M-Audio M-Track Solo & Shure SM7B | Setup & Demo

Let’s take a look at everything required to setup and connect your Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone with the M-Track Solo Audio Interface.

This guide will be helpful for anyone troubleshooting or researching to see if this combination is right for them. 

Quick Answer: 
1) The Shure SM7B will require an in-line preamp to work properly with the M-Track Solo. 

2) Connect the SM7B to the inline preamp, connect the inline preamp to your M-Track solo, then connect the M-Track Solo to your computer. 

3) Set your input level, so you are peaking at -12dB on your computer. 

Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone

The Shure SM7B is a legendary dynamic microphone popular for vocal recording, broadcasting, podcasting, and live streaming. 

The smooth response and background noise rejection make this a favorite for anyone wanting a microphone at their desk. 

The only downside of the Shure SM7B is the amount of gain that is required to get a high-quality recording. 

M-Audio M-Track Solo Audio Interface

The M-Track Solo is an entry-level audio interface with a single XLR microphone input. 

It is affordable, and we recommend this interface to anyone on a tight budget who needs to connect an XLR microphone to their computer. 

One downside of this interface is that it does not produce enough clean gain for the Shure SM7B. This guide will show you how to use an inline preamp to compensate for this. 

Inline Microphone Preamp

You need to use an inline preamp with the M-Audio M-Track Solo to power the Shure SM7B properly.

An inline preamp will supply 25-28dB of clean gain to the SM7B to make it sound its best.

To make an inline microphone preamp work, you must turn on 48v phantom power on your M-Track Solo.

We recommend these in-line preamps for the Shure SM7B:

1. sE Electronics Dynamite DM-1 (28dB) – https://currentprice.io/dynamite
2. Triton Audio FetHead (27dB) – https://currentprice.io/fethead
3. Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 (25dB) – https://currentprice.io/cloudlifter

Mic Stand / Boom Arm

You also need a mic stand for your Shure SM7B to keep the microphone within the recommended 2-5” from your mouth.

We recommend one of the following:

1. Table Mic Stand
2. Boom Arm

Table Mic Stand

Table mic stands are fairly generic, so there isn’t a big benefit to choosing one brand over another.

They do an excellent job of supporting the Shure SM7B in front of your mouth, and they will last a lifetime. 

The only downside of a table mic stand is that it takes up lots of space on the table in front of you. 

Benefits Of A Table Mic Stand:

• Inexpensive
• Robust
• Works well with the Shure SM7B

Table Mic Stand Price: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand

Microphone Boom Arm

A microphone boom arm is a better option than a table mic stand. It allows more flexibility and frees up valuable space on the table in front of you. 

A microphone boom arm is a much better option if you’re at a desk or table.

Benefits Of A Microphone Boom Arm:

• Flexible
• Easier To Use
• Less Distracting
• More Table Space

Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/psa1_plus

XLR Cable

You will also need a high-quality XLR cable for your Shure SM7B. 

Not all XLR cables are created equal, and it’s important to find one that has the following:

• High-Quality Connectors
• 4 Internal Conductors (Star Quad)
• Good Shielding
• Good build Quality

Below are some suitable options from our XLR Cable Buyer’s Guide:

1. Canare Star Quad (Best Overall) – https://currentprice.io/canare_xlr
2. Mogami Gold Studio (Most Expensive) – https://currentprice.io/mogami_xlr
3. Amazon Basics (Least Expensive) – https://currentprice.io/amazon_xlr
4. Hosa Technology Pro (Great Value) – https://currentprice.io/amazon_xlr

Related: DMX vs XLR Cable

How To Setup Shure SM7B & M-Track Solo

M-Track Solo & SM7B Pricing 

• M-Track Solo: https://currentprice.io/mtrack_solo
• Shure SM7B: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
• Cloudlifter CL-1: https://currentprice.io/cloudlifter
• Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
• XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
• Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
• Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/psa1_plus
• Quality Acoustic Treatment Panels: https://currentprice.io/soundpanels 

M-Track Solo & SM7B Topics

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 0:50 – Pricing & Specs
• 1:18 – Equipment Setup
• 1:30 – Shure SM7B Positioning
• 3:10 – Reset M-Track Solo
• 3:20 – Phantom Power (+48v)
• 3:50 – Connect M-Track Solo To Shure SM7B
• 4:10 – Computer Setup & Recording
• 4:50 – Preamp / Gain Setup
• 6:00 – Preamp Info
• 6:15 – Preamp Gain Issue
• 7:33 – Inline Preamp / Cloudlifter Overview
• 8:23 – Inline Preamp / Cloudlifter Setup
• 9:58 – Recommendation
• 11:52 – Final Thoughts