Getting to Know the Broadcast Legend: An SM7dB Deep Dive

The recent release of the Shure SM7dB has created quite a buzz in the recording world. This new take on a classic dynamic microphone promises the same rich and focused sound that made the SM7B an icon, plus extra onboard gain to simplify connections.

For those eager to learn more about how this exciting new mic performs, let’s take a closer look under the hood! We’ll explore what’s new and what has stayed consistent in the SM7dB, examine use cases and audio samples, and see how it stacks up to its world-famous predecessor.

Inside the SM7dB: What’s Under the Hood?

First, what exactly has changed from an internal design perspective? The key upgrade here is the inclusion of a built-in, custom-designed preamp that provides adjustable levels of clean gain. Shure tuned the preamp specifically for the SM7 capsule to ensure optimal sound quality.

With the +28 dB setting enabled, testing showed the SM7dB delivers around 60 dB of total gain. This allows the mic to easily connect to most any audio interface or mixer without need for external amplification.

The other major change is a slightly longer body length to accommodate the onboard preamp components. Otherwise, the overall visual design stays true to SM7 form, right down to the rugged all-metal construction.

Importantly, the actual dynamic cartridge responsible for that smooth frequency response remains completely unchanged from the SM7B. So you still get the same rich sonic character that made this mic so renowned. The preamp simply gives it more output and connectivity versatility.

SM7dB vs. SM7B – How Do They Compare?

With such similar internal capsules, how do these two broadcast mic legends stack up? As covered earlier, there are no perceptible differences when A/B testing the raw sound itself on speech or instruments. However the extra gain flexibility of the SM7dB can provide some subtle benefits:

• Interface Compatibility – Clean preamp allows use with lower gain preamps without need for external booster. opens up more setup options.
• Simplified Connections – No extra inline preamp box required in signal chain. Makes travel rigs/mobile kits easier.
• Noise Floor – Around 2-3 dB max improvement in theory. Varies greatly depending on other gear in chain.

So while the SM7B is still a phenomenal choice, especially if you already own supporting preamps, the SM7dB does increase simplicity. For those seeking that smooth dynamic sound in their home studio, the integrated gain may offer just enough extra versatility to justify the choice.

The Bottom Line

With its rich tone and focused vocal/instrument sound, the SM7 series from Shure has earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest dynamic mics. The newly released SM7dB takes that same sonic legacy and adds onboard preamp gain to increase connectivity and optimization.

If you’ve had your eye on an SM7 but just haven’t had the supporting equipment to power it properly, the SM7dB provides a handy streamlined solution to finally achieve that smooth professional broadcast sound.