I got mine a few days ago, and hooked it up to 2 different computers, one with an ASUS Xonar Essence STX with upgraded op-amps, one with a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD, also with upgraded op-amps. I also tried the onboard mic inputs for both. To connect them, I'm using a SESCOM Canare Star-Quad Cable 3-Pin XLR Female 3.5mm TRS Male cable. Other mic's from both computer's work, both using the dedicated sound cards and the onboard mic input. Did I just get a dud Shure SM7B Mic?
El_CapitanYou need a preamp with a LOT of gain. 60dB is about the minimum. It's extraordinarily unlikely the setup you describe provides the gain required.
MasqueYeah, I figured that might be the issue. I ordered a pre-amp (Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter) and a pre-amp/mixer (Mackie 802VLZ4). I'll know in a day or two.
jknycYes, I ordered the Cloudlifter CL-1, returned my Mackie 802VLZ4, and decided to go with a GAP-73 DLX. We'll see how it all turns out when it gets in. The Mackie 802VLZ4 by itself had too much noise trying to drive the SM7B.
El_CapitanI can tell you that I do great through a CL2 or CL1 into a zoom h6, Fast Track c600, and an mbox 2 pro. I have a feeling that with the GAP it might even be overkill.
jknycYeah, it probably will be, especially since I got a GAP-73 DLX and not the MKII. All my music is made digitally using a DAW (just got Acid Pro 11 for $300), using an Akai Professional LPK25, so I don't really need more than a single channel. Most of my other uses are for voice-overs and sound effects.