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Shure SM4
The Shure SM4 condenser microphone promises professional-quality recordings with mix-ready audio for your next home recording project. Boasting “consistent reproduction of every element of your performance with accuracy and low-frequency control,” let’s find out if this sleek-looking microphone can earn a spot in your home studio in this Shure SM4 review.
This article was published on January 14, 2025, and this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.
With its ability to record everything from intimate vocals and acoustic guitars to louder sources like guitar amps, the Shure SM4 is for those looking for a versatile condenser microphone for their home studio setup.
What’s it like to use the Shure SM4?
The Shure SM4 is a large, dual-diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern designed for us home recording enthusiasts. Our demo model is part of the SM4 Home Recording Kit, which includes a shock mount, detachable magnetic pop filter, and zippered carrying case. Like most Shure microphones, the SM4 is built to last thanks to its all-metal construction.
While the SM4 features a brass, 1-inch dual-diaphragm capsule, it does not have low-cut or high-pass filters, selectable attenuation switches, or multiple polar patterns. This budget-friendly microphone intends to keep things simple and provide you with the best possible mix-ready recording out of the box, so you can simply connect your XLR cable and get those creative juices flowing. With its wide, flat frequency response and a max SPL of 140dB, the Shure SM4 can record everything from intimate vocals and acoustic guitars to drums and guitar amplifiers.
Singer-songwriters will appreciate the convenience of recording their voice and acoustic guitar tracks with the same microphone. At the same time, up-and-coming recording artists can take advantage of its ability to track other instruments as well, no matter the project. With both an internal pop filter, an available external pop filter, and a low-profile design, the SM4 also makes for a decent desktop microphone for voice overs or podcasts if you’re a content creator.
What pickup pattern does the Shure SM4 have?
The Shure SM4 features a classic cardioid polar pattern, which enables you to get a decent recording in almost any room, even a bedroom. This pattern captures sound primarily from the front of the microphone while rejecting sound from 180 degrees behind the capsule. As a result, it attenuates unwanted background noise. Although the cardioid pattern is most effective when you speak or play your instrument directly into the capsule, it does provide some tolerance from the sides, allowing for more freedom in your positioning while in front of the mic.
How does the Shure SM4 connect?
The Shure SM4 connects to your audio input via an industry-standard locking, balanced 3-pin XLR connector and requires 48v of phantom power to operate correctly.
How does the Shure SM4 sound?
With its relatively wide and flat frequency response, capturing quality acoustic guitar recordings is easy, and the SM4 does an excellent job of reproducing my voice in full. I recorded the following demos in my small home office—just a typical room without any acoustic treatment. For the setup, I connected the SM4 to my older Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) interface and used Reaper as my DAW.
Shure SM4 acoustic guitar demo:
For this first demo, I’m using my smaller-sized Yamaha FG830 acoustic guitar. It’s not a fancy, expensive guitar; they go new for around $400. I have the SM4 pointed at the 12-fret of the guitar, and there are three tracks total. The left and right rhythm tracks have no additional processing, but I added some reverb from a stock Reaper plug-in to the lead guitar down the center just for a bit of texture to help its tone differentiate from the rhythm tracks.
Shure SM4 acoustic guitar and vocals demo:
Now, I’m the first one to admit I’m a guitarist first and a singer fourth, or maybe fifth even, but here’s a verse from one of my favorite Johnny Cash songs, “So Doggone Lonesome.” Again, I’ve got two acoustic guitar rhythm tracks with no additional processing, but it wouldn’t be a Johnny Cash tune without some reverb on the vocals, so I’ve applied some using the same stock Reaper reverb plug-in. No issues getting a detailed recording of my voice here.
Shure SM4 podcast test:
Lastly, just my regular speaking voice, as if I’m using the SM4 for streaming or recording voice-over audio for a YouTube video. I’m pushing during the plosive test, trying to get my p’s to pop during the recording. While they’re still prominent, they don’t cause any distortion, and the sibilance sounds of “clams and cans” are also kept at bay.
How does the microphone sound to you?
Should you buy the Shure SM4?
If you’re building up your home studio and looking to add a large diaphragm condenser microphone that can handle everything from intimate vocals to loud percussion, the Shure SM4 is a safe buy. Aspiring singer-songwriters will appreciate its wide, flat-frequency response and cardioid pickup pattern when recording guitars and vocals, but also its ability to take on other recording projects as your skills progress, no matter the project.
I recommend spending the extra pennies and going for the complete kit. The included shock mount and windscreen attachment are also good quality and help make setup a breeze. As mentioned, for those with smaller or modest home recording setups, the SM4’s sleek and low-profile design doesn’t take up too much space and can also double as a decent desktop microphone for content creation.
What should you get instead of the Shure SM4?
If you’re after versatility while on a budget, consider the AKG P420. It’s also a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a similar design, but it has the SM4 beat when it comes to features. The P420 offers three selectable polar patterns to record with: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure 8, not to mention a low-end filter and 20dB attenuation switches. You can find one for $158 at Amazon.
The Rode NT1-A ($199 at Amazon) is another high-sensitivity condenser microphone that rarely needs an introduction. Like the SM4 and P420, this popular microphone offers a flat frequency response, excellent vocal reproduction, all-metal construction, and its own shock mount.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, as a large diaphragm condenser mic, the Shure SM4 is a suitable microphone for recording vocals.
Yes, the Shure SM4 is a condenser microphone requiring 48v of phantom power to operate.
The SM4 is designed with instrument and vocal recordings in mind. It's not the ideal gaming microphone, but it could be used if you already have an audio interface with an XLR connection integrated into your gaming setup. Otherwise, consider a USB-C microphone like the Shure MV7+ for a direct connection that doesn't rely on an external interface.