Introduction

If you are into vocal ASMR triggers —or music, or podcasts, or even streamings—, you may have already seen or heard the Shure SM7B Microphone.

The Shure SM7B Microphone is a recording and broadcasting favorite, referred to as the “SM57 on steroids”. It’s worth saying that Michael Jackson’s voice was recorded solely using an SM7B microphone on the Thriller album. Sheryl Crow’s voice on “The Globe Sessions” was also recorded with a Shure SM7B. Professionals like Conan O’Brien rely on the SM7B for their high-level podcasts, too.

With this background, it’s no surprise the Shure SM7B is among the most popular microphones in the ASMR community. Moreover, there’s no “Top ASMR Microphones” list that doesn’t feature the Shure SM7B. The price range and superb Shure Engineering make it a no-brainer in the quest for full, rich, crystal clear recordings that will engage and enthuse your audience. Furthermore, it will look astonishing on any video you intend to post.

Read on to find out more about this cardioid dynamic beast.

Best in Versatility

Shure SM7B

Pros

•  Versatile in use
•  Lightweight
•  Sleek and smooth design
•  Delivers high-fidelity sound

Cons

•  Comparatively pricey

Check on Amazon

Specifications

Sound Quality & Noise Performance

While in the making of the SM7B, engineers at Shure optimized the diaphragm of this model for increased low-end response. This modification resulted in deep warm vocals that assure the tingling feeling you enjoy in ASMR videos and recordings. Vocal fry sounds pristine and robust in a delightful way.

Despite not being a condenser mic —which tends to be the go-to’s in the ASMR community—, the Shure SM7B presents exceptionally soothing brightness on the high part of the audible spectrum. Without any doubt, it is a fantastic choice for capturing all the nuances of the human voice.

The Shure SM7B was designed as a full-range microphone for all kinds of applications. That’s why it comes with a selectable low cut and presence peak filtering that can enhance any recording. It will faithfully pick up popular ASMR triggers such as tapping or page-turning with refined detail.

The Shure SM7B has a rather low gain output. Most Amazon reviewers suggest at least 60 dB, which means you will need to crank the gain on your interface or mixer. Suppose you don’t own an interface or mixer. In that case, you can also acquire a Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter to get the signal from the mic to your computer/laptop.

On the noise performance topic, the Shure SM7B is known for its rejection of electromagnetic hum, the interference emitted by computer screens. This exciting feature is very much welcome. Reviewers on Amazon praise its quietness as well. The highly effective windscreen it comes with catches unintended breath sounds and plosives, making it special for ASMR recordings that mainly capture close-up vocals.

Unfortunately, we didn’t find official information about the Shure SM7B Microphone self-noise number. However, it’s stated to come with “internal air suspension shock isolation” that virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmission.

Build & Power Requirements

The Shure SM7B is built like a tank. The construction meets the high standards one would expect from a company as legendary as Shure, but it’s also very rugged. It’s designed for outstanding sound quality and remarkable reliability without neglecting aesthetics; a working horse for your ASMR videos, streamings, or podcasts.

As we stated before, the Shure SM7B will benefit from a nice gain push. Still, as with any other dynamic microphone, it does not require any external power supply or phantom power to function properly.

Microphone Setup

The Shure SM7B comes with one “A7WS Detachable Windscreen,” which is specially purposed for close-up vocals. You will also find an “RPM602 Switch Cover Plate” intended to protect the microphone’s switches from accidental settings in the product’s box.

You will need to get a stand or microphone boom for optimal positioning of the mic. Its very high-quality mounting with captive stand nut is excellent for easy mounting and dismounting and provides sturdy control of microphone position.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Superlative sound quality for natural closed-up vocals.
• Very rugged construction.
• Bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis for all kinds of applications.
• Elegant aesthetics.
• Low noise with interference rejection.
• The price/quality ratio is quite stunning for ASMR recordings.

Cons

• It needs some gain push from a preamp to excel.
• It’s not as portable as other available options.
• A stand or mic boom is needed to control the microphone’s position better.
• The grill can’t be accessed easily, so it’s a no for recording triggers such as brushing.
• It is a single microphone, so it can not record in stereo or 3D imagery, which is becoming more popular among the ASMR community.

Verdict

The Shure SM7B Microphone is an excellent choice for people who want to start producing ASMR videos and need a microphone for making podcasts, unboxings, or streamings. It is also recommendable for people who enjoy mainly showcasing vocal triggers on their ASMR videos.

Maybe you have been making ASMR content for a while, or perhaps you want to record triggers found in nature. In that case, we suggest that you look for portable and stereo-capable options such as the Zoom H1 Handy Recorder or the Zoom H4n Handy Recorder.

If you consider yourself more than just an ASMR enthusiast, you will be very interested in checking out our review of the Mitra Corp. 3D Mic Pro. The Mitra Corp. is a 3D microphone that’s on the higher cost side, although it’s yet affordable.

Whatever the case, we believe the Shure SM7B is an exceptional microphone for all vocal-related purposes and an incredible tool for anyone interested in the content creation world.