Recording with SM7B Questions

[ddhamilt]

Hi all,

I bought the SM7b and have just started playing with it. I am using Protools 7.3 LE with Mbox-2

For those that use it, here are my questions:

1) Is anyone using this with an m-box straight? Or do you use a pre-amp with it? Unless I'm doing something wrong, I really have to crank the gain on the m-box to get a decent vocal level.

2) Do you use it with success on...
A) electric guitar amps
B) acoustic guitar in the room with success?
C) Softer male and female vocals? -From what I've read it is a good for rap and loud blaring vocals, but not necesarily quieter more intimate vocals

Thanks.

[Farview]

1) Is anyone using this with an m-box straight? Or do you use a pre-amp with it? Unless I'm doing something wrong, I really have to crank the gain on the m-box to get a decent vocal level.

I don't hve an M-box, but the SM-7 needs a ton of gain. You need to crank just about any preamp.

2) Do you use it with success on...
A) electric guitar amps
B) acoustic guitar in the room with success?
C) Softer male and female vocals? -From what I've read it is a good for rap and loud blaring vocals, but not necesarily quieter more intimate vocals

Thanks.

A. Yes B. Yes C. Only if you have enough gain.

[m_morrise]

1) Is anyone using this with an m-box straight? Or do you use a pre-amp with it? Unless I'm doing something wrong, I really have to crank the gain on the m-box to get a decent vocal level.

I have never gotten satisfactory results using a dynamic mic with the MBox 2's preamps. The pres on the MBox 2 seem to be designed around condenser mics.

Dynamic mics like the SM7b require more gain than condensers. They don't usually work well with budget preamps (like those on the MBox 2), either because the pres don't supply enough gain or they are too noisy when they do supply enough.

2) Do you use it with success on...
A) electric guitar amps
B) acoustic guitar in the room with success?
C) Softer male and female vocals? -From what I've read it is a good for rap and loud blaring vocals, but not necesarily quieter more intimate vocals

It really depends on the sound you want. The SM7b can be used on all of these sources (it's very versatile) but may not give you the sound you're looking for. The best thing to do is try it and see if it gives you what you want.

[steveintampa]

I have one and run it through a Grace 101. Very nice IMHO.
Also sounds good, but not as good, through a Mackie Onyx, again, JMHO.

Does not pick up backround noises from a block away like some condensers. JMO.

[Weasel9992]

As Farview said, the SM7 will work great with any of those sources, but you need a good pre with plenty of gain. Otherwise it'll sound like crap like any other dynanic on a cheap pre.

Weez