Shure SM7B or Aston Stealth?

[MissOptimyst]

Hi all! I’m looking into getting a new main mic to upgrade from my AKG Perception 220. Since I record in an untreated environment other than a stand with noise cancelling foam, I am interested in dynamics.

Shure SM7B is very legendary and so far all of the videos I’ve seen online I have loved the quality. Only pitfall is needing the Cloudlifter or upgrading my preamps that ads to the price.

Meanwhile I love the idea of the Aston Stealth having its built in preamp and 4 modes, but I’ve noticed a lot of plosives in videos I’ve watched. Also while it sounds good, I’m not sure if I find it better than SM7B quality. Then again I haven’t heard it in person to truly compare...

Any thoughts or recommendations? Ultimately I want the best quality and solution for my home studio. Thanks!

[MMaarrkk]

Both SM7B and Aston Stealth sound very similar, but at least to me, Stealth has a somewhat noticeable "crackling" to it, but Stealth is way cheaper and the inbuilt preamp is a very great addition.

So I think you're decently on point with the opinion you have formed so far. I think the main thing is the price. Both of these are great. Personally, I find SM7B sounding better, but it will definitely cost you quite a bit more. So it's all up to you to justify the difference in performance/price. Aston Stealth is very competent, but it's not an SM7B - at least for vocals. But for the price of what you'll need for SM7B, you might as well get two Stealths.

[MissOptimyst]

Both SM7B and Aston Stealth sound very similar, but at least to me, Stealth has a somewhat noticeable "crackling" to it, but Stealth is way cheaper and the inbuilt preamp is a very great addition.

So I think you're decently on point with the opinion you have formed so far. I think the main thing is the price. Both of these are great. Personally, I find SM7B sounding better, but it will definitely cost you quite a bit more. So it's all up to you to justify the difference in performance/price. Aston Stealth is very competent, but it's not an SM7B - at least for vocals. But for the price of what you'll need for SM7B, you might as well get two Stealths.

Thanks for the info! This makes me think to lean towards SM7B. I want best quality if possible even if I have to pay more.

Stealth looks so cool though, kind of wish it was even more comparable!

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

I'd look at this way, if I got the Stealth and fell out of love with it over time, it would nag at me that the SM7B is effectively a standard, probably for a reason, and I'd made a poor choice to go elsewhere to save what's effectively a hundred or two bucks for a product that could last a lifetime. So spend the extra money even if it means delaying. If you find you're still not happy with the results you'll know it's not because the microphone could be better. You just may need something different for your room, or ears, or voice.

I've got the SM7B and it's not mindblowingly amazing or anything. It's got a sound. But with the right singer and technique, it does the job. Particularly for that "voice of God" thing or when a dark rock and roll sound is the sound I'm going for. Probably wouldn't be my first choice for female pop vocals though for example because it can be dark and a bit boxy.

I keep meaning to pick up a Cloudlifter myself though I do have pres with gain for it, just want to see what it does for mic.

Also, remember, you could look to buy used if cost is a concern.

[MissOptimyst]

I'd look at this way, if I got the Stealth and fell out of love with it over time, it would nag at me that the SM7B is effectively a standard, probably for a reason, and I'd made a poor choice to go elsewhere to save what's effectively a hundred or two bucks for a product that could last a lifetime. So spend the extra money even if it means delaying. If you find you're still not happy with the results you'll know it's not because the microphone could be better.

I've got the SM7B and it's not mindblowingly amazing or anything. It's got a sound. But with the right singer and technique, it does the job. Particularly when that's the sound I'm going for. I keep meaning to pick up a Cloudlifter myself though I do have pres with gain for it, just want to see what it does for mic.

Also, remember, you could look to buy used if cost is a concern.

That’s a great point. I know I would be regretful over time of not going with my gut on the SM7B. I am looking for a forever microphone, either as a lead or a part of my collection. My AKG Perception 220 is almost a decade old and it’s been reliable and a work horse for me. It will remain in my collection for as long as it lasts, so effectively I’m looking to upgrade with something similar. Just with next level professional quality and more conditioned for my current recording environment.

Sounds like SM7B is the way to go. Thanks for helping me make up my mind!

[MissOptimyst]

Although after rereading your post, I am primarily using this for female hip hop and pop vocals...

Do you have any other recommendations for that type of voice? Something comparable to SM7B?

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

When I think “modern female pop vocal sound” I think bright and airy. So large diaphragm condenser. The SM7B is kind of dark, boxy sounding, it encourages singers to get up close and eat the mic, and can give you that big radio voice/voice of God sound. The RE-20 is a similar type of vibe.

For hip-hop, the SM7B is a great choice for those reasons. You don’t really need a super bright top-end in hip-hop and having a microphone the singer can get right on top of will work well. But if you want a bright, airy top end for what I consider that “modern pop sound” I think you’d want to look at a large diaphragm condenser. And that starts bringing more of the room into equation so you may even want to consider acoustic treatment like 2” broadband absorbers.

Anyway, just my two cents...

[Roman Empire]

You could save a whole lot of money buying this one instead of the cloudlifter:

https://www.tritonaudio.com/fethead

I´ve owned that, and an SM7B, for years and they are like born for eachother. The 29 db that the fethead gives you in combination with your existing mic amp is just what you need.
I should add that I never tried the cloudlifter, but around the internet many people say that they like the fethead more.

[MMaarrkk]

Personally I find AKG C414 XLS to have a very pleasant sound for female vocals, also producing nice results for hip hop. But it would end up costing quite a bit more than the SM7B. So I would just add to the recommendation to just look around for large-diaphragm condenser microphones and see what fits the bill the most.

[Bodhisan]

I've got the SM7B and it's not mindblowingly amazing or anything. It's got a sound. But with the right singer and technique, it does the job

I’ve bought the SM7B twice, buying it a second time after selling it because I felt like I was missing out, after re-reading just how “wonderful” it is. But, I sold it again. My opinion is that it’s okay, but it’s not “incredible” - and I’ve bought sooooo many mics, every kind there is (wanted to love ribbons). The SM7B’s beauty lies in its looks - it’s the most fantastic looking dynamic, and it always looks cool seeing people sing into it. I see it more outside the studio than ever in live shows - because of its look, I think. For me, a decent condenser sounds best with my voice, and with an adjusted gate, you don’t have to have a sound-proof room.

[MissOptimyst]

Interesting, all very good input I really appreciate it! I am starting to also look at the Aston Spirit or Origin as an option. I could almost buy an Origin and a Stealth for the cost of one SM7B...not that I want to get that crazy right now lol. One should be enough! But still. Makes me think continuing my exploration may not be a bad idea before deciding.

How about that Spirit or Origin though? Anyone have one?

Also to clarify although I am not in the most acoustically treated location I do have a stand with the foam background and I do record in a fairly quiet closet. So while I like the idea of noise cancellation from dynamics, I’ve been using my AKG P220 condenser for years now and it has overall been pretty successful for me.

[fedexnman]

Get a LIVE vocal mic or two . My picks a Shure Sm58 and Sennheiser e835 ,get both sell the one you don't want .... I own the Sm58 but always wanted to try an e835 ..... Get a pop filter if you don't already have one , I have a metal popfilter but the panty hose kind works good too . Don't overthink this crap . If you ever perform live bring your mic with you to the gig . I have several mics I had an CAD equitec that I hated but everyone loved it for some reason . I have Shure sm57 Sm58 , Avenson Audio sdc , Audio Technica sdc , AKG451 with ck-1 and Blue/Red B6 bottle cap for it ( good mic)

[nix808]

I have the e835==>
do you want me to test it with some test u could use?

all I really know about it is it's built like a Sherman

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

Interesting, all very good input I really appreciate it! I am starting to also look at the Aston Spirit or Origin as an option. I could almost buy an Origin and a Stealth for the cost of one SM7B...not that I want to get that crazy right now lol. One should be enough! But still. Makes me think continuing my exploration may not be a bad idea before deciding.

How about that Spirit or Origin though? Anyone have one?

Also to clarify although I am not in the most acoustically treated location I do have a stand with the foam background and I do record in a fairly quiet closet. So while I like the idea of noise cancellation from dynamics, I’ve been using my AKG P220 condenser for years now and it has overall been pretty successful for me.

I don't have experience with either the Spirit or Origin, but I think sticking with condensers is the way to go based on what you're saying.

3U Audio makes great microphopnes. I've got their GZ67 and think it's terrific. Their Warbler mic series are right in your price range and spoken very highly of.

There's a long Gearslutz thread here:
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end ... st14718426

Here's their eBay store:
https://www.ebay.com/str/3uaudio

[MissOptimyst]

I appreciate everyone’s feedback! I think I’ve decided to go forward likely with my initial idea of the SM7B

Is there a difference between the Cloudlifter and Fethead in terms of quality?