Shure SM7B: The Ultimate Podcast Microphone

In the world of professional audio, few pieces of equipment have achieved the legendary status of the Shure SM7B microphone. It's not just a microphone; it's an industry standard, celebrated for its ability to produce a smooth, rich, and full-bodied sound that makes voices sound incredibly natural. This professional-grade dynamic microphone has become the go-to choice for broadcasters, voiceover artists, and, most notably, podcasters.

Strengths and Technical Versatility

The SM7B's reputation is built on its exceptional technical features. It's designed specifically to capture the human voice, with a wide-range frequency response that ensures every detail is recorded with stunning clarity. On the back of the microphone are built-in switches for a bass roll-off and a mid-range "presence boost," giving you the flexibility to tailor the sound to perfectly match different voices or production needs.

One of the microphone's most significant strengths is its outstanding noise rejection. It uses a cardioid polar pattern, which is highly directional and focuses on sounds directly in front of the microphone while minimizing background noise from the sides and rear. This makes it an ideal choice for professional environments where capturing clean audio is paramount. The SM7B also features an internal "air suspension" shock mount that virtually eliminates unwanted mechanical noise from handling or vibrations, and it has an integrated pop filter to reduce plosive sounds from a speaker's breath. It even includes advanced shielding to reject electromagnetic hum from nearby electronics, which is crucial for a professional studio environment.

While the SM7B is a powerhouse, it does have a key drawback: its low sensitivity. This means it requires a significant amount of gain from a high-quality preamplifier to achieve a strong, clean signal. Many entry-level audio interfaces can't provide the necessary power, resulting in a quiet or noisy signal. However, with the right professional equipment, this issue is easily overcome.

Why the Shure SM7B is one of the Most Popular Choices for Podcasts

The Shure SM7B's popularity in podcasting is no accident; it's a perfect storm of technical performance and brand recognition.

• Broadcast Sound in Any Environment: The SM7B was originally a broadcast microphone used in radio and television. Podcasters adopted it because it allows them to achieve that same warm, professional, "broadcast" sound even in untreated home studios or bedrooms. Its ability to reject room noise is a key reason it's so popular with creators working outside of a professional studio environment.

• It's the "Iconic" Look: The SM7B has an unmistakable, professional design that is instantly recognizable to audiences. It just looks like a high-end broadcast microphone, which adds to the perceived production value of a podcast.

• Celebrity Endorsement: The microphone has been used by a number of famous musicians, podcasters, and broadcasters, which has significantly boosted its profile among content creators.

• Durability and Reliability: Podcasters often need a microphone that can handle travel and frequent use. The SM7B's rugged construction means it's a long-term investment that is built to last.

The Perfect Match for Our Studio

At our studio, the Shure SM7B is a perfect fit for our podcast recording setup. Our team uses

the microphone's strengths to capture a smooth and rich recording. We have a dedicated audio board operator to control and monitor audio levels, ensuring the microphone receives the precise amount of clean gain it needs for a rich and clear signal. The microphone's ability to produce consistent, high-quality audio with minimal post-production work is what allows us to offer a "live to tape" version of your podcast.

Ready to record your next podcast? We invite you to explore our podcast production services and contact us to bring your project to life.