The SM7B is about -59 dB. [[RME UCX]] got a 65 dB gain [[Microphone preamplifier]], so it should be fine. SM7 does not require [[Phantom power]]. It is very popular for [[Podcast|podcasting]]. [SM](https://service.shure.com/s/article/what-does-sm-stand-for-in-the-sm58-or-sm57) stands for **studio microphone**. See [SM7 vs SM7A vs SM7B?](https://gearspace.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/776467-sm7-vs-sm7a-vs-sm7b.html). The original SM7 was introduced in 1976. The SM7A revision improved the _humbucking_ coil and the design of the yoke mount. This revision was introduced in 1999. See [this article about SM7B](http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/Shure/SM7B). The **SM7B** incorporated a larger windscreen. It was introduced in 2001. > The SM7 was largely unknown outside of professional audio circles until it began to be used for podcasting in the mid-2000s. It saved the product. Here is a podcast episode about SM7: <iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6L5I22hHPy4YfZUbKF2sVK" width="100%" height="152" frameBorder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> SM7 has been used on a lot of albums, like Michael Jackson - Thriller.