Shure SM4 Review / Test

MicrophoneReview
Written By Bandrew Scott

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

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

https://www.bandrewscott.com/
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