SHURE SM7DB Dynamic Vocal Microphone with Built in Preamp Instruction Manual
- September 9, 2024
- Shure
Table of Contents
SHURE SM7DB Dynamic Vocal Microphone with Built in Preamp
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Before using this product, please read and save the enclosed warnings and safety instructions.
| WARNING: Ignoring these warnings may cause severe injury or death as a
result of incorrect operation. If water or other foreign objects enter the
inside of the device, fire or electric shock may result. Do not attempt to
modify this product. Doing so could result in personal injury and/or product
failure.| | CAUTION: Ignoring these cautions may cause moderate injury
or property damage as a result of incorrect operation.
Never disassemble or modify the device, as failures may result. Do not subject
to extreme force and do not pull on the cable or failures may result. Keep the
microphone dry and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity.
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General Description
The Shure SM7dB dynamic microphone has a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response appropriate for content creation, speech, music, and beyond. A built- in active preamplifier provides up to +28 dB of lownoise, flat, transparent gain while preserving frequency response for a clean, classic sound. The SM7dB’s built-in preamp delivers the legendary sound of the SM7B, completely uncompromised and without the need for an inline preamplifier. The SM7dB back panel switches allow customized frequency response and the ability to adjust or bypass the preamp.
Powering the SM7dB Preamplifier
Important: The SM7dB requires +48 V phantom power to operate with the preamplifier engaged. It will operate in bypass mode without phantom power.
To deliver audio directly to a computer, use an audio interface with an XLR input that provides +48 V phantom power, such as the Shure MVi or MVX2U, and turn phantom power on.
When connecting to a mixer, use only balanced, microphone-level inputs with phantom power. Turn phantom power on for the channel your SM7dB is connected to.
Depending on your interface or mixer, phantom power may be enabled through a switch, a button, or control software. Refer to the user guide for your interface or mixer to learn how to engage phantom power.
Preamplifier Best Practices
The SM7dB features a built-in active preamplifier which provides up to +28 dB of lownoise, flat, transparent gain that optimizes audio performance.
Adjust the gain level on the SM7dB before adjusting levels on your interface or mixer. This approach maximizes the signal-to noise ratio for a cleaner, clearer sound.
In podcast or quiet vocal applications, you are more likely to need the +28 dB setting, while louder talkers or singers may only need the +18 dB setting. For instrumental applications, you may find that the +18 dB or the bypass settings reach the ideal input levels
Using Variable Impedance Mic Preamplifiers
Select the highest available impedance setting on the external preamp when using the built-in preamp.
If you are using a low impedance setting to change the tonality for creative purposes, bypass the SM7dB’s built-in preamp. Keeping the SM7dB preamp engaged with a low-impedance setting will not yield the same changes in tone.
Microphone Placement
Speak directly into the mic, 1 to 6 inches (2.54 to 15 cm) away to block offaxis noise. For a warmer bass response, move closer to the microphone. For less bass, move the microphone away from you.