For those with an SM7B mic, what audio interface do you use?

[oatmeal14m]

And do you like it? Do you need to couple it with a pre-amp to get enough gain? I've heard that it needs at least 60 dB of gain. I've been looking at the Scarlett 2i2 which has incredible reviews, but it only gives 55 dB max.

[fastfourier]

This article might be of interest to you

 

On most mic preamps built in to audio interfaces, I've found that the last 5% of the gain is really noisy. So you don't want to have to turn it up all the way.

 

I've seen SM7s used with an inline amplifier like the FetHead, which will give you enough gain to use with any preamp.

[Cloudfight]

I tracked the vocals on my last record using the SM7B through my Focusrite Sapphire Pro and it sounded fantastic. Didn't even come close to cranking the gain, and I used the smaller 'sock' on the mic.

[skillzmcgavern]

I've also had good results with Cloud Microphones' Cloudlifter, which takes phantom power and turns it into 20-25dB of clean gain. Useful for lower-gain preamps in audio interfaces. Great utility tool for ribbons as well.

[jordan8865]

I've also had good results with Cloud Microphones' Cloudlifter, which takes phantom power and turns it into 20-25dB of clean gain. Useful for lower-gain preamps in audio interfaces. Great utility tool for ribbons as well.

 

My Cloudlifter CL-Z never leaves my SM7B when I'm using it. Creates a completely different tonal pallet and microphone