Excellent vocal clarity and warmth for the price — a great choice for singers
I am an independent singer-songwriter and producer and have been making music for years. Since I brought Shure SM4 I put out 3 songs already using only this mic for the vocals. Let me just say first that the vocals received mostly positive reviews.
As a female singer I have a 'non-conventional' voice profile of naturally strong low-mid range around 200-300 KHz with noticeable resonance, while also having a brighter upper-frequency ring around 6K-7K. Many less expensive microphones tend to either make the low end feel muddy or emphasize the higher resonance too aggressively, making the recording sound harsh. The SM4 does a great job preserving the warmth and depth while keeping clarity and presence.
For the price range, I think the value is excellent. I am sure higher-end microphones can provide even more refinement, but this microphone already captures a professional vocal character without requiring a huge investment.
Another thing I really appreciate is the flexibility. When I am recording demos or ideas only, I can even hold it like a stage microphone (without touching the capsule area, of course) and record naturally without noticeable handling noise or distracting background artifacts. Compared with some consumer microphones I have used before, which pick up every movement and room noise, this feels much more controlled. I have been carrying it around in the case it comes with and it is durable and consistent so far.
For home studio singers who want to record serious releases, demos, vocals, or songwriting ideas at home, especially singers with a warmer or more resonant voice, this microphone is an excellent choice.
I have included a clip of my released song using SM4.
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SK
★★★★★
It’s OK
Upgraded to this from the AT2040 and Behringer B-1, if I’m being honest I don’t hear much difference.
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acreative
★★★★★
Quality Microphone
The mic is built tough as you would expect from Shure. It is very heavy. Compared to other condenser mics, I find it definitely cuts down on ambient noise on instruments, vocals and against guitar amplifiers. It articulates well, but value for money, I am not sure. Time will tell. The only quirk I've found is in the accessories, not the mic itself. The pop filter is magnetic, which is fine, but the material for the screen is really flimsy and I can see it braking. I could see a vocalist hitting their nose into it and making a wrinkle in the material. The case included in the kit I received has the logo printed upside down. Compared to every photo of this case, this is an anomaly. I even contacted Shure and they were puzzled. Otherwise everything works as expected.
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Jugg Dekaprio
★★★★★
No XLR CABLE
So, this is my 1st XLR mic. Since 2014, I have been using a USB since 2017. I watched several YouTube videos and read the reviews, and I was stoked. Sadly, it does not come with An XLR. I’m super tight 😭 I’ll update my review once I get an XLR 🥲
M . . .
★★★★★
Exceptional!!!
I recently got the Shure SM4 Studio Recording Microphone Kit. I am thoroughly impressed with its performance. This XLR home studio condenser mic delivers mix-ready audio with exceptional clarity. The all-metal construction feels robust and durable, ensuring it can withstand regular use. The microphone captures vocals and instruments with remarkable detail. The built-in pop filter and shock mount are great features that help reduce unwanted noise and vibrations.
I highly, highly recommend this product.
Customer
★★★★★
⭐️⭐️🎙️🎤 Shure continues to lead the industry. Fantastic Sound Quality!
Title: “Fantastic Sound Quality with Minor Flaws”
As someone who loves recording music and podcasts in my home studio, the Shure SM4 Studio Recording Microphone has been an incredible addition to my setup. While it’s not perfect, it delivers professional-quality sound that has significantly elevated my recordings.
What I Loved:
The sound quality is outstanding—crisp, detailed, and warm. It captures vocals with a natural richness that feels professional right out of the box. I’ve also used it for recording voiceo and found it picks up subtle nuances very well. The cardioid polar pattern is excellent for minimizing background noise, making it ideal for less-than-perfect home setups.
The build quality is another standout feature. It’s solid and durable, clearly designed to withstand regular use. I’ve accidentally knocked it over a couple of times, and it still performs like new. The sleek design is also a nice bonus—it looks great in any studio setup.
What Could Be Better:
While I love this microphone, there are a few minor downsides. The sensitivity is quite high, which means it can pick up some unwanted noise if you don’t have good soundproofing. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind if you’re working in a noisy environment.
Another thing is the lack of included accessories. At this price point, I expected at least a basic desk stand or a simple phantom power XLR connector. Adding those separately is an extra expense and something to consider when budgeting.
Overall Verdict:
Despite these small drawbacks, the Shure SM4 Studio Recording Microphone is a fantastic piece of equipment. The sound quality is well worth the investment, and the build ensures it’ll last for years. Whether you’re a podcaster, musician, or voiceover artist, this microphone is an excellent choice that will take your recordings to the next level.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Incredible sound and build with a few minor quirks. Highly recommended for anyone looking to upgrade their recording gear!
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David G.
★★★★★
This Microphone Sounds Great!
As someone who’s worked in the music industry for over 13 years, I have to say this microphone sounds incredible. At such an amazing price point this is a perfect choice for your home studio or travel setup! The vocals I got from this sound clear, crisp, and professional.
Tsaruk Kateryna
★★★★★
That’s so good Home Recording Microphone
I liked this microphone, it is very convenient to use and easily connects to all the devices I need. It records the voice very well and the sounds are different. The quality impressed me. It is also very functional. I recommend you try it as well.
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Matt
★★★★★
Awesome new offering. Such clean sound
This is an awesome new offering from Shure. I'm not going to be super detailed, I'll try to make this brief for those who don't like to read. There's a million YouTube videos and reviews available on this, so I'll just share the main things that surprised me....
Build quality is phenomenal. I love a well build microphone, and between the case, the shock mount, the metal build, and the pop filter, it's all an A+.
The sound quality is sooooo clean. I was expecting this large diaphragm condenser to sound good, but this is such a natural and neutral sounding tone. I have used this for voice over on a few videos, and it has really been a great option.
Better noise handling than I was anticipating... With the pop filter this handles plosives very well, but that's not the only type of sound I am referring to. I was first using this in my untreated home office, and the sound quality was really good. I expected this to pick up much more ambient noise than it actually does. I can keep this on my desk a foot or so in front of my mouth, and it will clearly pick up my voice without picking up every little bird and noise outside my window. I am not sure if this is a feature of the mic, or just an expectation I had that didn't turn out to be true. I've used this for a few zoom meetings (though I don't regularly) and it performs much better than I anticipated.
Not interference.... Even used next to my monitors, wifi router, NAS, printer, laptop, and other electronic devices, I got no interference...
This mic is certainly worth the price. It's not the cheapest, but sounds great and will last. The pop filter IS worth it in my opinion. Great new product from Shure, and would highly recommend if you are in the market for a large diaphragm condenser.
Additional Context: I work with a few small non-profits and create both recorded videos, voice over for presentation, and live content. I use a variety of microphones including Rode Wireless Go & Lavs, Pod-casty dynamic cardioids, Sennheiser E835 vocal mics, Sennhesier MKE600, Rode NT5's for instruments, and a variety of other mics....
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Tarik Deliktas
★★★★★
Perfect Mic for Home Studios!
This kit is everything I wanted for my home studio! The sound quality is crystal clear, catching every detail of my voice without any distortion, even on louder takes. The all-metal build feels sturdy, and the shock mount and magnetic pop filter are great bonuses. Setup with my audio interface was super easy, and I was recording within minutes. For anyone into podcasts or vocals, this mic is a total game-changer! Worth every penny!
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Christopher Byles
★★★★★
The Best Microphone
This microphone is a game changer when it comes to podcasting or recording music. I love this mike
Mea Sententia
★★★★★
Shines in it's class.
Like shoes, there is not a One Size Fits All for microphones, however this Shure SM4 will fit quite nicely for many people's recording needs.
The SM4 is a modest sized, and priced (for it's segment), condenser microphone with a XLR jack intended for a wired connection to a device with 48V phantom power.
The kit comes in a nicely fitted case and includes the mic, quality shock mount, clever magnetic pop filter, extra shock O rings and a 3/8" to 5/8" mount adapter.
So far I've tried this mic with my analog to digital computer interface, standalone digital audio recorder and into a mixer. Using the Shure into the digital interface and a DAW on my computer, I found voice recordings to be very warm and pleasant. I had no need for EQ or filter contouring to soften harsh consonants. Live acoustic guitar recorded into the digital recorder was a bit too warm and might have benefited from a little EQ, but still very good.
One of the listed attributes of the mic is the ability to record high SPL, so I tried playing some very loud (110+ dB) power chords through a tube Fender amp with the mic about a foot from the speaker. On playback I did not notice any mic overload and trust the mic could handle it's claimed 140dB SPL (that's ear bleed for me so I'll take their word for it).
I'm still in the early stages of using the SM4, but my initial impression is that this is a strong contender in the realm of the lower end of the higher quality recording microphones. By "lower end" I realize this is not an inexpensive microphone, but in a category where better condenser mics can cost thousands, this is a great start and the average ear would find it hard to tell the difference.
Where I think this mic will really work well is for pod/vlog-caster. For those looking for sonic quality as opposed to the need to "look" legit by having the somewhat ubiquitous, more expensive SM7 dynamic mic. One will need a 48V phantom device, but I can't imagine where this wouldn't suit most vloggers needs, especially where I see many use close field mic setups. You very well may find this sounds as good, or better, as this condenser has a fairly wide sweet spot so one doesn't need to look like their about to swallow a large flashlight.
For sensitivity and dry flat response articulation, I feel there are some better choices but I'm looking forward to pitting this Shure SM4 against those in the future.
Bottom line: Really good all around microphone worth considering.
Andre Jones
★★★★★
Everything You Expect From Shure, Plus Even More!
As a music producer and budding Youtuber, I have several Shure dynamic mics on hand, but have not tested a Shure condenser mic until now. Honestly, I am a bit blown away by the quality, but - as most of us know - Shure is a trusted brand, having been around for nearly 100 years. In fact, next year will officially be their centennial! I'm here to say that their name is NOT just hype - it is well deserved!
This condenser mic has a highly responsive brass dual-diaphragm capsule with a cardioid pattern. But here's what makes this mic SPECIAL: In most home studio environments, ambient noise, background noise, and electrical/radio interference are just facts of life, right? Especially if recording using a condenser mic, right? WRONG. With THIS mic, you get the pickup quality of a high-level condenser mic with some kind of magic technology that seems to rebuff all of the noise I just talked about, ESPECIALLY the radio frequency noises you often get in a home studio setup! This really changes the game in terms of my "go-to" mic for podcasting, video creation, and even going live on social media, not to mention recording flawless, production quality vocals that require very little editing! This technology is so revolutionary in terms of condenser mics (at this price point), that it's literally patent-pending. Wi-fi, cell phones, routers - none of that will get through this mic!
The SM4 is sold standalone or, as in this case, in a kit that includes shock mount (with adapter), state of the art magnetic pop filter that really deserves its OWN review, and an awesome, sturdy, lunchbox style carrying case.
Yes, this mic is a bit pricey, but if you're serious about your craft and serious about maximum quality output, you will strongly consider this mic - not as a purchase, but as an investment!
Neesh
★★★★★
The best mic for gamers, musicians, and content creators
Love this build of the mic as well as the insane sound quality. Never picked up any background noise and was truly a joy to use
KrazeTV
★★★★★
Shure Delivers a Full Rich Sound, Interference Shielded Technology & an Internal Pop Filter!
Shure Rocks! The SM 4 is phenomenal and provides a full rich sound without too much bassy low end. I love the durability and design of Shure mics. I have been recording music for over 30 years and have always trusted the quality of their microphones. What sets this one apart in this modern age is the patent pending interference shielding technology. The sound was clear with an ultra low noise floor. It comes with a nice case, shock mount, and pop filter. The cool thing is, it's constructed with a built-in pop filter that works really good, and when used with the magnetic external pop filter, it can handle plenty of close up loud singing to screaming. From Metal, Rock, Pop, Rap, Country, and recording instruments- this mic delivers superior balance, clarity, and accuracy. 5 Out of 5 Stars!
Jay "Tech boner" Louis
★★★★★
Excellent mic
The Shure SM4 is a versatile large-diaphragm condenser microphone perfect for home studios.
* Pros:
* Accurate and detailed audio: Captures vocals and instruments with clarity and precision.
* Controlled low-end: Ideal for recording full-bodied sound without muddiness.
* Built-in features: Internal pop filter and shock mount minimize unwanted noise.
* Versatile: Handles a wide range of sound sources effectively.
* Rugged build: Built to last with all-metal construction.
* Cons:
* Requires phantom power: Not suitable for setups without 48V phantom power.
* Price: Might be a bit expensive for beginners.
Overall: The Shure SM4 delivers professional-quality recordings in a compact and convenient package. A great choice for home studio enthusiasts who want to elevate their audio production.
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Crazy Cat
★★★★★
Detailed capture without being harsh. Included case has an overwhelming toxic smell.
Review for the Shure SM4 mic kit, (Contains SM4, Case, Shock mount, and Magnetic pop filter.)
I used this mic for a little over a week, and here are some of my thoughts about it.
There is also a video included with my review showing how the microphone sounds with no filters, and very little sound treatment to the room.
First thing I noticed before using the kit was the included case from Shure. I thought the green and black looked cool, but opening the case revealed the SM4 microphone and a very obnoxious toxic smell.
I had to let the microphone and case off gas outside before using. However, the foam used in the case still smells even after a week.
Shure, please allow the toxic foam you use to off gas before shipping to customers. Or maybe use something better that is less toxic.
-Continuing on, the microphone recorded a mostly natural and very detailed sound. I thought it would slightly emphasize higher frequencies, not necessarily in voices but in the surrounding environment.
-The included shock mount with this kit is great. There are even some extra rubber bands included. But I want to mention how good Shure did with minimizing outside vibrations getting to the microphone capsule. Tapping on my microphone arm or the shock mount sounded clear without extensive reverberations.
-It does have an internal pop filter, but the kit includes a magnetic pop filter. The magnetic pop filter is quite tall. In my video I mention how tall it is because if you position your mouth too close and high up. The voice is not getting the full richness that could be. So when using the magnetic pop filter, I recommend positioning your mouth a bit lower. Or maybe get a flash light and check where the mic capsule is within the housing.
Overall, I think this microphone performs well. And soon I will be putting it through its paces with some important business recordings. For now I remain confident in this microphones capabilities. Hopefully Shure also stops using that toxic smelling foam in their cases too.
Last thing, in my video I did not use any filters but I did go over a few very basic filters people could be using in their review videos. So when watching review videos keep that in mind.
Runningpie
★★★★★
Great New Addition to the Legendary Shure Mic line
Got lucky and snagged one of these apparently before most people as it is not available on other websites (as of Aug 2024). I work in an audio-related field and have at least a half-dozen pro mics for various uses from film recording to studio music recording. Shure, of course, is one of the leading mic companies, especially in music, producing many legendary vocal and instrumental mics over its 100 plus years.
This SM4 is a new model that has evolved some tried and true design elements by adding some new tech that makes it a great choice for an all-around home studio mic. The "tech" is mostly stuff that makes quality recording in a not-so-perfect environment (like a home studio rather than a pro studio) easier to achieve, with the operator not having to think about it too much.
I've just had it a couple days and recorded a few things with it. Since it's a Shure I'm sure it's going to last forever, as my other 30 year old Shures still work great. Besides its obvious build quality, the mic does the things it says it does well. It is a 1-inch large diaphragm design, which is classic. Added into the circuitry is the "tech" that makes it much more forgiving than a traditional large voice mic. It cuts down on pops and overloads, and takes away any sort of buzz or electronic noise that you might get in a home studio with unshielded cables and such around the mic. You're still going to want to run it into a very good audio interface (MOTU, Focusrite etc.), and then into your computer, as it is XLR out. You can put a small analog mixer in that chain if you want, but it isn't strictly necessary.
W/o writing an epic here, in short the SM4 takes a traditional proven physical design that is great for vocal and instrumental recording and adds in forgiveness and protection against performance accidents or operator error in your studio. This combo makes it a great mic for semi-pros or amateurs wanting to record instrumentals, voice, podcasts, etc., in a home studio environment. It's also priced well relative to its big name competitors, so i think it's a great choice.
