Shure microphones are among the best you can buy. Trusted by experts, they are well-constructed, offer a range of features, and do an excellent job of capturing audio so your recordings sound great. The new Shure SM4 Home Recording Microphone is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for at-home and studio recording, whether you are capturing vocals or instruments. If you record podcasts, videos, your latest jam session, or spend a lot of time on video calls, you need to check it out!
The large XLR microphone looks impressive and is “camera-ready” thanks to its rugged, all-metal construction. It makes a statement but, thanks to its clean lines, won’t be a distraction when used on camera.
As Shure puts it, the microphone has “a sleek, low-profile design won’t obscure the performer or environment.” I love the iconic design!
Optimized for audio capture of a wide range of sound sources, from soft vocals to loud instruments, the Shure SM4 Home Recording Microphone is specifically designed to be flexible so a single microphone can serve a range of audio needs. (It is worth noting that because the SM4 is an XLR microphone, you will need a separate USB audio interface to record directly to a computer.)
The Shure SM4 Home Recording Kit includes a shock mount and detachable pop filter to dampen unintended noise such as rumbles, vibrations, and explosive “pop” sounds.
Also available as a separate purchase if you buy the basic package, these combine with the microphone’s internal pop filter to create a two-stage filtering system that helps avoid “extra” sound and just captures the audio you intend to capture.
In addition, thanks to patent-pending interference shielding technology, the Shure SM4 Home Recording Microphone won’t unintentionally capture unwanted RF noise from wireless devices. [If you’ve ever finished a recording only to find that your phone was too close to the microphone and wreaked havoc on your otherwise amazing work, you know how important this is.]
Shure describes the SM4 microphone this way:
The SM4 brings studio-grade quality to your home studio, capturing professional recordings with mix-ready audio and interference protection. Its 1″ brass dual-diaphragm capsule delivers remarkable accuracy and exceptional low-frequency control. Our patent-pending Interference Shielding Technology blocks unwanted RF noise from wireless devices, while the internal pop filter minimizes plosives. The sleek, low-profile design and all-metal construction make it the perfect upgrade for any home studio.
Features include:
- Smooth and Natural Audio Reproduction: Equipped with a brass 1-inch dual-diaphragm capsule, the SM4 captures clean, controlled, low-end, and smooth, detailed highs. The uniform cardioid polar pattern provides superior off-axis rejection of unwanted noise, and the large “sweet spot” reduces the proximity effect.
- Patent-Pending Interference Shielding Technology: This technology blocks unwanted RF noise from common wireless devices, including cell phones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers. The proprietary system features an integrated pop filter and woven mesh faraday cage that shields the microphone capsule for clean audio capture.
- Mix-Ready Sound, Effortlessly: The internal pop filter enables clean, plosive, and rumble-free recordings for easier post-production work. Compress or EQ to taste without bringing forward unwanted elements that can plague recordings and mixes.
The new Shure SM4 Home Recording Microphone will quickly become the foundation of your home recording setup. Shure’s audio experts engineer the 1″ dual-diaphragm capsule to consistently reproduce whatever audio you seek to capture. It does so with the accuracy and exceptional low-frequency control you expect from Shure.
The SM4 retails for $199 and includes the SM4 Home Recording Microphone, a swivel-mount microphone clamp, a brass mic stand adapter, and a protective pouch. The Shock Mount is $48, while the Pop Filter is $27. The full kit, which includes the microphone, shock mount, and pop filter, is available for $269