For those looking to record at home, whether demos, YouTube Cover videos, or Podcasts, the Shure SM4 offers great sound. Additionally, the SM4 blocks RF that could otherwise ruin your recordings. You started out talking (or singing or playing) into the mic on your phone. Now, you want to take your project to the next level and set up a home studio. It’s tempting to pick up the first mic you see. However, that could end with you looking for a new set-up in months. I advise sticking with brands that have a proven track record in stage, studio, and home recording. One of those brands is Shure.
Key Specs of the Shure SM4 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Recording Microphone
- Smooth and Natural Audio Reproduction
- Patent-Pending Interference Shielding
- Mix-Ready Sound, Effortlessly
- Exceptional Flexibility
- Legendary Durability & Camera-Ready Design
- Shock Mount + Detachable, Magnetic Pop Filter (Included with SM4 Home Recording Kit)
Most Significant Features of the Shure SM4
The SM4 is designed to elevate your home studio recordings. With a brass 1-inch dual-diaphragm capsule to capture amazing lows and highs. Along with RF interference, shielding, and a beautiful form factor perfect for YouTube streams and BTS videos. Of course, the audio from the SM4 is mix-ready saving you time and takes.
Brass 1-inch Dual-Diaphragm Capsule
It’s no surprise that Shure, the maker of legendary microphones, has created a versatile tool that captures a huge range. From the low end to the high, the SM4 will capture voice or instruments with its brass 1-inch dual-diaphragm recording capsule. A uniform cardioid polar pattern offers a nice sweet spot but also room to move around a bit. This provides a bit more flexibility with mic discipline. Though the SM4 still has great off-axis sound rejection, it is ideal for home studios where you might not have as much environmental control.
Interference Shielding
Interference can be a concern for those working at home or on location. Cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, and the like can cause audio issues that require editing time or even force a retake. With a woven mesh Faraday cage (high tech!) and built-in pop-filter, the Shure SM4 will capture the best sound you can give it; the rest is up to you. These days, most of us don’t even think about all the possible sources of interference around us; it’s nice to know that Shure did.
Mix Ready
Not only does the internal pop filter of the SM4 work with the Faraday cage to prevent interference, but it also allows for clearer recordings. Plosives can be the most frustrating thing to deal with, especially when recording podcasts or streaming. So much talking and singing is bound to bring out the plosive in all of us, no matter how much mic time we’ve logged. Having a built-in pop-filter, the SM4 delivers clean, mix-ready recordings. The SM4 is also incredibly versatile and works with any interface, so if you upgrade your set-up, perhaps keep your interface, the SM4 might be all you need.
Durable and, Well, Cool Looking
Many of us record videos or stream our podcasts. Having the sleek, designed Shure SM4 on screen is not going to create an eye-sore like some clunky-looking mics out there. While this might sound like a minor thing, to me, it shows that Shure understands who is going to use this mic and how. For those that think looks are not important, the SM4 has exceptionally high-SPL handling (max SPL of 140dB). There you go.
SM4 Home Recording Kit
A shock mount and detachable magnetic pop filter are available for the SM4 to make setting up your home studio a breeze. While the internal pop filter does an amazing job of keeping the closed down, the magnetic filter can add a second stage, ensuring you are good to go.
Who Should Use the Shure SM4
Shure has produced an amazing tool for home recording. Whether you are a musician, a streamer, or, like me, a podcaster, this microphone will elevate your home studio. I remember recording with a 4-track on my kitchen table as a teenager. Wow, times have changed.
Final Thoughts on the Shure SM4
A good microphone has two major traits: it captures clean/beautiful sound, and it lasts (nearly) a lifetime. A couple of my Shure SM58 Mics are nearly as old as I am, and I picked them up from a touring musician. Let’s say they didn’t exactly baby the mics. Your home recording studio will likely not be as rough on the SM4, but it’s good to know it has that same lineage and will last you many years. If you are planning to record vocals or instruments in a home studio and need mix-ready sound, check out the Shure SM4.
