Does anyone have experience doing heavier vocals with an Apollo solo and an Sm7b without the cloud lifter. From what I’m reading it sounds like quieter vocals need the lifter and louder do not.
Thank you for the response. The more I’m reading about it the more I’m thinking I’m gonna wait on the cloud lifter. Plus I haven’t bought any new gear in a bit so I gotta itch for something.
I usually run my Apollo at 32 on the input (no unison) with my 7B when I’m doing heavier vocals. (Suicide Silence/Shadow of Intent etc) Then I run them through the Distressor on the way in. Usually at about 5.5 on the output knob directly into Logic or Luna depending on how I feel that day. I’ve tried my setup with my cloudlifter and it honestly isn’t really needed. Once I learned how to properly gain stage the cloudlifter was given away. Even singing softer stuff I don’t really miss it.
Thanks! This is what I was looking for.
I’ve done plenty of songs with a twin and 7B and no cloud lifter. They used to be more used once upon a time, but modern mic pre’s are more than enough. You can certainly get one, it won’t hurt anything, but it’s not needed
I do a bit of both and haven't had an issue. You can always buy it, test it out, and then return if you don't need it.
Just get the klark teknik CM-1 25 dB mic booster for $40
Will definitely check this out! Thank you
Shure now offers an SM7 with a built-in pre, much like the Se Dynacaster. In my own use, the Apollo pre needed some help with the SM7. I used the Cloudlifter.It likes big voices. Apart from Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklyn, and Bonnie Raitt have recorded with it.
This needs to be top in all these posts about dynamic mics, but especially the SM7. It needs a booster on the way in unless the vocalist often belts out strong performances as part of their sound.
I use a cloud lifter but it’s not necessary
The Unison preamps in Apollo units can easily push an SM7B without a Cloudlifter.
Disclaimer: I have a lot of experience with the Apollo Twin and SM7B (among many other mics). I just looked it up and UA claims the preamps are the same. I'll leave room for differences, but I thought I could at least share my experience in case no one respond with exactly the experience you're looking for.