Should I get an SM7?

andyhix

andyhix

:dank:
here's what I have (or at least have access to) for vocals:

AT2020
MSH-1A
SP C1
Shure SM58
Shure Beta SM58A

I tried some vocals with the C1, and was kinda dissapointed. Just a little too thin sounding, I guess you would say. Tried the MSH. A little better but still disappointing. Tried the Beta 58A, and it sounded much better, but not great. So, I'm thinking I'm one of those guys who might sound better with a Dymanic? As such, and based on all the raving reviews all over the internet, I'm thinking I should really consider an SM7B. To do so, though, I'd have to sell the SP C1 to partially finance it. I would still have the AT2020s for my Large(ish) diameter condensor needs, should they arise (other ssong styles, other singers).

Anyway, Does my line of reasoning make sense, that if I sound better on a beta 58A than on a condensor, I'll sound even better on an SM7B? Or is it really stupid to sell the C1?

This is as much a budget question as anything. In a perfect world, I'd keep the C1, and still get the SM7, but my wife would kick my ass for dropping $300 on a mic right now.
 
engine joe said:
sell the C1. it's obvious that you aren't happy with it.
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...for what I'm working on now. I just worry that I'll want it in 3 months when I go through a smooth jazz/polka fusion phase.

OK one other add-on question. Any reason why I couldn't use the SM7 for live vocals (at practice - usually the venues provide mics, and we haven't played out in a year anyway). If that could work, I maybe could even sell the Beta (my usual "live mic").
 
andyhix said:
...for what I'm working on now. I just worry that I'll want it in 3 months when I go through a smooth jazz/polka fusion phase.

OK one other add-on question. Any reason why I couldn't use the SM7 for live vocals (at practice - usually the venues provide mics, and we haven't played out in a year anyway). If that could work, I maybe could even sell the Beta (my usual "live mic").
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sm7 requires a bunch of gain. if you can tote along your own preamp.....
 
andyhix said:
...for what I'm working on now. I just worry that I'll want it in 3 months when I go through a smooth jazz/polka fusion phase.

OK one other add-on question. Any reason why I couldn't use the SM7 for live vocals (at practice - usually the venues provide mics, and we haven't played out in a year anyway). If that could work, I maybe could even sell the Beta (my usual "live mic").
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Do you use a stand or hold your live mic? The SM7 is a bit bulky and heavy to be handheld, but if you use a stand I see no reason why it couldn't be used live.
 
Innovations said:
Do you use a stand or hold your live mic? The SM7 is a bit bulky and heavy to be handheld, but if you use a stand I see no reason why it couldn't be used live.
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Stand always - I usually attempt to play guitar while I sing (with mixed results).
 
Wrong question.

Correct question: How many SM7s should I get?

Compared to the C1, the SM7 will be much smoother as it doesn't have the top end sheen/brittleness. Also, realize that the Beta 58 is a stage mic with a presence boost to cut through a mix. The SM7 will be much flatter (well, maybe less hyped is a better word as there are some high end dips) on the top end then either of those mics.

And if that C1 ain't jiving... eBay it.
 
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I don;t have a SM7, but i have a RE27 and i can tell you the flexibilty of a large diameter dynamic is fantastic.

Daav
 
Should you get an SM7? Yes. It's a great mic for vocals.
However, you'll need a good amount of gain to get it hot enough for vocals. Also why it would feedback more in a live situation, and why I wouldn't use it on stage.

It's also important to consider that an SM7 through a Mackie board is a much different mic from an SM7 in a hi-end pre. So what's your signal path?
 
No.

I think you should just collect a bunch of shitty mics instead. You don't want a real mic in your collection do you? What the heck good would that do?

:D
 
To answer the signal question, for recording, the mic is going directly into a firepod. I do have a cheap-o yamaha mixer I could incorporate maybe for an added boost, but I'd like to avoid that, obviously. So, the gain thing is a bit of a concern - there are a few other threads elsewhere in this forum talking about the "quietness" of firepods. I've had no prob with other mics, though.
 
chessrock said:
Why is every one always so "worried" about the sm7 not having enough gain?

Are you guys tracking at like 8 bit or something?

.
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No pain, no gain.

Enough gain = enough pain

Enough pain = enough blues

Enough blues = great songs.

So, there is your connection to the worry of not enough gain.
 
Yes, the SM7 does need a good amount of gain as it isn't the hottest mic on the planet... but I have gotten good results out of mine even on real shit pres. Does a Great River make an SM7 sound better... sure. Is it mandatory, hell no. Any reasonable pre will get the job done.
 
I just bought an SM7b, used it with an Avalon AD2022 and a UA LA-610, makes my voice sound wonderful and sit nice in the mix with guitar. Worth it? Hell yes! Needs lot of clean gain for sure.
 
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