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Answer · from our data
SM7B vs SM7dB: what’s the difference, and who uses each?
Shure’s spec in plain words, plus which creators and podcasts use each mic, with sources and dates.
Short answer
The SM7dB is an SM7B with a built-in preamp (+18 or +28 dB, per Shure) that runs on 48V phantom power, so you don’t need a Cloudlifter-style booster. A bypass switch makes it behave like a plain SM7B. Of the creators and shows we track, 11 currently use the SM7B (6 confirmed by a dated source) and 4 use the SM7dB (0 confirmed).
Specs: Shure SM7dB product page. Counts: GearTube data.
The difference source: Shure
| Shure SM7B | Shure SM7dB | |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in preamp | No | Yes: +18 dB or +28 dB |
| Phantom power | Not needed | 48V needed for the preamp (bypass mode works without it) |
| Gain needed for speech | Shure recommends at least 60 dB | Up to 28 dB comes from the mic itself |
| Inline booster (Cloudlifter, FetHead) | Often used with lower-gain interfaces | Not needed, per Shure |
Sources: Shure SM7dB product page · Shure: SM7 output level and preamp gain
Who uses the SM7dB 4
| Who | Type | Source date |
|---|---|---|
 Harry Mack | YouTuber | date not confirmed |
 Huberman Lab | Podcast | date not confirmed |
 Call Her Daddy | Podcast | date not confirmed |
 The Colin and Samir Show | Podcast | date not confirmed |
Who uses the SM7B 11
| Who | Type | Source date |
|---|---|---|
 Mattia Di Lisio | YouTuber | 2025-07-29 |
 Reysu | YouTuber | 2024-12-13 |
 The Joe Rogan Experience | Podcast | 2024-02-22 |
 Lex Fridman Podcast | Podcast | 2024-01-23 |
 Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast | Podcast | 2023-09-01 |
 The Diary of a CEO | Podcast | 2022-10-18 |
| Harry Mack | YouTuber | date not confirmed |
 This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von | Podcast | date not confirmed |
 The Mel Robbins Podcast | Podcast | date not confirmed |
 IMPAULSIVE | Podcast | date not confirmed |
 Emergency Intercom | Podcast | date not confirmed |
FAQ
| What is the difference between the SM7B and the SM7dB? | The SM7dB is the SM7B with a built-in preamp that adds +18 or +28 dB of gain using 48V phantom power. Shure says this makes an inline preamp unnecessary; a bypass setting gives standard SM7B performance. |
| Do I need a Cloudlifter with the SM7dB? | No. Shure says the SM7dB’s built-in preamp makes an inline preamp unnecessary. |
| Which podcasters use the SM7dB? | Currently: Huberman Lab, Call Her Daddy and The Colin and Samir Show. Each is linked to its source on this page. |
| Which podcasters use the SM7B? | Currently: The Joe Rogan Experience, Lex Fridman Podcast, Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast, The Diary of a CEO, This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, The Mel Robbins Podcast, IMPAULSIVE and Emergency Intercom. Some are reported rather than confirmed; the table shows the source type for each. |
| How much gain does the SM7B need? | Shure recommends at least 60 dB of gain for speech at about 3 inches. Many interfaces give 40–50 dB, which is why people add an inline preamp or choose the SM7dB. |
More answers: SM7B vs SM7dB · Cloudlifter for SM7B? · Podcast headphones · Roundups: Podcast microphones · Cameras · Microphones · Creator software · Desks & chairs · Podcast setups
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