Any good or bad experiences with SM7 for live performances (rock musical style)?

Geddyleewannabe · 4th December 2006

Any good or bad experiences with the SM7 for live performance (specifically in a rock band context)? I love what it does for me in the studio in comparison to an SM58 which is what I have been using live. Therefore I'm thinking about using my SM7 live instead of the usual SM58. Thoughts?

**Remoteness** · 29th November 2007

Well, a year later and I moved your thread to the right forum...

Did you ever use the SM7 during your live performance?

Has anyone else used that mic on stage?

I've used them live as announce mics, but never as a live stage performance mic.

studilaroche · 29th November 2007

I've used an SM7 live a couple of times. While I enjoyed the sound of the mic, I felt that the pickup pattern was a bit broad for stage use; I had more feedback issues than with a standard 57/58. Also, it looks cool on stage. YMMV.
Ben

petermiles · 3rd September 2011

Anyone else have any experience in this area? I'm currently producing a record for a rock band with two singers and they both love the sound, feel, look and vibe of the SM7. They've asked me if it would work live and I wasn't sure, mainly because of feedback and spill issues, they play loud and often on smaller stages.

hbphotoav · 3rd September 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by petermiles

Anyone else have any experience in this area? I'm currently producing a record for a rock band with two singers and they both love the sound, feel, look and vibe of the SM7. They've asked me if it would work live and I wasn't sure, mainly because of feedback and spill issues, they play loud and often on smaller stages.

I've not done SM7s, but have worked successfully with LDCs live, with wedges, in jazz and big band scenarios. If overall stage bleed isn't seen as a problem, and IEMs are an option for the singers (to cut down on vocal foldback bleed and feedback problems) it seems like it could work. Recommend trying it in rehearsal with some rental units... it's always better to know, than not to.

HB

huub · 8th September 2011

always / Bon Jovi (Live) - YouTube

petermiles · 8th September 2011

So the consensus is it should be alright if the stage is quiet ish, but probably no good for a loud rock stage?

hbphotoav · 8th September 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by petermiles

So the consensus is it should be alright if the stage is quiet ish, but probably no good for a loud rock stage?

I think it might be that, depending on your tolerance for bleed and a big, expensive stand-dependent mic, it's worth a try. The worst that could happen is you're out the rental fee, and back to singing through a 58.

Of course, we'd like to know what your actual experience is, as well. You don't expect us to bloviate for free, do you?

petermiles · 8th September 2011

I'm going to see the band next month, I'll bring the SM7 along and see how it goes.

4th December 2006	#1
Geddyleewannabe Gear addict Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 424 Thread Starter	Any good or bad experiences with SM7 for live performances (rock musical style)? Any good or bad experiences with the SM7 for live performance (specifically in a rock band context)? I love what it does for me in the studio in comparison to an SM58 which is what I have been using live. Therefore I'm thinking about using my SM7 live instead of the usual SM58. Thoughts?

29th November 2007	#2
Remoteness Super Moderator Joined: Aug 2002 Location: NYC Posts: 7,405	Well, a year later and I moved your thread to the right forum... Did you ever use the SM7 during your live performance? Has anyone else used that mic on stage? I've used them live as announce mics, but never as a live stage performance mic. __________________ Steve Remote AuraSonicLtd.com the home of ASL Mobile & Location Production Remoteness on the Linkedin Network What about my Facebook Profile? Remoteness on Myspace

29th November 2007	#3
studilaroche Gear maniac Joined: Nov 2005 Location: ATL Posts: 208	I've used an SM7 live a couple of times. While I enjoyed the sound of the mic, I felt that the pickup pattern was a bit broad for stage use; I had more feedback issues than with a standard 57/58. Also, it looks cool on stage. YMMV. Ben __________________ http://studilaroche.podomatic.com http://www.studilaroche.com

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3rd September 2011	#4
petermiles Gear nut Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 108	Anyone else have any experience in this area? I'm currently producing a record for a rock band with two singers and they both love the sound, feel, look and vibe of the SM7. They've asked me if it would work live and I wasn't sure, mainly because of feedback and spill issues, they play loud and often on smaller stages.

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