Microphone Battle: Shure SM7B vs sE DynaCaster DCM8

Alright podcasters and vocalists alike, it's time to settle a score! Today, we're throwing down in a microphone brawl between two titans: the legendary Shure SM7B and the lesser-known but highly regarded sE Dynacaster DCM8.

By the end of this rumble, you'll know which microphone I prefer for females with similar vocal tones to my own, as well as vocalists looking for that extra bit of sparkle.

To set the scene, we’ve recorded this battle at Gasworks studio in Fortitude Valley with both mics plugged into a top-notch John Hardy M2 preamp. We're keeping things raw with no post-production on the sound, so you hear exactly how these microphones perform. All we’ve done is boosted the levels to ensure they’re the same.


CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 IMic Battle - Shure SM7B vs. SE Dynacaster DCM8
00:32 Use Cases & Testing Methods (Sibilance, Plosives, Vocals, Male Voice)
01:13 Setting the Stage: Dead Studio vs. Home Studio Considerations
01:50 Gain Levels: SM7B (57 dB) vs. DCM8 (30 dB)
02:25 Sibilance Test: "If Moses Supposes..."
03:18 Plosive Test: "Popping the Popcorn"
03:49 Vocal Test: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
05:06 Male Voice Test: Alex Orders Lunch ("Red Curry Tofu")
05:31 Why the SE Dynacaster DCM8 Wins (Briana's Opinion)
06:01 Sound Signature Analysis: Warmth, Clarity, Sibilance Control
06:39 Gain Requirements & Boost Differences (Internal vs. External)
07:30 Shure SM7DB: Addressing the Gain Issue
07:55 Price Point Comparison: DCM8 ($450) vs. SM7B ($850)
08:00 Aesthetics: DCM8's Sleek Design vs. SM7B's Exposed Cable
08:44 Conclusion: DCM8 Wins on Sound Quality, Price, and Looks
09:05 Build Quality: Both Mics Are Solid XLR Options
09:15 Final Thoughts & Considerations (Budget, Preamp Capabilities)


Recorded at Gasworks Studio:
https://gasworksrecordingstudio.com/

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:
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https://www.bambymedia.com/free-podca...


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GEAR WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST:
Shure SM7B
https://amzn.to/44khiOf

SE Dyncaster DCM8
https://amzn.to/3Oqy5ID

Rode SC19 Cable:
https://www.rode.com/accessories/sc19

Satechi Hub:
https://amzn.to/4bhuDtD

Rode Boom Arm:
https://amzn.to/3ucZSW9

XLR Cables:
https://amzn.to/3SJyIje

Focusrite Clarett+:
https://amzn.to/3UpqrSM

Sony ZV E10:
https://amzn.to/483Gfxw

Elgato Camlink:
https://amzn.to/4bjgYCe

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light:
https://amzn.to/4bhFXGe

Aputure Light Box Mini:
https://amzn.to/3u55T7m