Names like TheGrefg, Rubius, Ibai or Illojuan have gained particular prominence on the national scene for a few years thanks to their live broadcasts and their videos on YouTube, and are followed by thousands and thousands of people. And if everyone chose the exact same model of microphone, it must be for a reason… or not? As data, the Shure SM7B is the one he used michael jackson to record the song Polar.
What is special about the Shure SM7B?
The brand itself defines the SM7B as a “vocal microphone”, or in other words, it’s a microphone designed to pick up voice. It is characterized by providing a flat frequency and a broad spectrum, which, translated into normal speech, means that it is capable of take the voice very naturally
According to the manufacturer, this microphone also incorporates an EM filter to prevent electromagnetic noise, and the microphone itself has a suspension housing that prevents shock noise. It also has a built-in pop filter, includes foam windscreens and, in general, everything desirable to actively and passively eliminate environmental noise. By the way, that your pickup model is cardioid.
Obviously, this is a professional microphone that uses XLR connector (Canon), and there is a need for an intermediate preview to integrate into the streaming “setup”, for which the microphone costs 500$ on the manufacturer’s web, but only sums up the preview ( at least).
All in all, and from our point of view, the Shure SM7B is an excellent mic, perfect for streaming, and we don’t think there was a campaign from the manufacturer for all streamers to use it, but they do come to realize it. is one of the best options to have the best possible quality in their broadcasts and they decided to use it.
Many streamers have spoken specifically about their microphone choice, including some like minus thirteen who made him a specific video telling us about all the mics he’s used, what he liked about each, and why he chose the one he has (in this case, he does not use a Shure SM7B but rather a combination of a Sennheiser MKH 416 and an Electrovoice RE20).
In any case, our conclusion regarding the Shure SM7B is that it is an excellent professional microphone… but it is not the best on the market, nor the one with the best quality/price ratio. It just became a status symbol, like if you want to be a successful streamer you have to use this mic because all the big streamers use it…no more, no less.
How much does this mic cost?
The Shure SM7B is announced at a price of 499 $ in the manufacturer’s online store, a price which seems to us, honestly, much higher than what it should be worth given what it offers. Also, it is not easy to find it in stores like Amazon at cheaper prices (pay attention because there is a microphone which is advertised as “SM7B” with a Shure image but it is not the microphone of origin, it’s a counterfeit and they ask for more than 300$ for it… we are not going to link it so as not to fall into the trap).
Yes, you can find the Shure SM7B in other stores like Thomann, one of the most famous for audio products, but it can also be found at PcComponentes, for example, at a price similar to that of the manufacturer’s store.
