sm7b sensitivity

  • Thread starter Thread starter jbegood
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jbegood

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Hi all,

Can anyone tell me if the shure sm7b is more sensitive than say the sm57???

Is it hotter??? I like condensors when recording vox because they are quite sensitive...I've done voc tracks with the 57 but I have to crank up the gain all the way...a bit inconvenient.


Thanks,

jbegood
 
The SM7 needs more gain from a mic preamp than the SM57.

Chris
 
Really? That's too bad...

Is there a similar quality dynamic for vox that is "hotter" and requires less gain from a pre?

Perhaps the EV RE20???
 
what's inconvenient about turning a knob that you already have to turn?

i'm not understanding the problem. you have to adjust the gain on the pre for every mic.
 
jbe, what mixer and/or mic pre are you using?

Also, how well do you like the SM57's sound for your voice?

Chris
 
If you are using a low quality pre - the higher gain will cause unwanted noise. However - I do think you are somewhat confused. Remember that the SM7 is a very popular mic - and thus - your fears appear unfounded.
 
I'm using the eureka which seems to have a decent amount of gain...It's input meters don't always get up high enough during less intense vocals when using a dynamic...

The sm57 has give me some nice vocal tracks...But I just bought a tlm 103 so I'm not too concerned anymore...

Some day I will get the sm7...Can anyone comment on the Ev re20???


jbegood
 
What I would like to know is, re20 more sensitive than sm7b??

I'd like to get a really nice dynamic at some point that is "hotter" than say, the 7b...
 
Although I admit I can't quite understand the fascination with the whole "higher output" thing -- keep in mind it's a common trait (lower output) among all dynamic mics -- I would have to say that, yes, you'd probably get a bit more output out of the RE-20.

Honestly, I have no idea why the lower output thing would even be a consideration. Unless you're recording very quiet stuff like classical nylon-string accoustic. And I wouldn't advise using a dynamic for that anyway. Dynamics, in general, tend to really excel at loud stuff -- think close-micing of drums, guitar amps, aggressive vocalists, etc.

You know, if you're looking for something really high-output that's also quiet, you should have a look at the Blue Baby Bottle. That thing really packs a whallup, from what I hear. To the point where -- provided you had a phatom power source -- it might not even need any gain from a mic pre.

In general, though, condensers are almost universally hotter mics.

Something to think about.
 
I like a the SM57 better on my voice vs. a TLM.
YMMV

You can get close up to a RE20, that helps make it hotter.

Chris
 
call me irresponsible, but Ive been wondering what YMMV stands for.

or call me DNGA
 
your mileage may vary
and by the way, I like the re 20 a lot
In His Name
BK
 
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