The Shure SM7B is one of the most well-known microphones in the audio world. Its warm sound and wide range of applications have turned it into a favorite of podcasters, streamers, and singers, who can’t decide which one to choose. Still, the Shure SM7B mic cover is a minor part that is most times neglected. Just by itself, this little protector not only keeps the mic safe but also improves the quality of the recording by lessening the noise that comes from the outside and providing a cleaner vocal capture.
The right mic cover can make a considerable difference in your performance whether you are a podcaster, live-streamer, or vocalist in the studio. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of mic covers, the types of mic covers that are available, and how to pick the right one for your musical journey.
Why Is a Mic Cover Necessary for the Shure SM7B?
- Content creators often buy an extra mic cover even if the Shure SM7B comes with a built-in windscreen. The reasons are as follows:
- Plosive Control: A mic cover prevents the “p” and “b” sounds produced when the air hits the microphone capsule from being so loud that the microphone overloads. This is a very important thing while recording a spoken word like a podcast or voiceover.
- Wind and Breath Reduction: Streamers and singers might have their recordings in a place that is not the best. A mic cover will lower the noise of breath, air from the conditioners, or fans that might be in the background of the recording.
- Better Health: If it is for a shared studio place or a situation of frequent use, a mic cover is a protection for the microphone from germs, dust, and moisture.
- Longer Mic Lifespan: To the extent that covers keep the SM7B from dust and saliva, they are empowering the microphone to stay functional for several years.
Types of Shure SM7B Mic Covers
Depending on your surroundings, the way you record, and what you like, different types of Shure SM7B mic covers will suit you differently. Some covers are made only to bring out the goodness of the voice, and some are made to keep the balance of noise and the voice. Below are the most common types:
Foam Mic Covers
Foam covers are the most common choice for the SM7B. They are simple to carry and install and do a good job in the case of plosives and breath sounds. Foam density can differ—soft foams play up the natural tone of the voice, while the dense ones make it possible to hear less wind and background noise.
Pop Filter-Style Covers
In some cases, a larger pop-filter-type cover that incorporates the features of a foam windscreen and a traditional external pop filter may be the preferred choice among users. They secure the mic from plosives perfectly and thereby are great for vocalists who often blow hard into the mic.
Slim Profile Covers
Streamers or video creators can use the slim mic covers that look good on camera and do not give a bulky/accommodating appearance. These types of covers are made to cover the breath and saliva parts of the mic while still being barely visible on the camera.
Specialist Covers
Mic covers specially made for nature recording or live event recording are termed as specialist covers. Such covers are usually bigger, multi-layered, and able to stop even very strong winds from going through them. However, they are less likely to be used in the home podcasting studio but can still be a good option for mobile creators or artists recording on the go.
How Podcasters Benefit from the Right Mic Cover
One of the main things that podcasts need is a certain sound that is the same every time. Listeners expect clean and professional audio. With the right Shure SM7B mic cover:
- The sound of plosives will not annoy the listeners of your podcast.
- The process of recording becomes more efficient as you are less likely to have to re-record due to air noises that have been captured.
- The sound of the voice remains warm, and the sharp peaks are eliminated.
Generally, a foam cover is the most suitable for podcasters because it provides a balance between voice clarity and noise control.
Why Would a Streamer Benefit from a Mic Cover?
For hours, a streamer is talking into a microphone very close to it, and there is usually some noise in the background caused by fans or gaming equipment. A mic cover for a Shure SM7B is just the thing to make:
- Even during long commentary sessions, breath sounds are to be minimized.
- Less concentration for viewers who are used to hearing pops and clicks of the microphone.
- A clean, professional sound that is the quality of the stream’s visual aspect.
- The slim-profile covers are ideal for streamers, as they are able to keep the look of the setup while the sound quality is still maintained.
Singers and Studio Recording Needs
Most of the time when singers are in the studio, they work their voice more dynamically, and this is the main reason why plosives and sibilance become a nightmare to them. A properly chosen mic cover will remove the disturbances from the singer’s performance but still will keep the amazing SM7B sound.
To singers:
High-density foam covers are the right way to eliminate the sibilance and other irritating sounds from the voice.
Additionally, bigger windscreens or pop-style mic covers may be used when more protection is required but still without an instrumentalized tone.
If the recording is to be done for harmonies or soft vocals, then a light foam windscreen should be used so that the brightness of the vocals can be retained.
What to Look for When Choosing a Shure SM7B Mic Cover
When picking out a mic cover, you should…
- The Quality of the Material: Find a foam that is both strong and breathable. A foam of low quality can absorb the high frequencies of the voice and thus make it muffled.
- Size: The fabric cover should be made in such a way as to comfortably fit the Shure SM7B without any movement of the cover.
- Density: Thick masks offer better protection from plosives, though the sound may be slightly subdued. Thin masks retain the brightness of the sound but offer less protection.
- The Scenario of Use: Podcasters may opt for the prevention of plosives, streamers for look, and singers for the balance of the tone.
Proper Care for Your Mic Cover
In order to extend the life of your Shure SM7B mic cover, it is advised to treat it as a valuable part of your gear.
On a regular basis, detach and wash the cover so that dust doesn’t accumulate on it.
Don’t forget to let it dry naturally once it has been washed.
Change it in the case that the foam is getting harder or that it is losing its volume.
Not only does cleaning your cover keep it in use longer, but it also maintains hygiene during your sessions, which last for a long time.
Conclusion
It is the shure SM7B mic cover that may look like a very small thing, but for a podcaster, a streamer, or a vocalist, it is the one that changes the whole game. The perfect cover, from cutting out the plosives to obtaining a cleaner and more professional-sounding recording, thus making the famous SM7B perform at its best.
Whether to use foam, slim-profile, or big pop-style covers depends on you and the way you want to use them. Podcasters get the support they need, while streamers have the benefit of the look and sound quality, and singers get the sound and protection of their instrument. Buy the proper mic cover, and you will not only hear better in your recordings but also feel more effortless and professional at work.