Shure SM7B: The studio classic since 1973 explained
· re:union Radio editorial · 2 min read
The Shure SM7B has been a broadcast standard for decades. We explain the technology, history, and applications of this dynamic microphone.
Few microphones appear as often in the background of podcast studios and broadcast booths as the Shure SM7B. Its distinctive black grille with the large windscreen has long become a visual hallmark – yet the history of the series dates back to the early 1970s.
At a glance
- Dynamic microphone with cardioid polar pattern, moving-coil transducer
- Original SM7 model released in 1973, SM7B in production since 2001
- Frequency range 50–20,000 Hz, XLR connector, weight approx. 765 grams
- A staple in many well-known podcast and broadcast studios
A design with a long history
The original SM7 was launched in 1973 and developed for radio and television studios. In 1999, the SM7A followed, a version with improved shielding against electromagnetic interference, such as that generated near screens and cable bundles. The SM7B was added in 2001 and featured a revised windscreen. In 2023, Shure supplemented it with the SM7dB, a variant with an integrated preamplifier – an indication that the low output level of the dynamic transducer often requires a powerful microphone preamplifier in practice.
Technology: Cardioid, moving coil, XLR
The transducer operates on the dynamic moving-coil principle with a cardioid polar pattern, meaning it primarily picks up sound from the front and attenuates interference from the sides and rear. The SM7B is connected classically via a three-pin XLR connector.
| Transducer Principle | Dynamic (Moving Coil) |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50–20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 150 Ohms |
| Sensitivity | −59 dBV/Pa (1.12 mV) |
| Weight | 765.4 g |
| Connector | XLR-3, male |
Why this microphone is in podcast studios
The SM7B owes its widespread use in the podcast scene partly to prominent shows. According to the Wikipedia entry for the series, formats like 99% Invisible and The Joe Rogan Experience used the microphone, which subsequently led to significantly increased sales. It is also widely used in broadcasting as a classic speaker and presenter microphone.
“The podcast 99% Invisible, The Joe Rogan Experience, and others used the microphone.”
Also at home in music production
In addition to voice recordings, the SM7B has also made a name for itself in vocal and instrumental recordings. Examples include recordings by Michael Jackson from 1982, as well as sessions by Metallica and AC/DC – an indication of how robust and versatile the cardioid transducer is used across different genres. If you're interested in studio technology beyond microphones, you'll find more basics on handling frequency ranges in our EQ mixing guide for DJs, and if you want to keep an eye on current studio and DJ hardware, check out our presentation of the AlphaTheta DJM-V5.
FAQ
Does the Shure SM7B need a preamplifier?
With a sensitivity of −59 dBV/Pa, the dynamic transducer delivers a comparatively quiet output signal, which is why an additional preamplifier is often used in practice to achieve sufficient level.
What was the SM7 originally developed for?
The original model introduced in 1973 was intended for use in radio and television studios, before later versions such as SM7A, SM7B, and SM7dB brought technical improvements in shielding, windscreen, and preamplification.
Source: Wikipedia: Shure SM7
