Blue Spark vs. Shure Sm7b for vocals?

  • Thread starter Thread starter RichieRichh
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RichieRichh

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Hey all, first legitimate post here so bear with me...

Anyways, I'm looking for a new vocal mic, I've been using an MXL 990 for both vocals and acoustic guitar, and after some eq-ing I can get a desirable guitar sound with it, however I am not happy with my vocals and the harshness the 990 seems to give out.

So, I've narrowed it down to the condenser mic that fits my price range (200-300 usd), the Spark, which has gotten really great reviews from what I've read. However, I know that a small army of people here live and die by the sm7b, which also has great reviews. I tend to have a bit of AC noise in my recording space which is another reason I'm considering the dynamic side.

Anyone out there who has one, the other, or both want to shed some light on my situation? If it matters, I'm running out of an Audiobox USB and into my 2.66 Ghz, 4GB Macbook pro, using Logic.

Thanks, and I appreciate any insight in advance!:)
 
IMO/E, There are very few mics I'd just want to have available at all times -- The 7b is one of them. The SM81 is another.

I keep a 7b at the ready (and I'm a mastering guy, so I'm not exactly grabbing for mics often). It's one of the most popular vocal mics of all time for a pretty good reason. THAT SAID - Although it's absolutely spectacular right on the soundboard of an acoustic, it's not the most spectacular mic for picking up the detail you're going to want.
 
Thanks for the reply Massive!

I know the dynamics aren't ideal for acoustic recording, but I figure if it's really what everyone says it is for vocals, then I could manage and work with it and the MXL to get a decent stereo recording for my guitar. But on the other hand, the Spark seems to be able to handle both vocals and acoustics very well (from what I hear). The spark is about $150 less, which makes it seem like a more bang for the buck purchase.
 
I don't have a spark and I've never used my sm7b on acoustic guitar, but if it's worth anything to you they'll pry it out of my cold dead hands.
I've got a reasonable number of mics now but the 7b is a special one IMO. :)
 
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Haha :D

This is exactly the push I need I think! The hesitation with the acoustic recording is what's making me put this on reserve, but it sounds like the 7b is the real deal! I know it may not be to some, but 350 bones is a lot to shell out for a pretty much vocal-exclusive mic for me, so if anyone has gone out of the norm and used it on an acoustic, then hook me up with some opinions!

Thanks guys, rock on
 
You know what,
I'm doing some acoustic recording tomorrow.

I'll fire up the sm7b for ya to see what you think.
Since you have the mxl990 I'll do an A/B with it for a proper reference.

I have a firestudio mobile so I think we're on the same preamps.
Do you have any other mics?
 
Awesome Steen! That'd be great!

I don't have any other mics, as I've been saving up for quite some time for a new purchase (I'm a college student athlete with little time for a real job...)

I appreciate you doing this for me, these forums really are full of great people! Can't wait to hear the A/B on this!
 
No probs pal.
I'm no guitarist but i can play enough to make the point.
I'll put a link up here some time tomorrow. (It's 2:20am now)
 
You can save yourself a $100. or so purchasing a 7b used on ebay.
 
moresound said:
You can save yourself a $100. or so purchasing a 7b used on ebay.
Click to expand...

I just looked for the shits and giggles and there's someone selling one for $220 on buy it now :eek: and then a couple more around the $270 range, get on it OP! :p
 
Heck at $220. for a 7b you can find a used spark and possibly be right around $350. for the both of them!!!
 
Great idea moresound! I probably won't be making a purchase for at least another week, but ill be checking eBay like it was my job once I'm ready to buy! I'm excited to hear what this things capable of!
 
i love my blue spark. great for vocals, acoustic guitar and i've even used it for a drum overhead of sorts. very versitile mic. very nice results and i would recommend it for anyone looking for a nice cheap condenser.
 
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