Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) works with the Shure SM7B — but only Works without a booster for many users at close mic.
Shure SM7B is an XLR dynamic microphone (sensitivity -59 dBV/Pa, 150 ohm) compatible with Scarlett 2i2's combo XLR inputs. Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen provides 69 dB max preamp gain -- Shure's own published figure is that the SM7B "likes around +60dB of clean gain" to sound right, so on-paper headroom exists. Real-world reports are mixed: some users report clean SM7B audio without a booster, others report gain pushed near-max with thinner/noisier signal at normal talking distance. Same pattern as the GoXLR (72 dB, also marked conditional) vs Wave XLR Pro (80 dB, marked full) precedent in this DB -- 69 dB sits below both, so conditional is the more accurate verdict than flat compatible.
Conditions for compatibility
Works without a booster for many users at close mic distance (within ~5-10cm) with gain turned up high. A Cloudlifter CL-1 or similar +25dB inline preamp booster is recommended for consistently clean signal, especially at normal talking distance -- lets gain be turned down, reducing noise floor.
“clearest and most detailed ever, with a huge 69dB gain range to get the best from every microphone.”
“which likes around +60dB of clean gain to hit that sweet spot of tone”
Last verified:
Confidence: high confidence