Shure · Updated June 2026
Shure SM7B: price, specs & release date
Shure SM7B, released 2001. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: shure.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
- Best for Clear, crisp vocal reproduction on the flat frequency response; Strong off-axis and internal (mechanical) noise rejection.
- Skip if Heavy at 765g is a dealbreaker.
Is the Shure SM7B a good buy?
At $439, the Shure SM7B is the most expensive of the 20 microphones we track, where the median is $153. On the spec sheet, its release of 2001 is the lowest of the 12. By release date, it is the oldest of the 12 we date.
Evidence of Record
Our dataNo independent lab has measured this product yet. 1 outlet has it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the Shure SM7B
Only one whitelisted tester (SoundGuys) published a hands-on SM7B review; it rates the mic 9/10, praising clear, crisp vocal reproduction on the flat response, strong off-axis and internal noise rejection, and premium build with a clever adjustable yoke mount. Drawbacks: it is heavy (765g), expensive ($399), and its low output demands ample clean preamp gain (often a Cloudlifter). No lab-measured numbers were stated in-text.
Based on 1 review · 1 lab-tested · 2025-07-31
Tested by SoundGuys
Consistently praised
- Clear, crisp vocal reproduction on the flat frequency response
- Strong off-axis and internal (mechanical) noise rejection
- Premium build quality and clever adjustable yoke mount
- Effective on-board bass roll-off / presence-boost filters
Commonly flagged
- Heavy at 765g
- Expensive ($399), plus needs interface and XLR cable
- Low output requires a lot of clean preamp gain (often a Cloudlifter)
- Single cardioid pattern only; not aimed at beginners
Where reviewers disagree Single-source only, so no cross-source comparison is possible. SoundGuys itself is internally consistent: it rates sound quality and build very highly while flagging the low output/gain requirement and price as the main practical caveats.
The sources (1)
The Shure SM7B reigns as king of studio recording for a good reason: vocal recording and reproduction are clear and crisp, especially when recording in a controlled environment with the flat frequency response selected.
the untouched audio file doesn’t sound nearly as noisy as it was in real life
The SM7B has a lower output than most mics -59 dBV/Pa (1.12 mV so needs a good amount of gain applied at your preamp or audio interface.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $439 US price $439.00 confirmed from target.com search results for 'shure sm7b' accessed 2026-06-15. |
|---|---|
| Brand | Shure |
| Released | 2001 |
| Connectivity | XLR |
| Polar pattern | cardioid |
| Type | dynamic |
| Sample rate (kHz) | — |
| Bit depth | — |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mute button | No |
| Mount | 5/8" yoke mount (swivel) |
Source: shure.com (verified 2026-06-15) · corroborated by en.wikipedia.org. shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/sm7b accessed 2026-06-15 confirmed: SM7B Vocal Microphone, XLR only, cardioid polar pattern (described as 'classic cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetrical about axis'), dynamic cartridge, requires preamp providing +60dB gain, no headphone jack, no mute button, includes A7WS windscreen and RPM602 switch cover plate. Wikipedia SM7B article confirmed: XLR three-pin male connector, dynamic moving coil, cardioid, 50-20kHz frequency response, 150 ohms impedance, weight 765.4g. Price $439.00 confirmed from Target search results accessed 2026-06-15. No USB connectivity (XLR-only). Release year 2001 is the SM7B revision date (original SM7 was 1973); the SM7B variant has been in continuous production since 2001.
Is the Shure SM7B worth it vs cheaper microphones?
Shure SM7B against its closest cheaper and pricier microphones on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 20 ranked
| Product | Price | Connectivity | Polar pattern | Type | Headphone jack | Mute button |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shure SM7B this | $439 | XLR | cardioid | dynamic | No | No |
| Rode NT1 5th Generation | $249 | USB-C + XLR | cardioid | condenser | No | — |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the Shure SM7B?
Only one whitelisted tester (SoundGuys) published a hands-on SM7B review; it rates the mic 9/10, praising clear, crisp vocal reproduction on the flat response, strong off-axis and internal noise rejection, and premium build with a clever adjustable yoke mount. Drawbacks: it is heavy (765g), expensive ($399), and its low output demands ample clean preamp gain (often a Cloudlifter). No lab-measured numbers were stated in-text. Praised: Clear, crisp vocal reproduction on the flat frequency response; Strong off-axis and internal (mechanical) noise rejection; Premium build quality and clever adjustable yoke mount; Effective on-board bass roll-off / presence-boost filters. Flagged: Heavy at 765g; Expensive ($399), plus needs interface and XLR cable; Low output requires a lot of clean preamp gain (often a Cloudlifter); Single cardioid pattern only; not aimed at beginners. (From 1 tester review, 1 lab-tested.)
How much does the Shure SM7B cost?
The Shure SM7B has a US price of $439 (US price $439.00 confirmed from target.com search results for 'shure sm7b' accessed 2026-06-15.), as of 2026-06-15.
How does the Shure SM7B compare on price?
At $439, the Shure SM7B is the most expensive of the 20 microphones we track, where the median is $153.
When was the Shure SM7B released?
The Shure SM7B was released 2001.
What are the Shure SM7B's key specs?
Shure SM7B (Shure): connectivity XLR, polar pattern cardioid, type dynamic, headphone jack No, mute button No. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-15.
Price of record: $439 at shure.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See Shure SM7B on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar microphones
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