that the compression and enhancing on the 286 sounded VERY radio, I wanted something a bit cleaner and more balanced. Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@HATEregelt]

Its sounds a bit more richer without it, you CAN get a very radiolike sound out of it, but as long as you dont go to crazy with the low/high enhancer you should be fine. Its hard to say, everyone got a different voice, but i doubt you will be disappointed, well you will be after hearing your SM7B without the dbx again. :P

[@rock962000]

CAD E100S sounds better with no noticeable hiss at all. Even with the Cloud, I hear a slight hiss on the SM7B.

[@Schrogs]

This was very helpful. Thank you

[@KCKellyKCK]

You're fabulous. Thanks for this.

[@jimtaku]

Hey Mike, not sure if you ever read these comments but I can't for the life of me find anything on the best preamps for gain hungry mics like the Shure sm7b. I got the 2i2 and cloud lifter and there's a gross buzz/current that can be heard. I've searched forums and your videos and I can't find a solid solution to simply get a preamp that has 70+ db of clean gain. I'm entirely new to mics and preamps so maybe this preamp doesn't exist but it's odd as Shure themselves state that at minimum you want 60+ db of gain just to hit 0. The only preamps I found have all these extra functions which brings up the cost and there's no way for me to find out if these fancy preamps bring in clean gain or if they just have 70+ gain but it's not clean. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

[@eggos3707]

Narrower lobe of sensitivity *hits mic*

[@antoniofilipe70]

Hi, I'm António Filipe from Portugal I follow your channel since 2017, I love the tone as you do your reviews. I saw your review on the Motu M2 sound interface, the Shuer SM7B microphone with the Fethead applicator and ended up buying them. I connected the Shuer SM7B microphone (+ the fethead) and my Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 250 headphones to the Motu M2 sound interface, installed the driver, and was able to record and listen to Adobe Audition, however when I'm not recording (and even recording) no sound comes out of the headphones. What am I doing wrong? Shouldn't sound come out of the headphones at the time of recording? Thank you very much and continued success with your wonderful channel.

[@redbox360]

i like sound on sm7b, i also use same setup, cloudlifter and zoom h5

[@carljenkins7354]

To my ears the CAD sounded "tighter," more compressed maybe. The Shure without the CL sounded "rounder," fuller. With the CL I thought the Shure lost some fullness and maybe had more noise, but maybe that's psychosomatic. The shotgun is definitely my favorite though. There are just too many positives above and beyond the great sound. Makes me want one despite being unable to afford or justify it.

[@SERVER1992]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@TerranceNicholsonVoiceActor]

could you do a comparison of your cad e100s vs your Neumann TLM 103? I keep trying to find comparisons and can't find any

[@drylandfish1765]

Great comparison! Thanks!

[@weschilton]

Its so funny how the SM7b has become a "thing" mostly because of social media. I was a session drummer and bassist for 35 years and I rarely every saw an SM7 outside of a DJ booth in radio stations. And I literally never had one put on my kick drum. For most engineers, It just was not that useful of a mic for recording music... there were, and are, SO many better choices. Yet now it seems like literally EVERYONE is buying them--once again because of social media... and no one seems to understand how they work, until social media tells them to spend more money on an extra gadget to fix their "problem" when the actual problem is a lack of education and research in the first place. They are all quick to justify spending extra money to make the thing work in their home "studio" or KZbin Channels and claiming how "great it sounds" while never having used any other mics. And FWIW I've seen several other reviewers make the exact same video about this mic as you and get ripped to pieces by commenters protecting their decision to buy this mic without understanding how to use it. Its very sad.

[@ProdByClockwerk]

@Conrad Donovan if you’re getting plosives on the sm7b you’re doing it wrong.

[@xelle1649]

Personally, I thought the condenser mic sounded a lot better; I thought it sound less bloated in the mids, less veiled, and, overall, less fatiguing to listen to, though, for a dynamic mic, the SM7B sounds great. Condenser mics will basically always sound better, but, if you're in a non-ideal recording environment, I would highly recommend picking up the SM7B.

[@_Trakman]

what dynamic mic brands & models don't need too much gain

[@hristijannn]

Nice review sir . I have a question , do you know whats the best way for amateurs to record a good quality sound without making a room booth. Ive heard of those sound shields that they put in front of mics . And i guess its a good way to do it , but i just need your opinion ... Tnx , keep up the good work

[@michaeldarolfi2110]

Great vid, think of picking up that cad

[@mumflaps9133]

How does he talk so far away from the mics and have no echo? Impressive.

[@Helsfasa]

I think this video saved me from making a dumb purchase. Thank you!

[@Multichipeur]

Love your video! Super helpful! Would you mind recommending a preamp for the Shure SM7b and a fethead? Thanks so much!

[@dynamicdan7888]

I'd love to hear you do a shoot out between the RE20 (Or 320, which while not as honest may actually sound great for your voice given it has CAD100-like-expression) and the SM7b. I find the SM7b to be "pretty great" but a bit muddy or boxy in the low end. That being said, Shure's SM7b has a built in shock mount, and that's a cash saver :)

[@stevestrong41]

The RE20 is designed to remove the proximity effect, From what I hear that may not be so good for voice over as I'd think it nice to have the option to take advantage of the effect. Mike, what are your thoughts as an expert?

[@MrLiveoak9]

Hey Mike, love your stuff, but you have the physics wrong. It matters not about pickup pattern or operating principle; it's all about distance. To paraphrase: In acoustics, the sound pressure of a spherical wavefront radiating from a point source (your mouth on axis, in this case) decreases by 50% as the distance is doubled. The pressure ratio is not inverse-square, but is inverse-proportional (inverse distance law). The distance in question is mouth to mic diaphragm, not the mic grill. The capsule is significantly recessed on an SM7b. Cheers, -glenn

[@chichemero]

Well, I use MXL 770 and let me tell you that is very good for studio, the little problem is that if I haven't a good environment for this mic feel all sound around, but I suppose in a radio studio sm 7b sound good because in radio they can control this hiss sounds with the processor and normally you don't feel this hiss with the smart gate processor.

[@ReddenDoom]

In radio any hiss is typically masked by broadcast noise and insane compression. The only time the kind of hiss being talked about here will be an issue is for voiceover or critical work.

[@samuelaston4363]

Really helpful information.

[@DaveAllredDNA3e8]

How can I know which one's going to sound best for my voice before buying it's a first I'm looking at a first microphone purchase

[@vortex3247]

I'm sorry nobody got to your message, I'm sure you probably already purchased one, but my biggest recommendation is to either find someone who has one of the microphones you are interested in, or try them out at like a guitar center, they have tons of microphones and you can hear how you sound with the attached headphones. or you can buy, try and if you like keep, or send back and try again.

[@MediaGrope]

Good video. Well paced. Well explained