Are you searching for a good condenser microphone for your home studio? Well, this is the unbiased Shure SM4 microphone review which was released recently in Chicago.
Shure SM4 microphone is one of the best overall condenser microphones in the market into 2024.
Released on August 20, 2024, this mic has gained popularity among music producers recordists, and music enthusiasts.
As we know Shure has a series of top-class microphones in both dynamic and condenser sections and its SM 58 and SM 57 microphones are usually used in in life programs and events.
But they didn’t have a good condenser microphone for Studio recording. So in 2024, they released the SM4 microphone to fill the gap.
This is an unbiased review of Shure SM4 microphone. This will help you to decide if you should go with this Mic or not.
So, without wasting anymore time, let me review this Mic for you.
Pros and Cons of Shure SM4 Microphone
Pros
- In this Mic, you will get a crystal clear quality to record voice, and instruments.
- The cardioid Polar pattern given in this mic rejects background noise, which is essential for Home Studios.
- Shure SM4 has a solid metal body structure which not only looks great, but built for long-term durability.
- You will also get a built-in mount, which prevents vibrations and rumbles during the recording
- You can use this Mic to record vocal instruments, podcasting, and even live streaming.
Cons
- As this is a condenser Mic, you will need phantom power in your audio interface or mixer.
- This is not a USB Mike, so you will need an audio interface for mixer to connect this Mic to your computer.
- Price range is slightly high for home studio owners
Shure SM4 Microphone Overview
Shure is known to be one of the best microphone manufacturers in the world and its Shure SM4 is a professional-grade microphone that is primarily developed to record vocals and instruments and the recording studios.
This mic is a great option for recording Studios due to its quality and durability. But it comes in a premium price range.
Key Features of Shure SM 4 Microphone
Here are the key features of Shure SM4 microphone which definitely teases you to get this in your home studio.
Cardioid Polar Pattern
The cardioid polar pattern, which is its primary feature, captures sound from the front side and rejects background noise, which is an ideal solution for Home Studios.
Frequency Response
If we talk about the frequency response of this Mic, which is 50 Hz to 15 kHz, it actually provides a balance between low mid and high frequencies.
That’s why it is an ideal condenser microphone for vocals and mid-frequency instruments.
Shock Mount: Built-in
This Mic comes with a built-in Stock Mount, which avoids unwanted vibrations and noise during the recording.
So if you are recording on a tabletop surface, then the shock mount prevents vibrations due to the surface which is a great solution for Home Studios.
Construction
The metal and rugged body is very durable and lasts for years. The rugged surface also prevents it from falling on the ground.
This is an ideal Mic for those who want to use this Mic frequently. Due to the durable construction quality, it is an ideal Mic for regular use.
Connectivity
This mic comes with XLR connectivity which is common in professional connection formats, such as for audio interfaces and mixing boards.
However, if you are searching for a plug-and-play microphone for podcasting and live streaming, then you you need an audio interface or mixer to connect this Mic with your computer. Because this microphone lacks USB connectivity which is common nowadays in microphones.
Is Shure SM4 Microphone a Good Microphone for Home Studios?
Actually, this microphone is built for Studio recording purposes, such as vocal and instrument recording. So, if you’re searching for a condition for Studio recording, then this microphone is ideal for your needs.
If you are serious about the recording quality in your home studio, then this Mic is just built for you.
The detailed sound output of this microphone makes it an ideal solution for Home studio owners.
Background, noise, and vibrations are common problems of Home Studios.
Right?
Well, this mic has an inbuilt Stock Mount and cardioid polar pattern, which rejects unwanted background noise and vibrations.
In the Home Studios, microphones pass through rough uses every day. Thanks to the metal structure of this microphone makes it very durable and lasts for years, even if you are using this microphone frequently in your home studio.
These all features make Shure SM4 microphone ideal for Home Studios.
There are 2 Packages
Shure SM4 microphone comes in two types of packages. The Mic-only package and Studio kit.
In this section, let us see, what’s included in both the packages.
Mic Only Package
The Mic-only package includes the SM4 microphone, shock Mount Mi stand with a thread adapter, and the storage pouch.
Studio Kit
The studio kit includes the Mic itself, and the shock Mount with spare rubber bands. Mic stands with a thread adapter, pop filter, and a carry case in which we can carry all the cake items.
Shure SM4 at Work
Shure SM4 works like a quality microphone in the Home Studios for various tasks including vocals, instruments, podcasting etc.
Audio Reproduction Quality
The audio reproduction quality is the major selling point of this Mic. The frequency response of 15 Hz to 15,000 Hz is a great feature of this microphone which captures vocals and instruments in a crystal clear quality, which is required for good mixing.
How Well Does the Noise Rejection Feature Work in this Mic?
As this Mic has a cardioid polar pattern and comes with a built-in Stock Mount, the noise rejection in this Mic works great.
Especially for Podcasters, who don’t have a good recording environment and the Home Studios not acoustically treated well.
What About Proximity Effect?
In Shure SM4 you will clearly notice the proximity effect which should exist in a good condenser microphone.
You can check the proximity effect to change the distance of your mouth from the microphone, such as recording from 2-3 inches and then recording from 6-8 inches.
You will notice how prominent proximity effect in this mic. That’s why the low-end tone becomes more prominent and the high end becomes light in this mic.
You will get a rich and warm tone in Shure SM4 microphone.
Design and Build Quality
If you are recording frequently then this is an ideal condenser mic for you. It has a metallic and rugged body which makes it durable and long lasting for years.
If you drop this mic to the floor then it won’t be damaged (Well, don’t do that).
Shure SM4 Alternatives
Well, Shure SM4 is a good microphone for recording Studios, especially Home Studios, but there are also alternatives to this microphone in the market.
If you want, you can choose these alternatives.
The first one is,
Rode NT1A
Rode NT1A is known for its ultra-low self noise level of Just 5dBA which makes it one of the greatest microphones in the world.
This microphone is perfect for Home Studios, where vocals and acoustic instruments are recorded frequently. Rode NT1A provides a warm and clear tone with smooth high-end warm mid-range, which is ideal for vocal recordings and acoustic instruments.
Audio Technica AT2020
Another microphone that I have chosen as an alternative to Shure SM4 is Audio Technica AT2020.
It is popular among home, Studio owners podcasters, and content creators due to the affordable price range and solid performance. If you want an affordable Mic with good sound quality then this is one of them.
It is a cardioid polar pattern condenser microphone which provides capturing sound directly from the front side and rejects background noise from the side and rear.
That’s why it is an ideal Mic for Home Studios, where background noise is a common problem.
Verdict
If you want to take your home studio to the next level, then you should consider Shure SM4 microphone, which is an ideal investment for your studio.
With its precise sound quality noise rejection feature and and metallic belt. This can be a solid contender for professional-grade recording.
Of course, this can be expensive for beginners, but if you want a high-quality microphone for long-term use, then this Mic is worth the price range.
Shure SM4 microphone can be an all-rounder for your recording studio as it can record vocals and instruments effectively with high and warm mids.
But this Mic is not built for those who want to connect the microphone directly to the computer without the help of an audio interface. Unlike the USB-powered microphones, this one has only XLR connectivity which requires an audio interface or mixer with XLR inputs.
FAQ
Why should I choose the SM4 microphone for my home studio?
Shure SM4 is an ideal Mic for Home Studios due to its superior frequency response required for vocal and acoustic instrument recordings. That’s why you should choose this Mic for your home studio.
Is SM4 microphone good for YouTubers and podcasters?
Well, Shure SM4 has only XLR output, so you need external hardware such as an audio interface or mixer to connect. So if you don’t have this hardware, which is common with YouTubers and podcasters then this microphone is not ideal for you.
Can I use SM4 microphone for live streaming?
Yes, you can use Shure SM4 microphone for live streaming, but you need an audio interface or mixer to connect this to the Computer.
Do I require an external preamp or audio interface to use Shure SM 4 microphone?
Yes, you need an external preamp or Audi interface to use Shure SM4 microphone.
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