SM-7 and Brick

[notCardio]

Anyone use/used this particular combo? Just wondering how they match up.

 

[kidvybes]

...I would recommend a pre with a bit more gain for the SM7...my Brick (only 55 dB of gain on the mic output) needs to be fully cranked to even start to power the Shure SM7...65-75 dB of gain would be preferable...the SM7 sounds "bigger" (IMHO) when given that extra power...the Studio Projects VTB-1 is one of the less expensive pres that can deliver the gain...I've been using a Neve 1290 (80 dB of gain) to drive my SM7...sounds GREAT on vocals!...

 

[notCardio]

Wow

I never would've thought to consider a VTB-1 for an sm-7. I just thought from the descriptions of the Brick that it sounded like something I might like the sound of, and might go well with the sm-7. I guess I missed the gain specs. Can the VTB-1 crank out that kind of gain and stay clean? I wanted something that would be warm for vocals. Chessrock suggested an RP-20 (I think I got that right) for the sm-7 but it's just a tad pricey for me.

 

[kidvybes]

I never would've thought to consider a VTB-1 for an sm-7. I just thought from the descriptions of the Brick that it sounded like something I might like the sound of, and might go well with the sm-7. I guess I missed the gain specs. Can the VTB-1 crank out that kind of gain and stay clean?

...OK...I only mentioned the VTB-1 because of it's pricepoint...it delivers 70dB (75 dB with the output maxed)...and it's relatively clean (with the tube gain backed off)...the Brick has a bit more "color" but it's a bit weak on the output...keep in mind that the SM7 already has that "BIG" sound going for it regardless of the pre, but these broadcast-style dynamic mics love to eat gain (not quite as "hungry" as a ribbon though)...

 

[pohaku]

I recollect that Harvey Gerst, amazingly, liked the VTB-1 with the AEA R-84 ribbon mic. If it will drive the AEA, it should do fine with the SM-7.