Why the Shure SM7B + Cloudlifter Setup Makes No Sense (Save $500 with This Mic) - Microphone Review
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- Опубліковано 14 чер 2021
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Instagram: / realaudiohaze
oh boy...can't wait for the spirited debate on this video. If you take into account the shear cost of the SM7B, its quiet nature (meaning many opt for a cloudlifter), and its shockingly similar to a specific other microphone, one could ask the question.....why spend all that money in the first place?
If you came here to find the answer to the clickbait title early screw you I'm not gonna say 😡 kk love you thanks.
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Can't wait for the spirited (but respectful) debate on this topic. Sorry if I hit a nerve with the SM7B fans out there :) you can also support the channel with these links if you like!
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don't you think both sm7b and 57 are a bit long in the tooth? Great microphones but you could argue the "broadcast" sound gets a bit old and something like the SE V7 would be a more modern recommendation?
@@ernststa Yeah I've seen that said before, that the SM series is getting a little old. Thats definitely valid. So yes, more modern mics are also a great option. I think one thing you could say for the SM57 at least is how much documentation there is out there to make it sound great though. Lots of pedigree and proven techniques
Don't ever apologize for telling the truth
sm57 with no transformer aswell to make it sound more bassy? you sound less nasal with the sm7b you could try aim the 57 towards your chest a bit more less to your nose
@@SufyMusic I disagree, I think the sm57 sounds just fine actually, I find the sm7b to be overly dark on my voice, in my opinion :)
Dude, I CANNOT thank you enough for this video. Was deadass about to splurge 500+ canadian dollars over the SM7B, but you've really opened my eyes to the potential of the SM57. Crazy how big of a difference you pay for what is essentially marketing and press.
Thanks again, you've been of great help !
So glad to hear this!! Glad I could help in some way :)
Returned my SM7B with the quickness! Happy now. :D Thanks! Beware of that marketing campaign, it'll trick or treat ya.
I have an SM57 with the Shure locking pop filter, and it's a great microphone. I like it more than my AKG 214 because it doesn't clip nearly as easily. I do have to turn up the gain on my interface when using the SM57, but even then, it's not a noisy mic. For a mic in the $500 range, I'd honestly rather have an Electro-Voice RE20 than an SM7B. It's just a superior dynamic mic.
100% The sm57 may be the greatest workhorse microphone of all time. Nothing beats the combo of off axis rejection, durability, low cost, and plain good usable sound quality. Are there other good mics better for certain purposes? Absolutely. But the sm57 can be put on basically anything and be "good" and on certain sources "best in class"
nice 100% in agreement!
I've been a studio rat longer than I care to admit and I have a healthy stable of microphones. I am often asked by people that want to start recording at home, "What DAW should I get? What interface is best? What microphone should I buy?" My answer is always, "Doesn't matter. Something with 2 channels and low noise. Buy 2 SM-57s." It's always the mic answer that they question and I tell them straight away...
There is often a "better" mic choice than an SM-57 for a specific situation but it's practically NEVER a bad choice. The SM-57 works on everything, and 2 of them set up correctly will deliver fantastic results in stereo!
The SM-57 should always be the first mic you buy!
The only drawback is that the SM57 is not a microphone. It's the equivalent of recording a video with a potato.
@@rrrafiel what!?
@@rrrafiel what!?
I've been victim of the aesthetic of the mics and the fact that so much UA-camrs/podcasters use the SM7B, it made me think that was the best of the best. But I pulled the trigger on the SM57, especially after watching a video on how to EQ it to sound identical to the SM7B!
Definitely! And with the right pop filter the SM57 can look great as well
I have the sm57 with the a2ws filter and a Coda Stealth and a 2i2. I still bought the sm57b and now I have both. I love having both.
Can I have that videos link please?
This is great to hear! I have the SM7B for VO recording at home, and I have the SM57 for VO recoding on the road. It was, not surprisingly, recommended to me at an awesome music store in Boston. The salesperson was a musician and gave me a very similar run down as you did here. Thanks for the reminder that it's such a great mic!
This is near the top of the list of things that I wish that I knew when I got started. I blew so much money on a “good” microphone that I couldn’t afford any other purchases for like 6 months, which made discovering the magic of the SM57 all the more bittersweet. Excellent video, thank you Mr. Haze for lowering the bar to entry for any beginners. You can do speech with the 57, vocals, instrument recording, and you will be able to get it dialed in with EQ, gates and whatever as long as the recording is sound.
Thanks Pablo Picasso!!
Great video. Just wanted to add that for about $50 more, you can add the Shure A81WS and Shure A55M - they are incredibly effective at eliminating plosives and handling noise. I realize they're half the cost of the mic itself, but I've found them definitely worth it (especially the A81WS).
Sweet thanks for letting us all know!
I'm glad someone mentioned it. I was going through the comments to make sure I wasn't saying something that was already mentioned, but yeah, if you look inside an SM7B, the internal shockmount looks pretty much identical to an A55M.
i tested amount of treble rolloff: popfilter least, windscreen medium, deadcat most rolloff. The thicker foam would have more rolloff than the thinner, of the two Shure windscreens. Black windscreen is thinner, gray is thicker and therefore darker.
Just found a cloud lifter in mint shape for $79 at a pawn shop….score
I've had my SM57 for like 20 years and it still works perfectly. Love it.
Its amazing how blatantly better your voice sounds on the 57 when you're switching back and forth. You've essentially talked me off the ledge. I really thought I needed the smb for home recording. Now I am completely confident that all I really need are the ones I have, the SM57 & SM58. Thank.
Anytime dude!! I too prefer my voice on the 57 but some don’t, I think it’s all about that presence boost, some like it and some don’t :/
I love my B2 Pro. Used with 3 year drop and spill warranty for $114.
The large diaphragm condenser loves my voice. I love the dynamic range. I can eq it to match almost any mic you can imagine.
Point being, it don't have to be expensive!
Great vid.
The SM7B sounds way better.
I really like the sm7b sound. I haven't use the 57 or 58 but I wouldn't be opposed to trying them. I also like the flexibility. I also just got it for absolutely NOTHING. Just for talking on discord and literally anything else I wanna record, like voiceovers for class projects or film projects haha. Idk, I just really love the way it makes my voice sound
Nah he just has the gain a little too high so his voice is clipping ever so slightly with the 7b. He could've fine tuned it more and made his voice sound better.
Man, its crazy I stumbled upon your video. I was soooo ready to buy the SM7B, and talking myself out of any alternatives.. and you managed to persuade me to turn 180degrees and save myself some money in the process. Great reasoning, great video, and a great voice!
Hahah yes glad I could save you some valuable mula!!
@@AudioHaze On last thing, what would your recommendation be for an interface? I think you mentioned the Steinberg UR-RT2 but that was your recommendation for the SM7B, unless I missed it, I dont think you recommended any audio interface for the SM57. Much appreciated once more!
I really like the SM7B package. I love the internal shock mounting, yoke design, and the way the XLR jack is integrated to the mounting yoke. It's a tighter package than any other mic in my collection. I have an SM7B, I really like it, but I like the sound of my RE20 better. I wish my u87ai had the physical design of the SM7B, it needs this complex rigging of shock mount and pop filter zip tied in place. It's definitely my favorite microphone physical design, it's just not my favorite sounding mic. Still don't think you can go wrong with one for any broadcast situation though.
Had my SM57 for years from my music production days and just bought the 7b and Cloudlifter haha! Great video man - am still pleased with new mic tho
You convinced me to get the re20, and I used to work at guitar center, so you’re 100% percent spot on with this advice on this video. I need Mocs for drums and I feel so dumb I forgot about these, so I’m grabbing at least 4. Additionally, my new job gives me a discount on select Shure stuff, so I’m gonna get an sm7b also lol. Thanks for the clarification dawg!
Excellent video brother. I already own a few shure sm 57’s for recording music and am getting ready to start a podcast. I had an inkling to just use them instead of buying a “podcasting mic” and you just put the nail in the coffin. Thanks!
Thats great to hear! Glad I could save you some money :)
Just wanted to say that this was an incredibly good video, and it's one I'm really glad to have found. Definitely subbed and excited to learn more in the future - and even though I'm a hobbyist so spending money on stuff I don't need makes me happy, I'm pretty sure you just saved me like 500 dollars.
Hahaha happy to help! And thank you so much for the kind words, really means a lot :)
Thank you so much for this bold and highly informative video. I thought of getting the SM7B sometime later in the future. But now, after watching your video, I realize it's all marketing. You saved a lot of my future money.
love you! you shattered my advertising-fueled hypnosis to buy the SM7B
i like the sound of the sm57 a LOT more than the SM7b
I have no problems admitting that I'd pay $500 more for the look of the SM7B ... but, also, I love how it sounds ... and I'm deep enough in the audio madness that $600 sounds pretty close to $0.
I know that feeling 😂
Let me borrow a dollar
lemmings
@@coldacre lol I'll enjoy not needing to think terribly hard about impulse-buying the mic that I want, popular or otherwise; enjoy being poor
@@halfsourlizard9319enjoy being poor? how were you able to deduce my finances & the mic I use from a single word comment “lemmings”?
If I could only have one, then SM57 would be it every time. Great and affordable mic that is incredibly versatile! (but I do love my SM7b on vocals when recording songs!)
Best of both worlds I like it :)
Dude. I really enjoyed this one. I think this is a very based and helpful viewpoint. I’ve been really hesitating on getting an SM7B / cloud lifter and you pointing out the somewhat manufactured gravitas was illuminating. I’m going to check out your low end balancing video. While I like that extra low end in the SM7B, I think I will instead grab an sm57. I love how versatile it is for the price and I think it’ll be a great asset even if I eventually get an SM7B. Thank you!
Thanks for your videos! Super helpful. I’m looking at getting my first mic for streaming/gaming. The condenser mics look really cool (and I’d love to get one), but it seems that a dynamic would probably be best to knock down loud keyboard sounds?
I so enjoyed this video! I have SM57 (and SM58 A Beta) and i pretty much recorded about anything with SM57, from acoustic guitars, to guitar amps, to drums and vocals. Once i recorded vocals with it for a friend, and just applied some nice EQ (very minimum) and some nice mixing technics with vintage compressor, also veeeery minimum. and when i sent over to mastering engineer (very experienced guy, in 99% of times he knows which mic you used on each instrument). and he thought i was using Neumann 102 for the vocals. Quote "i see here you used Neumann 102 for the vocals, so i mastered it with this mic in mind, with more warm and vintage tech"... Neumann 102 is about 500 bucks. SM57 is 80 bucks. So TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU.
and also, due to its petite size is much easier to through into a bag and take with you if needed...
Just don't miss the bag and drop it on your tiled floor huehuehue
100% agree with you brother the only main difference between the sm7b and sm57 is that the high-end is a little more tinny on the sm57 and a the low ennd is much warmer on the sm7b. Just use some EQ instead of paying $400 more. Obviously some will say it's a lot less work just to throw the sm7b up but you think about it it's only one or two extra steps.
Couldn’t have said it better myself :)
So glad that I found this video (and your channel) when I did! I've been wanting to get into streaming (often games and art) and the SM7B's ability to not pick up sounds like keyboards clicking as easily as other mics like my old blue yeti was a big selling point for me. But justifying that hefty price tag has been... well... difficult!
I'm a little more torn now, but glad I've found a more cost effective and good alternative to upgrade(?) to when I give my yeti to my partner. Thanks for the video!
Glad I could help in any small way!
I own and use all of your choices. My mic of choice for my live voice is an RE320 set to its kick drum setting into a dbx 286s mic preamp/processor. Modest compression (~-6db peaking), modest enhancement, 4:1 expander setting sidechained into a dbx 266xs compressor/gate used for ducking other sources. I use a CloudLifter for minimizing preamp noise. I’ve used the SM7B, RE20, RE27N/D, Rode Procaster, Shure 545SD, Shure 565SD, and others. I really like the SM7B, Rode Procaster, and RE27N/D as alternatives. The RE20 comes close to these as a secondary alternate to the preferred alternatives, especially to the SM7B. One of the reasons I like the RE series is the proximity effect and off axis coloration effect minimization they do. By using good mic discipline, I can control it with the SM7B and Rode Procaster in which it is not as pronounced as with others such as the Shure 545SD and Shure 565SD. My choice, the RE320, is used extensively in UK radio broadcasting. I can understand why, having used it extensively in comparison to my alternates. I use the others for other spoken voice work in other applications and with other voices such as my SO’s soprano range voice. I really like the SM7B and RE20 with her voice. I can commend the alternates I listed. I use the Rode Procaster at home for the occasional live voice I do there using the same setup I listed for my work location.
I commend all of my preferred mics very highly as well as using a CloudLifter with them for most preamps to improve the noise floor.
Really good stuff! Super great info for anyone looking to get a dynamic for voice over. Thank you for your extensive comment :)
thanks you for saving me a lot of money. I am a musician, but didn't really know that the SM57 was that great. Thanks
I’m glad I could help dude!!
I apologies for what i will say because it may do the opposite to saving you money. If you are a musician for studio work you probably want at least TWO SM57 AND a SM7b (plus a large condenseur a pair of matched small condenser and a ruban). ;c)
I'm amazed how the SM-57 is such a versatile mic. I stream on twitch and this mic can pull an SM7B sound with a few tweaks on EQ (I use reaper for the eq tweaks). And I can put the same mic on a guitar amp and record a track!
Yes dude! I'm right there with you
How can you use an EQ on twitch? Or can you explain your setup?
@@DieTabbi in OBS or other streaming softwares you can use effects or 3rd party VSTs like EQs, Compressors, Noise Gates or even DeEssers. in OBS specifically you can click on the cog button of your sound source in the Audio Mixer section and choose the "Filters" option in the drop down menu.
Hey dude, great video. I'm a drummer and a recording engineer, and I love both mics! I have about 8 57's in my collection, some I use in the studio, some I take on gigs, and some I use for podcasting. They are, like you said, one of the most iconic mics ever created, and they can take a beating! I also never spend more that $60 on them! I can always find used ones for super cheap. I think the last one I bought off a guy for $40 because he was just selling a bunch of stuff and wanted it gone. He never used it. It sat in it's little leather case for like 2 years untouched. What a score.
I also love the SM7b. I have 2 of them, and I also like to use them on my snare sometimes, as well as vocal stuff and podcasting. I think it's a beautiful mic and sounds great. I also buy them used. one I got for $240! So you don't necessarily need to spend $500 on a new one... you just have to keep an eye out and know what to look for. I also happen to have a fantastic Focusrite ISA430 as a preamp, and it has PLENTY of gain for the SM7b... but that doesn't help the argument for spending money, as that is a $3k piece of gear, lol.
Nice! Thanks, glad you liked the vid :) I'll have to try the SM7 on snare, never have!
I've had an SM57 probably close to 20 years AND I JUST LOVE HOW IT IS SO LOUD!!! I mean really compared to everything else that I've had I barely have to even turn the gain up on it it is beautiful I love it it is so crisp and so sensitive I would love to try these as as full set drum mic kit
The only thing I noticed is that the rich bottom slightly disappeared when you switched to the sm57. However, your vocal became more intelligible and clearer than the sm7b. I know for a fact that the sm57 can give u some smooth rich bottom if that's what you like. So yes , I think the sm57 is the best choice if you can't afford the sm7b. Actually, I'm gonna start using mine. Thanks bro for reminding me of this.
I've been using an AT2020 and absolutely love it. I've heard producers and audio engineers favorably compare my little $100 Audio-Technica mic to the Neumann U87, which goes for like $3,200. I also have an SM57 and absolutely love it, I definitely plan on buying more of them in the future just so I can stop having to move the only one I own. And at only $100/mic, it's SO easy to justify getting more of them.
I have to say that comparing the AT2020 to the U87 is absolute insanity, but it is really impressive that we can get professional recordings out of devices to inexpensively now. The AT2035 for fifty dollars more is a significant upgrade, however, and I recommend that instead whenever I can.
I have access to a Neumann U87, the mic sounds good but in all honesty not worth the price at all. I can get just as good of a sound out of way cheaper mics.
I love mine Audio-Technica 4033a. I don't know how well it compates to at2020. But vocals recorded with it are just deep, creamy. Amazing mic.
@@michakowalski2930 I've heard nothing but stellar reviews of that mic 🔥 Greazy Wil listed it as one of the very best in its price range and even well above
@@RueMorgue1841 didn't know that, one thing I stumbled upon is that Strokes recorded with it. There is sth to that mic, it's quite bright, but there's this detail and depth. Really kind of sonic creaminess. I remember going whole 300$ studio with recording revolution, both krk rokits (and sold them the same week, jesus, those were bass amps not monitors) and some samson mic and again I was disappointed... Gave it to a friend bought the at4033a and I'm not looking at other condenser mics ever since. Really no sense to upgrade.
I agree totally, I love the SM57, planning on buying myself a third one; I do use the Podmic too, but it's more of my runner up, SM57 is definitely the king of my mic locker.
I just did a mic shoot out with several mics. Blue's Baby Bottle was eerily identical to the Shure SM7B. The Baby Bottle was actually a little bit warmer, and less nasally at the cost of more noticeable plosives and sibilance.
I chose Shure SM57 and I’m a Shure fanboy. I will say though even at $600 the Shure SM7B is a great value that holds its value, to get similar quality you can spend thousands. I had the same thoughts at a previous Apple keynote, a SM7B is overkill and now worth the hassle. The SM7B is the Jeep Wrangler of microphones; it’s overkill but holds its value well.
Thats true! They're still very expensive to buy second hand I agree
I've had the SM7B for almost 10 years. I love it, but for content and streaming, its not my first choice. However, when it comes to live vocals, its the one I grab. I use it with a fethead.
I think thats great advice, I agree completely :)
@@AudioHaze podcastage said it best. The SM7B is becoming the new yeti. Everyone thinks they have to have one lol.
Fethead is a great alternative to the Cloudlfter, since it's almost half the price.
Yes, you could just boost the gain in post without a mic activator, but that's not always an option for certain other things you might be using the mic for like streaming games, Discord or Zoom calls.
Great discussion - and isn't the transducer on the SM7 pretty much identical to the pickup on the SM57? In the quest for the "perfect mic," the issue of how to use a mic is probably a much bigger concern. There are many wonderful recordings that were done on the the nearly ancient EV 635A - a mic I still keep in my cabinet. Your followup video on how to use the SM57 was quite enjoyable (although I thing more attention needs to be made regarding phase cancellation/distortion and relative distances between capsules and sound sources)
Keep up the great stuff!
„Told you I’d link it!“ made me chuckle and I would have subscribed just for that, hadn’t I been subscribed already.
Also: Fantastic message overall! Having been almost completely ignorant to the wide field of audio recording I did a bit of research, fell for the SM7B marketing, bought it, had trouble making it work with the intended setup, did proper research, returned it and bought the SM5…
just kidding, I actually tumbled further down the rabbit hole 🕳 and bought an Earthworks Icon Pro, that I feel much better about.
Unlike the SM7B, which even considering my needs one could have made work as well, I love everything about this mic and I’m dedicated to making it shine (pun fully intended) even more.
Haha love it! I need to try the earthworks, it’s been recommended to me so many times :)
I own an SM57 and SM7b. I got the SM7b first, and use it for recording music, videos, and video calls. I got for $200 at guitar center not that long ago. I have to say the SM7b has way better plosive rejection, and a flatter top end. Yes you can get rid of the presence boost in the 58/57 with eq. But the low end on the SM7b is bigger and that plosive rejection is way better.
If I had to start over and buy it new would it be worth it? Hard to say. It’s better than the SM58/57, but only in a few areas. But maybe those areas are really important to you.
The locking pop shield that Shure sells for the SM57 does help, but it does not shield the mic from plosives from slightly off axis as well as the SM7b
Nice take! Also wow thats crazy cheap for an SM7B
@@AudioHaze yeah I got really lucky haha
agreed. I personally went with the sm58 specifically for eliminating background noises (dog, kids, wife yelling at kids ;p) during meetings. i did find that I needed/wanted a fethead to eliminate amp noise.
that said I eventually upgraded to the sm7b and cloud lifted *only* because it was being sold at half price (~300 for both +xlr cable, because he already had 3). zero difference to my novice ear (arguablely I like the proximity control I have on an sm58)…. though the 7b does look cooler on video.
gave the sm58 and fethead to my daughter who is a real musician..
Nice! What a good deal on that SM7 :)
I picked up a sennheiser e835 for like 45 bucks used on ebay and a fethead new for 90. Fethead wasn't absolutely necessary but nice to have going into my scarlett 6i6 which could use a little more gain. I feel like I have a little bit more control over my gain as I would always be getting really close to maxing out the gain on it but now it sits comfortably at around 12 o clock.
Personally I like using the sennheiser for both voice and mic'd up to my guitar amp and I usually do not EQ or use a compressor as every time I start playing with it I always end up with a sound I dislike more.
I have been meaning to pick up a sm57 or sm58, most likely used. What I find interesting is on the sm57 you can actually bypass some of the electronics which makes it even more similar to the sm7b. I'm wondering what that + the 15 dollar pop filter replacement for the sm7b and then maybe some 3d printing to build some sort of bracket for it to fit correctly would do for the sound. The only other thing really separating them is the back side of the microphone causing any resonance. It's interesting to think how far it can go to mimic with even more 3d printing to match the exact size and construction. I'm assuming there's a point of diminishing returns as I feel like the sm7b is already past that point lol
You're like me. Most people get caught up on what is the "industry standard", and feel they have to buy them. Great video
Good video! I agree with you. For podcasting, singing, and recording music I would also recommend sennheizer e835, I ve got one and it 's great!
Good to know! Haven't had a chance to try it but hopefully one day :)
I have known of the existance and legendary history of the 57, specially in the metal guitar world, but I was completely blinded by the image the 7b has because of UA-cam, podcasts, Twitch, etc. I'm so grateful to have found this video before almost buying the 7b...
Good suggestion as the SM57 is rather like a 7b, with a transformer added to it.
SM57 (mod to remove transformer) - $100
Klarkteknik CT-1 Mic Booster (Does the same as Cloudlifter) - $35
A2WS Windscreen - $15
All that just for the price of the Cloudlifter.
Yeah, I think the cloudlifter is just such an obvious marketing move with the SM7 that some just don’t know there’s other stuff out there :)
Fun fact the sm58 and sm7b share the same capsule. I believe the sm57 also does too. Although the sm7b has boosted mids and a low pass. It also has a suspended capsule I’ve been told. Which allows you to touch it without picking up the noise which helps if the person using it doesn’t know how to use a mic. Great for podcasts etc ive seen someone take a £15 mic and make it sound like an sm7b. Personally I use the sm58 or the ntg5 both have their own use cases. For the podcasts I’m using procaster for one and sm7bs for the other. Every mic has its use. Pros and cons. Just depends on the sound engineer (which I am not)
Thanks for saying this. I started with the SM58's for podcasting and the only thing I don't like about it is that I get so much voice spill over into the mics. I try to get the cleanest recordings I can for sake of time and editing but other than that I have loved them. I've since snagged some used Procasters and its hard to argue with their noise rejection.
I love the SM7B, been tracking vocals and doing remote guitar lessons with one for years. That said, can't agree with you more, if I had to pick one mic (even if money wasn't an object) the SM57 has my vote.
Love it!
Couldn't agree more! I've had people admiring my mic cabinet ask the desert island question, "If you could only take one mic for everything...?" They think I'm joking when I say "The SM-57" I don't joke about microphones. 😉
This is all enthusiast overkill stuff (like headphones & speakers). I just bought the newly released $200 Rode Podmic USB. Just plug it in, use the great software it came with it and you're off to the races. People consistently say I sound studio pro level without me asking for feedback.. Some early reviews say that it's better than the Shure MV7 (which is a close fraternal twin in many people's ears to the SM7B). Take it for what it is. Extra expenditure isn't necessary to sound fantabulous enough for compressed hobby UA-cam, etc. I can take the $ savings and upgrade my camera, or the extreeemely(!!) important sound treatment. Better use of resources instead of buying an overkill "me too" product most peeps blindly follow without doing any proper due diligence
Idk if I'm just weak with audio, I kind of liked the sound of the SM57 better. It was a bit clearer to me. Great vid btw
I had the SM7B and Cloudlifter in my cart on amazon while watching this, within 20 seconds of hearing the SM57 I went and changed my cart. Thanks!
I got the Samson Q2U and it is amazing. I bought more as gifts for friends and was impressed at how clean their audio was.
Nice!
You must have seen a microphone become trendy. The SM58 for live vocals was THE mic to use for about 30 years. The D112 for bass drum recording. Neumann U47 for studio vocals. All were very trendy in their day.
the SM58 is the highest selling mic of all time. easily. its still the standard for live gigs; always will be
Great video. The SM57 must be the greatest value in recording. I'm totally in love with its sound. I've had mine for like 25 years and used it in all kinds of situations. I couldn't stop laughing at the cracked tile. In 2019, I started looking at the SM7B for interviewing/podcasting. Two of those are more that $1,000. So, what did I do? Of course, I bought two new SM57s and now I have three matching microphones! Couldn't be happier. And now if you do move away from the SM57, there's the MV7, which IMHO is a way better choice for contemporary podcasting than the SM7B. Truth be told, I'm sticking with my SM57 set up. You just can't beat it for your buck.
Thank you AudioHaze! Now, do you have any advice on how to get the most out of the SM57 when recording interviews on a Zoom H4? The mic does great with a Focusrite and maybe a DBX 286s but whithout those, such as when doing in field interview it's a huge challenge because the output of the mic is so low that I get a lot of noise from raising the gain. An in line amplifier such as a FETface or Cloudlifter will make it less noisy, but still noisy. Even with the very expensive Mogami cables.
This is absolutely correct. The official pop filter/windshield on SM57 takes off the edge from the sibilance and it'll sound just wonderful on voiceover work.
They also sell pop filter/wind shield for SM58 and even if it might make it soudn too dull for vocals, for voice over, it's just perfect :)
Yay team 57!!
I respect your opinion on the Shure SM7B, and I agree with you that the option you presented in this video will be the better choice for most people. But I would personally never give up my SM7B for any other mic. The money aspect of it was less a deciding factor for me. I love the signature sound of the SM7B and its overall design. But looks aside, from my personal experience, yes, you can make other mics sound very close to the SM7B, but it is still ever so slightly off. And that always bothered me, and I might be a very sensitive individual in that case, but that one reason alone is enough to not pick any other mic over the SM7B for me.
Coming back to looks, I love the look of the SM7B, and having it in the room I am in the most day and night, a great-looking mic that isn't bothering me is a great bonus.
All in all, I love the SM7B and wouldn't replace it with any other mic, no matter what anyone says. But I understand and agree that this mic isn't for everyone and that my preferences are very specific.
Love this take! I mean, if the SM7 is working for you, by all means don't let my opinion slow you down. You're right, many mics can get close to the sound, but its difficult to get exact :)
You can make cheaper mices sound better than sm7b... that's the real deal.
It's sort of bizarre to me because I've just never wanted to get into YT or streaming but being involved in music for many years gave me a personal affinity for the SM7B... I've used a sh!tload of mics and it's my favorite. For *my* voice. I've recommended it many times to tubers that have a voice to which it would suit well (most any) and maybe that was never fair for budget tubers... I've been part of the problem. But truth is I had *no idea* it had gotten so popular. I've sold a couple and they seem always to be easy to source 2nd hand for two or three hundred bucks. I've chucked SM57s around myself and used them for everything, but my first SM7B was an epiphany. It was that way for many and it earned the rep it has.... Which sounds to have spiraled out of control. :)
Great vid. I appreciate your insight. A slight twist on the question, which mic would you use that would be good double duty for voice (podcasts) and for sax? I have used a Beyerdynamics mic live for years but it got destroyed :(. Any comments/insights would be super helpful! thanks.
AUDIOHAZE, we love you for making this video!
Aesthetic-wise, SM7B "Shure" does look "better" on video, but the SM57-like all Dynamic Cardioid mics anyway-can actually do most (if not all) of the industry-standard tricks.
JIC For female/feminine VO artists / radio broadcasters / podcasters, the Electro-Voice ND76 is also an alternative equivalent; that is, if you want-need a warmer, crispier vocal output (more treble, no mic enhancers needed). The SM57 somehow accentuates the deeper & more modulated male/masculine voice quality/type.
The E-V RE20 is, of course, an industry standard since the '60s. But the SM57 is, and will always be, a producer's staple. And if you want to make it look "better" on video? Just throw in a pop filter / shield (woven nylon), and anyone will look good and profesh -for sure!
You straight up converted me, was about to drop $500+ on the SM7B. Going for this instead, fits my needs and is soooooo much cheaper. Thank you!
He’s just one person. I’m a music producer and i PROMISE YOU the SM7B is worth the money. If you want to make professional sounding content/vocals/etc; you should buy professional equipment. The SM7B is worth the money.
Just get a neumann u87/67 with a manley voxbox and a 1176 with a la2a for that sweet sound BrO
gotta use 1073s for all your ins and outs too, ofc
I was starting to look at other microphones but this video gave me confidence in the sm57 I have which I was having trouble in its low recording volume despite my 2i2 at max gain setting. I will try to troubleshoot more.
By now I'm just watching your videos for some quality audio themed entertainment, while also learning stuff in the process. Neat
I just hope this knowledge doesn't get mainstream and the price is jacked up.
oof true what if I've made a mistake with this vid
When I was doing microphone research for my podcast I settled on the re320. It doesn't require a whole lot of gain it sounds great right out of the box and I was able to pick it on sale for $250. The sure sm7b has become trendy and not for the right reasons in my humble opinion. I think people buy it because it's a look at me type of thing instead of what it can actually do. What it can actually do is drain your bank account.
Can't agree more!
It appears you haven't seen a Neumann, Telefunken or a high end rode price tag.
Sm7b is dirt cheap for a producer. Especially when you can't have just one mic! When you raise that spl the sm7b will outcompete the sm57 in clarity and singers aren't quiet!
Sm57 is the perfect choice for anyone who isn't interested in processing vocals beyond eq.
@@jessjohnreed7964 I know exactly of the microphones you're talking about I still stand behind what I said the sm7b has become a status symbol most people who buy them buy them because they see other people using them. I don't see your average twitch user spending $1,500 to $2,000 on a studio grade condenser microphone like the ones you mentioned
@@jessjohnreed7964 what you mean with "spl"
Had one lying around. Used Reaper in OBS (EQ, Compressor, Noise Gate) to try and replicate the SM7b, and, Wow. Just Wow. It doesn't sound identical, but, it sounds GREAT. Thanks for saving me $400. Subscribed 🙂
I use the Heil PR35 for all my vocals, podcasting, streaming, video chat. It needs some gain to make it work, but it sounds so good, and doesn't need anything else but your audio interface to make it work. Such a good mic.
The SM57 is like the Toyota Hilux of dynamic microphones, I've seen it abused in live sound situations and still hold its ground extremely well. While it perhaps doesn't have the same level of "charisma" as the SM7B, you can really stretch it in so many ways with the 57 when used correctly. The price point and the smaller form factor of the SM57 make for a really compelling argument too (in my opinion of course). Great video!
Couldn't have said it better myself :,)
EQ + A81WS Windshield = Cheap SM7B
I've used an SM7B to recored vocals for over a decade and I have never needed a cloudlifter. SM57 is great too!
Agreed! Not sure where this idea that its necessary came from, I think from the streaming world?
@@AudioHaze Podcast particularly Joe Rohan and NPR.
What interface do you use? @bryan
been using an sm58 cause my dad has a shit ton for his band program at the school he work for. it was an insane leap from anything else i was able to get my hands on, and everything ive recorded on it immediately sounded professional. if i had the money i would definitely own an sm7b or even the new sm7db, but since i don't have that luxury, the sm58 is amazing.
this is probably the best video on the topic I've ever watched. It always felt like modern "streamer" hyperx type microphones are overpriced and there are mics that are harder to set up and they don't have RGB lighting, but with them you pay only for the sound quality.
it just looks good thoo jkjk, fr it sounds amazing on beatboxing though for the lowend on the kick sound
it do tho it do
I'm a beatboxer and I agree 100%
The main issue, IMHO, is that most people don't take in account the room that they will use for the recording.
I had a RODE NT1 and used to use my living room as my recording room. That living room had a bunch of shelves, sofas, hanging plants etc, so it wasn't very reflective, which meant that a condenser microphone sounded GREAT in there.
Fast forward 2 years, I moved to a different city and thus, house. Now my "studio" is a den without any furniture, which is SUPER reflective. I tried a BUNCH of microphones - including the SM57/58 (lended them) - and the only one that actually completely REMOVED the room reverb from my recording was the shure SM7B, most likely by being the quietest of the bunch.
TD;LR: There are some use cases in which the Shure SM7B is worth it, but you need to know the room and what you will use it for.
Im into singing and recording using my yamaha ag06. I was tempted to buy this.. however, i already had, sm58 and at2020 which are amazing mics when i started….thank you 😊 for this
Love your post! I have both and I sadly agree that the Sm57 sounds just as good. For a long time, it was my favorite live vocal microphone. I bought the Sm Beta 57 and liked it better just because I could turn it up louder before feedback on stage, but the old 57 is a great sounding classic!
i agree sm57 is a really good mic when it comes to LIVE. But you cant compare or put both on the same table when it comes to using it at a recording studio
Musician, here to cosign. SM57 is THE mic.
I’m a full time audio engineer with 25+ years in the industry. Your advice was great 👍
(One gentle suggestion for pronunciation to not alienate sound engineers 😁 deebees may be a thing for dB in the UA-cam community but it isn’t in the Audio Engineering community).
Loved this video! You’re freakin awesome! Thank you dude!!! ❤
Anything that's near sm57 should be labeled as "fragile". That thing's literally a brick.
they should use sm57s as wrecking balls
@@AudioHaze Lmfao this made me laugh so hard
love your opinions and backing them up, thanks!
And thank you for the comment!
I 100% agree on this. I just bought a Mv7x to use for broadcasting. It sounds incredibly good with some basic compression on, and it's a third of the price of a Shure sm7b.
I might have to invest in a the SM7B windshield to help with plosives, but still! For gaming/streaming only, sm7b is a splurge and a half. It's obviously amazing, but it's a splurge.
I use an SE V7 for almost everything suddenly, but the SM57 has the softer, even sound that sounds like the podcaster mics, esp. with the big foam screen. I really like the lack of boxiness that bugs me with the SM7B. Your SM57/big-foam is a lot more pleasant to me. Julian Krause talks about EQ-ing the SM57 to sound more like the SM7B, but I really like the SM57 as is for podcast chat!
Absolutely! And good to know, I definitely need to check out the SE V7, been needing to for such a long time :)
This is gold content, love it.
Thank you sooooo much for this incredible video!!! Saved me for sure! Awesome video. Could you tell us more about how you set up the SM57 to get this quality? Thanks again man, truly.
Yeah sure! I mean its not hard at all, I just have a scarlett interface and any old pop filter will do. The one I was using in the video was a pop filter from a NW800, thats it haha
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much.
So happy to hear someone say that the SM7B is not an essential part of talking on the internet. Great video.
Good point! 2x sm57 for 200€ = stereo sound. You can also considering Sm56a, is exactly a sm57 in a small capsule. I never see a streamer or brodcaster with a Sm56a but is exactly the same right? is verry cool because extremly small size, with a small gaming desk (not disturbing) also for a drummer like me (snare bot or drum's vocalist) i love it
I was in one of those amazing high end studios in Nashville a few years back, with all the gold and platinum records on the walls and such, and I was recording some vocals on a Neumann u87. Anyone who records vocals knows that's THE gold standard. I finished a song, and after I got out of the booth, the engineer (Billy freakin Decker) said I messed up a line and needed to re-sing it. I said I'd go back in the booth. He said there was no need and handed me an SM57.
I couldn't tell the difference after he mixed it in. Part of it was Billy Decker magic because he's a wizard, but a big part of it is a testament to the quality of recording you can get with an SM57 for...pretty much anything. You can still find 'em used for about $50-60 if you know where to look, and you can get anything done.
youi have saved me the headache of buying a cloudlifter and saved me alot of money thanks
A good video with a very strong argument for the superb SM57. I've just bought a SM7B and the obligatory Cloudlifter, lol, on the strength of... yes you guessed it... all the youtube videos (but review articles as well) that demonstrate it's the mic to have for vocals and to be seen with on video. However, I'm a "seasoned" (that's a much nicer term than "old") musician and I've already learned by experience that the more expensive a microphone doesn't necessarily mean better for a specific purpose. I bought a Neumann TLM107 a few years back at a cost of £1000. It's doing a great job with vocals and acoustic guitar for a couple of singer/songwriters I'm working with but a lot less so with my vocals for whatever reason. To cut a longer story shorter, I ended up using my SM58 in preference. Now I'm using the SM7B and couldn't be happier. I suppose one could offer a similar argument with the SM7B against the Neumann U87 costing roughly 5 times as much.
Everyone's different with their own needs, wants, set of circumstances, financial budget etc, and, as I've said, I'm very happy with my SM7B. To me, it made perfect sense getting it over an SM57 and I certainly don't have any regrets. That said, your video is a well presented case for saving a lot of people a lot of money.
Cloudlifter is not a obligation if you have a preamp or a good audio interface 😂
When the pandemic started, my sage friend suggested exactly what you are saying here. I have researched a lot of gear and bought a fair amount. The 57 is an amazing microphone and if they charged more for it people may value it more. I also have a giant pop filter and love the look of it. This is the first of your videos I have seen. New fan here!
Thank you so much! And yes, the irony is if the 57 costed more it may be valued to, the backwards nature of the human mind haha
If they charged more people would buy Audix i5 or Lewitt MTP440 both sound incredibly close to the sm57 have similar build quality and cost about the same.
I've gotta try this. I have a SM57 & an SM58 in a draw somewhere.. Gonna try this. thanks.
or my suggestion if you want something to be as close to a sm7b without having to buy a cloud lifter and all that to get the mic up and running: go with the MV7 as it's cheaper, doesn't need a lot to get up and running and is essentially the baby brother of the sm7b so it sounds phenomenal. Great video, mate, I really enjoyed it.
That's true! Looking forward to eventually reviewing that mic :)
I agree, my first podcast series was actually recorded with this. But the one part you didn’t mention, it’s very unforgiving if you’re not trained and aware of your polar pattern, it’s very small and a lot of people move around a lot and turn their head
Thats true! But I find that to be true with most dynamics no?
if you're streaming/a streamer the only reason to buy a sm7b is for the look. the SM57.. or even the SM58, Sennheiser E835 (and for $200 the E935) are some of the best options you can go with, that wont break the bank, and can be used with just about any pre/mixer out there.
great vid! lots of good info. 100% agree on the SM57 as an alternative.
Glad you enjoyed man! Happy to hear I'm in good company on my opinion :)
100% agree! The SM58 is my favorite mic these days.
Thank you so much for this. You saved me a ton of money and complication, it's appreciated.
Glad I could help in some small way :)
@@AudioHaze You really did. I'm also one of the people that should buy and MV7 but wants a SM7B :)
I've been involved with home recording for over 40 years and can remember the evolution of many aspects of it, starting back with me learning on an analog mixer and reel to reel tape. I'm trying to remember when the SM7/SM7B became a "thing"... Must have been about 15 years ago. Before that, the SM7 (the earlier iteration of the mic) was almost unknown in music studios, and was used mostly in broadcasting... that is, until either Bruce Swedien or Quincy Jones (Michael Jackson's mixing engineer and producer respectively) mentioned in an interview that Michael's favorite vocal mic was the SM7. Well, it didn't take long before every home recordist and small commercial studio owner went out and bought the mic. Then the big commercial studios followed suit! The rest, as they say, is history...
Thank you for saving me some money bro! Brought an MV7 I love it so far but was planning on doing some podcast with others and this is awesome!
Glad I could help my friend!!
I am so glad I got SM57 + A2WS :)
Thanks for this video!
I'm so glad you like it my guy :)
I noticed this as well, in fact I run a SM7B and a 57 through a Rodecaster Pro, and guess what? When I use the 57, instead of just choosing "Dynamic" for the 57, I tried the preset for the Rode PodMic. And it sounds freaking killer!! Whatever EQ they chose for the PodMic works wonders on the already crazy awesome SM57! 🤘😁
Wow nice take! That's super helpful thanks for sharing :)
Great info I was just about to purchase a mic. You saved me some money, Thanks.
Glad I could help!