Preamp for Shure SM7B...

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lttoler

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I have a Shure SM7B that I am thinking about gettin a preamp for but I wanted some opinions. I have been using it with my Line 6 Toneport UX2 and it has been working okay. I don't have too much money to spend. Would it benefit drastically gettin a preamp or should I just stick to going straight to the Toneport?
 
You would really have to spend to find something that would do more than the toneport...the SM7 is a "Screamer" mic for your louder males...and raspy females...and its hard to beat the sound of it when you are using the Neve model.

How are you utilizing it...are you using the analog outs on the unit? going into a standalone DAW...or are you recording to a program on your computer?
 
I too use a SM7b, and own a UX2 for guitar recording, and yes, you really need something more to drive the SM7. The UX2 doesn't have the headroom, and gets noisy fast. Try looking for something with at least 70 db of gain. The VTB-1 works well, and is probably your cheapest option. I use it with good results. The preamps on my Apogee Duet are 75dbs are work excellent on the SM7. I'm sure others will recommend the Grace and others...
 
for cheap clean gain you wont find anything cheaper than a Rane ms1b or ms1s.

-josh
 
The big thing to watch out for is how much hiss/noise you have in your recorded track. Since the SM7b doesn't have very much output, the signal to noise ratio isn't as good as with a higher output mic, and for that reason you don't want much noise from the preamp -- that is, you want a quiet preamp (one that doesn't add much noise at any gain setting). Is there too much noise in your tracks?
 
Ive been using this combination for a few years and Ive never had any problems with noise...but like I asked...how are you using this unit?...which models in the software?...there is alot of grey area here.
 
Alright I run the SM7B straight to the UX2 and run the USB to the comp and record using Reaper. As far as the modeling on the Gearbox softwear I just set it to no modeling and just run complely straight. If I turn the gain up too much it does get noisy. I have to run it low and then normalize the track after it's recorded. The big problem with this is that I can't hear myself through the headphones because the gain is soo low...
 
lttoler said:
Alright I run the SM7B straight to the UX2 and run the USB to the comp and record using Reaper. As far as the modeling on the Gearbox softwear I just set it to no modeling and just run complely straight. If I turn the gain up too much it does get noisy. I have to run it low and then normalize the track after it's recorded. The big problem with this is that I can't hear myself through the headphones because the gain is soo low...
Click to expand...

Headhone amp? Hmm....
 
lttoler said:
Alright I run the SM7B straight to the UX2 and run the USB to the comp and record using Reaper. As far as the modeling on the Gearbox softwear I just set it to no modeling and just run complely straight. If I turn the gain up too much it does get noisy. I have to run it low and then normalize the track after it's recorded. The big problem with this is that I can't hear myself through the headphones because the gain is soo low...
Click to expand...

You have to use the software to run this peice...Im suprised it was passing any data at all without the gearbox software running...and why arent you using the Abeldon Live software that comes free with it?

Anyhow if you properly use the unit you should be getting plenty of gain (70db)and no noise...and if you dont want to make it model any thing...it has a clear model based on the Grace units.
 
I actually do use the Gearbox software, I just have it set to no amp because it seemed to sound better to me than the models. I like Reaper myself mu ch better than Ableton.


WhiteStrat said:
Headhone amp? Hmm....
Click to expand...

I can hear everything fine through the headphones except for the vocals... wish they could be a lil louder without the noise...
 
But you actually set your gain using the models windows...you cant just turn them off...and like I said...there is one set up to be a wire with gain...just use that...and why would you prefer nothing to a Neve or an API?
 
I just picked up a Behringer MIC200 pre-amp. Really cheap and has a bunch of pre-amp models on it. You can run it through your Line6 or direct to your comp.
 
They were selling those at the Musicians friend Dist center for $29....if that even works its a value.
 
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