The Shure SM7B has been one of the most dominant microphones in the podcasting and broadcasting world for over a decade, and we often associate it with professional audio quality. Then in 2023, Shure released the SM7dB, which informed us of upgrades while still keeping the beloved characteristics of the SM7B that created its legendary stature. Heading into 2025, which microphone should you invest in?
The Battle-Tested Champion: SM7B
The SM7B has earned its reputation because it has provided the highest levels of professional use in studios all over the world for countless years. Because of its warm, broadcast-quality sound, it has been the choice of the world's best, including Joe Rogan and Michael Jackson (who used the predecessor). The microphone has superb noise rejection, almost no proximity effect, and presence boost plates, which are interchangeable, giving the user flexibility.
What set the SM7B apart was its consistency. The SM7B gave reliable and predictable results from voice to voice and in almost all environment applications, all of which earned it a reputation as a microphone that created some assurance for content creators. Also, the built-in pop filter means you don't need an outside microphone accessory, and its durability and construction give the user confidence they can count on it even after years of significant use. Even details like Shure SM7B back plate, where settings and switch adjustments are accessed, highlight the microphone's no-frills, pro-level design focus.
The SM7B does have its limitations. First off, it requires a lot of gain from the audio interface or preamp, typically between 60 and 70 dB, which can potentially add noise to the audio signal if the interface isn't providing a quality signal. Even though the sound is very good, the SM7B may sound just a little dark for a few specific applications.
The New Contender: SM7dB
The SM7dB overcomes many of the SM7B's shortcomings while staying true to its identity. In addition to breaking limitations with the built-in preamp that adds 18 dB of clean gain. This preamp alone eases the gain staging frustrations of many SM7B users because it allows the microphone to work better with affordable audio interfaces.
In addition to the technical additions, the SM7dB has updated acoustics. The internal shock mount is better than before and reduces handling noise and vibrations. The frequency response has undergone some minor adjustments for improved upper midrange clarity but still has the warm low-end that people have loved for years with the SM7B.
With the SM7dB, you will get USB-C for quick firmware updates, and it allows the microphone to keep evolving with future upgrades. The presence boost plate system has been revamped for precision frequency shaping and allows users to experiment well beyond the basic sounds of the SM7B.
Performance Comparison
In a direct A/B test, any differences between these microphones are less revolutionary and more nuanced. The SM7dB is brighter and has a more open sound and offers a greater degree of articulation when it comes to speech. In addition, the SM7dB's built-in preamp provides cleaner gain than many external preamps, resulting in a lower noise floor.
The SM7B has that classic "radio voice warmth" that many people pursue. The SM7B's slightly darker sound allows a little more latitude for untrained voices and a less-than-ideal recording environment.
Both microphones are equally great at rejecting background noise and delivering close-mic techniques without showcasing extensive proximity effects. They have comparable build quality and are just as robust and professional.
Who Should Buy the SM7B in 2025?
Go with the SM7B if you have a decent preamp or audio interface already, or clean, high-gain capability. The SM7B is a fantastic choice if you're used to working in professional studios or have spent money on a set of professional recording tools. It suits you if you're looking for that specific SM7B sound character that has defined many professional broadcasts and recordings.
The budget-conscious creator might also tend towards the SM7B, as it is usually priced less than the SM7dB, and often just a little lower when I have seen deals on a second-hand unit.
The Verdict
Both microphones are viable options in 2025, but your use case should dictate your choice. If you have enough preamp and love the sound of the SM7B, it is still a tried and true mic for most, especially if they vary their shows with pre- and post-production. The SM7dB is likely the shrewder choice for most current online content creators because it is technically more versatile and solves all the technical problems most content creators have experience with.
If you are starting from scratch or moving up from a bottom-tier microphone, for many users of distribution networks, the improved acoustics and integrated preamp of the SM7dB make it the more reasonable choice in 2025. Nonetheless, if you really love the SM7B and have a preamp system that you are satisfied with, there is no rush to make the upgrade; the SM7B will continue to be your trusty mic for years down the road.