VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Frank F · Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 4:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the quote Ben.

Please do not take things out of context. The quote comes from a mic shootout and compared to the other two mics it was the cleanest sound. I do not know the preamp, the editor, or any other factors involved - only the sound of the microphones chosen for the shootout.

Love the SM7b for certain types of recordings. That said, a VERY high end preamp; which is clean - not pristine, has a high dynamic range, and GAIN(!!!!!!!!!!!!) are big factors in creating the right environment for the Shure SM7B.

The Shure microphone was not designed for VO or broadcast but has gained favor for it's more transparent sound and brightness when worked properly. The company now touts this as a VO/podcast/broadcast microphone in order to boost sales.

Also the SM7B is most effective in the freq. range of 200 Hz to about 12kHz. The rollup begins at 50 Hz and reaches it's peak about 200 Hz. The rolloff begins about 12kHz.

Remember the SM7B is an dynamic microphone. Use it similarly to an EV-RE20 for best practice.

Frank F
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Benjamin Stovall · Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 5:11 pm Post subject:

Sure thing Frank.

The quote mentioned the SM7B had "the best self noise level of the three mics" so I thought it would be clear that it was a specific comparison, but you know what they say about assumption... I'll be more precise if I quote you going forward.

Thank you for weighing in!
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Ben Stovall Voiceover
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"When you're nearing the end of your rope, tie a knot. Keep on hanging. Keep on remembering, that there ain't nobody bad like you." -- The Electrifying Mojo

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

Frank F · Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:27 pm Post subject:

Bob Stevens · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 1:52 pm Post subject:

Hey Lee,

Here is a comparison of an SM7b and a U87ai. Granted the outboard gear is top shelf but that Red-8 pre only puts out 60db.

https://soundcloud.com/audio-superfreak/sm7b_then_u87ai

+1 Frank. Quiet gain, headroom and bandwidth.

It is a hoot to read all the comments below that A/B comparison. Talk about ruffled feathers! Smile

Bob
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

Update: After messing with the Sm7b. Yeah, I like it on me. Absolutely does not cut it with the Mbox3. Can't handle any variation in dynamics. If you stay at one consistent louder level it can work, but the second your volume drops you get wildly variated levels. I noticed no pops and reduced mouth noises as opposed to the condenser.

I would like to make this mic work. It's easy on the ears. It sounds less wooly and muffled than the RE 20 I had a couple of years back.

Just for giggles I might try it with a MicPort and an iTrack Solo.

Either way. FEThead ordered. Zen Audio. $99 shipped
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Lee Kanne
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whalewtchr · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:29 pm Post subject:

Have an SM7B, you need a beefy preamp that can go 70 if needed, I had it max'd out on a 528e and it was decent but you could tell it was a gain hog and wanted more, it loves my Great River. Used it for an audiobook (w/o foam) on the 528e but as Rob already pointed out mic placement is critical from session to session or you'll be all over the road, especially pick-ups. I use it for radio spots. This mic IMHO was designed for the screamer, loud DJ's, hard sell car spots and Rock vocals on a live stage. Screaming Top 40 stations back in the day always had SM7B's but over time the RE20 replaced it in most studios. I personally prefer the SM7B to the RE20.
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jonahcummings

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

I'd be curious to know if anyone has been able to make the Shure SM7b their go-to as possibly an alternative to the Senn 416 for a deeper male baritone in promo type stuff, or as an alternative to a tlm 103 for short form narration.. this mic seems very versatile to me... the foam windscreen off gives it an entirely differnet flavor....

I have to say I'm enjoying the decreased sensitivity to the mouth clickies..
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Lee Kanne
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chuckweis · Contributor IV Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 136

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago