The latest addition to the Shure line-up has been designed to provide self-recording artists of all levels with a versatile, ‘all-rounder’ microphone for capturing vocals and a range of instruments. Featuring a dual-diaphragm capsule and a patent-pending RF shielding system, the SM4 promises to help users achieve professional-quality results regardless of their setup, environment or experience level.
The microphone’s one-inch brass capsule boasts a dual-diaphragm design that Shure say helps to deliver a clean and controlled low end with a smooth, detailed high-frequency response. A well-controlled cardioid polar pattern offers strong off-axis rejection as well as providing a large ‘sweet spot’ with reduced proximity effect. The internal mount utilises a Faraday cage-style design which shields the capsule from the RF noise generated by devices such as phones, laptops and Wi-Fi routers, and also incorporates a pop filter to help tackle plosives.
The company have ensured that the SM4’s voicing lends itself to a wide range of recording tasks, from soft vocals to loud instruments including drums, guitar amps and brass — it’s capable of withstanding up to 140dB SPL, meaning that it can handle being placed in front of even the loudest of instruments without being pushed into distortion. As you’d expect from Shure, it’s housed in a rugged, all-metal body that will happily stand up to extended use.
“The SM4 is designed to reflect the modern workflows of musicians, engineers and creators who are serious about their craft, helping them overcome the issues that make engineers cringe: plosives, harsh high-frequency response, undefined low-end and RF interference. If you’re a musician, you want to stay in the creative flow, rather than chasing down problems in your audio setup. No matter what you are recording with the SM4, you need your tracks to be professional quality. If you’re an engineer receiving those tracks, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly they fit into a mix, and the time saved from not having to fix a variety of problems surgically.” - Steve Marek, Associate Manager of Product Management, Shure
The SM4 is supplied with a swivel-mount clamp and a zippered carrying bag. It’s also possible to purchase the mic as part of a Home Recording Kit bundle, which includes a shockmount, a magnetic pop filter and a premium carrying case.
Pricing & Availability
The SM4 is available now, with pricing as follows:
- SM4: $199£195 including VAT / €229.
- Home Recording Kit: $269£249 including VAT / €289.
