Shure sm7 vs. AT 4047

theBackwardsman · 10th March 2007, 06:24 PM

So, Its time for my first serious vocalmic purchase.
I own a Studio projects b1 & an Adk a51
The B1 is really smooth and wonderful for softer parts, but it really cant handle more screamy and strong vocals, the top end just gets annoying.
The a51 on the other hand works really great on strong /high vocals .
But sounds really muddy on everything else, lots and lots of midrange!
This is a problem for me because im making acoustic music, so the vocals really needs to stand out. And My vox goes all the way from terribly dynamic to really really soft.

Those two mics i mentioned is the ones ive figured should fit me best, but i would like to hear what you guys think

also I use a VTB-1 for preamp, mostly set on solid state cause i dont really like the sound of the tube, If I would need that i prefer adding it ITB

supaheef · 11th March 2007, 02:07 AM

For once, a comparo thread where I actually own BOTH the items in question!

I had the SM7 first, great vocal sound for all types of music, rock (thick backings) in particular. The 4047 gets work not just on voice, but sounds good on my acoustic guitars too. Then again, my SM& sounds great on acoustic guitar too, given the right context.

This is steering towards the "true gearslut" answer...

Both sound very warm, and have a very nice mid-range for voices and instruments in that range. Both EQ really well, and both need a decent pre to extract the 'best' from them. OTTH, My first SM7 was plugged into an Mbox 1, and still sounded like a great mic. It also sounds good plugged into my Kaoss Pad.

Okay, here it comes...

Get both. I wouldn't want to live without either. You shouldn't either. Probably get the 4047 first, as it is slightly more versatile. Then sell your other mics and get the SM7 too. Or just keep everything, cos that's also fun.

Sorry Backwardsman, there's not a lot of info for you there! Just me thinking I really need to make some studio time reeeeeeeeeally soon. Too, too busy...

heath.

Acoustic Cloud · 11th March 2007, 02:32 AM

Get both is a good answer. But The AT would have to be the choice if their was only one...( and there shouldnt ever be...

eh)

The Shure mic can be frustrating with pre gain, but the AT isnt. Loud source is great with the Shure though, very natural big sounding mic.

I agree, get, or strive for both. You would be covered for alot of stuff with both uvvemz...

popmann · 11th March 2007, 04:17 AM

I love the sm7b. I think it's da bomb vocal mic in the price range. Also doubles well on gtr cabs, bass cabs, and my Leslie.

You do need to get right up on it if you want it to sound big, though.

It almost sounds like a different mic with the pop removed...then there's the two EQ switches...I think if your main conern is vocals, it's the way to go. If you're looking for something to point at all acoustic instruments...I'd go with a 4050 or a Sputnik.

theBackwardsman · 11th March 2007, 12:36 PM

thank you so much for the answers!
haha but theres no way I can afford both of them :) And im not very concerned with anything but the vocals, cause Im sure I can get some really sweet acoustic guitar with tha mics I own.
Yea Ive been worrying bout the pre, does anyone think the studio projects vbt1 will work well with any of these mics? especially the extra gain needed for the sm7? Im not sure though bout the 4047 Im sure its a ****ing great mic, but my voice can be SOOO full of midrange

popmann · 11th March 2007, 08:19 PM

Now...the Sm7b will have more of a mid push than the 4047, IMO. In fact, that's the only mic I use that I regularly subtract mids from with EQ.

I've read of people happily using the SP pre with one, FWIW. I've not personally ever used it, but I've used the Sm7b with my AkaiDPS24 pres--and it's fine. I did one use it with the GT Brick, and it came up too short--I just used make up gain from my compressor to boost it, though.

theBackwardsman · 14th March 2007, 11:49 PM

Ive listened carefully to the clips at the ATwebside now, I have to say i really adore the smooth top end on the 4047 BUT its seems to have this push in the mids somewhere in the 700-1khz area, and I really dont like that with mics, it just doesnt work out with my voice, Anyhow, Im really curious about the 4050! it sounds more natural and without the mid boost, although! Im a little bit worried bout the top end, is this anything those of you whos used it could comment ? I really hate that fake chinese top end, And i cant stand another of those mics.

popmann · 15th March 2007, 03:30 AM

The top of a 4050 isn't "chinese" at all, IMO. It's not the smoothest high end around, but...it's not overbearing and grainy. The 4050 is absolutely one of my faves for a small mic locker. It rarely sucks on stuff...and the multipattern comes in handy.

10th March 2007, 06:24 PM	#1
theBackwardsman Gear Head Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 54	Shure sm7 vs. AT 4047 So, Its time for my first serious vocalmic purchase. I own a Studio projects b1 & an Adk a51 The B1 is really smooth and wonderful for softer parts, but it really cant handle more screamy and strong vocals, the top end just gets annoying. The a51 on the other hand works really great on strong /high vocals . But sounds really muddy on everything else, lots and lots of midrange! This is a problem for me because im making acoustic music, so the vocals really needs to stand out. And My vox goes all the way from terribly dynamic to really really soft. Those two mics i mentioned is the ones ive figured should fit me best, but i would like to hear what you guys think also I use a VTB-1 for preamp, mostly set on solid state cause i dont really like the sound of the tube, If I would need that i prefer adding it ITB

11th March 2007, 02:07 AM	#2
supaheef Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In a small box full of flashing lights - Brisbane, Australia Posts: 248	For once, a comparo thread where I actually own BOTH the items in question! I had the SM7 first, great vocal sound for all types of music, rock (thick backings) in particular. The 4047 gets work not just on voice, but sounds good on my acoustic guitars too. Then again, my SM& sounds great on acoustic guitar too, given the right context. This is steering towards the "true gearslut" answer... Both sound very warm, and have a very nice mid-range for voices and instruments in that range. Both EQ really well, and both need a decent pre to extract the 'best' from them. OTTH, My first SM7 was plugged into an Mbox 1, and still sounded like a great mic. It also sounds good plugged into my Kaoss Pad. Okay, here it comes... Get both. I wouldn't want to live without either. You shouldn't either. Probably get the 4047 first, as it is slightly more versatile. Then sell your other mics and get the SM7 too. Or just keep everything, cos that's also fun. Sorry Backwardsman, there's not a lot of info for you there! Just me thinking I really need to make some studio time reeeeeeeeeally soon. Too, too busy... heath. __________________ Control freak for www.myspace.com/thisisheathskerman

11th March 2007, 02:32 AM	#3
Acoustic Cloud Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: around the corner Posts: 1,968	Get both is a good answer. But The AT would have to be the choice if their was only one...( and there shouldnt ever be...eh) The Shure mic can be frustrating with pre gain, but the AT isnt. Loud source is great with the Shure though, very natural big sounding mic. I agree, get, or strive for both. You would be covered for alot of stuff with both uvvemz... __________________ If the Earth wasnt created, where'd all the dirt come from?

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11th March 2007, 04:17 AM	#4
popmann Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Nashville Posts: 1,293	I love the sm7b. I think it's da bomb vocal mic in the price range. Also doubles well on gtr cabs, bass cabs, and my Leslie. You do need to get right up on it if you want it to sound big, though. It almost sounds like a different mic with the pop removed...then there's the two EQ switches...I think if your main conern is vocals, it's the way to go. If you're looking for something to point at all acoustic instruments...I'd go with a 4050 or a Sputnik.

11th March 2007, 12:36 PM	#5
theBackwardsman Gear Head Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 54	thank you so much for the answers! haha but theres no way I can afford both of them :) And im not very concerned with anything but the vocals, cause Im sure I can get some really sweet acoustic guitar with tha mics I own. Yea Ive been worrying bout the pre, does anyone think the studio projects vbt1 will work well with any of these mics? especially the extra gain needed for the sm7? Im not sure though bout the 4047 Im sure its a ****ing great mic, but my voice can be SOOO full of midrange

11th March 2007, 08:19 PM	#6
popmann Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Nashville Posts: 1,293	Now...the Sm7b will have more of a mid push than the 4047, IMO. In fact, that's the only mic I use that I regularly subtract mids from with EQ. I've read of people happily using the SP pre with one, FWIW. I've not personally ever used it, but I've used the Sm7b with my AkaiDPS24 pres--and it's fine. I did one use it with the GT Brick, and it came up too short--I just used make up gain from my compressor to boost it, though.

14th March 2007, 11:49 PM	#7
theBackwardsman Gear Head Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 54	Ive listened carefully to the clips at the ATwebside now, I have to say i really adore the smooth top end on the 4047 BUT its seems to have this push in the mids somewhere in the 700-1khz area, and I really dont like that with mics, it just doesnt work out with my voice, Anyhow, Im really curious about the 4050! it sounds more natural and without the mid boost, although! Im a little bit worried bout the top end, is this anything those of you whos used it could comment ? I really hate that fake chinese top end, And i cant stand another of those mics.

15th March 2007, 03:30 AM	#8
popmann Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Nashville Posts: 1,293	The top of a 4050 isn't "chinese" at all, IMO. It's not the smoothest high end around, but...it's not overbearing and grainy. The 4050 is absolutely one of my faves for a small mic locker. It rarely sucks on stuff...and the multipattern comes in handy.