Shure SM7dB Dynamic Vocal Microphone with Built-In Preamp

The Shure SM7dB is a dynamic XLR vocal microphone with an integrated active preamp for podcasting, streaming, broadcast work, voice-over, and studio recording. It addresses the low-output gain demands often associated with broadcast-style dynamic microphones by providing selectable onboard gain. This helps simplify a recording chain when using an interface or mixer with limited microphone preamp gain.

Its cardioid pickup pattern focuses on the source in front of the microphone while reducing pickup from the sides and rear. Internal air-suspension shock isolation helps reduce mechanical vibration and handling noise. The close-talk design and included foam windscreens also help manage breath noise during spoken-word and vocal use.

The SM7dB uses a moving-coil dynamic cartridge with a 50 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. Its response is designed for clear, natural reproduction of speech and music, with a full vocal character suited to close-miked recording. Rear-panel bass roll-off and mid-range presence controls allow practical tonal adjustments at the microphone.

A Shure-designed active preamp provides selectable +18 dB or +28 dB gain, with a bypass mode for passive operation. The active preamp requires 48 V phantom power from a compatible XLR audio interface or mixer. When bypassed, the microphone can operate without phantom power.

The SM7dB fits into professional XLR-based recording systems rather than connecting directly by USB. It can be paired with an interface, mixer, recorder, or XLR adapter that provides an appropriate microphone input, and 48 V phantom power when onboard gain is desired. Its yoke mount and included thread adapter support placement on compatible microphone stands or boom arms.

Key Features

• Built-In Active Preamp: Select +18 dB or +28 dB of onboard gain for compatible XLR systems.
• Preamp Bypass: Disables the active circuit for passive SM7B-style operation.
• Cardioid Pattern: Focuses pickup on the source while reducing off-axis sound.
• Rear EQ Switches: Bass roll-off and presence boost help tailor microphone tone.
• Air Suspension Isolation: Helps reduce transmitted handling and stand vibration noise.
• Electromagnetic Shielding: Helps reduce hum and broadband interference around recording equipment.

Design & Installation

The SM7dB has a black enamel aluminum and steel housing with a black foam windscreen. Its rugged body incorporates electromagnetic shielding, internal shock isolation, and a yoke mount with a captive stand nut. The package includes both standard and close-talk foam windscreens for different recording approaches.

Connect the microphone to a balanced, microphone-level XLR input on an interface or mixer. Enable 48 V phantom power only when using the built-in preamp, then select bypass, +18 dB, or +28 dB before setting the input level on the connected device. For close speech recording, position the microphone directly in front of the source at roughly 1 to 6 inches away and use a compatible stand or boom arm.