Do you need a Cloudlifter with your Shure SM7B and GoXLR audio interface setup? We’ll answer this question and explain the typical reasons for using an inline preamp like the Cloudlifter.
Quick Answer: We don’t think you need to use a Cloudlifter with the Shure SM7B and GoXLR, as there is enough gain available without one. The GoXLR’s preamp does introduce a little bit of noise, but other sounds in your stream will mask this.
- TC Helicon GoXLR: https://currentprice.io/goxlr
- Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- Cloudlifter CL-1 Inline Preamp: https://currentprice.io/cloudlifter
When Do You Need To Use A Cloudlifter (Inline Preamp)?
There are typically 2 reasons you might want to use an inline preamp like the Cloudlifter with a quiet microphone, such as the Shure SM7B.
- Your audio interface doesn’t supply enough gain
In some cases, audio interfaces don’t have a mic preamp powerful enough to provide sufficient gain for a quiet mic like the SM7B. The GoXLR offers 70 dB of gain, so you won’t need a Coudlifter for that reason. - Your audio interface’s preamp generates too much noise
When you push a preamp, you’ll start to hear noise in the audio. The preamp built into the GoXLR may supply enough gain for the SM7B, but is it too noisy for you?
Related: Best XLR Cable For Microphones
SM7B & GoXLR Cloudlifter Test & Results
We recorded the Shure SM7B through the GoXLR with and without the Cloudlifter to see if there was any noticeable difference in noise.
We turned off the noise gate and compressor and set a flat EQ profile. The only GoXLR mic settings we changed were phantom power when using the Cloudlifter and adjusting the gain to get a “good” level for each setup.
- Without Cloudlifter: 60 dB
- With Cloudlifter: 30 dB
The Cloudlifter halves the amount of gain required to get a good level from the SM7B, and there is a little less noise. Skip to the comparison segment in the accompanying video to judge the results for yourself.
Do You Need A Cloudlifter To Reduce Noise With SM7B & GoXLR?
It really comes down to how big of a difference you think the Cloudlifter makes and how quiet you need your setup to be.
We think that if you’re streaming and have other sounds or game noise in the background, you can safely forget about the Cloudlifter. All the other sounds will mask the small amount of noise coming from the preamp. You won’t get perfect silence, even with an inline preamp, so we recommend saving your money for something else.
Cloudlifter, SM7B & GoXLR Pricing & Specs
- TC Helicon GoXLR: https://currentprice.io/goxlr
- Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- Cloudlifter CL-1 Inline Preamp: https://currentprice.io/cloudlifter
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- TRS Cable: https://currentprice.io/trs_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Rode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/boom_arm
