Shure SM7B Too Quiet? Gain, Cloudlifter and FetHead Explained
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The Shure SM7B is one of the best-known mics for rap, vocals and podcasts. But a lot of people get a surprise the first time they plug it in: it sounds way too quiet. That's normal. Here's why, and how to fix it.
Why is the SM7B so quiet?
The SM7B is a dynamic mic with a low output. Your interface has to boost that signal a lot. According to Shure, you need around 60 dB of gain to get good results with this mic. Not every interface gets there easily.
Check your interface first
Look up the gain range of the mic input in your interface's specs. Two examples from Focusrite:
- Scarlett Solo (4th gen): 57 dB
- Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): 69 dB
How much you really need also depends on how loud you rap and how close you are to the mic. Gain almost all the way up and your recording is still too quiet, or you hear a lot of noise? Then you're short on gain.
What does a Cloudlifter or FetHead do?
A Cloudlifter or FetHead is a small booster that sits between your mic and your interface. It adds gain to the signal before it reaches your interface, so your interface's preamp doesn't have to work as hard.
- Cloudlifter CL-1: up to +25 dB of gain, runs on 48V phantom power.
- FetHead: +27 dB of gain, runs on 24 to 48V phantom power.
Both use your interface's phantom power to run, but don't pass it on to the mic. They're made for dynamic and ribbon mics, like the SM7B.
How to connect it
- Connect an XLR cable to your SM7B and put the booster in between. The FetHead is a small barrel that goes straight into the line. The Cloudlifter is a box with an XLR input and output.
- Run a second XLR cable, or with a FetHead go directly, to your interface's mic input.
- Turn on 48V phantom power on your interface. The booster won't work without it.
- Start with the gain low. Rap your loudest part and slowly turn the gain up until you're nicely in the green, with no red.
Other fixes
- An interface with more gain. If your interface has plenty of gain, you often don't need a booster.
- The SM7dB. This is the version of the SM7 with a built-in preamp. You choose between +18 and +28 dB, or put the preamp in bypass. The preamp does need 48V phantom power. Read how to set up the SM7dB for rap.
- Get closer to the mic. The closer you rap to the mic, the more signal comes in. Just keep the same distance every time.
Don't fix it later in your DAW
Turning up a quiet recording afterwards seems easy, but the noise goes up just as much. Make sure your level is right while you record.
How to set the gain on your interface, per model: Scarlett Solo, Scarlett 2i2 or Audient EVO 4.
Want more recording tips? Read how to set up your mic for rap recording at home and how to remove room echo from rap vocals. Using an SM58 instead? Read recording rap with a Shure SM58.
FAQ
Do I need a Cloudlifter for the SM7B?
Not always. If your interface has enough gain, you can do without. Shure mentions around 60 dB. If you can't get there, or it gets noisy at full gain, a booster helps.
Does a Cloudlifter pass phantom power to the mic?
No. The Cloudlifter CL-1 and the FetHead use the phantom power themselves and don't pass it on to the mic.
Cloudlifter or FetHead?
They do the same job. The Cloudlifter CL-1 gives up to +25 dB and is a box, the FetHead gives +27 dB and sits in the line as a barrel. Pick whatever fits your setup best.
Source: Shure on the SM7B and SM7dB, product information from Cloud Microphones and Triton Audio, and Focusrite's specifications.