Why the Shure SM7B + Cloudlifter Setup Makes No Sense (Save $500 with This Mic) - Microphone Review

Summary

The video discusses the popularity of the Shure SM7B microphone among content creators, driven by targeted marketing and its professional appeal. However, the creator argues that the Shure SM57, a more affordable and versatile microphone, can deliver similar audio quality for a fraction of the cost. The video emphasizes that the SM57 is underappreciated in the content creation space, despite being a legendary microphone in the music industry, and encourages viewers to consider it as a viable alternative to the SM7B.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The Shure SM7B was overwhelmingly chosen by the audience for its perceived superiority in audio recording, receiving 50% of the votes.
• 🔍 The speaker disagrees with the audience's choice, suggesting that the SM7B's popularity is due to targeted marketing and a trend among content creators rather than its intrinsic superiority.
• 📈 The SM7B is often paired with additional equipment like a Cloudlifter or extra preamp gain, which increases the total investment to around six hundred dollars.
• 💡 The speaker recommends the Shure SM57 as an alternative that can perform similarly to the SM7B but at a much lower price point, approximately one-sixth the cost.
• 🔊 The SM57 is praised for its versatility in recording various sounds, including voiceovers, live vocals, and musical instruments, making it a staple in the music industry.
• 🛍️ For non-musicians, the speaker notes that marketing often directs streamers and gamers towards high-end USB microphones or the SM7B, rather than the more affordable SM57.
• 👍 The SM57 is described as an iconic and reliable microphone, with a sound that can be easily EQ'd to match the SM7B if desired.
• 🔧 The SM57 requires minimal additional equipment, often just a pop shield, making it more user-friendly and cost-effective for content creators.
• 📐 The script highlights the anatomical differences between the SM7B and SM57, such as the SM7B's resonance chamber and the SM57's higher presence boost.
• 💥 The SM57 is portrayed as incredibly durable, with anecdotes of it surviving extreme conditions that would damage other equipment.
• 📚 The speaker encourages viewers to explore tutorials on how to EQ the SM57 to sound like the SM7B, citing resources from other creators.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe the Shure SM7B microphone is not the best choice for certain content creators?

The speaker believes the Shure SM7B is overhyped due to targeted marketing and its professional look, but argues that it's unnecessary for most content creators because of its high cost and the additional equipment required to maximize its potential.

What are the common uses for the Shure SM7B microphone according to the speaker?

The Shure SM7B is commonly used for broadcast vocal recording and live vocal recording.

What additional equipment is often required when using the Shure SM7B?

Many users feel the need to purchase a Cloudlifter or extra preamp gain, which increases the overall investment to around $600.

What alternative microphone does the speaker recommend and why?

The speaker recommends the Shure SM57 as an alternative because it offers similar sound quality and flexibility for about one-sixth of the price, making it a more cost-effective option for many users.

What are the primary differences between the Shure SM7B and the Shure SM57 according to the speaker?

The SM7B has a larger resonance chamber for a beefier low-end sound and reduced proximity effect, while the SM57 has a higher presence boost, more proximity effect, and lacks the additional features like roll-offs and pads found on the SM7B.

How does the speaker describe the marketing strategies for microphones targeted at musicians versus content creators?

The speaker notes that there is a distinct marketing difference, with musicians being marketed versatile microphones like the SM57, while content creators are often pushed towards high-end USB microphones or more expensive options like the SM7B.

What does the speaker suggest about the flexibility of the Shure SM57 in comparison to other microphones?

The speaker highlights that the SM57 is highly flexible and iconic, suitable for a wide range of uses including voiceover, live vocals, and instrument recording, making it a valuable tool in both music and content creation.

How does the speaker address the durability of the Shure SM57?

The speaker praises the SM57's durability, sharing anecdotes about its ability to withstand harsh treatment, such as being submerged in water and dropped, without sustaining damage.

What is the speaker's view on the aesthetic appeal of microphones in relation to their performance?

The speaker acknowledges that aesthetics can influence microphone choice, but emphasizes that performance and versatility should be the main considerations, suggesting that a pop shield can improve the SM57's appearance for those concerned with aesthetics.

What does the speaker suggest for those who want to achieve a sound similar to the Shure SM7B using the Shure SM57?

The speaker suggests that with some basic EQ adjustments, the SM57 can be made to sound nearly identical to the SM7B, making it a viable and cost-effective alternative.