Chapter 1 The Power of a Quality Microphone

Did you know that the success or failure of a podcast could hinge on a single piece of equipment — your microphone?

You might be doubtful, perhaps even dismissive of the importance of microphones. However, consider the compelling evidence surrounding this topic. Like many leading podcasts, Twenty Thousand Hertz consistently records each episode using the Shure SM7 microphone. Host Dallas Taylor, an expert in audio, claims it's the most significant and widely used microphone over the past two decades, with a design that traces back to the 1950s.

Art by Jon McCormack

In a recent episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz, a podcast dedicated to the fascinating sounds of the world, the show collaborates with Shure to investigate the microphone that captures the human voice with such clarity. Through conversations with Shure historian Michael Pettersen and Senior Product Manager John Born, Dallas Taylor delves into 80 years of audio innovation, highlighting the groundbreaking design of the SM7 and the surge in its popularity that established it as a must-have in professional studios and streaming setups alike.

The microphone gained significant attention when Michael Jackson used it for every track on Thriller, yet the SM7 remained overshadowed by Shure's other legendary models. Founded in 1925 by 23-year-old S.N. Shure, the company began producing its own microphones by 1932.

Thanks to the inventive mind of Ben Bauer, Shure transformed audio recording with the introduction of the first Unidyne Microphone, which gained fame through Elvis. By the late '50s, the Unidyne Three capsule played a pivotal role in making contemporary rock concerts a reality. Developed by Bauer's successor, Ernie Steeler, it was utilized by The Beatles during their US tours and is still featured in the renowned SM58 and SM57 models.

The SM7 incorporates the Unidyne Three capsule and was initially designed for voiceover applications. As a dynamic microphone — distinct from ribbon or condenser types — it excels at isolating the desired sound source from ambient noise. Additionally, the SM7 enhances audio frequencies in the sibilance range, thereby improving speech clarity.

Dallas Taylor showcases the versatility of the SM7 through its two frequency response switches. While it garnered some attention from radio stations and select musicians after its 1972 launch, the SM7 remained relatively overlooked for 35 years until podcasters recognized its unique capabilities. Its popularity skyrocketed around 2007–2008 and surged again in 2014–2015 with the rise of video game streaming, leading to sales that exceeded Shure's expectations.

Beyond hosting and creating Twenty Thousand Hertz, Dallas Taylor is also the Creative Director of Defacto Sound, providing sound design for renowned brands like Disney, Google, NatGeo, Netflix, and Nike.

Chapter 2 Insights from Industry Leaders

In this TED talk, Elon Musk discusses various topics including Twitter, Tesla, and his unique thought processes, offering valuable insights into innovation and creativity in the tech industry.