To SM7B or Not to SM7B. That is the question.

[MetalWorks]

Im interested in the Shure SM7B.

I have an AT4060 which is great but it seams that people are choosing the SM7B for more aggressive vocals over mics like the TLM103 or other expensive mics for a $349 broadcast mic.

Not to mention I have seen it on DVD's being used by Lamb of God, Arch Enemy and Metallica.

I record mostly Aggressive vocals for Death, Thrash, Metal Core etc.

Occasionally I have a Screamo or something in that vein with some melodic vocals.

The AT4060 has served me well but I sometimes feel like I could use something that works a little more in favor with growls and such.

Is it worth going for or should I invest in other mics like 421's for my Toms.

The SM7B and 421 are the same price and I am eventually going to want a full set of them.

I am just wondering if I will enjoy and get more use out of the SM7B until I have a full set of 421's or if the SM7B will not thrill me any more than my AT4060.

Appreciate any experienced advice!

 

[LSD-Studio]

I'm using the sm7 pretty much an ALL male vox, not only the metal-ones.
Best mic I've tried on male vox so far...plus it's awesome on hihat

here's an example how it sounds on eeehhm .."soft"-vox: http://lsd-tonstudio.de/CW/No Clue.mp3

 

[MetalWorks]

Never thought of the highhat approach.

Sounds interesting.

Thanks for the input.

 

[LSD-Studio]

Never thought of the highhat approach.

Sounds interesting.

Thanks for the input.

yeah, before I got it the 451 was my goto hihat mic, since then it's sm7 exclusively, gives a nice midrange-grind.

 

[smy1]

I bought the SM7b a few weeks ago because I have a very sibilant voice with harsh "ess" and "shh" sounds. Have been pretty happy with it especially because:

a) it's possible to record it hand-held, which I like A LOT
b) it doesn't pick up too much spill from off-axis sources which makes it great for recording in the control room without headphones and the speakers blaring

Both of these things, along with the good sound of the mic, make it my favorite mic so far ...

 

[Soundlurker]

Isn't Sm7B also very good on toms?
I wish I could afford one :/

 

[KeithRT99]

sm7's are great on hihats, male vocals, and i hear it makes a good kick mic. I personally wouldn't use a tlm103 on gritty vocals. most people i know wouldn't even want a tlm103.

 

[everybody's x]

the sm7 is fucking magical, my favorite vocal mic for sure, and i had a 4060.

you wont regret it, especially for half the price.

then buy the 421's

 

[Glenn Fricker]

Wonderful mic. The added bonus is, while it's possible to use it handheld, it's impossible for some dumbfuck to "cup" it.

 

[everybody's x]

Wonderful mic. The added bonus is, while it's possible to use it handheld, it's impossible for some dumbfuck to "cup" it.

YES! fuck yes

 

[JeffTD]

sm7's are great on hihats, male vocals, and i hear it makes a good kick mic. I personally wouldn't use a tlm103 on gritty vocals. most people i know wouldn't even want a tlm103.

The drummer from Chevelle has one mounted inside his kick for live use, and it sounded great when I saw them.

That said, the new Chimaira was TLM103 and sounds great to my ears.