Have you ever listened to the Joe Rogan’s “Joe Rogan Experience Podcast” and wondered what microphone he uses?
Well, wonder no more!
Joe Rogan uses the Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone.
It’s one of the most popular microphones for podcasting due to its smooth, flat frequency response tailored for vocals, and its built-in windscreen reduces plosives.
Additionally, the SM7B has excellent ambient noise rejection, making it ideal for use in noisy or open spaces.
Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this mic great for podcasting.
What to Look for in a Podcast Microphone?
There are a few things to look for when choosing a podcasting microphone, such as:
- Frequency response: How well a microphone picks up sound in different frequency ranges. You want a microphone with a wide frequency response to accurately capture different tones in your voice.
- Cardioid Polar pattern: This is the shape of the area that a microphone picks up sound from. You’ll want a unidirectional microphone with a cardioid or hypercardioid polar pattern for podcasting. It’ll help to reduce background noise and focus on your voice.
- Sensitivity: This is how sensitive the microphone is to sound. The SM7 B’s low sensitivity means its more resistant to background noises.
- Noise reduction: This is a feature that helps reject electromagnetic hums. Look for a microphone with good noise reduction capabilities.
Why Does Joe Rogan Use the Shure SM7B?
Think about all of the possible background noises that can seep into a recording during a podcast.
There may be a nosy chair, typing in the background, computer fan noise, ambiance from the room, etc.
If you’ve ever listened to a podcast with bad audio, then you know how distracting background noises can ruin the experience.
But how do the best podcasts minimize background and room noise?
If you notice, Joe Rogan uses wood and sound-absorbing curtains in his podcast studio.
These materials are excellent for keeping sound contained and provide a natural, rich reverb.
While some form of acoustic treatment is crucial to optimize your sound quality, the Shure SM7B makes a huge difference even in more ambient spaces.
Shure’s SM7B has been a staple in the broadcast industry for years – and it’s easy to see why.
This microphone has a unique design that helps to minimize reflections and unwanted noise.
It’s advanced noise rejection capabilities makes it ideal for wide range of recording environments.
The SM7B is also known for its warm, rich sound quality that makes it perfect for broadcast/podcast vocals.
What Makes the Shure SM7B Great for Podcasting?
A few characteristics make the Shure SM7B great for podcasting: Its low sensitivity, cardioid polar pattern, tone shaping switches, and additional noise rejection mechanisms.
Low Sensitivity
The Shure SM7B has a low output level (Open Circuit Voltage) of -59 dB or 1.12 mV.
In other words, its audio output signals are quiet compared to condenser microphones.
It’s low output makes it less sensitive to ambient room noise and other unwanted background noises.
The trade-off is that you’ll need to use a preamplifier with higher gain settings to boost the signal before it reaches your recording device. Otherwise, your audio will pick up a lot of preamp noise.
You can use a Cloudlifter to boost your SM7B signal if you have a low gain mic preamp.
By using a Cloudlifter, you won’t have to maximize the gain on your preamp, which can reduce the noise in your signal.
Related Post: The 6 Best Audio Interfaces for the Shure SM7B
Cardioid Polar Pattern
The SM7B has a cardioid polar pattern, meaning it captures sound from the front while rejecting sound from the rear and sides.
If you talk into the side of this microphone, you’ll notice your voice will get fainter as you move toward the back.
That’s because it’s rejecting any off-axis sound.
A microphone with a cardioid pattern is the best choice for one-on-one podcasts (where each person is sitting across from the other).
This setup prevents each person’s voice from registering in the opposing mic, resulting in clearer audio.
Additional Noise Rejection
Shock Mount
The Shure SM7 B’s built-in air suspension shock mount helps to reject handling noise by isolating the microphone from physical vibrations.
Windscreen
The Shure SM7B comes with a windscreen to prevent “plosives” from registering into your recordings.
Our mouths create plosives when pronouncing words that start with p, b, and t. These sounds can create a “popping” effect that causes distortion.
The windscreen helps eliminate those pops by diffusing the air before it hits your microphone.
It also slightly reduces high frequencies.
Tone Shaping Switches
Part of what makes the SM7B a go-to for broadcasting is its versatility.
It has two tone-shaping switches on the bottom that let you customize its frequency response (alter the tone of your audio).
Its default frequency response is 50Hz – 20kHz.
However, its bass roll-off switch lets you control how much low-end comes through. Plus, its mid-range presence boost switch can help your audio cut through a mix.
These switches are incredibly helpful if you’re trying to find the perfect tone for your voice.
Whether you’re looking for a warm, rich sound or a brighter, more cutting sound, the SM7B can deliver.
Summary: Joe Rogan Experience Microphone
Joe Rogan is a longtime user of the Shure SM7B.
There are a few reasons why he and many other popular podcasters prefer this microphone.
First, the Shure SM7B produces excellent sound quality.
Its wide frequency response means it can capture high and low frequencies well.
Plus, it uses multiple noise rejection mechanisms to help reject any room noise in your recording environment – i.e., hum rejection, cardioid polar pattern, internal shock mount, and low sensitivity.
All these factors work together to give you a clear and professional-sounding recording.
Second, the SM7B is very versatile.
You can use it for broadcasting, narration, singing, and more.
The tone shaping switches on the bottom can help you adjust its frequency response to better suit your needs.
Lastly, the Shure SM7B is built like a tank.
With the proper care, it’s a microphone that can last a lifetime.
And there you have it – the main reasons why Joe Rogan and many other podcasters prefer the Shure SM7B.
So, the next time you listen to your favorite podcast, you’ll know what kind of microphone they’re using.
And who knows, maybe soon you’ll be using the same one!
