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kitchen recording equipment news<br />
Shure SM7B: A Secret Dynamic Weapon<br />
www.shure.com<br />
By Michael Vecchio<br />
noticed that SM7B’s are used as vocal mics in the “Live From Abbey Road”<br />
series. Obviously, the SM7B is detailed and smooth enough to be used as a<br />
top quality vocal mic. But what I find interesting about the SM7B is that it’s<br />
a dynamic mic (as opposed to the other two main types of microphones—<br />
condenser and ribbon), and dynamic mics are not the usual choice for<br />
vocals. For the most part, engineers choose condensers on vocals to get<br />
maximum clarity and accuracy. However, many engineers choose the SM7B<br />
as a vocal mic over highly regarded condenser mics in their arsenal. <strong>The</strong> fact<br />
that it can rival top condensers on vocals speaks volumes about its quality.<br />
SM7B is also an excellent all-around mic because it is dynamic. Dynamic<br />
mics are able to handle very high sound pressure levels, which is why<br />
they are used as close mics on drums or on loud speaker cabinets. For<br />
this reason, the SM7B is also a known choice for amps and drums,<br />
especially for the all-important kick and snare.<br />
Engineers and recording studios have certain favorite pieces of gear that are<br />
referred to as “secret weapons.” What’s a “secret weapon,” you ask? It’s<br />
an inexpensive, but super high-quality piece of gear that people generally<br />
either don’t know about or disregard because of its low price tag. Without a<br />
doubt the greatest of the recording industry’s secret weapons is the Shure<br />
SM7B. It is a staple in the mic closet of every great studio in the world.<br />
For starters, at Clinton Recording Studios we used our SM7B to record<br />
vocals for Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow and Dr. John, and I recently saw a video<br />
of Scott Weiland using an SM7B to record vocals on “Big Bang Baby.” I also<br />
Another feature of the SM7B is its superb off-axis rejection—in other<br />
words, it has a very focused, directional pickup. This quality comes in<br />
handy if you’re recording in a space without a lot of isolation (hence,<br />
the use of SM7B’s for vocals in the “Live From Abbey Road” show), or if<br />
you’re trying to close mic a single drum in a set.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SM7B is an amazing all-around mic that offers all of the benefits of<br />
a dynamic mic with all of the quality of a condenser. And its low price of<br />
$349 puts it firmly in the “secret weapon” category. For more information<br />
visit www.shure.com.<br />
<strong>Deli</strong>cious Audio’s<br />
History and Construction<br />
of <strong>The</strong> Drum Kit<br />
By Michael Vecchio<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Deli</strong>’s Pro Audio satellite site <strong>Deli</strong>cious Audio is presenting a video<br />
series covering the history of the drum. Go to <strong>Deli</strong>cious-Audio.com to<br />
see the first of a three-part segment on vintage drums. <strong>The</strong> interview<br />
was shot at Steve Maxwell Vintage and Custom Drum Shop on 48th<br />
street in Manhattan with store manager and vintage drum expert Jess Birch. This<br />
segment covers “History and Construction.” Keep an eye out for parts 2 and 3 in<br />
following online posts, which will deal with “Heads and Tuning” and “Cymbals.”<br />
Watch the video at<br />
www.delicious-audio.com!<br />
10 jay street, suite 405 brooklyn, ny 11201<br />
w w w . J L M S O U N D . c o m<br />
7 1 8 7 9 7 0 1 7 7<br />
m a k i n g t h e w o r l d a b e t t e r s o u n d i n g p l a c e .<br />
the deli_42 fall 2010
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