Microphone/Mixer Stuff

[JBVoice]

Hey guys,

 

 

I just wanted to ask a simple question. I use to own a SHURE SM7B and regrettably I miss it. I am looking at a package on http://www.BSWUSA.com which comes with it, a boom stand and a 10 foot cable. My question is basically based on an issue I have had with that mic. I know alot of people who own that mic and their sound quality is MUCH better than mine and one of them has the same mixer as me. I even have a much better sound card than they do. Can you think of any reasons this would be? Am I tuning something wrong?

 

Any comments on how your SHURE SM7B is hooked up or anything at all really would help.

 

 

I also want to know if you think this mic is good for radio, voice overs or both??

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

-JB

[carlwelden]

GLAD YOU ASKED!

http://www.shure.com/stellent/groups/public/@gms_gmi_web_us/documents/web_resource/site_img_us_rc_sm7b_large.gif

The SM7B has a frequency response designed specifically for broadcast and voice production and has been used on a number of award winning albums. It is the go-to dynamic mic for voiceovers.

I bought mine on eBay for $280 and use it more than anything else. Big fan!

 

The thing is, you will need to run it through a preamp before your mixer. The SM7B had an output of -59db, so to get the best sound, you are going to need more gain than most mixers put out.

There is probably nothing the matter with your soundcard, but a soundcard is not a preamp.

Call up BSW and ask them about the gain requirements. They will usually/most likely recommend a DBX286A, but you could get away with a more modestly priced ART Tube MP. They have a few models that push 60db of clean gain.

My preamp is an ART Project Series with a USB out...no mixer.

 

The BSW package deal isn't bad for retail, so if it's in your budget, go for it. Most sellers won't part with an SM7B cheaply, so it keeps it's value well too.

If this has been of any use to you let me know, I can talk about this mic at great length if you need to know more.

[JBVoice]

Thanks a ton! I figured you would reply to this because your picture shows this mic

 

I appreciate the advice and will listen to it. Since I actually just started getting into REAL voice overs (the past 2 years) on a larger scale, such as actually getting air time I would like to upgrade my gear. I use to own that mic and I regret getting rid of it. I just ordered the package from BSW but won't be here for a few months (back ordered) go figure. I'll look into the models you listed for a pre amp. My budget is between $0-$1000 at the moment but could change, so I want to get something while I can afford it.

 

 

Thanks and rep added

 

 

 

-JB

[Jinglemaster]

Hey guys. Following an 'oincident' today, Ia m looking for a cheaper replacement mic than the Neumann for now.

 

This looks great and seems to have GREAT reviews. But I have no experience of this mic at all. You two have obviously played with this mic and I would value your humble opinions of it. Particularly, is it deep and rich in quality? I am only interested in it for voice work as you will realise, so what do you think?

 

I do agree with acrl about the pre-amp.

[JBVoice]

Well, I recommend the mic. I never really used it for voice overs but the sound quality I had wasn't the greatest but thats only because I didn't have a preamp. I have heard NO negative about this mic, even at the local ROCK radio station here in Baltimore uses this mic OVER some $2000 one they use to have. So, I recommend it..I just ordered the mic package from BSW which includes a mic boom, the mic and cable. I also just ordered the pre amp Carl listed (the first one). I'll let you know once it gets here how it all goes

 

 

-JB

[Jinglemaster]

Thanks again. I think I have just sourced one here. Awaiting stock level response.

[carlwelden]

On lots of other audio forums I read, anyone who has gotten rid of their SM7, SM7A or SM7B ultimately expresses regret.

I have yet to hear of one getting smashed like Jinglemaster's Neumann.

...........sorry to bring it up, may it rest in pieces.

 

To get some superb info on the SM7B and dozens of other microphones. See the link on this older thread:

http://forums.broadcastingworld.net/showthread.php?p=19128#post19128

It could use some fresh comments as well.

 

I went with the Shure SM7B because I needed something with excellent off-axis rejection. I use my condenser (AKG C3000B) more when I am in an acoustically treated environment.

 

All the other features that came along with it were a windfall: Humbucking coil, RF shielding, integrated yoke, shockmount, pop-filter, bass roll-off, presence boost.

I did a dynamic mic shootout of between the SM7, EV RE20, Heil PR40 before making my choice.

The only other dynamic to opt for is the Sennheiser 421 for its warmth and low-end on demand.

 

 

My favorite trivia:

Did you know that the SM7B can withstand 180db of input?

That's equivalent to a space shuttle launch.

Try that with a condenser.

 

Just found this review by a UK site: http://www.recording-microphones.co.uk

 

As usual, feel free to rep me if this was of any help.

.....Throw doggie a bone.

[JBVoice]

Cool! I checked out that thread, turns out...I already bookmarked it a long while back. I found to be very useful. Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it. Looks like I should be getting my package within a few weeks. Thats what the people at BSW said because the mic is back ordered but they expect restocking asap.

 

-JB