Today we are going to review the Shure SM4 which they are pitching as a versatile and affordable condenser microphone for both home studios and professional environments alike. Priced at just $199 for the microphone alone, or $269 with a shock mount, it sits comfortably below the $300 threshold often associated with the beginning price of a high-quality condenser mics.
Typically our demoes are based on how the units we test actually sound and is it easy to use. We like to find great singers and musicians and record them through affordable equipment, for instance this whole session was recorded on both Audient and Focusrite interfaces which many of you own. For a $200 mic we have to be using comparable, real world, affordable interfaces!
Choosing The Right Artist To Demo the Mic
We’ve known Laura Davidson from Shure for quite a few years now, always at trade shows, answering our emails with queries from our community, Laura has been one of the best people we’ve worked with. We also know that she is an artist, in fact a few years ago she gave us her album, quite a lovely singer songwriter album indeed, we’ve even mentioned that if we did any Shure demoes she should sing on them!
We were in for quite a treat because while attending NAMM in 2023 Kasia and I went to the ”She Rocks” event which is an initiative that celebrates and empowers women in the music industry, specifically through the She Rocks Awards. At the end of the evening a great band performed some excellent Led Zeppelin covers and the singer was, m you guessed it, Laura! Who knew! With a hugely powerful, expressive, blues rock voice!
So we asked Laura to be the artist on this demo, she even wrote the song! Our great friend Jamie Humphries from Six String Alliance played guitar and bass on the song and James ‘Gillie’ Gillingham played drums on it. We recorded at Brighton Electric and then I also mixed it at Brighton Electric!
You can download the multitracks of the song here
Let’s Talk About the Mic!
- Affordable Pricing: At $199, the SM4 offers great value for money without compromising on sound quality.
- Versatility: Suitable for vocals, instruments, overheads and room mics, making it a great all-around microphone.
- Quality Build: Designed to withstand the rigours of studio and live use, ensuring longevity and reliability.
Sound Quality
The Shure SM4 excels in delivering a clear and natural sound, which is essential for capturing the nuances of different instruments and vocals. In our recording session, the SM4 was used for various applications, including:
- Overheads for drums
- Vocals
- Acoustic instruments
The results were impressive, download the multitracks for yourself to hear. The microphone captured all the details without excessive coloration. This quality makes it an ideal choice for musicians and producers looking for a reliable microphone that can adapt to various recording situations without breaking the bank!
During our recording session, the SM4 was used on drums alongside other Shure microphones, such as the SM57, SM7 and Beta 52. The combination produced a well-rounded sound that highlighted the kick drum’s attack and the snare’s crispness without overwhelming the mix with excessive, overly aggressive high mids, a characteristic of a lot of sib $300 condensers. The SM4’s ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion is particularly beneficial in dynamic recording environments.
Mixing Insights
When mixing the tracks recorded with the SM4, a transparent approach to EQ and compression was used. The raw tracks retained their clarity, allowing for subtle adjustments to enhance the overall sound. The SM4’s performance in the mix showcased its capability to maintain integrity while being shaped to fit within a full band context.
Smooth and Natural Sound Reproduction
The SM4 is equipped with a 1-inch brass dual-diaphragm capsule, delivering clean low-end control and crisp, detailed highs. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures superior off-axis noise rejection, while the wide “sweet spot” minimizes the proximity effect for balanced audio.
Patent-Pending Interference Shielding Technology
Keep unwanted RF interference from devices like cell phones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers at bay with our proprietary system. It features an integrated pop filter and woven mesh Faraday cage that protects the microphone capsule, ensuring pristine audio capture.
Effortless, Mix-Ready Sound
With an internal pop filter, the SM4 delivers clean, plosive-free recordings, minimizing unwanted rumble for easier post-production. Its audio clarity allows for smooth compression or EQ adjustments without introducing undesirable elements, working seamlessly with any interface for professional results in any environment.
Versatile for Vocals and Instruments
Designed to handle a wide variety of sound sources, the SM4 excels at everything from soft vocals to high-SPL instruments like drums, guitar amps, and horns. Its high-SPL handling (up to 140dB) ensures distortion-free performance, even at extreme volumes.
Legendary Durability & Camera-Ready Design
Crafted with rugged, all-metal construction, the SM4 offers the reliability and durability trusted by professionals. Its sleek, low-profile design is perfect for on-camera use, keeping performers and environments in full view.
Shock Mount & Detachable Magnetic Pop Filter
Included with the SM4 Home Recording Kit, the shock mount and detachable magnetic pop filter reduce vibrations, rumbles, and plosive sounds. Together with the built-in pop filter, this dual-stage system provides enhanced protection against plosives, ensuring flawless recordings.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a condenser microphone that offers exceptional sound quality, versatility, and affordability, the Shure SM4 is a fantastic option. It holds its own against more expensive rivals and proves that you don’t need to break the bank to achieve professional results. Ultimately, the quality of the performance and the song itself remain the most critical factors in any recording, and the SM4 is an excellent tool to capture that essence.
For those interested in exploring the capabilities of the Shure SM4 further, multitracks from recent sessions are available for download, allowing you to experience the mic’s sound firsthand.