The SM7B Is VERY Over-Rated (SM7B Pros & Cons + Lauten Audio LS-208 Comparison) | Make Pop Music

In this video, Austin dives into dissecting the classic Shure SM7B microphone. The SM7B is one of the most popular microphones of all time because it does a good job of rejecting background noise, suppressing reverb from untreated rooms, and rejecting signal from around the capsule. However, the SM7B has a few MAJOR drawbacks, and in this video we discuss those, and give you a mic recommendation to replace the SM7B! Can the Lauten Audio LS-208 do everything the SM7B do but with a better frequency response? Watch to find out!
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My Gear:
DAW: Cubase 12 Pro
Desk: AZ Studio Workstations
Main Microphone: Lauten Eden, Lewitt LCT1040
Voiceover Mic: Lauten LS-208
Monitors: Focal Shape 65s with Focal Sub6
Interface: RME UFX ii
Compressor: AudioScape 76D
MIDI Keyboard: M-Audio Code 61
Keyboards: Roland Juno DS88, Roland Juno 106, Arturia PolyBrute
Guitars: Fender American Professional Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Taylor 214 CE Plus
Preamps: Heritage Audio HA81A & Audient ASP800
Extra Microphones: Advanced Audio 251, Slate ML-1, Shure SM7B, JZ BH-1, JZ V67, Lauten Audio LA-320, Lauten Audio LA-220, Lauten Audio LA-120, AKG P170, Sterling ST59
Camera: Panasonic G7
Lens: Rokinon 12mm f2
Camera Lights: Neewer LED Light Panels
Timestamps:
Intro 0:00
Why Is The SM7B So Popular? 1:35
What The SM7B Does Well 2:10
Pitfalls Of The SM7B 3:22
Michael Jackson Didn't Use Your SM7B 4:40
Hidden Cost of The SM7B 6:13
SM7B Vs Lauten Audio LS-208 Shootout 8:25
Spoken Word Example 9:45
10 Feet Away Test 12:20
Rear Rejection Test 14:52
Singing Example 1 16:20
Singing Example 2 17:30
EQ Comparison 17:55
Reverby Room Example 19:14
My Thoughts On The SM7B and LS-208 20:18
How The Mics Handle A Vocal Mix 21:12
Recap & Outro 23:30

[@myaluv]

Thank you so much for this review. Would you also recommend the Lauten Audio LS-208 for recording live vocal performances? Or any mic you'd recommend for live settings?

[@Cwhite.tx23]

I actually went backwards from using a condenser to the SM7B - I find that for my vocals/taste/workflow it’s easier to EQ and add “air” than the Rode NT1 I was using before which was too bright. Definitely a great sounding mic though! I’ll put it on the gear list

[@oldtimer666]

Bro same here i used to own a akg c414 xlii and a rode nt1a but ever since i bought the sm7b im in awe of how transparent its recording my vocals. I really dont understand why people dont like it.

[@Cwhite.tx23]

@@oldtimer666 yeah! Saw your other comment about the warm 73 pre and 2A - I use the WA TB12 pre and would love to get one of their compressors. You like the 2A on vocals with the SM7B?

[@oldtimer666]

Yeah totally its a kickass compressor and makes sm7b more fuller and smooth @@Cwhite.tx23

[@jimmyjay977]

If you would need to chose between the Shure SM7B, Lauten LS-208 or the Slate Digital ML-1 which one would you pick?

[@yousendjoker8176]

What a good video, I am between choosing the Lauten ls208 and the Sony C80, which would be better to record voices, guitars in an untreated room acoustically?

[@BykoOfficial]

I have seen the argument of (so and so has used this microphone) so many times. I was trying to explain to someone the difficulty I was having mixing my own vocals after going from a TLM102 to the SM7B, and the MJ argument came up immediately. I absolutely adore keeping this microphone at my desk for backing vocals, or just temp takes though. I always end up going back and rerecording everything. I am curious what your thoughts are on M/S recording/tracking? I just recently purchased a LCT441 FLEX to stack on top of my TLM102 to give it a shot and see how I can play with the width.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

FWIW Michael sang nearly all of it with an SM7, which by itself was a tad brighter than the current SM7(D)b He also didn't use the foam on his mic but a popfilter and singing a few inches away. It creates a much easier sound to mix than what I see a lot of people do and that is full on kissing the mic. The SM7b can be cutting through the mix bright with the right technique where you pretty much only need to add a bit of air with the EQ.

[@lukesilvamusic]

I so agree with you! Used to think I was crazy cause I didn't like the sound of the SM7B when everyone praises it. I much prefer my Rode NT1A (which is still not the best but way nicer than the SM7B for me)

[@consciensnesttv3775]

The RODENT1A is a nightmare when it comes to removing sibiliance

[@jamoinsen.]

Do you guys have some recommendations for a mic max (400$), I do modern trap vocals with good amount of autotune. I have the Rode Nt1a + focusrite solo 3rd gen. I love it but for me it's a little to harsh in the highs. I bought the SM7B (with cloudlifter) after mixing it was good but I would still prefer the Nt1a over it. So I ended sending it back. If you have some mics in your mind just drop it here and I will study the mics. Thanks for any recommendations 👍🏻

[@MakePopMusic]

Lauten Audio LA-220 is the best mic under $400 I’ve ever tried.

[@acoyamusic]

thank you for the video! I got my sm7b about a month ago and have been running into all the problems that you describe and the ones mentioned in the comments. any suggestion for a good studio mic to replace it? my budget’s around $400 and I’m recording lead pop/r&b vocals. thanks!

[@acoyamusic]

i was looking into the new Rode NT1 5th gen and after this video, I looked at the Lauten LA220 v2…

[@MakePopMusic]

Either the Lauten Audio LA220 or the Lewitt LCT 440

[@acoyamusic]

@@MakePopMusic just got the lewitt!!!

[@onoesmurlocs]

Can you recommend a condenser mic or a good mic around $1000 mark ? , I have the Rodes NT1A but looking to upgrade , I do mostly soft or normal vocals ,nothing super loud.

[@MakePopMusic]

lauten Audio LA 320 or Lewitt 840

[@onoesmurlocs]

@@MakePopMusic Thanks!

[@jeanpaul.mma_]

Hey, i am using SM7B for vocals and you are tottaly right with dark and boomy sound but only if you keep the original foam. I have put it away and keep only exteranl pop filter. Now mic is sometimes even to sharp in 15k area. Have you ever try this mic withiout any foam and only exteranl popfilter? Diffrent story.....

[@MakePopMusic]

Oh yeah. I take the foam off for vocal tracking and still hate it.

[@leonalexandre1451]

Man I’m so frustrated I don’t know what to do it is so noisy even with no input at all, I think I should’ve bought a condenser with a kaotica . If you have time please answer I’m looking for advice ! Love your videos! Thanks in advance

[@elijahteputepu2519]

I’m wondering some of yall eq process where it takes “a lot of work”. I’ll get someones vocals crystal clear in less than 3 mins with eqs

[@brendanpatrickmusic]

I do like my SM7B and it works well on demos and stuff, but it takes a lot of work to clean up that muddiness. I find it more convenient for recording demos, or using it for other hobbies like gaming videos or voiceover. I often find myself wishing I had a nicer condenser for doing final vocal tracking. No room treatment where I'm at right now though so that's my trade off lol.

[@CrikeyDrake]

Would the shure sm7b used for metal music or music that uses more aggressive vocals like yelling, screaming or mainly non “clean” vocals

[@MakePopMusic]

Yeah it’s pretty great for that!

[@NoeAnton]

I use this mostly for metal screaming vocals, or singers with grit it does wonders with them, there's a place for the SM7B. Anything I need a clearer voice with better top end I use a condenser mic (in my case the Antelope Edge Solo or the Aston Spirit).

[@AVDRE]

Are there video version of the podcasts? Would definitely be worth uploading I think

[@MakePopMusic]

There isn't! Audio only. We thought about doing video and then thought "that's a waste. That would just be a video series on KZbin. Podcasts are for listening" Hahaha

[@kenshikeys]

Would you make a video on your mix of the LS-208?

[@IntoTheWeeds71]

Is the SM7B particularly beneficial for warm male vocals? I've seen Hozier (live version of Real People Do) and Bon Iver (Exile w/ Taylor Swift) use it and it sounds beautiful, but maybe that's just the EQ?

[@bradm-h1842]

Yes it’s a perfect mic for those voices. There’s also a great video of Sam Smith singing into one

[@TonyThomas10000]

We used the SM7Bs as on air mics at the radio station I worked at for most of the 90s. They are extremely durable and dependable and that is why broadcasters use them for 24/7 operations. Of course, we had a mic processor and EQ so that we customize the sound. There are tons of sub $600 mics that would work well for vocal applications. I would love to see you test options from Lewitt, Audio Technica, Austrian, Rode, and others.

[@MakePopMusic]

I’ve used the Lewitt 1040 a ton on this channel and I love it sooo much! Rode and AT arent for me too much.

[@TonyThomas10000]

@@MakePopMusic With mics there is a good choice for every voice!

[@Indigo_Jams]

Illangelo has said that After Hours by The Weeknd was recorded on a SM7B directly into the Apollo with the Manley VoxBox UAD Plugin. I own that microphone, bought it when my room wasn't as treated. Have noticed the same pitfalls you notice as far as muddy mids and boomy low end, dark high end. It can however be turned into a pop vocal HOWEVER it takes so much more work with dynamic EQs, saturation, etc to tame the mid-lows and boost the highs. Now that my room is much better treated acoustically I'm looking at the Sony C-80. I tipically record into the Triton Preamp for the SM7B, with 4K on on the SSL2+ and then going into autotune and the 1073 UAD plugin. I DO use the lowcut and mid bump in the actual microphone. I find this way the vocals are more forward with the MidBump in the Mic + 4K Saturation in the SSL2 + 1073 Plugin.

[@MakePopMusic]

I’ve used it on DOZENS of pop records but like you said, it takes WORK to get it there. And most people using this mic are more beginner level which means their vocals are just dark and bloated and sibilant. If you’re in the market for a new mic, try stuff from Lauten and Lewitt! Both companies make INCREDIBLE mics and they’re priced very well.

[@kriLdaChrixt]

I can highly recommend the Sony C-80 combo with SSL2, I´ve also got a GAP 73 Pre. I was blown away with how the C-80 sounded

[@Indigo_Jams]

@kriLdaChrixt Thanks bro! I was looking at the Sony C-80 to later combo with the Heritage 73 and maybe later a Distressor.

[@Indigo_Jams]

@MakePopMusic Thanks for the reply! You're absolutely right, I've done dozens of them too and just finished my album with the SM7B. But THE WORK it takes to make it shine like a pop vocal without the problems is SO not worth it, it's pretty much the reason why I'm looking for an upgrade to get a more finished sound right out of the gate. I have looked at Lewitt and Lauten but I'm thinking of them as more of a later game upgrade since my budget is sub 500$, and when I go for Lauten I want at least the Atlantis which is over 1500$. Do you think there is a microphone from Lewitt/Lauten that beats the C-80 for a pop vocal sound? (same price range) My voice is pretty similar to yours, mostly tenor and mostly R&B vocals. From soft whisper singing to belting.

[@kriLdaChrixt]

@@Indigo_Jams I was literally thinking the same haha! Go for it broski

[@newbiecryptewbie3170]

Would love your take on this new Rode Nt1 5th Gen. Wondering if more advanced producers should just disregard it since it’s more of an entry level budget mic.

[@MakePopMusic]

I don't like it honestly. SO many better budget mics. Anything Lauten or Lewitt smokes that in my opinion. JZ Mics also makes solid budget friendly mics!

[@paulopetrucci]

I have a SM7B but I only use it for scream vocals. For clean singing I just use an AT2020, but I have my room treated (yeah...I know this is a POP channel 😂)

[@MakePopMusic]

I will say, it’s CRAZY good for screaming vocals and drum tracking / guitar revamping. It’s unmatched for that stuff because it’s SO dark.

[@MakePopMusic]

I came from metal so I appreciate it! Hahaha

[@DomSigalas]

How DARE you Austin? 😂 I own an SM7b and I totally agree with you. Especially the MJ argument- there are just some pieces of gear that have a “sacred” connotation and even people that have no experience in recording pop vocals jump on those (sometimes without even owning the gear 😂). Very valid points and awesome video man!

[@uv4bk]

To be honest, I actually find the SM7B to fit better in the mix in the final vocal example! I agree with the other assessments, especially around general 'boxiness' in the low mid, and the low gain, but there's something to the sound that still honestly sounds pretty damn good.

[@MakePopMusic]

Different strokes for different folks! I think so far you’re the first person to prefer it but everyone has their own preference 😁

[@ambur4101]

I like the shure better for Voiceovers. The added low end Makes it sound more like the "Broadcast" sound that I am used to hearing. You can probably dial in that frequncy with eq in other mics , but clean i like the Shure.

[@AAhshitsun]

What would you recommend for a hard rock metal vocal in the $1000 price range? Im leaning towards the Neuman

[@MakePopMusic]

Lauten LA 320

[@MakePopMusic]

Or Lauten Atlantis

[@athomesongwriting]

I use the SM7B when I am going for a grittier, not as silky sound. If I want something more shiny, my voice sounds pretty good with an AKGC414 with a Neve Pre and 1176.

[@alexanderbreuer-roelke6311]

same here

[@omarsuriel1112]

Is it just me or does the sm7b sound less good in all test Except for the fully mixed vocal demo which I think sounds warmer, fuller and nicer?

[@MakePopMusic]

I actually disliked it in every single example. Even the mixed vocal demo. Sounds muffled and muddy to me.

[@oldtimer666]

Personally i love the sm7b i have used 3 different condensers for my vocals but this seems to be the mic which actually csptures the true tony if my vocal. For me it is perfect and mix wise too idk why people hate on it. I use it with a warm audio 1073 modelled pre and 2a compressor and the vocals sound so warm and thick compared to a condesor which makes my vocal tone really thin for some reason

[@ManaMonteo]

I do agree with this video though. I got the sm7 and was a little let down when I wanted to do pop music and found out how much of a nightmare it is to work with. I still like how I can hold it tho lol. Not me coping or anything.

[@Slipsch]

I think Lauten still need to work a little bit more on the LS-208, but it's a good version 1. I would like to see 3 stage built in pop filter like the Neumann KMS105. And to certain voice, the LS-208 sound harsh (piercing) and it doesn't cut through mix very well (compared to Neumann) of course there's a price difference, but there's cheaper mics that cut through mix very well. I think they might want to try using the same capsule as their Clarion or even their Atlantis but with LS-208 features. I don't mind a little price increase. If they can do that, I think it will be a staple mic that people will use for podcast/broadcast and also for people like Finneas to use on their tour.

[@alexanderbreuer-roelke6311]

I love my SM7B. 🙂 I prefer it over many very expensive microphones in my collection. But I have a totally different voice. And it's also a matter of taste. ;-)

[@annekedebruyn7797]

You should have added in the switches when comparing the mic. If you use the 50hz low cut and the 10khz high cut filter, you can get the same 'easy to listen to' tone from the sm7b but with a bit more detail and depth.

[@francescomaria8660]

What mic do you suggest buying then, at the same price? Ls 208 almost costs double!

[@MakePopMusic]

$400 and $600 isn’t a huge difference, especially when you factor in the sm7b needing a preamp

[@francescomaria8660]

@@MakePopMusic ok, but is there a mic you think worth buying at the same price of the SM7b with the same quality?

I'm convinced some artists just buy it because everyone has one/it looks cool in videos despite that it is a PAIN in the BUTT for your producer to mix your vocals if you record on one of those...

[@MakePopMusic]

facts

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

The sm7b is my favorite mic that I also don't own that and the Re20 along with the sm58.

[@dannylightning-audio-reviews]

Actually the higher end of your voice was feeling a little bit fatiguing on my ears after watching your video for a little while and then when you switch to the sm7b those fatiguing high-frequency has disappeared and it was just an overall smoother sound on your voice. Then you went back to the 208 and it definitely has some harsh or frequencies on your voice I would say

[@maxprizm]

I like the sm7B for dual mic pairing with another mic on some things, heavier or harsh guitars, scream vocals, vintage or lofi projects but out of all the mics I have It would probably be my last choice for a modern pop vocal though. I'd even prefer a sm57 for vocal over it.

[@sfuture08]

Just returned mine a month ago because of some of these reasons! I thought it was just me. Wasn’t so happy about spending even more on a lifter.

[@tommorton7211]

I got an sm57 with a windscreen out of concern for room reverb on vocals and my rode nt1a sounds so much better. Comparing them on the same vocals, no amount of eq on the sm57 was able to match the warmth and clarity of the rode mic. This made me think room reverb concerns are over-hyped to justify needing an sm7B and this video suggests that as well. Thanks for making it!

[@PatrickRussellMusic]

But will it survive me knocking it over 30 times per year Austin? 😂 My SM7b has seen things…. With that said, I definitely wouldn’t mind having both options. I stopped using my slate vm1 recently due to my room (literally a garage) I would definitely love a more “poppy” mix ready microphone option if it worked in that location for sure.

[@MakePopMusic]

I will say, the SM7B is the fucking Nokia phone of audio gear. I may repurpose mine into Door Stoppers now. Hahahaha

[@mikefox6211]

Thanks for this. I see it everywhere online so I gave it a shot. Went right back to the store fifteen minutes later. Sounded awful to my ear. To each his own, but it wasn't for me.

[@ManaMonteo]

you forgot to factor the in handle on the sm7b.

[@bigdoghat3827]

A popular mod for this mic by people who know it well is to take off the foam windscreen. You'd really only want the foam windscreen for something like a podcasting application. Remove the foam windscreen and re-evaluate. Look up youtube video on how to take it off safely

[@MakePopMusic]

I had the windscreen off for vocal tracking tests!

[@UnckeFoke]

Thanks Austin! Totally agree with the point of over-rating the SM7B. When I switched it to Neumann TLM102 I was happy af.

[@leviathan1usa124]

So to me listening to this and one thing that needs to be considered is your natural vocal tone. Your voice is in the higher range so I would agree that the ls-208 sounded better for you and your vocal tones in the music you are producing, but the application of someone who has a lower tone isn't going to need to amplify those higher tones as much. I'd have to see how the LS-208 sounds in that realm as the comparison for your voice is fine, but for someone who has a lower register, how does it make their voice sound? Both sides have to be tested, as the differences in microphones are application in my opinion.

[@waveafrica]

THe sm7b is not commonly used for lead vocals especially in pop music in a pro setting. Maybe if you have a harsh or screaming vocal. If you want that pop sound get a LDC like a U87 or c800g. If you want a great quality live broadcast mic with decent off axis rejection, and something that is hard to beat on horns and toms and sometimes kick out, the sm7b can't be beaten. Only downside is you'll probably need a cloudlifter. Only Dynamic that comes close for similar use is the MD 421.

[@ydj1292]

SM7B is an excellent microphone. Both details and tops can be extracted from him. I have been using them a lot for 30 years and they have never let me down! It cannot be compared with a tube condenser. The SM7B has its own uses.

[@djontheweather]

Just started the episode but have to share my homie a few years ago talked me OUT of the SM7B and instead led me to an RE20.

[@MakePopMusic]

RE20 is fire tbh

[@beatsbyledo]

I agree with all the points you're making. The only thing you should also point out in favor of the Shure is that it's 200$ cheaper. The Lauten is indeed better but it's also more expensive. 600$ for a condenser mic is a lot of money. When you're building a small home studio on a budget, 200$ can really be a dealbreaker for most people. In that case, the SM7B is still the better choice in my opinion. I'd rather invest a couple more 100s in a better interface than in a slightly better mic. At that point, I would invest in a mic stand with a vocal booth and a tube/condenser. Anyway, I love what you do, the video was exhaustive and I agree with all the other points. Keep it up, man! :)

[@MakePopMusic]

I did point that out 😁 I also pointed out that most people get an external preamp for SM7Bs which can add $150. 😁

[@MakePopMusic]

Also, $200 for a mic upgrade gets you WAY further than an interface upgrade in my opinion.

[@beatsbyledo]

@@MakePopMusic fair point

[@alsterling9313]

Thanks for doing this. Please slow down however and take a breath

[@MakePopMusic]

This is me talking slow 😂

[@Jamusictv]

I love my SM7B for my speaking voice. Because I have a naturally lower voice. But for most people this mic takes a ton of work to get to sit well in the mix. Lacks tons of highs and overly powerful mids and lows. Good for that boomy radio voice however. lol

[@MakePopMusic]

Fair!! Great for that! I got a WIMPY ass voice though 😂

[@Jamusictv]

@@MakePopMusicol no stop it. Not wimpy. But I was going to say you have a higher pop voice so I think a condenser mic sounds silky with your voice. Especially when you belting out those higher notes and that mic you have really compliments your voice well. The SM7B to my ears sounds good with folks who have a stronger lower voice. Especially guys who have a deeper rap voice. But you do gotta scope the mids and lows to tame jt.

[@allwhitebaba]

I don't have the LS-208 so I don't know how my voice would sound but from your example I can imagine brighter and better. I really love the texture the SM7B brings out of my voice but I do worry of the booms and low end. I do wish for a brighter and cleaner mic so I will compare the 208 with other condensors, my only concern is I am mainly recording in untreated rooms hence the SM7B comes in handy. Thanks for the review Austin.

[@dominicisidore]

I wish I would've seen this literally 1 hour ago. I just ordered the SM7b and now I feel like I need to order the Lauten. I have a very bright voice and I don't want the Shure to muddy my voice :/ I may just keep both. I have heard great lives with awesome singers using the Shure tho.

[@tinychamberz]

I dont understand this: why would people want a bright mic if their voice is already bright? wouldnt u want a darker mic, which doesnt tend to be overly harsh in the end, and also give ur voice some warmth? i dont understand that at all.

[@dominicisidore]

The way I see it is that there is a lot of beauty in the brightness of my voice and if the mic is muddy than it takes away from that beauty. You can always EQ out some of the harshness tho right? I just want a mic that captures my voice correctly to give me something to hang my hat on you know?@@tinychamberz

[@MistahWhiteOfficial]

Finally someone saying this 🎉 of course, it’s all about personal taste, but I never liked this mic 😂😂😂 sm57 beta is better 😅 🤣🤣🤣😈🎶 still, we all love shure mics on or off stage 🤘

[@MakePopMusic]

Shure is amazingggg! The sm7b does what it was meant to do very well. I’m just not sure why it’s been adopted as THE home studio vocal mic 😂😂

[@kingivey4672]

Michael Jackson didn’t use a Lauten audio LS something something to record thriller😂

[@MakePopMusic]

I literally address this in the video

[@lilwombat]

a funny thing to me is that i find the recent much cheaper mv7 from shure sounds better than the sm7b.

[@MakePopMusic]

Honestly same because it’s a bit thinner 😂

[@Playmanmusic]

Totally agree with your points.

[@jeremyformerlyknownastoken8218]

About the Michael Jackson argument, The weeknd and Illangelo used this all over the After Hours record and Illangelo stayed in the box with it too if I am not mistaken

[@MakePopMusic]

Nah. They used it for Trilogy. They use a u67 into an Apollo (I’m sure they hit a CL1B or 2A from time to time too)

[@nottypebeats7667]

@@MakePopMusic Illangelo has definitely said the SM7b was used for the most part, for the record. It appears to have been used on My Dear Melancholy too, so definitely good enough for use at the top levels of music. It's just preference, but a dynamic mic can capture a good singer fairly well in pretty much any room, and the SM7b has a great sound in my opinion.

[@jeremyformerlyknownastoken8218]

​@@MakePopMusic I am in a discord with Illangelo and he literally told me. He also states this clearly in one of his mix with the masters videos, this doesn't take much away from your points though.

[@MakePopMusic]

@@jeremyformerlyknownastoken8218 You're right! Was just talking to Trent from Lauten today and he knows Mike Dean and Mike confirmed that The Weeknd is ALWAYS a SM7 (not B) through a 1073 and CL1b.

[@jeremyformerlyknownastoken8218]

@@MakePopMusic No worries, thanks for your videos!

[@AVDRE]

Im using the MV7 and its been great while costing alot less. for streaming its so overrhyped its ridiculous lol. great video Austin

[@LonelyStarOfficial]

But when its over rated can anyone recommend an other Dynamic mic but not more expensive than this

[@RobertHoracemusic]

Thanks Austin! This was exactly what held me back from buying the SM7B even though the whole world seems to scream "buy this mic and all your problems are solved!" Not having to deal with as much room reverb is tempting but the noise floor would be a pain without something like a cloudlifter. 👍

[@Byron101_]

I have two SM7B for my voice. because of stereo.

[@luk7n]

The Lauten sounds great, but it´s nearly double the price of the SM7B

[@MakePopMusic]

Not when you factor in the cloud lifter for the SM7b

[@luk7n]

@@MakePopMusic cloudlifter is BS it is not any better than any other preamp, only people learned the name and become lazy to think about other preamps 🤣 most streamers like I do have goxlr or Rodecaster with plenty of gain 🙂

[@hedpe666]

i totally agree with you. i used to like the 7b, now i think its the devil.

[@RealGengarTV]

I agree with the top end. I hate harsh s and sh sounds. I would not use the SM7B on female vocals, but the SM7b works great for me at least. I use this microphone with a fethead

[@RealGengarTV]

SM7B is a really good Swiss army knife. It does a lot of stuff, but it's not the best in every situation, however i think it should be in every serious studios mic drawer

[@ariczair]

People still use that "well MJ used it in the 80s!" excuse? 😂 Like yeah man, I still use DOS outside of my DAW cause it worked then! Would like to see other dynamic mic comparisons though. A condenser is almost always going to be preferred for vocals, so this is somewhat of an unfair comparison.

[@julesc8054]

The SM7B does one job very well, it makes everyone sound the same. It captures so little articulation it's like taking I to a pillow. It removes so much charicter of unpleasant voice that it sounds nice but conversely a good sounding voice also gets the same treatment. It makes everyone sound average, OK pleasant, not offensive. If you have an unpleasant voice or an echo chamber of a recording space, the SM7B is perfect for you. For pod cast guests it's perfect, you don't know how they're going to sound. For everyone else a great condenser may be a better choice. For this reason sure sell 40 000 sm7b's per month. If you really on a budget and no one will see the mic, buy a $100 sure sm57, remove the transformer in the handle and talk 3 inches from the capsule with the stock sm57 pop shield. And don't worry you recording at a lower level just get the pre-amp in its sweet spot normally 3/4 way up on the dial and lift it in the DAW. Cloud lifters and alike don't sound the best and defiantly sound worst than just your interface. Enjoy

[@MistahWhiteOfficial]

I’m sure MJ recorded on various mics at the same time :))))) 😂😂😂😂 who would even bring this up in this conversation 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MakePopMusic]

I see this argument literally everyday. I wantedddd to say “I’m pretty positive he cut final vocals on a U47” but didn’t have the time to fully research. Just wanted to DEFINITELY negate the SM7B “thriller vocal” argument 😂

[@czeital]

@@MakePopMusic yes and also it's all about source and sadly not many of us sing like MJ :)

[@flowmerlin]

Slate Digital VMS ML-1 Is the best

[@Newmusicreview]

Yeah I get it....I think the title should read "Why I think...."....I means its only overrated in your opinion...surely thousand of sales says its ok generally?...I use this Mic and a Neumann TLM...both have their place for me anyway.

[@MakePopMusic]

Fair but too many words for a title. Haha The fact that THIS mic sells 40,000 units a year tells me it’s a FACT that it’s over rated though. 😂 this mic has no business being that popular in my opinion.

[@Newmusicreview]

@@MakePopMusic it’s a good come back…one could suggest 170k subs is overrated 😂😂…where as my 260 is very underrated and worth a 👀 🤷🏼….nice work as always 👍

[@MakePopMusic]

@@Newmusicreview Oh we're still under rated here 😉

[@jmclane27]

Things like this are often up to taste…that said my ear very much so appreciates the 208 more. I’ve worked with the Sm7b a few times and even recently bought my own just for quick reference stuff and meetings/videos. But after hearing that comparison of the singing vocals(which I do a lot) I was sold. Sm7b is going back. I usually have to play with eq for a while to get the vocals sounding like the Lauten sounds naturally. Thanks for this comparison. You were biased but I think you proved why. To each their own though

[@marmotenjoyer]

I hated this microphone, use an sE4400 now and its so much better for me

[@habarpozitivfoto8430]

Now throwing my SM7B out the window 😂

[@MakePopMusic]

Hahaha I don’t know about THAT 😂

[@vdchile27]

The sm7b is soooo overrated for vocals. When it works like any mic it works, but sooo many shit frequencies to remove, and boosting. Pumped to have the Ls-208

[@stillpist]

It's true, the sm7b is overrated. All you really need is a sm58 and a pop filter and it will sound pretty much the same. You don't need an even more expensive lauten mic.

[@Batmonthesequel]

7B is definitely overrated! Just a fancy 57…

[@vadimmartynyuk]

⚠️ SM7B is not SM7. SM7B is overrated, SM7 is underrated. Most people that used or heard SM7B never heard SM7. SM7 was used on MJ’s thriller not SM7B. SM7 and SM7B sound very different. SM7 sounds much better.

[@harpocollins1985]

Speaking opinion as if it were a fact. You’re right… sm7b is a terrible mic, for your voice.

[@MakePopMusic]

I've mixed SM7Bs for a hundred people at this point and it ALMOST never works well as a vocal mic. That's not what it was ever designed or intended for.

[@harpocollins1985]

@@MakePopMusic 🤣👍

[@SGAndyAng]

Gosh, you should seriously use the SM7B. The LS-208 is making your voice sound piercing, and my ears are hurting from listening to your video throughout.

[@FreestyleGalaxyNMore]

Turn down your volume 😂😂😂😂

[@saloliveriproducer]

In Austin's next video... "Why APPLES are better than ORANGES". 🤪 Dynamic vs Large diaphragm condenser are not even in the same category. Follow up video, "Why BLUE crayons are better than RED crayons."

[@MakePopMusic]

Please watch the video. I compare them for the PURPOSES that people use a SM7B. I understand the SM7B is dynamic so it’ll still crush on snares, hats, amps, etc. but I’m saying you don’t HAVE to use a shitty sounding Dynamic mic just to get a tight vocal recording in crappy environments.

[@vdchile27]

This video was awesome and led to me collaborating with Lauten. Sick of using sm7b at all the publisher studios I write at 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@caseyspeer]

Low iq comment