Shure SM4 Review / Test

Today i review the Shure SM4, a new offering in the $200 price range. The mic is very straight forward with a cardioid polar pattern and no pads or switches. This is a brighter mic which controls the bass, has a neutral mid section, and then a dominant boost focused in the treble and air frequencies. I found that on some S's they could sound a bit sharp on this mic, and also the self noise is a bit high at 17dBA compared to the competition. The accessories are all nice and effective and the build quality is great.

Buy the Shure SM4 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/smfour
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sm4
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3XCPsuI
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/shure_sm4_kit.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

  • Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

  • Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

  • Gain: ~2:00

  • Boosted in Post: +6dB 

SPECS:

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

  • Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

  • Sensitivity: -38dB

  • Self Noise: 17dBA

  • Max SPL: 140dB - 145dB

  • Impedance: 150-ohms

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:27 - What’s in the Box
00:45 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:08 - Specifications
01:19 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:36 - Plosive Test
01:51 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:15 - Background Noise Test 
02:30 - Untreated Room Test
02:52 - Shock Rejection Test
03:11 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:38 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
03:56 - sE Electronics X1a Comparison
04:15 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
04:39 - Shure PGA27 Comparison
05:00 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
05:25 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
05:49 - Lauten Audio LA220 (Gen 1) Comparison
06:23 - Shure SM27 Comparison
06:52 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
07:17 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
07:48 - Music Test
09:18  - Pros & Cons
11:41 - Overall Thoughts
13:24 - Recommendation

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