SM7b Alternatives – The best mics for vocal production and podcasts
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SM7b Alternatives - The best mics for vocal production and podcasts · Source: Canva / Gearnews
The Shure SM7b is THE mic for podcasters, content creators, and vocalists. And just received an update with the SM7dB. But either one might be out of your budget. Or don’t like its Sound. Or you want a headset solution. We’ve collected the best SM7b alternatives for any situation.
What’s the deal with the SM7b?
If you’re on stage, it’s the SM58. If you’re in the studio recording vocals or a podcast or a content creator, it’s the Shure SM7b. No other mic is as widespread as this dynamic microphone in these situations.
With the first iteration, the SM7 being released in 1973, then the first update SM7A coming out in 1999, and the SM7B in 2001, this range of microphones has been a studio go-to for fifty years!
The SM7B is to the SM7A what the SM58 is to the SM57, by the way. You just get a protection shield (foam in the case of the SM7B), but the inside is the same. And when 2008/9 came around and podcasting exploded, Shure SM7B was the choice of most podcasters. Few chose SM7b alternatives.
What should SM7B alternatives offer?
Replacing a microphone with such an iconic sound (and look) is no easy feat. But there are quite a few equally good-sounding choices. You might be looking for a cheaper solution. Or one that does not need an audio interface. Or you’re finding the SM7b just too bulky for a recording or live-streaming setup.
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One thing, many first time users stumble over with the SM7b is the amount of gain you need to amplify its signal. That’s one of the reasons portable preamps like Cloudlifters have become so popular. And that’s also why Shure just released the Sm7dB with a built-in preamp.
But while you’re at it, do take a look at the OG. It’s available at Thomann for 389 Euros. Add a preamp like the Cloudlifter CL-1, so enough gain is added that you don’t have to scream at the top of your lungs. And its freshly released sibling SM7dB is available as well.
Rode Podmic, PreSonus PD 70 or The T.Bone BC 500 – the budget SM7B alternatives
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In this price range, features, durability and sound quality are often very similar. With the Rode Podmic you’ll get a much more compact microphone than the clunky Sm7B. An integrated pop filter and its protection grill protect your recordings from plosives.
The PD-70 from PreSonus is specifically aimed at recording spoken word in quiet environments – and if you’re looking for an SM7B lookalike, this one comes pretty close! With the t.bone BC 500 being a strong contender for most SM7B lookalike – and a similar sound
SE E Dynacaster DCM6 or Aston Mic Origin
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If you do want to spend a bit more money for a more defined sound and longer durability, we’ve got two additional suggestions. With the Dynacaster DCM6 from SE Electronics, you’ll get a dynamic mic that also has the preamp already built-in (Phantom-powered), so no need for a Cloudlifter or powerful audio interface
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And while the Aston Microphones Origin is not the newest one on our list, it certainly is one of the most eye-catching mics. Visual appeal might be appealing if you’re into live-streaming. It’s also pretty light at roughly 450 grams.
Shure MV7 – USB mic and most practical mic of our SM7b Alternatives
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A microphone from Shure as an alternative for a microphone from Shure? While not matching the legendary, pristine quality of the SM7B, Shure MV-7 offers much of the same, and then some. It sports a similar look, and is about half as big (useful for cramped home-recording bedroom situations), and you don’t even need an audio interface!
EV RE 20 – the classic
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No other mic is recommended as often as the RE 20 from EV. How so? It looks different, it’s even more expensive, tt sounds quite a bit different and it’s a physically larger mic. However, the RE20 has been around even longer than Shure’s SM7 range, being introduced in 1968!
Like the Origin earlier, it’s a definite eye-catcher in your livestream. And while the SM7b offers a legendary sound, that sound can be a bit too natural or flat to some ears. In comes the Electrovoice RE 20 with its emphasized lows and highs. This is the sound of broadcast radio! If it’s good enough for Dr Frasier Crane…
Conclusion
Was the mic you were looking for on our list? What would you have suggested? With the market of vocal mics growing at such a pace, it’s impossible for such a list of Sm7B Alternatives to include them all. But you might have an idea or two where to start.
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