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.

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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.

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Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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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 Teezo Touchdown uses Shure SM7

Teezo Touchdown

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via Photo

Teezo Touchdown uses a Shure SM7 microphone to record his stereo vocals, as shown in a user-uploaded photo. His recording technique is influenced by Trippie Redd's engineer.

See how Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty) uses Shure SM7

Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty)

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In the attached video, Alejandro is singing into an SM7 throughout.

See how Becca Stevens uses Shure SM7

Becca Stevens

Singer, Guitarist

The Lighthouse Band

...
Verified via Photo

Used to record the contralto harmonies of "True Minds", as featured in this Instagram story post from the week of September 27, 2020, catalogued in the "RECORDING 2." highlight folder.

See how MJ Cole uses Shure SM7

MJ Cole

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "MJ Cole: In the studio with a UK garage legend – FROM THE ARCHIVE (2017)" by MusicRadar Tech on YouTube, at 21:26, MJ Cole is seen displaying a Shure SM7 microphone as part of his studio setup.

That's really good for kind of just sketching, writing. It kind of it's got a lead that goes all the way around the room. Um, so that's kind of good for that.

See how Flemming Rasmussen uses Shure SM7

Flemming Rasmussen

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

The "Shure SM7" was used for guitar tracking during the "Ride The Lightning" recording sessions in 1984.

See how Gokosoul uses Shure SM7

Gokosoul

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, you can see that he is using Shure SM7B in his studio

See how Ed Cherney uses Shure SM7

Ed Cherney

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Bobby Owsinski's Music Production Blog

In an interview on Bobby Owsinski's Music Production Blog titled "Thank You, Ed Cherney - Part 2," it is confirmed that Ed Cherney used the Shure SM7.

For rock vocals I’ll use dynamic mics a lot of times like an RE-20 or SM-7.

See how Marc Perlman uses Shure SM7

Marc Perlman

Guitarist, Bassist

Jayhawks

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used for vocals on XOXO, as stated by engineer Nick Tveitbakk in this October 28, 2020 Mix Online interview.

Acoustic guitars were miked with an AKG C414EB and a Coles 4038 side by side, and vocals went into Neumann U47 and Shure SM7 mics, also side by side, to provide a range of textures. Acoustic guitars were miked with an AKG C414EB and a Coles 4038 side by side, and vocals went into Neumann U47 and Shure SM7 mics, also side by side, to provide a range of textures. “We’re always going for keeper vocals, so the option is there,” Tveitbakk says.

See how Patrick Hyland uses Shure SM7

Patrick Hyland

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via reverb.com

Patrick Hyland, in an interview with Reverb, confirmed the use of a Shure SM7 microphone for recording vocals on Mitski's album "Puberty 2." Hyland stated:

I can say an interesting thing is that the vocals are like 50/50 between a vintage C12 and an SM7, which is about as different as you can get. I honestly don’t know which is which when I listen to the record.

See how Natalia Lafourcade uses Shure SM7

Natalia Lafourcade

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Natalia Lafourcade is seen singing into a Shure SM7 mic around the 6:03 mark in a behind-the-scenes documentary about the recording of her 2015 album Hasta la Raíz at Sonic Ranch studio. A label on the mic identifies the model # as well as the location in Sonic Ranch Studio A.

See how Karen Grotberg uses Shure SM7

Karen Grotberg

Keyboardist

Jayhawks

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used for vocals on XOXO, as stated by engineer Nick Tveitbakk in this October 28, 2020 Mix Online interview.

Acoustic guitars were miked with an AKG C414EB and a Coles 4038 side by side, and vocals went into Neumann U47 and Shure SM7 mics, also side by side, to provide a range of textures. Acoustic guitars were miked with an AKG C414EB and a Coles 4038 side by side, and vocals went into Neumann U47 and Shure SM7 mics, also side by side, to provide a range of textures. “We’re always going for keeper vocals, so the option is there,” Tveitbakk says.

See how Sharon Jones uses Shure SM7

Sharon Jones

Singer

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

...
Verified via YouTube

Used for vocals on Soul of a Woman, as is visible throughout the music video for "Sail On!".

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

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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