In this video, you’ll hear a shoot out between the DM7 from Advanced Audio and the Shure SM7B
The DM7 is a cardioid dynamic microphone, based on the original Shure model. Both feature a removable windscreen and do not require a shock mount.
One way I feel Advanced Audio have improved on the shure design is by placing the XLR jack on the back of the microphone. This removes the need for this cable That connects to the xlr jack. (honestly why is this here)
The DM7 simplifies the entire design, The cable is removed, and all the action happens at the back. The back of both mics also feature a switchable HP filter and switchable presence boost.
The DM7 produces a vocal presence peak that’s meant to enhance the voice. making it a great choice for spoken word and other vocal applications in the studio or for a podcast. In this comparison you’ll hear both mics on Male Spoken Voice, and then Female Singing Voice.And later guitar and banjo
. WHEN THE HP IS ENGAGED ITS RESPONSE IS 6DB DOWN AT 120HZ AND 10DB AT 50HZ. WITH THE PRESENCE SWITCH ENGAGED THERE IS A 5DB LIFT BETWEEN 5KHZ TO 7KHZ. WHEN THE PRESENCE SWITCH DISENGAGED THE SM7 ITS 2DB BETWEEN 5KHZ AND 7KHZ.
The DM7 also works well on recording horns or on instrument amplifiers. A little bit about Advanced Audio classic microphone models, made in Canada for the modern studio budget, with designs that address the need for small room close micing with a less pronounced proximity effect. And I should mention. For these instrumental recordings, I took the windscreen off of both microphones, since there won’t be any plosives and I like the open sound. Now here’s some Banjo.
I found The DM7 also has a bit of a snub nose when compared to the Shure model. The cage is a little shorter which allows for more intimate close micing. You’ll hear that in this next example with both mics, in the center of a speaker cone, on Hi Gain Re-amped Guitars. With a shorter Snub nose grille design The DM7 can record closer to the capsule for a bigger sound with more proximity. Here’s the same recording, with some Drums added in for a simple mix.
My Thoughts:
I really Love the design, no cable plug in on the back. Fantastic sound, comparable to the original.I found the DM7 still took as much gain as the Sm7 but with no noticeable noise floor. You may find if you’re using low output microphones like the DM7 with a Scarlet series interface that you may need a cloud lifter.the DM7 had a bit more of a brighter almost nasal contour in the Hi Gain guitar example Each microphone was given the same amount of gain and placed in the centre of the speaker cone.
Any Differences would have occurred from the difference in grill length, allowing the DM7 to get an extra half inch closer.
►This mic is available to buy today at AdvancedAudio.ca
Thanks for watching If you’d like to learn more about Advanced Audio I’ve got an interview with Dave Thomas booked this summer. The Mic guy, not the square hamburger enthusiast. If you have any questions you want me to ask Dave let me know in the comments!
Subscribe if you haven’t already Lets get it to 100Ksubs Thanks again and happy tracking!
