Seriously, SM7, SM7a, Sm7b - Is there a Difference?

The Gooch · 19th May 2006

I've noticed people on eBay are paying about 25% more for those old, bashed up SM7's than they'd pay for a brand new, warrantied SM7b. What gives? Are the original SM7's better mics than the a' and b's?

Kiwiburger · 19th May 2006

Sure - the extra sludge layer of dust, nicotine and phlegm provides a warmth and ambience you won't get out of the modern version.

As I understand it, the eq switches were added to the SM7a, and the SM7b has a better cradle mount and a better foam pop filter.

I have an SM7b. I've never seen anyone who actually has compared the new with the old say that the old is better.

It's very likely that if you A/B a bunch of them, some would be better than others. But not necessary old or new.

The Gooch · 19th May 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwiburger

Sure - the extra sludge layer of dust, nicotine and phlegm provides a warmth and ambience you won't get out of the modern version.

AlexLakis · 19th May 2006

I've used both the original SM7 and the SM7B. The only difference I noticed was that the grill on the original SM7 was all dented up.

Krubbadoo · 19th May 2006

You can do a search, it has been covered many times. I've A/B them once and liked the new one better. Might have to do with the condition of the old mic...

ImJohn · 19th May 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gooch

I've noticed people on eBay are paying about 25% more for those old, bashed up SM7's than they'd pay for a brand new, warrantied SM7b. What gives? Are the original SM7's better mics than the a' and b's?

I thought I had read once that the original one wasn't shielded as well so it could be noisyer in certain situations. Anyone recall?

echoplexed · 19th May 2006

I've compared the american and mexican versions. I don't know if they were a or b but they both had eq switches. I prefered the american. I don't think it's a 25% price difference though.

e-cue · 19th May 2006

IME, dunno about anyone else that posted cause, well, dunno but...

The SM-7B has less noise, and slightly less output. I went for the SM-7B over the others and have been very happy with it the last couple years.

Geddyleewannabe · 20th May 2006

bump....very interested to here more real life experience comments!

**TonyBelmont** · 20th May 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geddyleewannabe

bump....very interested to here more real life experience comments!

I would just buy the SM7b...

theblotted · 20th May 2006

i've got both SM7 and 7B right in front of me now.

physically, the SM7 is a bit lighter shade. also, the grill holes are square shaped on 7, whereas round shaped on 7B.

it's weird cuz i read around here about the difference in volume. when i compared mine, they were about the same loudness. perhaps my SM7 (not B) is a later model; i did notice that there are 2 versions of SM7... one with the old Shure Bros. logo and the other with the same new styling as SM7B (but label do say SM7).

the 7B to me has a certain frequency in high mids that's really pronounced, like a really sharp Q around 2-3kHz, compared to SM7. on some ppl's voice (like mine), it can get a bit annoying. thank god i don't use this mic for my vox recording

. but the bottom is much bigger and controlled on the 7B.

i do like 7 for its smooth/roundness, and it has a certain "pillow-yness" that i can't get on the 7B.

sometimes you need the smoove of SM7, sometimes you need the grit of SM7B.

19th May 2006	#1
The Gooch Gear nut Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 84 Thread Starter	Seriously, SM7, SM7a, Sm7b - Is there a Difference? I've noticed people on eBay are paying about 25% more for those old, bashed up SM7's than they'd pay for a brand new, warrantied SM7b. What gives? Are the original SM7's better mics than the a' and b's?

19th May 2006	#2
Kiwiburger Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,075	Sure - the extra sludge layer of dust, nicotine and phlegm provides a warmth and ambience you won't get out of the modern version. As I understand it, the eq switches were added to the SM7a, and the SM7b has a better cradle mount and a better foam pop filter. I have an SM7b. I've never seen anyone who actually has compared the new with the old say that the old is better. It's very likely that if you A/B a bunch of them, some would be better than others. But not necessary old or new. __________________ My carbon footprint is bigger than yours.

19th May 2006	#8
e-cue Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Lost Angeles Posts: 4,069	IME, dunno about anyone else that posted cause, well, dunno but... The SM-7B has less noise, and slightly less output. I went for the SM-7B over the others and have been very happy with it the last couple years. __________________ http://www.locksoflove.org/ Donate your hair to some poor kid, yah friggin' hippie.

20th May 2006	#11
theblotted Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,304	i've got both SM7 and 7B right in front of me now. physically, the SM7 is a bit lighter shade. also, the grill holes are square shaped on 7, whereas round shaped on 7B. it's weird cuz i read around here about the difference in volume. when i compared mine, they were about the same loudness. perhaps my SM7 (not B) is a later model; i did notice that there are 2 versions of SM7... one with the old Shure Bros. logo and the other with the same new styling as SM7B (but label do say SM7). the 7B to me has a certain frequency in high mids that's really pronounced, like a really sharp Q around 2-3kHz, compared to SM7. on some ppl's voice (like mine), it can get a bit annoying. thank god i don't use this mic for my vox recording . but the bottom is much bigger and controlled on the 7B. i do like 7 for its smooth/roundness, and it has a certain "pillow-yness" that i can't get on the 7B. sometimes you need the smoove of SM7, sometimes you need the grit of SM7B. __________________ "You can imagine where it goes from here." "He fixes the cable?"

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19th May 2006	#4
AlexLakis Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Annapolis, MD/Los Angeles, CA Posts: 3,631	I've used both the original SM7 and the SM7B. The only difference I noticed was that the grill on the original SM7 was all dented up.

19th May 2006	#5
Krubbadoo Gear addict Joined: Aug 2003 Location: Montreal, Qc Posts: 395	You can do a search, it has been covered many times. I've A/B them once and liked the new one better. Might have to do with the condition of the old mic...

19th May 2006	#7
echoplexed Gear interested Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 11	I've compared the american and mexican versions. I don't know if they were a or b but they both had eq switches. I prefered the american. I don't think it's a 25% price difference though.

20th May 2006	#9
Geddyleewannabe Gear addict Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 424	bump....very interested to here more real life experience comments!

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