Shure SM7B dynamic microphone: features and spec-based rating

Shure’s SM7B is a cardioid dynamic microphone with XLR connection.

A dynamic microphone is tough and picks up little surrounding sound. It suits streaming and recording vocals at home in a room whose echo is a problem.

In this article we rate it on 4 criteria using only the specifications the manufacturer publishes, and show how it ranks among the 17 dynamic microphones we compare.

Disclosure: This site takes part in affiliate programs. Specifications are as of the date we checked them and can change.

Figure: SoundBounty

Summary

Among the 17 dynamic microphones, SM7B is rank B. The ranks run S, A, B and C, and B is third from the top. Averaging the scores for each criterion (out of 5) gives 3.3.

Strengths

• High-frequency range (20,000 Hz, 5 points): It records the high end of the voice clearly.
• Features (3 of 5, 4 points): It is well equipped, with connection options and switches on the body.

Things to keep in mind

• Ease of getting enough gain (1.12 mV/Pa, 1 point): The output level is low, so you need an audio interface with plenty of gain.

Who it suits: judging from the specifications, it suits people who want to record the high end of the voice solidly; people who want to use features of the body such as the connection options, switches and headphone jack.

Main features of SM7B

A flat, wide response that suits both music and speech

With a flat, wide frequency response from 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz, it is said to record music and speech naturally. The uses listed include vocals and instruments in a recording studio, radio, television talk shows and narration.

Low-cut and presence switches

There are two switches on the back of the body: a bass roll-off (which reduces low hum such as air conditioners and cars) and a presence boost (which lifts the midrange so a voice is easier to understand). You can switch them while using the microphone.

Built to keep out noise

A shield keeps out electrical hum (a buzzing noise) from computer screens, lights and similar sources. Besides the standard windscreen, a larger windscreen, the A7WS, is included to reduce breath pops when you speak close to the microphone.

Low sensitivity means you need room in the gain

The sensitivity is low, at -59 dBV/Pa (1.12 mV). Shure’s user guide says that the preamps of entry-level to mid-level equipment (the microphone inputs of audio interfaces) often do not amplify enough, and that if your gain does not go above 60 dB, you should use an inline booster (a small device that lifts the microphone’s signal) or a powerful preamp.

Where it is useful

• Recording a thick, calm voice for podcasts or narration
• Recording a cover vocal close to the microphone while keeping the room echo down
• Streaming with the microphone on a boom arm (the standard mount is made for arms)

Rating by criterion

Ease of getting enough gain: 1 / 5

Whether you can get a good level without turning the gain knob of the audio interface up too far. USB models raise the level inside the microphone and get full marks.

SM7B: 1.12 mV/Pa. That is a modest rating among the products we compared. The output level is low, so you need an audio interface with plenty of gain.

High-frequency range: 5 / 5

How high a sound it can record (the upper limit of the frequency response).

SM7B: 20,000 Hz. That is a high rating among the products we compared. It records the high end of the voice clearly.

Rejection of surrounding sound: 3 / 5

How little it picks up sound from outside the front of the microphone (everyday noise and room echo), decided by the pickup pattern.

SM7B: Cardioid. That is a standard rating among the products we compared.

Features: 4 / 5

How many features of the body it has, such as USB and XLR connections, a low-cut and a headphone jack.

SM7B: 3 of 5. That is a high rating among the products we compared. It is well equipped, with connection options and switches on the body.

The gray marks in the figure below (the dotted line on the pentagon) show the average of the 17 products we compared. Price is not part of the score.

How we score (Dynamic microphones)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Ease of getting enough gain	Sensitivity at the XLR output (USB models have a built-in preamp and get full marks)	≥2.5	≥2	≥1.6	≥1.3	<1.3
High-frequency range	Upper limit of the frequency response	≥20000	≥18000	≥16000	≥15000	<15000
Rejection of surrounding sound	Pickup pattern	Supercardioid / hypercardioid	—	Cardioid (unidirectional)	—	—
Features	USB, XLR, low-cut, presence, headphone jack	4 to 5	3	2	1	None

Scored only on the body specifications published by the manufacturer. Price and accessories are not part of the score. "Ease of getting enough gain" answers the common question "do I need a preamp (booster)?". Over XLR, the higher the sensitivity (mV/Pa), the less you need to turn up the gain on the audio interface. Models that can also connect by USB have a preamp inside the microphone, so there is no worry about running short of gain and they get 5 points. Rejection of surrounding sound is decided by the pickup pattern: supercardioid and hypercardioid, which pick up little from outside the front, score highest. Weight is shown in the table for reference.

SM7B connection and getting started

Connection	XLR (3-pin). Connect it to the microphone input of an audio interface or mixer (it cannot connect to a computer directly by USB)
Power	No power is needed (it is a dynamic microphone, so it works without phantom power)
In the box	Windscreen A7WS, switch cover and adapter screw (an XLR cable is not included)
Other	With an audio interface whose gain is 60 dB or less, you may need a booster (Shure user guide)

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on September 27, 2026.

Compared with other dynamic microphones

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

Before you buy

• It connects by XLR. You need an audio interface or mixer. It is a dynamic microphone, so it does not need phantom power (+48 V).
• Its sensitivity is low, at 1.12 mV/Pa. You need to turn the gain of the audio interface up a lot. Choose an interface with plenty of gain, or use a microphone booster (a device that lifts the signal) to be safe.
• Check what comes in the box. The manufacturer lists: Windscreen A7WS, switch cover and adapter screw (an XLR cable is not included). Anything not on that list (a microphone stand, cables and so on) you need to prepare separately.

Read next

• e 835: features and rating (rank B)
• Procaster: features and rating (rank B)
• SM7dB: features and rating (rank S)
• BETA 58A: features and rating (rank A)