This question was in the forum maybe two weeks ago http://recording.org/microphones/39870-really-worth-sm7-over-sm57.html

It's definitely worth it. The SM7 is a great vocal mic, and with the right voice it can be something special.

I have a SM 7, not sure what the big to do is. I bought a Rode NTK and found out what the big to do is. You're not going to get much for results with it IMO unless you spend some real $$$ on a decent pream with this mic

My 2 cents

Thanks for the link to the discussion, I missed that...obviously.
I really have plenty of mics that get me nice recordings all around, I was just kicking the idea of adding another seeming classic to the mix. Likewise, I'm doin' ok on the preamp side of things too.

I think I'm just ready to shake things up a bit. Beyond the SM7, my thought have been around unloading my Avalon 737sp for a nice 2 channel pre, so perhaps I'll save the money and apply it here.

I've always wanted to get into the Langevin DVC...or maybe another Great River...the Great River EQ looks nice too.....*sigh*. Too many choices really.

......or the API A2D.

I loved my SM7b for my vocals until I bought a Neumann TLM103. You really have to match the mic with the voice. I am not a loud singer, so the sensitivity of the TLM103 was an improvement for me. I think it depends alot on what you are trying to accomplish, and what your whole signal chain looks like. Sad thing is, it is hard to know how the mic/preamp combo sounds until you try it out in your own space. I have tried testing mics at GuitarCenter, etc. I never really know how it will ultimately sound until I get it home in my studio. Sorta like a Buy-then-Try senario. Gets a little expensive, unless you have local recording buddies willing to let you try their mics.

I actually have the 103, it is a very good mic, I get a lot of use out of it for softer vocals and acoustic guitar. I'm putting the SM7 on hold right now, though I'll probably end up with one in the future. I just finished a session where the Shure beta 87 and the 58 getting the most use for rock vocals.

At the moment I'm trying out an ADL600 in lieu of our local Pro Audio Store not having a Langevin DVC. I wish I could test the two side by side, but I can't. So I'm just throwing all of the applications that I can so far at the ADL. I hear great things about both units, either way I'll end up with a good piece, but if I get this ADL, that'll be the 2nd or 3rd time that I've come *this* close to getting the DVC, only to back out and get something else.

Thanks.

These are two of my very favorite mic pres. The ADL600 and the DVC. One of each please.

I've been throwing everything that I can at the ADL and I'm very impressed. I may just torque down the rack screws and call it a done deal.