The SM7B Is The Only Mic You’ll Ever Need

[@jloiben12]

It always amazes me how we can make so many advances yet mics like the 57 are still the standard for so many sources

[@conordyer2307]

Sometimes you don't need to make improvements when it's already perfect 😂

[@Fastvoice]

Same for the Sennheiser MD 441-U and other MD models.

[@CenterThePendulum]

Always amazes me how also, with all our efficiencies and automation, Neumann can’t produce a $1k u47 / u87 / m49 etc.

[@Mikey__R]

​@@CenterThePendulum Rolls Royce don't make an affordable family 5 door. It's probably the same thing. A Ford will get you to the supermarket, a Rode will record your vocals. Or if you don't like Fords or Rodes, insert your affordable brand of choice.

[@Fastvoice]

@@CenterThePendulum Neumann has its production still in Germany - not in Asia like nearly all the other brands. And it's partially handbuilt.

[@ride5000]

it looks like it would be more difficult to use the 7b as a hammer, so i'm gonna go 57 for the versatility

[@JohnnyAllan-vj7sj]

I destroyed two 57s. One by dropping it and the other by plugging in a poorly wired cable. They're not that tough

[@chadschoening4352]

I paid 99 for a 57 back in 1987. I still have it, and it still sounds great. I was a sound engineer for live bands for 30 years. That mic got used for live shows, had beer spilled on it, stepped on, thrown, dropped, spit on, and hit with drum sticks. It took it all and still works like it did when I got it. Don't know the longevity of the 7b but the 57 is a tank.

[@fredherfst8148]

Lol…same experiences…I have no memory how or when I got it…might be the mid seventies. Still works fine. Great hihat mic. Never seems to get overpowered

[@Revrendrock]

Hahaha I have a bunch as well that been thru it all. Sm7b sounds great on kick drum.

[@PsionicAudio]

Good video. For voice, you can add a windscreen and isolating shockmount to the SM57 for about $50 and it requires less preamp gain than the SM7B. If you position the 57 so the capsule is about 4” from your mouth and you’re at a slight angle you won’t have proximity problems or plosives with the 57. It does take practice to learn how to work the mic. The SM7B is more forgiving of all these things. But you need a very quiet mic pre with lots of gain available.

[@Smitty_Werbenjagermanjenson]

'sup, Lyle?

[@onionheadguy7094]

For sure if all you have is a 57 you can still get the job done!

[@timharris2141]

I have 57’s that are 30 years old that still work great. I’ve used them for just about everything including overhead drums and choirs. Always tell folks give me a box of 57’s and 58’s and I can mic up anything.

[@integerdivision]

One huge pro for the SM57 over the SM7B is that non-pro audio interfaces can drive them well enough that the noise floor stays low. You hear of a lot of people using the SM7B who also invest in a preamp or a gain boost like the Cloudlifter, which adds to the complication and the cost.

[@JeffPelletierBabaJonan]

if only there would be a built in solution for this... hmm...

[@weschilton]

@@JeffPelletierBabaJonan Why even think like that? Its not like the SM7 is some magical unicorn, its just a over-hyped youtuber mic. There are literally hundreds of fantastic mics available that don't require the broadcast level preamp gain that the SM7 does, and a lot of them are cheaper too!

[@julienmarchand2499]

This. SM7B without a cloudlifter, it's a NO.

[@JeffPelletierBabaJonan]

@@weschilton - yes, there are cheaper and different and "better" options. Just remember what I said... ;)

[@JeffPelletierBabaJonan]

@@julienmarchand2499 - but maybe...

[@TaiChiQigong914]

I bought my first SM 57 in 1975. Lost it during our move to Florida in 90 and bought another. It’s all I ever needed. You pooch looks like my mini Labradoodle, just bigger of course. Same exact coloring. She’s super smart.

[@Podcastage]

Be still my heart, it’s always a great day when Rhett is talking mics (especially one of my favorites)!

[@Podcastage]

PS: you probably have already, but if you haven’t you should try out the Beyerdynamic M201 and the m160. I bet you’d love them.

[@zackmatthews235]

@Podcastage didn’t you pick the NT1 over this in one of your old vids? I’m considering selling it now for a sm7b

[@Podcastage]

@@zackmatthews235 Yes I did pick the NT1 over the SM7b in that versus series. If you listen to the conclusion/explanation, I stand by everything that I said.

[@michaeljensen1625]

I use my SM7b for almost EVERYTHING. I dont have a huge mic locker. 9 mics. But my other dynamics and condensors almost never come out of the case. And I have some nice ones. But the SM7b is so practical. It also absolutely shines in areas where the room isn't ideal. The off-axis rejection is really good.

[@gdub-rawk]

Don't forget the SM7b also has the bass roll off and and mid presence boost that adds some versatility as well. Also, if $400 is a bit steep, it's pretty safe to buy a used one for quite a bit cheaper. That's what I did and it works perfectly. However, the SM57 is a great workhorse mic as well.

[@xAudiolith]

Personally I'm not a fan of those switches. The bass roll off at 300Hz is a bit too aggressive for me and the presence boost has quite the large frequency range for my taste and use case. Quite destructive for recording in my experience. Naturally I EQ stuff in my DAW when I record and for communication purposes I just route an EQ through a virtual output with a high pass @ around 60-80Hz to kill the rumble and any unwanted handling noises.

[@mtdawgy]

Rhett and Phillip have been killing it with these Tech Talk/Gear Talk vids....once again, great and useful info!!!

[@edhornby4885]

The 57 (and 58) are brilliant on saxes, trumpet trombone, etc they are the unsung hero of the music industry

[@--BA--]

57 & 58 are work horses on the road, but in the studio I use 421s more. All good to have. SM7B is unique IMO. Not right for everything, but SO good for certain things.

[@mikaeljohansson83]

I\ve been working as a monitor/live sound engineer for close to 40 years and I can not give enough praise to the SM 57! For livesound I always go for the SM57 for atleast snare and guitar if I want a decent sound! Or aleast a sound I can easely control and make it work in a band configuration! And you said that the SM7B has been used on 100:eths of top chart recordings I dare to say that the SM 57 has been used on ALL top chart recordings since it's release!

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

I have a 57 for many years now. Its casing is broken and fixed with duct tape, of course. I can do everything with it. Maybe not the best for everything, but if I want to be quick and flexible, the SM 57 can do everything reasonably good.

[@Andreas_Straub]

I would get an SM57 - which is much more flexible - and use an Eq to adjust the frequency response to the SM7Bs. This is a cheaper and more variable solution.

[@BennettMarks]

Super cool finally seeing you make content in the studio space. Seeing the hard work on the construction series finally paid off!

[@edwardrice146]

I have been singing through the SM7B for the last year and really love it.

[@nicgundy]

The most iconic 2 mics of all time! The SM7B I’ve worked with since college & finally got my own on my birthday at the start of 2023!

[@weschilton]

Iconic since youbers started using them, maybe... the SM58 is far more iconic.

[@coldacre]

the Telefunken U47 & Neumann U87 are the most iconic mic's of all time. SM7B's only come into popularity since the pandemic and everyone decided to become youtubers. @nicgundy

[@unabonger777]

Thanks for the tip! I went and bought one of each. I find such great deals on used gear, no need to ever buy anything new again.

[@mattwilliams3104]

Thank you for the info! This also makes me realize that chasing or trying to emulate someone’s tone is kinda pointless. If I’m listening to something it means it’s been recorded and therefore the mics used and everything else done in post influences it and makes it so so difficult to match straight from my amp

[@jasonlee8497]

I always liked the SM58. I think it sounds really good on cabinets.

[@sundaynightdrunk]

Congrats on 600K, Rhett! There's also the SM58, the live mic of choice for a metric shitload of brilliant vocals over the years, and it's also about $99. If you want to record vocals in a live-band setting, it's probably the mic you should have. You can also unscrew the pop filter and you have a very close version of the SM57 for recording guitars, as they are based on the same cartridge design according to Shure.

[@chadschoening4352]

As a 30 year veteran of live sound engineering , I can confirm. The 58 is also built like a tank. If you want a little more low end and higher sound pressure resilience, you can always try the 58beta and the 57beta

[@picksalot1]

With EQ, you can tone shape your Mic to vastly broaden its uses.

[@kkjhn41]

If you're looking for a budget vocal mic don't forget the SM58. Just as the 57 was the standard for live micing things like guitars and drums so too was the 58 found on stage for vocals. Same price as the 57 and both are rugged, reliable and responsible for the sound that people have been hearing on stage and recordings for decades.

[@thorbjrnreppe7343]

Sm7B is a fantastic rock male vocal mic! I love mine to death and use it for a multitude of things. If I mic a guitar cab I actually use both. My mixer likes blending them as it means he barely has to eq the guitars. For vocals I don’t fancy the SM57. It kinda works, but I don’t feel like it’s quite there. In the end, you’ll need both!

[@gtr1952]

In 1978 I bought 2-SM57's and 2-SM58's, both used, for $75. No idea what they were new then but I remember I was happy with the price, and they both had 25 foot cables. 1- SM58 got run over by my pickup, very flat. LOL The other 3, with new wind screen's several times, are still being used today, and work fine. For $99 today, you get your $$ worth!! 8) --gary

[@rickfinsta2951]

My favorite mic of all time is the AT4050 (and you will never outgrow it) but if you told me I could only have one microphone for the rest of my life for live and recording use it would be a Beta58. The 57 and 58 are the same capsule but the 58 has the windscreen and can be more safely used as a hammer. I like the additional gain before feedback on the Beta series when used live (especially on a vocal).

[@davegilmer_Storyville4Life]

And that’s a Rap!👈🏽😉 I’ve been hearing that for nearly 30 yrs. And I’ve used one exclusively for over 15…it was my only mic besides the 57’s and 58’s. Still have it too. Built like a tank, and a freakin’ work horse.😎

[@RickJames-n4d]

I have an AT4050 I got 20 or more years ago new. Its still a workhorse for me.

[@jdbrownradio]

I bought an Electrovoice RE20 because it had a flat sound and I used it extensively as a broadcast professional. With its shock mount, I could have bought all three of the Shure microphones. When broadcasting from home, I use a Shure SM58. After five microphones, it was the one I finally landed on. I already had it as a backup but never thought to try it as my radio mic. Best I have sounded on the air outside of an actual broadcast studio.

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

I picked up an SM7B, as well as one each SM57 and SM58. I plan on picking up another SM57 and SM58 in the future. Good mics, and plenty of versatility. Thanks Rhett and Phillip (and Penny!)

[@DamonBates]

Thanks. I have multiple 57s and 58s and a Beta 58...mostly perfomance . And a Blue Spark. Would have been nice to cover the roll off and boost switches on the back of the 7B to highlight its flexibility...which helps rationalize the additional cost

[@RokDAWG1]

I would go with a SM58 because I could make it sound like either of those other two mics.

[@michaela.friestbigmikesbas2508]

So subtle, the difference between the 57 and the 7 but on the bass, you can not only hear the low end clarity more, but also a more compressed tighter response. I am sold on that but haven't pulled the trigger yet on the 7 for financial reasons. If only Josh Scott would stop making me buy shit I don't need. Keep up the good content man. Love the channel.

[@erikarko]

Getting an SM7b was the best thing I ever did! 👍👍👍

[@sassulusmagnus]

I remember being surprised at first when my ears told me that the SM7B, not the fancy tube condenser mic, was actually the better choice on acoustic guitar for a particular track. It gave the track a no nonsense, concise, meat and potatoes kind of sound that worked perfectly in that particular song. I've also tracked acoustic guitar with a Beta 57A on occasion and had surprisingly good results. Depends what you're going for.

[@jayjones2821]

I used the SM7B on everything for years. Now I use the Townsend Labs Sphere as my primary, for obvi reasons, but love the Shure.

[@hukl3945]

The SM7B is definitely the one mic that I will always keep. The frequency response is rather flat which makes it suitable for almost anything and I was never disappointed whenever I used it. Be it vocals, guitar amps even outside the kick drum or bass amps. It yields enough sonic information to leave you a lot of options in post production. Can't recommend this mic enough if you can afford it.

[@khaledelsayed5357]

The 57 is such a great tool. Hammers nails, nice as a wedge for stone quarrying… I kid, I personally moved from the 57 to an audix i5 long ago. Still constantly rely on my 7/8th sm7b ( they’re just barely cheap enough to give to someone you believe in, replace later and not go broke) They are just simply reliable tools. They don’t sound awesome but they take beatings and they are reliably themselves, therefore easily “learnable”, which is all that really matters to achieving one’s artistic goals

[@denverrandy7143]

Wow,I didn't know you could get a good mic for around 99$ But also I'm just starting my mic journey... Thanks Rhett

[@clownhands]

The difference in tone between the 57 and 7B on the soldano cab is insane

[@WildSantiago]

Hey bro! I love the video, I want to buy the Sm7b for my video (I always use my voice for them) and I would like to know if I need something extra besides the mic like the Cloudlifter also which boom arm should I use? Thank you

[@gabe_cesar1031]

I actually just purchased the sm57 as my first microphone and I LOVE IT. I mainly use it for recording my guitar through my amp but it's super versatile

[@seth_1138]

can we just take a minute to talk ab how freaking cute that dog is

[@recordingwhiz]

The "B" isnt for Broadcast, its the version of it , as there is also a plain SM-7 (the original that MJ used) , also I happen to own an SM-7A (late 90s), and the current version of teh sm-7B, which has different filters.

[@weschilton]

However, both were designed specifically for radio and tv broadcasting.

[@AnjektusStudio]

And it took only one day. Before someone think they know more the the content creator of the mic. And I think that is really funny.

[@mainquest_official]

I bought both 2nd hand (they were brand new for half the price!) And man I don't regret it!

[@ImLOG4N]

Electro voice re-20 is my favorite, less color is added to the sound in my opinion

[@grahammareemusic]

Literally just got my frist SM7B a few days ago along with 'Triton' FetHead adapter absolute perfect match. Great Video Rhett covered alot!

[@omoon66]

I don’t think I ever actually heard a side by side comparison of a 57 and 7B on a guitar amp, they sound drastically different. The 57 is so present, but the 7B is so good for vocals

[@Rockin_Rocco]

really enjoyed the dogs thoughts on this one. i agree for sure.😃

[@martygraw1406]

I love the SM 57. I have six of them

[@texhaines9957]

Okay, who was the dog? Yes, I like both. My son (who has a Sound Production Engineering degree) got me something else that does super. He now has a Masters in another related field. Thanks

[@LTDusersince99]

One major criteria for using them over condenser mic is sound rejection from back and sides :) like if you don't have any treated room. These two will greatly get you a better clean sound too :)

[@farloux]

Wow the guitar sounds SO much better with the 57 I was blown away. Vocals def sound significantly better on 7B.

[@gh00al]

Great video. It's a great point that these mics are good bets to buy because you'll never outgrow them, unlike a $500 condenser. One thign I would add is that the 7B has a humbucker, unlike the 57. Most of the time the difference is probably negligible but it can REALLY come in handy if you're unlucky enough to find yourself in a spot with bad EM fields. Also on vocals the 7B naturally regulates distance from capsule and proximity effect and plosives in a way that the 57 doesn't. It also has internal damping to eliminate handling noise. Basically that extra money goes into a whole lot of usability features that add a lot of value. I think of a 57 as more of a raw/basic version of the 7B.

[@mikebauer6917]

The sm57 was my first mic and is my most useful mic. I prefer condensers for vocals, but the sm7b is a great mic.

[@User15275-g]

I’d love to see you go deeper into production. Tell us about interesting ways to do transitions or how you build energy in a song or what stylistic choices you make for vocal processing. Any of those kinds of topics would be really neat to see

[@kevinnute1701]

Love SM57s to death:) I prefer the sound of the 57 with the foam filter to a 58 for (my) vocals. There a ton of really good mics available in that $100.00 to $500.00 range but none have shaped the collective perception of certain sounds the way that the 57 has. For example, I watched a mic shootout video recently where a snare drum was surrounded by mics reaching well above the $500 price point. They all sounded more or less really good but there was one mic that consistently sounded "right": the 57. My theory is that, for most of us, we've grown up hearing not the sound of a Ludwig, Slingerland, Gretsch, etc. snare drums but the sound of those drums + a 57. Same thing with Hi Hats

[@isologuitar996]

Both amazing and must haves for any mic locker. Buyer beware though - these are both counterfeited *extensively* so if a deal seems too good to be true.... don't get scammed.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

why am I not surprised Rhett has a snicker doodle. ;-)

[@dennismeyers2008]

This video is just in time! I'mcurrently considering my first miike purchase.

[@benjhaisch]

for real. if I were starting a studio, an SM57 for instruments, amps, drums, etc & an SM7B for vocals, kick, bass, etc. Pretty sure they even use dual SM57s for the President and have for decades.

[@MetalJamesK]

Looking forward to seeing how the studio finished turns out

[@johnlangevin708]

Great review Rhett. Been using both mic's for 20+ years and completely concur on all points. Interesting price points, the SM7B used to be around $250 in my day.

[@mitsuki1388]

The SM57 is such a standard when it comes to recording so many types of instruments, I definitely love it and every guitarist that records needs to have at least one, it's cheap enough for that. Now, for just having one mic for a lot of things including vocals, the SM7B wouldn't even be my main choice to be honest, I'd rather get a good condenser mic if my room is treated enough but the 7B is really good.

[@GuareschiGuillermo]

I like the 57 mostly for recording electric guitar, I own a Shure SM57 with TAB Funkenwerk mod and its a beast, more detailed, clean highs and great low end.

[@aleksamrkela831]

The SM7B is an indispensable part of my mic closet, and it really delivers the goods for intense male vocals. :D

[@olredbeard420]

Thank you for doing a video on mics!

[@othinus]

activating the presence boost on the back of the SM7B with basically turn it into a bigger version of the SM57

[@klaymoon1]

Great video! Can you share what mixer/preamp do you recommend to use with SM7B?

[@sacredgeometry]

I would pick the 57 personally. Even for vocals

[@Cosmic-Spanner]

For a single mic, a dynamic (both using the unidyne capsule) is GREAT for a few applications and limiting in others. You'll get too much noise in certain instances where you need to back-off a quieter instrument or even voice - then compress. Really, a flattish, quiet LDC will be more versatile. I'd say your SECOND mic should be the 57/58. Then a pair of SDCs for stereo capture.

[@jaygallamore562]

Good stuff! I’m approaching my first mic purchase and this video provided lots of good information - thanks!

[@lbarj]

perfect thanks . starting from scratch again . Good timing on this video for me , I have some SM 57s but need something that will do speech for videos podcast type stuff.

[@touchthesun2448]

your dog is right... nice demo! Thank you for the education

[@jeffreyduncan989]

Man I love the re20… I record vocals with it constantly. Not everyone’s voice shines with every mic so you should try as many of their friends mics as possible…

[@MrMoneyHelper]

My first microphone was an EV ND 457. When used beside other band members vocal microphones, mine was louder and clearer. At the time it was purchased it cost $10 more than an SM58. They aren't made anymore. I don't know why. Maybe something better exists from EV in that price range. It was sold long ago when I stopped working in the music business. Now that I'm dabbling in music again, I wish it were still with me.

[@TulioG]

You kept saying "low end" and I thought you'd mention the fact the SM7B has 2 switchs at the back: "Bass rolloff" and the "Presence Boost." 🤔 - When I use it for vocals I leave it in "Flat Response" but when I use it to mic my Guitar AMP I test changing those 2 switches...

[@stevenowilson]

when I had a bit of extra money I ended up upgrading from SM57's to TG88's - love the TG88. The SM7B is great although I like the RE20 most of the time (or TG88). As much as I like dynamics, there are a lot of interfaces that don't really have enough gain for dynamic mics. So be aware.

[@NicolasPerrault]

The SM7B is literally what happened when Shure asked their employees what they would do to improve their legendary SM57 if they had to and budget wasn't an option. I own both and love them both as studio tools and when I run FOH sound.

[@dkerwood1]

The 57 is simply the standard to beat. Ironically, I haven't touched any of my three 57's in a long time because every mic I own went through the process of "57 for amps but lower profile" (e906) or "57 for vocals but a little bit nicer EQ curve for my voice" (Beta 58) or "57 for drums but lower profile" (EV N/D468)... I do still keep two 57's in my production bag at all times, just in case.

[@RobertFisher1969]

The first mic everyone should by is an SM57 with an A2WS wind screen. The 2nd mic you should buy is another SM57 in order to have a stereo pair. The SM7B is four times the price, is going to need a Cloudlifter, and really isn’t different enough that a windscreen and a touch of EQ can’t make up the difference. Especially if we’re talking about a mix. There may be very specific cases where a 7B is really worth the price, but you probably already know if you’re in that situation.

[@musicalintelligence]

Everytime i see a used SM57 for $50 or less I pick it up. Never been disappointed so far.

[@antiHeroeCostaRica]

I have both… great mics, the SM7B is a great HH mic

[@JJohnston4Life]

The SM7b and the SM57 are the two mics I use to record all my demos.

[@DonalONeill-k8j]

Hi Rhett, huge fan and love the content. Have bought lots of gear on your recommendations. Going to be frank, you’ve chunked up, which I don’t think is healthy. Would love to see you get back in shape as you’re a solid and decent looking chap. Just a thought, but please keep hitting us with great videos.

[@CSAndrewHenry]

Great Video Rhett, thanks for doing this. Keep 'em coming, especially about microphones!

[@redcomn]

For me it’s my beta sm57 I kinda use it mainly as Vocal mic That thing can Handle Feedback like champ Never i felt i need more than that for live.

[@louaguado995]

I prefer an SM58 because it has the built-in windscreen to help with plosives while talking or singing. Then I unscrew and remove the windscreen to record drums and speaker cabinets. But I guess I could always just put a foam windscreen on a 57? 😏

[@denverrandy7143]

Sm57 sounds delicious with overdriven guitar

[@fbl902]

Low end pickup will be affected profoundly by proximity effect. Both mics need a quiet pre-amp because they require a lot of gain to get them up to usable levels. But yes, all-purpose. It's said that for a while in the '80s, Rudy van Gelder used nothing but 57s with their windscreens.

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

I bought an SM57 and the first time i recorded a guitar cabinet it was just, "oh yeah, there it is."

[@indivisibleman]

I don't know how you can make that title statement last 9:41 but it's exactly correct.

[@compucorder64]

If you get one of those Soyuz Launchers it can give you another more RE-20, or almost condensor like flavour with an SM7B. Adds some presence, brightness and air. Which makes them even more versatile. Because there's some vocals the SM7B isn't open enough with. And also, on nylon acoustic, or even dreadnought, or piano, I don't love it stock.

[@efisch]

Not to mention that BOTH mics take EQ very well. Especially the SM7B.

[@powdermnky007]

@rhett are you Shure?

[@jloiben12]

Not only will you never outgrow a 57, the 57 you buy will be around far longer than you will be

[@nuthinbutlove]

Absolutely! I had mine for 40 years before I lost it and I'm positive it's still going strong.

[@chadschoening4352]

Can also confirm this. My business partner passed away a few years ago and there are mics he had all his life that still work great. Almost all the 57s were over 40 years old when he passed away, and there were quite a few. Also a couple Sennheiser that survived the years very well.

[@CHILL3435]

That 57 sounds amazing!

[@johnoconnor2443]

We know you are Rhett, and it was good to meet Ben, but who was the star of the show you were interviewing at the beginning.

[@paintnamer6403]

I came across an RE 20 first so no real need for the SM7B. I have two SM 57's with the Sure locking windscreens that work quite well, mics are fun to play with!

[@ifeelloveandifeelpain]

thanks for making this video! extremely helpful for beginners :)!