Invention and Origins
The Shure SM7 was first introduced in 1973 by Shure Incorporated, a Chicago-based audio company founded by Sidney N. Shure in 1925. The SM7 was born from the lineage of the Shure SM5, a bulky broadcast microphone released in 1966. Shure engineer Ernie Seeler, a key figure in the development of the Unidyne III capsule used in the SM57 and SM58, played a pivotal role in refining the SM7’s design. Tasked with improving the SM57 cartridge without constraints on size or cost, Shure’s engineers created a microphone optimized for voice, with a focus on rich low-end response and clarity for broadcast applications. The SM7B, the current iteration, arrived in 2001 with an enhanced windscreen and improved shielding, cementing its place as a modern classic.
Production Numbers: A Closely Guarded Secret
Shure does not publicly disclose exact production figures for the SM7B, but its widespread use and decades-long popularity suggest that tens of thousands, if not more, have been manufactured. Since its debut, the microphone has seen steady demand, with a significant sales spike in the mid-2000s due to the rise of podcasting. Shure historian Michael Pettersen noted in 2023 that SM7B unit sales are “many times greater” than in the 1970s, making it one of Shure’s best-selling microphones. The SM7B’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2023 further underscored its enduring market presence.
Technical Specifications: Built for Precision
The Shure SM7B is a dynamic cardioid microphone renowned for its smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response, tailored for both speech and music. Here are its key technical specifications:
- Type: Dynamic (moving coil) with transformer coupled output
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid (broad cardioid, ideal for radio broadcast booths due to its forgiving pickup area)
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz, delivering a warm, natural sound with enhanced low-end for vocal depth
- Output Impedance: 150 ohms
- Sensitivity: -59 dBV/Pa (1.12 mV), requiring significant gain (often paired with a preamp like the Cloudlifter for optimal performance)
- Maximum SPL: 180 dB, capable of handling loud sources without distortion
- Features: Bass roll-off and mid-range presence boost switches, internal air suspension shock isolation, and electromagnetic shielding to reject hum from monitors
- Windscreens: Ships with a standard foam windscreen and the A7WS detachable windscreen for close-talk applications, reducing plosives
The broad cardioid pattern excels in broadcast settings, capturing the speaker’s voice with minimal off-axis noise, even in less-than-ideal acoustic environments. Its frequency response, adjustable via onboard EQ switches, allows users to tailor the sound—cutting bass for clarity or boosting mids for presence—making it versatile for diverse applications.
Reasons for Popularity
The SM7B’s popularity stems from a combination of sonic excellence, durability, and affordability. Its warm, rich tone flatters vocals, making it a go-to for broadcasters, voice-over artists, and musicians. The microphone’s rugged construction ensures reliability, while its internal shock mount and pop filter minimize unwanted noise, even during close-miking. Priced around $399, it offers professional-grade performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end condenser microphones, appealing to both pros and home studio enthusiasts.
The SM7B’s ability to mask poor room acoustics is another key factor. Unlike sensitive condensers that pick up every reflection, the SM7B’s cardioid pattern and dynamic design focus on the source, making it ideal for untreated spaces—a boon for podcasters and streamers. Its versatility extends beyond vocals to instruments like guitar amps, bass cabinets, and drums, earning it a place in studios worldwide.
Famous Users: A Star-Studded Legacy
The SM7B’s resume reads like a who’s who of music and media. Most famously, engineer Bruce Swedien used it to record Michael Jackson’s vocals for Thriller (1982), the best-selling album of all time. Swedien praised its clarity and ability to capture every nuance of Jackson’s voice, a testament to its studio prowess. Other notable users include:
- Sheryl Crow, who used it for The Globe Sessions (1998)
- Bob Dylan, starting with Love and Theft (2001)
- Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers for Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)
- Adam Levine of Maroon 5 on “This Love” (2002)
- James Hetfield of Metallica for St. Anger (2003)
- Podcasters like Joe Rogan (The Joe Rogan Experience), Marc Maron (WTF with Marc Maron), and the teams behind 99% Invisible and My Favorite Murder
Its presence in radio and TV, from Howard Stern’s Robin Quivers to the fictional DJ Chris Stevens in Northern Exposure, further cements its cultural impact.
Replacement Parts and Repair
Shure supports the SM7B with readily available replacement parts. The microphone ships with two windscreens: a standard foam cover and the A7WS, designed for close-talking to reduce plosives and warm the tone. Both are available for purchase directly from Shure, along with other parts like the RPM602 switch cover plate and yoke mount assembly.
For out-of-warranty repairs, Shure offers service through its authorized repair centers. Users can contact Shure’s support team to arrange repairs, though costs depend on the extent of damage. Shure’s commitment to durability means repairs are rarely needed, but the company stands behind its products, ensuring long-term usability.
Podcasting: A Second Life
The SM7B was a broadcast staple for decades, but by the late 1990s, radio station consolidation and automation threatened its relevance. Enter podcasting. In the mid-2000s, early podcasters discovered the SM7B’s warm tone and forgiving nature, sharing tips across forums and sparking a renaissance. Shows like The Joe Rogan Experience and My Favorite Murder showcased its capabilities, driving a sales surge that Shure credits for its modern success.
Podcasting gave broadcast microphones a new lease on life. The SM7B’s ability to deliver professional sound in home setups resonated with creators, while its iconic look became a visual shorthand for quality audio. Shure capitalized on this trend, introducing the MV7 in 2020—a smaller, USB/XLR hybrid inspired by the SM7B for podcasters and streamers.
EPILOGUE: The King and Its Challengers
The Shure SM7B faces competition from clones like the Aston Stealth and Rode PodMic, which aim to replicate its warm tone and broadcast-friendly design at lower price points. Yet, the SM7B remains the gold standard. Its $399 price tag strikes a balance—affordable enough for hobbyists, prestigious enough for professionals. With a legacy tied to Thriller and a new generation of creators embracing it, the SM7B’s panache is untouchable.
Clones may try to usurp its throne, but the SM7B’s combination of sonic excellence, durability, and star-studded history keeps it unrivaled. As Shure’s John Born once quipped, it’s “an SM57 on steroids,” and its reign as the king of dynamic microphones shows no signs of fading. Whether in a radio booth, a recording studio, or a bedroom podcast setup, the SM7B continues to capture voices—and imaginations—around the world.
Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!
©April 2025 by Mark King, It's no ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.
