If you’ve watched a single podcast or Twitch stream in the last five years, you’ve seen it: the sleek, matte-black Shure SM7B. It has become the gold standard for creators worldwide. But why is everyone obsessed with this specific microphone, and how do you actually make it sound good?
At Dooke Tech, we make technology simple. Let’s break down why this mic is a must-have and how to pair it with the best gear.
Why Does Everyone Use the Shure SM7B?
- ONE MIC TO RULE THEM ALL: Whether you’re laying down vocals, hosting a podcast, or streaming to your fans, the SM7B does…
- CRYSTAL-CLEAR VOCAL CAPTURE: Engineered with a dynamic cartridge and wide-range frequency response for smooth, natural s…
- BROADCAST-READY SOUND ISOLATION: Air suspension shock isolation and built-in pop filter eliminate mechanical noise and b…
The popularity of the SM7B isn’t just about the “pro” look (though it does look great on camera). There are three practical reasons it reigns supreme:
- Legendary Noise Rejection: Most home studios aren’t soundproof. The SM7B is a dynamic microphone, meaning it is designed to ignore the hum of your air conditioner, the clicking of your mechanical keyboard, or the cars driving by outside. It only hears what is directly in front of it.
- The “Radio Voice” Effect: It has a built-in “proximity effect” that gives your voice that deep, rich, authoritative “broadcast” sound without needing hours of editing.
- Built-in Protection: You don’t need a clunky external pop filter. The SM7B features an internal shock mount and a high-quality foam windscreen to stop those harsh “P” and “B” sounds from ruining your audio.
Using the SM7B with Rodecaster Pro II or Duo
In the past, the SM7B was famous for being “gain-hungry,” meaning you needed an extra $80 booster (like a Cloudlifter) just to make it loud enough.
- Uses 48V Phantom Power: The Mic Preamp FC-1 relies on 48 V phantom power from your audio interface or an external power …
- Enhanced Signal Clarity: The Mic Preamp FC-1 effectively increases audio signal strength, adding crucial gain that allow…
- Optimized for Live Sound: Durable for stage use yet quiet enough for the studio, the FC-1 reduces line noise over long c…
Here is the good news: If you use the Rodecaster Pro II or Rodecaster Duo, you can skip the extra gear!
- Powerful Built-in Preamps: Both devices feature Revolution Preamps with +76dB of gain. This is more than enough to power the SM7B cleanly.
- One-Click Setup: Simply plug your SM7B into the XLR port, go to the mic settings on the touchscreen, and select the “Shure SM7B” preset. The Rodecaster automatically sets the gain and processing for you.
- Simple Audio: You get a professional signal immediately—no hiss, no extra cables, and no headaches.
Perfect for Podcasting & Live Streaming
Whether you are recording a solo podcast or streaming on Twitch, the SM7B adapts to your workflow:
- For Podcasters: Use it to capture “intimate” conversation. Because it handles loud voices and whispers equally well, your listeners won’t have to keep adjusting their volume.
- For Live Streamers: Its electromagnetic shielding prevents interference from your PC monitors and gaming rig, ensuring your audio remains buzz-free even in the middle of a high-intensity game.
Ready to Upgrade Your Sound?
If you’re ready to take your studio to the next level, here is the gear we recommend to get the job done right.
The Setup We Use & Recommend
(Affiliate Links)
- Microphone: Shure SM7B
- Mixer : Rodecaster Pro II . Read more
- Solo: Rodecaster DUO . Read more
- Mic Arm: Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm (link coming up)
Make Technology Simple.
