The Battle of the Shure SM7B vs. Its Fake Dupe
Brianna Ansaldo
CEO and Founder Bamby Media | Building unique brands through the power of podcasting
Have you ever bought something online, thinking you scored a fantastic deal, only to realise later that it might not have been what it seemed??
Well, that's exactly what happened to me with the Shure SM7B microphone.?
Today, I'm sharing my story of how I ended up with two fake SM7B microphones and the results of an audio battle I conducted between the real deal and its dupe.?
Trust me, you’ll want to read this before your next microphone purchase.
It all started when I was browsing Amazon. As someone who enjoys buying audio gear on Amazon, I was thrilled to stumble upon the Shure SM7B microphone listed at a sale price of around AU$400.
Knowing how expensive these microphones usually are ($800+), I thought I had found an absolute bargain. Without hesitation, I hit that 'Buy Now' button and even decided to purchase two, convinced that this was a once-in-a-lifetime offer.
The seller seemed reputable, bolstered by a plethora of positive reviews. I was ecstatic about my new microphones until I started using them in my studio.
Oddly enough, I wasn't as impressed as I had expected to be. Despite the SM7B's stellar reputation, the sound quality felt off to me. Deciding the microphones just weren't a good match for my voice, I listed them on Facebook Marketplace.
And then it all started to unravel.
A potential buyer reached out, excited to get a great deal on what I assured him was a fantastic microphone. He purchased one microphone, came and picked it up and I was a happy camper thinking I’d just given this guy such a good deal and it would suit his voice better than mine.
But soon after, I received an alarming message from him claiming I had sold him a fake.
He was furious and even threatened to involve the police if I didn't respond immediately.
My first reaction was that of utter denial. It looked like the real SM7B and what kind of terrible person/company would sell fake microphones online?
Ah, how naive I was. I know you’re sitting there laughing heartily at me.
His accusation stirred my curiosity. I went down the YouTube rabbit hole, watching videos that demonstrated how to spot a fake SM7B.
To my dismay, I discovered subtle differences: the plug on my microphone didn't align perfectly, and the colour was slightly off. There were also key differences in the diaphragm of the mic when I took the outer casing off to inspect more closely.
Oh, the shame.
Realising I had indeed bought fakes, I felt awful. I promptly refunded the buyer, but then thought, "Why not turn this into a learning opportunity for others?" So, I decided to conduct an audio battle between the real Shure SM7B and its counterfeit counterpart.?
What did I find? Well, the differences were noticeable, but surprisingly, not outrageous. The fake SM7B lacked warmth and bass, sounding somewhat thin and sibilant. On the other hand, the real SM7B had a fuller, richer sound, although still more bass-heavy than I prefer.?
So, what’s the takeaway here??
If you’re strapped for cash but want the appearance of owning a Shure SM7B, you might be tempted to go for a dupe. However, based on my experience, it’s not worth it. The audio quality simply doesn’t match up, and for the same price, there are better, authentic options out there.
If you're in the market for a microphone around the $400 range which is what the dupe cost me, skip the fakes. Consider mics like the sE DCM8, Shure MV7 or the Rode Podmic. These offer high quality at a similar price point without compromising on authenticity.
To avoid the mistake I made, always be cautious when shopping for high-end audio gear online. Steer clear of deals that seem too good to be true; they usually are. Stick to trusted sellers and always authenticate your gear.
I’ve certainly learned my lesson. I’m still trying to get a refund from Amazon. The seller has since shut up shop online and there is no way of contacting them.
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Woe is me.
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4 个月This came to my attention after I saw Booth Junkie's video a few years ago - Amazon is the wild west sometimes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4-RApyLZAk&ab_channel=BoothJunkie
OMG I did this once with a bag I wanted I was so excited to get a deal! Then in the mail arrived a pair of sunglasses ??? I complained and received a belt Complained again and got a fake leather bag Never got the one I purchased