Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (9)
$669.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (59)
$439.00
Reverb
5.0 (12)
$59.99 15 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (514)
$439.00
zZounds
4.5 (28)
$439.00
B&H
4.8 (151)
$439.00
Thomann
4.9 (2053)
$389.00
Vintage King
4.9 (11)
$439.00

Average Price: $417

High-end/Boutique

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Shure SM7". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash your inner music maestro with the Shure SM7, a dynamic cardioid microphone that has etched its place in the annals of music history. Renowned for its usage by Michael Jackson on the iconic "Thriller," this mic stands as a testament to its superior sound quality. Without a humbucking coil, the Shure SM7 provides a brighter sound, often preferred by musicians over the SM7A and SM7B models. It's a piece of gear that doesn't just record music, it crafts an authentic sonic experience.

Key Features:

  • Dynamic cardioid microphone
  • No humbucking coil for brighter sound
  • Used by Michael Jackson on "Thriller"
  • Preferred by many over the SM7A and SM7B models
  • Ideal for studio recording and live performances

Product specs

Brand Shure
Model SM7 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories Microphones
Electronics Passive
Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary application for the Shure SM7 microphone?

The Shure SM7 is primarily used for vocals and speech, providing a warm, smooth tone ideal for broadcasting, studio recording, and voiceovers.

How does the Shure SM7 reduce unwanted noise during recordings?

The Shure SM7 features an internal shockmount to reduce vibrations and a built-in pop filter to eliminate plosives, ensuring clean, professional-grade recordings.

What is the polar pattern of the Shure SM7, and how does it affect recording?

The Shure SM7 has a cardioid polar pattern, which isolates sound by focusing on the source directly in front of the microphone while minimizing background noise.

Is the Shure SM7 suitable for recording loud instruments?

Yes, the Shure SM7 can handle high sound pressure levels up to 180dB, making it suitable for recording loud sources without distortion.

Does the Shure SM7 require an external pop filter?

No, the Shure SM7 includes an integrated pop filter that effectively eliminates plosives, so an external pop filter is not necessary.

Obscure Mics

Obscure Mics

Original Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphone Demo - Vintage Shure Mic

Video thumbnail for Original Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphone Demo - Vintage Shure Mic by Obscure Mics

Original Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphone Demo - Vintage Shure Mic

Obscure Mics

Obscure Mics

Reviews

PROS

  • Original design offers more high-end fidelity for sung vocals

  • Provides a unique sound with more low-mid presence

  • Legendary status as Michael Jackson's preferred mic adds unique appeal

  • Versatile for both screaming and alternative vocals

  • Offers excellent sound rejection for studio use

  • Performs well on amplifiers and various instruments

  • Comparable to a condenser mic in aggression and clarity

  • Superior to SM57 and SM58 in cleanliness and size

CONS

  • Requires significant gain, potentially needing additional equipment like a CloudLifter

  • The SM7b may have a slightly bigger bottom end and sound more open

Critic Reviews

Shure: SM7 microphone | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Shure SM7 microphone, often overshadowed by its famous counterpart, the SM57, shines in versatility and affordability. Praised for its use on Michael Jackson's Thriller, this dynamic mic is a hidden gem for studio engineers, excelling in vocals and various instruments. It competes with higher-end mics despite its modest price, making it a top choice for budget-conscious projects. While not widely recognized, its performance rivals expensive condensers, offering a broad frequency response and dynamic range. A well-kept secret, the SM7 is a reliable workhorse and a worthy investment for any studio setup.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
wanya7

Best Dynamic Vocal Mic All Rounder

Best Dynamic Vocal Mic All Rounder

Needs a lot of Gain but I only use the Best PreAmps with plenty Gain so no issue for me - but you might want a CloudLifter if you on a cheap interface...

Want a Dynamic Mic that sounds like a Condenser?

Yeah its Aggressive & Not a Soft Mic like a U47 but are you Rap Rock Hard Pop or Voiceover? Are you a Man (Screeching Banshee Woman) or a Mouse?

This is your Mic! - You know? - The one Michael Jackson used on Lead Vocals on Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, The Way You Make Me Feel & Bad (Bruce Swedien my Mentor RIP)

Excellent Rejection you can have it on in the Studio in front of your Monitors doing a Scratch Vocal

Works well on Amps & other stuff

Clean as a SM57 & Bigger & Cleaner than a SM58 on Acid!

Stop reading this silly review & get this MOFO in front of your Talent! - If you've got any?

From Gear Setup
jeromy

Most used mic

Just needs a lot of gain before it gets good.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Michael Jackson uses Shure SM7

Michael Jackson

Singer, Composer

The Jackson 5

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In a video clip at the 2:34 mark, Michael Jackson is seen recording vocals alongside Stevie Wonder using a vintage Shure SM7(A) microphone, specifically the 1981 model with serial number 252. The session was engineered by Bruce Swedien, as detailed in the Sound on Sound article "Bruce Swedien: Recording Michael Jackson."

See how Peter Buck uses Shure SM7

Peter Buck

Guitarist

R.E.M.

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used for the guitar on Reckoning, as recalled by producer Mitch Easter in this February 1, 2009 Mix Online interview.

Buck’s beautiful guitar work, which so memorably opens “So. Central Rain,” was captured pretty dry, according to Easter, but did feature the effect of a Scholtz Rockman. “These days, that’s as uncool a piece of gear as you could possibly have,” Easter says with a laugh, “but it was so great for Pete Buck, especially back when he had that really clean tone. We would build up these guitar washes with different sounds. We would start with his amp, then do a direct box with some studio effect, and then we also used that Rockman a lot because it had that built-in, weird compressed sound that is really great for 12-strings or on top of one section.” Easter recalls primarily using Shure SM7 mics on guitars.

See how Ben Gibbard uses Shure SM7

Ben Gibbard

Singer, Guitarist

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video by Fender A Conversation With Ben Gibbard About "Black Sun", record producer Rich Costey talks about Ben Gibbard's vocals on the song Black Sun, and wanting Ben to sound raw as opposed to doubling up the vocals or using effects. Around 5:00 into the video:

It's so personal. I don't wanna hear him hiding behind some big effect. That vocal is him on an SM-7, just right here, telling you a story

See how Lana Del Rey uses Shure SM7

Lana Del Rey

Singer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

This article mentions that the Shure SM7 is Lana's favorite microphone.

See how Jonathan Davis uses Shure SM7

Jonathan Davis

Singer, Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via YouTube

Jonathan can be seen recording with the Shure SM7 in the behind the scenes video for Final Days.

See how Billy Gould uses Shure SM7

Billy Gould

Bassist

Faith No More

...
Verified via Soundonsound

“Starting with the kick drum, I used an AKG D30, but then I sometimes used the Shure Beta 52A and I used a [Yamaha SKRM-100] Subkick too at times. On the snare drum, I had a [Shure] SM57 or sometimes the Telefunken M80. It’s a little more of an open kind of mic. With the toms, I used a [Shure] Beta 52A on the floor tom, which I really liked. It’s really got a lot of bottom and some top but it’s got a thing where it kind of glues things together with the rest of the kit when you bring it in. It worked really well with the overhead mics. I also used a [Shure] SM7 on one tom. For overhead mics, of all things, I used these [MXA] MCA SP1s. "

See how Robin Pecknold uses Shure SM7

Robin Pecknold

Singer, Guitarist

Fleet Foxes

...
Verified via Photo

Robin Pecknold frequently used the Shure SM7 microphone during live performances in the "Helplessness Blues" era, as shown in a user-uploaded photo from Spin.

See how Tori Kelly uses Shure SM7

Tori Kelly

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Gearslutz

Tori Kelly used this microphone for recording

See how Chris Vrenna uses Shure SM7

Chris Vrenna

Drummer, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Mixonline

Because he is a drummer capable of writing his own beats, Vrenna never uses loops. For programmed sounds, he often uses Battery and employs the drum sounds his synths have. “I tend to just start from some of those and layer stuff,” he remarks. “I just layer sounds underneath and then make my own stuff, and then put those through pedals.” With limited space in the crib room, Vrenna uses a compact Yamaha custom drum kit. Vrenna pads the room down when he records vocals, but then he pulls the padding off the walls for a boomier drum sound. Longtime friend and engineer Bill Kennedy, whom the drummer has known since his NIN days, helped him experiment with different ways to mike the kit and they created a good overall scheme. To record the kit, Vrenna placed a vintage AKG D-12 inside the kick and a Yamaha NS-10 (used as a mic rather than a speaker) outside the kick. “It gives you a nice sub,” he says. “You put that in front of the kick head.” For the snare, he placed a Shure SM7 on top and a Sennheiser 441 below. Sennheiser 421s are used on the two toms and either an AKG 451 or a Shure SM7 on the hi-hats. He favors the 451 because while the SM7 “gives a nice, thick chunky hi-hat, being such a small room, I kind of needed to thin it out.”

See how Christopher Walla uses Shure SM7

Christopher Walla

Guitarist, Music Producer

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via Hallofjusticerecording

Listed in Chris Walla's Hall of Justice Recording Studio equipment list.

See how Ian Kirkpatrick uses Shure SM7

Ian Kirkpatrick

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this SOS item, about producing for Dua Lipa, Ian Kirkpatrick says: "I also usually do the vocal recording and production. Dua tends to record at my place, using my Telefunken [ELA M] 251, or sometimes my Shure SM7.“

See how Theo Katzman uses Shure SM7

Theo Katzman

Singer, Guitarist

Vulfpeck

...
Verified via YouTube

In the attached video, Theo is singing into the SM7 throughout

Album Usage

The Shure SM7 has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Shure SM7, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
8
Neumann U67
Neumann U67 Condenser Microphones
6
Neumann M149 Tube
Neumann M149 Tube Condenser Microphones
5
Neumann U87
Neumann U87 Condenser Microphones
5
Urei 1176 LN Revision H
Urei 1176 LN Revision H Effects Processors
5
Sennheiser MD 421-II
Sennheiser MD 421-II Dynamic Microphones
4
AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer
4
Avid HD I/O
Avid HD I/O Audio Interfaces
4

Community setups

Show yours
wanya7

wanya7

Gear IQ 1824

wanya7

wanya7

Gear IQ 1824

wanya7

wanya7

Gear IQ 1824

2 alternative and related items for Shure SM7, curated by the Equipboard community.

Shure SM7A
Vintage or Discontinued newer

Produced for only two years, the SM7A was the successor of the SM7: https://service.shure.com/s/article/sm7-sm7a-sm7b-differences

SM7 - Introduced 1973 with a U.S. retail price of $256.80.

SM7A - Humbucking coil improved; design of the mic mounting yoke also improved. Introduced 1999.

SM7B - Larger foam windscreen added. Introduced 2001.

More Shure Dynamic Microphones

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jeromy
    jeromy

    Gear IQ 238