With the popularity of podcasting, the Shure SM7 (currently available as the SM7B) has become one of the world's most recognizable microphones. But, as most audio engineers know, the SM7 has been around way longer than the general public might realize. The dynamic microphone is actually celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023.

A Brief History of the Shure SM7

The story of the SM7 starts with the SM5 broadcast mic. It features a form factor similar to the modern SM7 with a unidirectional dynamic design, but Shure made the microphone specifically for use in television and film studios. During the late 1960s, the team at Shure began developing a new microphone for recording studios, radio stations, and voiceover facilities. Utilizing the Unidyne III SM57 element as the basis for its design, the SM7 microphone was born in 1973.

While it would take a few decades for the SM7 to catch on in studios, the microphone saw a boost in popularity when Bruce Swedien used it to record Michael Jackson's vocals for Thriller. In the time since, the mic has appeared on countless hit records, including releases from Iron Maiden, The White Stripes, Maroon 5, Childish Gambino, and many more.

Over the years, the SM7 underwent two significant performance-based improvements. In 1999, Shure engineers developed the SM7A, incorporating a humbucking coil into the microphone's design. Later, in 2001, Shure introduced the current version, the SM7B, which featured an enlarged windscreen for further enhancement.

Enter To Win A Shure SM7B Custom VK Edition

Shure and Vintage King thought there was no better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than to give away a custom VK Edition Shure SM7B to one lucky winner. This version of the microphone features a one-of-a-kind colorway with Vintage King's signature red.

So, are you ready to enter? It's easy. Fill out the giveaway form on this page, follow us on Instagram, like the post with the giveaway graphic, and you'll be entered to win. You have until 11:59 pm on August 22nd to enter, and then we will randomly select our grand prize winner. Read our official rules before entering, and just a reminder that our giveaway is only open to those living in the United States. Good luck!

Congratulations to our winner, Jason Duval Bedford, New Hampshire!