SM7b vs Bluebird Microphone for vocals?

[Tangible]

Looking to buy a new Mic, I'm looking to record Hip-hop, gospel, R&B and calypso in a home studio, both males and females (vocals only). This isn't my studio (I'm staying with relatives), so I'm not going to be spending money on anything that I can't take with me. They have some foam in a corner of a wall, and I may convince to hang some blankets behind it.....but that's the best the "booth" is going to get.

So, I'm really leaning towards the Bluebird, as I've had one before and I think they are clean mics, but because the room isn't the best, I was thinking I might be better off getting a dynamic mic like the SM7b. However, I've never had one before, so I don't know if it would be the better choice.

One downside of the SM7b I could see is that I only have a digi002, and don't have money to invest in some killer pre that I heard it might need.

So in this situation, which one would you go with...the SM7b or the Bluebird?

[rty5150]

looks like your budget is $300-350ish.

you really should get away from the digi pres. normally i recommend an sm7b all day long, but you need versatility on the cheap.
apex 460 for $189
either the SP vtb-1 or m-audio dmp-3.
not in the high end realm, but definitely in the respectable realm.
after that, get yourself an sm7b and gap pre-73.

[warhead]

The ADK Hamburg is a lot of vocal mic in that price range, I would choose it over the Bluebird. I like the Bluebird, a LOT...but mainly on acoustic sources.

War

[rty5150]

i love the hamburg as well. i really love adk mics in general!!!

[Tangible]

Originally Posted by rty5150

looks like your budget is $300-350ish.

you really should get away from the digi pres. normally i recommend an sm7b all day long, but you need versatility on the cheap.
apex 460 for $189
either the SP vtb-1 or m-audio dmp-3.
not in the high end realm, but definitely in the respectable realm.
after that, get yourself an sm7b and gap pre-73.

I got a Eureka pre at home, I don't know if I want to buy a cheaper pre that I wouldn't use when I get go back there. I'm looking moreso for something that will work decent enough with just the digi. Unless those better than the Eureka, of course.

[Tangible]

Originally Posted by warhead

The ADK Hamburg is a lot of vocal mic in that price range, I would choose it over the Bluebird. I like the Bluebird, a LOT...but mainly on acoustic sources.

War

What kind of character do those mic have? I really want a mic that is "open" sounding.

[rty5150]

Originally Posted by Tangible

What kind of character do those mic have? I really want a mic that is "open" sounding.

then you want the vienna.

[rty5150]

Originally Posted by Tangible

Unless those better than the Eureka, of course.

better is a relative term...

i am a neve sound guy. which is why i have chameleon labs pres as my go to's.

[Tangible]

Originally Posted by rty5150

then you want the vienna.

what's the difference between the silver and black ones that they have? and how does the sound compare to the Bluebird?

[jitterybit]

if you want "open," stay clear of the bluebird. I'd call it dark and slightly honky(4-6k sm57 honk).
Very detailed, but not a vocal mic.
I agree with warren, get on acoustic sources, particularly overly bright sources(i.e. fiddle, bright acg)

[Chris Lago]

[Tangible]

probably going to be ordering something early in the week, and I'm starting to consider getting a pre-modded or clone mic. Any good ones in my general price range that might favor what I'm looking for?

[bexarametric]

The two mics you ask about are very different. You will need a hi-gain pre to drive that SM7B. The Bluebird will be very sensitive.

The determining factor for me would be my room. If my tracking room is not treated I would get the SM7B. Plain and simple. The Bluebird will pick up too much of the room.

[DaKid]

I would definitely stay away from the SM7B if you're going to run it through the 002 pres... They don't have the juice and once you start turning them up high they get hissy and noisy.

[Doorslammer]

My new SM7B just came in yesterday and have been trying it out. Really like it, but it takes a bunch of gain like everyone said. I tried it thru my ART Pro Channel and when cranked up, it had too much noise.
Tried it thru the Focusrite Track Master, a little better but still not pleased.
Then I tried it thru the cheapest pre that I have, a SP VTB-1 that has a Groove Tube 12AX7 in it.
I couldn't believe it. Much quieter, big full sound, and with a little tube warmth dialed in, Wow. I'm lovin' this.
I may need to use the SP VTB-1 a little more often.
Anyway, I think you'll like the SM7B.
But, you'll need some serious gain.

[LandonCorey]

+1 for sm7

[Gretsch 6120]

I own both the Bluebird and the SM7b, and both are great in their own rights IMO. However, if I had to pick one it would be the SM7b, especially for vocal work. The Bluebird has a scooped upper mid thing happening, making it great for most acoustic instruments and workable for many vocalists. On the other hand, the SM7 b is a monster workhorse, and really shines on vocals.

Chris

[Tangible]

I ended up ordering the SM7b and the vtb1 pre. Hopefully everything works out alright. thumbsup

[snoopy3]

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