The Shure SM7dB is the first update to the brand’s most iconic microphone in over two decades.
This microphone might just be the most highly regarded one for content creators worldwide, and for good reason.
Of course, a premium brand with a luxury product line isn’t going to come cheap.
The other thing many enthusiasts have noted is that there’s a bit more branding on the SM7dB.
In fairness, I can’t honestly fault Shure for the subtle branding they’ve added here.
Besides that, you won’t find many discrepancies between the SM7B and SM7dB.
It keeps cable management well out of the way and maintains the clean look of such a premium product.
Also returning is the perfectly shaped wind-guard that doubles as a pop filter.
Plosives never feel unwieldy for the SM7dB, and that’s a testament to Shure’s substantial out-of-the-box guard.
Essentially, a pre-amp converts a weak signal into a more powerful one.
The SM7dB is a dynamic mic that features a cardioid pattern.
In other words, this sucker is pretty directional.
If you’re in the ASMR game though, you’re in serious luck.
Its quality is second to none, but it didn’t have the perfect out-of-the-box experience other mics do.
On the other hand, for streaming, it would be nice to have a more generous spatial allowance.
When I was streaming though, the slightly awkward gain leveling and narrow pattern made it less than ideal.
This did hammer home to me that not every creator needs one of these microphones.
Should you buy the Shure SM7dB?
But do you need the Shure SM7dB?
In my opinion, absolutely not.
Other microphones could offer an easier user experience and a more generous pattern.
In that time, I used it during live streams, video calls, and for recording voiceovers.
Throughout my time with it, I used it at varying angles and gain levels.
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