Shure SM4: Amazing Sound, But Is It Worth the Price?

[@REAPERMania]

Just to add to Tom's conclusion, as someone who has been a pro audio engineer for 30+ years, not only will any of these mics work well for you and you should just choose what you like, but it's also important that you just pick one and go with it. In a world where many of us are a one man/woman show, it's important to eliminate variables. Pick your tools and go create content. All the best. XOXO

[@tombuck]

Absolutely fantastic advice 👏

[@TheBreakFastProjectYT]

@@REAPERMania God bless you. Your words inspire you have no idea

[@REAPERMania]

@@TheBreakFastProjectYT Thank you.

[@Mike3nigma]

I just don't have money an don't want to pay for a microphone that doesnt work

[@soramittenpaw2127]

I was just watching Bandrew's review and came to recall that SM4 has a dual-diaphragm mic design (even for a single-pattern mic) to control proximity effect. From that standpoint, SM4 is competing against Sony C-80, which is also a large-diaphragm, externally-biased condenser mic that employs a dual-diaphragm design for the same reason. That could possibly be one of the reasons behind Shure's pricing of SM4 because C-80 is priced at $500 (with a carrying case and shock mount but no pop filter). C-80 has -10dB pad and high-pass filter circuitry, which SM4 does not, and is made in Japan, but $270 for the kit is very competitive when compared against $500 C-80 kit.

[@Johnwick-07]

I love the earthworks mic! I want one in the future.

[@tombuck]

It's a great mic from a great group of people!

[@fofopho]

The Ethos is still GOATed. Sounds sooooo good.

[@7171jay]

With a self noise of 15dBa the SM4 is a bit high noise for a modern mic. This could be an issue for super critical recordings like audio books but is certainly good in many other situations but it is something to be aware of as Shure kind of hides this somewhat. Websites selling the mic don't list this and amazingly it's not even on in the description of the mic on Shure's website. The downloadable PDF spec sheet that is on Shure's site omits it too and the only place I found it was on the PDF titled "User Guide" (not the Quick Start Guide). That said the SM4 is a bright mic but not harsh, although in the untreated room in the video here it's not exactly sounding it's best. Definitely a bit of an upgrade sonically from something like the Audio Technica AT2020 (but at double or more the price it certainly should be) and the self noise although a bit high is 5dBa better than the AT2020.

[@LACROSSECXL]

@@7171jay this is great information, thank you for the research you done to bring this to the light! 🤘🏾

[@7171jay]

@LACROSSECXL BTW at about 5 min into the video you say adding more gain increases the amount of background room noise in relation to the voice. It just doesn't work like that. The difference between mics being "good" at rejecting background sounds has nothing to do with where you set your preamp gain, that ratio is determined by the mics directional pattern and to lesser extent that condensers tend to be a bit brighter sounding and generally better transient response than dynamic mics. The things that actually affect background sound level vs the voice are how close you are to the mic and how loudly you speak or sing. Because dynamic mics tend to be smoother and a bit less detailed they can be better at very close up use than a condenser which tends to pick up more weird mouth noises (lip smacks and tongue and even breathing). Getting right up on the mic is what will get you a better signal to background noise level and dynamic mics handle this better than condensers do.

[@trendyboymx]

Hi Tom! Great video as always! I appreciate the detailed microphone comparisons, but I find myself pondering a few points: 1) Sound Quality: All the mics sound excellent, which is fantastic but makes differentiation challenging. I'm curious how much of this is due to your sound-treated room and the RODECaster Duo's processing. 2) Average KZbinr Scenario: It would be incredibly helpful to see a comparison in a more typical setting - perhaps with minimal sound treatment and without a professional mixer. This could give aspiring content creators a more realistic expectation. 3) RODECaster Duo Impact: Your video has actually reinforced my interest in the Duo. The quality it seems to bring out in various mics is impressive. 4) Future-proofing: Given it's late 2024, do you think the Duo is still a worthy investment for the coming months? Are there any newer alternatives you'd recommend over it now? Thanks for consistently providing such valuable insights for the creator community!

[@tombuck]

Thanks for the kind words! 1. My room is really not super sound treated overall, so while it's not awful, I don't think it was a huge difference maker. 2. Even though they were running through the RCP, there were no effects or processing (unless I specifically mentioned at certain points), so it's the same sound you would get from pretty much any relatively modern-ish XLR interface. 3. The Duo kicks butt! But as mentioned, there were no effects or processing. If you DO want to dive in there, the Duo opens up a really fun world of options! 4. Yes, yes, and yes! I do like the Mackie DLZ Creator XS quite a bit and have a comparison video between the two, but tend to prefer the Duo for usability and the VESA mount on the back. It's barely been out for a year and mixers aren't typically something updated annually, so it should be "current" for at least a few more years (and it'll still be awesome even when/if a new thing comes out. They also have a white option too, which is pretty cool 😁

[@trendyboymx]

​@@tombuck Thanks Tom! I'm looking forward to acquiring the RCD soon. On that note, I'm curious about your thoughts on the upcoming Zoom H1 XLR. Given your apparent affinity for Zoom products, do you plan to review it? It seems quite promising from what I've seen so far. Also, I'd love to see a video showcasing how you integrate your extensive microphone collection into various workflows and content formats. As someone with a more modest setup (I use a Rode VideoMic NTG and Rode Lavalier II), I'm always juggling between devices for video calls, podcasts, KZbin videos, and on-the-go recording. Your expertise on optimizing mic usage across different scenarios would be incredibly helpful.

[@ElijahPark]

sounds like a real competitor. solid 👏

[@ProduceGuitarPop]

personally, every time I've used an NT1A it's been impossible to mix with unless i put soothe on the 2k-6k range. literally checked out the new signature series to test it out and see if they updated it. still there.

[@luke_1234]

The hope the Sennheiser makes the profile a dynamic mic in the future

[@noth606]

'the Sennheiser' and 'the profile' ? words, I see, Yoda speak even, decipher does not.

[@markexploringnewstuff]

Informative and entertaining as always. Thanks, Tom.

[@GamerTigerBonsu]

Thinking of getting a Røde NT1 5th Gen, would this mic be a good alternative as well? (Mainly for like commentary and voice acting) Loving these videos btw

[@christbilly286]

for me the nt1 is still the best

[@tombuck]

The 5th gen is great if you need the USB functionality! Sound-wise there's no difference between it and the Signature Series, so if you're only using it via XLR, then the Signature can save you a bit of money.

[@GamerTigerBonsu]

@@tombuck interesting, thanks for the insight sir

[@kylemckenna]

Thanks for sharing, Tom!

[@randyrektor]

Love the vid man. Totally subjective here, but I'm really not nuts about the sound of this mic -for your voice at least. I found the NT1 to sound wayyyy better. Shure seemed to have an abrasive upper mid-range.

[@tombuck]

I like the Shure for that compress-y sound, but it's definitely personal preference. In this specific comparison, it was actually the Lewitt 440 that surprised me the most!

[@ItsRyukin]

I still have a so called “BM800” condenser mic but it’s left unused for 3-4 years now and I’m still considering a new one tho, Maybe. 🤔

[@tombuck]

If it works, it works! But it doesn't sound like an upgrade would be too unreasonable either.

[@wellwishesmusic]

I missed everything you said while the green cable was sliding away. 🙃 JK. Great review. It seems like a nice affordable option if there's something you don't like about the NT1.

[@tombuck]

Haha, that timing just happened to work out 😅

[@videotours5277]

Thanks so much for this video Tom! Top-quality information. How do you switch between cameras if you are shooting in 4K?

[@tombuck]

I record internally and do it in editing 👍

[@videotours5277]

@@tombuck Really nice quality. Do you ever still use your Atem?

[@soramittenpaw2127]

LCT-240 is on sale now on Alto Music and is $80 for the mic and the shock mount (+10% bonus credit). Another cool thing about NT-1 is that it's made in Australia! Can't think of anything made in Australia that are sold in the US other than Rode mics and honey lol

[@REAPERMania]

The LCT-240 is still my favorite and I've tried almost all of these.

[@tombuck]

That is a VERY good deal!

[@djtoman6875]

Blundstone and Ugg boots are made in Australia. Great products!

[@HomesickMac]

Giving it to the new Shure SM4 to be good sounding, reliable and fine but overpriced imho, Ethoooooos all the way haha! Ratio between quality and value for the money is just the best in my another humble opinion. The only reason I didn't get the Ethos is that it's bigger bro Earthworks SR314 has better proximity, meaning I can have it as overhead mic. Of course, everything depends on people's needs. I'm a musician and I always have more use cases in mind when buying a microphone. If I "only" did talking head videos for a podcast (video or/and audio) I might even consider the Shure, but I'm also thinking overhead, recording my guitars, putting the mic in front of an amplifier, using it as a live vocal mic etc... OK, this mindset could also be applied to situation where different people would use the same microphone, and already there it's important to get a decent "allrounder" to start with. In this case and if the budget is tight, getting two SM4's instead of one SM7B would be a great solution to a smaller podcast studio. Combine that with the RodeCaster Duo and it's a winner. Although, I'd always go for Lewitt duo in that case though haha. OK, OK, I'll leave it there....

[@nicktayloriv310]

Be Shure you're speaking into the right part of the 🎙😁

[@nicktayloriv310]

The Yeti mic has more bass than the Shure.

[@agambhasin]

Initially I was interested in this but then I got the Cad e100sx for less than 200 and it just throws most mics in this price range out of the park, so I will save my money this time

[@tombuck]

Yeah, that's an awesome deal!

[@mikoajczeski1272]

isn't too dark?

[@agambhasin]

@@mikoajczeski1272 The CAD? Yes it is but it is how I like my mics to be

[@Doc-ki5dl]

Hey, have you ever looked at some Thomann T.Bone Microphones? They have Condenser and Dynamic microphones. Especially the BC500 which is a Sm7b contender for just 80euros.

[@tombuck]

I haven't, but that sounds pretty nifty!

[@Doc-ki5dl]

@@tombuck You definetly should, its more known in the german space, but they definetly have some nice options. I would like too see you reviewing one.

[@fallinmor]

The Shure sounds great but I feel like on paper it gets clobbered by the NT1. The 5th gen gives you the kit, usb c and 32 bit float for $20 cheaper than the SM4 with the kit. Tough choice.

[@tombuck]

Yeah, it's a tough sell in some ways with the NT1 in the mix

[@fallinmor]

It’s nice to have choices. You can get the NT1 and if you don’t like it, move to the Shure without too much heartache.

[@DeseanAWeeb]

,for recording just audio, talking low,normal and loudly in say a car at night with no outside noise, would a dynamic or condenser be better?

[@GS-uk3ml]

More low end and warmer sound in the NT1 right?

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]

I had a Marantz mic, that costs 51€, (Marantz Professional Pod Pack 1 fully adjustable stand ) ,that was lost during renovations a while ago.. I liked it a lot.. I am thinking on buying 2 new Marantz mics, just don't know if same or a MPM 1000 (47€), or MPM 2000 Marantz (60€).. Would be great if you one day, sooner than later, test some.. I think they beat all of same price, and tier up categories, that cost double or triple more..Their clean signal comes from experience on pre-amps, and amps.. Just wish they launched some more variety of mics, with esthetics similar to Lewitt.. ..this was just an idea, in case oportunity strikes..I'm divided between Marantz or Lewitt..

[@tombuck]

Definitely seems like an interesting choice, especially for the price! But dang, I love the Lewitt so much 😁

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]

@@tombuck Yeah..the Lewitt may be the chosen as well for me..but price/quality of Marantz, i don't know..specialy USB versions..

[@richardwilliams2916]

Opened my studio in Milwaukee and would like to join your podcast group

[@IvanSergio1984]

Sounds great!

[@cyngarcia1097]

Hi which mic would you recommend for belter singers? Thank you! 🙏🫶😊

[@tombuck]

Anything can work! Condensers like this are quite an excellent choice, but so is a classic like the Shure SM58 👍

[@cyngarcia1097]

@@tombuck Thank you so much for your respond really appreciate it! 🙏🏼🫶🏼😊

[@yinYangMountain]

For me, and for those I work with, I always start with asking: How does it work / sound for Content Creation / Voice Over? What is the open mic noise level - after the audio is normalized to -6dB and -3dB?

[@tombuck]

According to Shure, the sensitivity is -38 dBV and the signal to noise ratio is 77dB. In regular day to day use, I've found it to be a very quiet mic, which you should expect for the price and from the brand.

[@yinYangMountain]

@@tombuck Thanks for the info.

[@GamerToday]

My issue is marketing its a condenser they claim untreated room is good with......why and how??? That i want to know more on. I find that hard to get sounds junk to me. I don't get it

[@tombuck]

It's all personal preference when it comes to mics and mic sounds. I love the sound of a crisp condenser mic like this, but you might prefer a smoother dynamic sound instead, which is also awesome.

[@antoniobaronio9029]

Thanks for the video, but a condenser microphone is supposed to be used singing in front of the capsule and not aside. Why did you record your voice standing aside of the capsule?

[@tombuck]

Some condensers are end address and some are side. This is a side address microphone.

[@RingTalks]

Apparently this mic replaced the Sm27 as it is now discontinued..

[@tombuck]

Oh wow, I had no idea!

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke! ☕️🎤

[@tombuck]

Thank you sir! 💙

[@techmed-rainer]

@@tombuck It's my pleasure 🙏

[@wstks-fmworldwide5390]

How does the SM4 compare to the various iterations of the MV7?

[@tombuck]

They're pretty different since those are dynamic mics. The comparison is pretty similar to the SM7B here.

[@noth606]

I hate to be a pitched party pooper here but the difference is minute listening to this on sort of meh speakers built into my monitor. Like, not non-existant, but to my ears with some background noise etc on my side and not using headphones, they all sounded close enough that I'd probably pick the Röde out of habitosis, if I for some reason needed an extra mic for table top use and couldn't use what I have for some reason. I'm going to stop consuming mic videos for a while I think. On the bright side I guess my current ones are good enough heh, Röde M5 pair.

[@andrewshaida5152]

Do you have planned to review the Maono pd400x?

[@tombuck]

Currently I don't, but it seems like a neat competitor to the PodMic USB and MV7+

[@andrewshaida5152]

@@tombuck I saw a lots of reviews where it could compete with the sm7b.

[@seru715]

Would these types of microphone (condenser) be better for people with softer/quieter voices?

[@tombuck]

I don't know if that's a rule to go by, but in general, it's easier to get a higher output from a condenser, which could be very helpful for someone with a quieter voice.

[@seru715]

@@tombuck thank you for your reply. I really enjoy watching your videos!

[@REAPERMania]

@@seru715 Not only will they bring out your quieter voice but a condenser also brings out more detail.

[@RodrigoBezares]

I'm having some struggle finding a good USB-C Mike for vocals since i have a deep jazzy voice and I don't want to mess with mixers and configs with an XLR one. Can somebody help me or guide me into the correct direction? I just got a Sennheiser profile but it will struggle with catching my voice so i need something better, maybe an MV7+? Any help will be really appreciated.

[@tombuck]

I'm interested in what you mean about the Profile not catching? As a condenser, it should be picking things up quite well! As far as the USB route goes, the MV7+ has a lot to offer, and the software does make it easy to dial things in pretty well.

[@RodrigoBezares]

@@tombuck Thanks to your reply, I went to the music store where I bought it and I asked them to let me compare my unit with another new one and it turns out that my unit was defective somehow. I got it replaced right away!. Thank you so much Sir. I really appreciate your help.

[@fofopho]

I would take the Lewitt 440 Pure personally. But can’t go wrong these days. Pick a mic and get after it.

[@tombuck]

Yep! 100% correct, but both mics you mentioned (the 440 and the Ethos) really impressed me here. I always love them, but sometimes you need to hear them against others to really appreciate what they can do!

[@GadesChannel]

Tom, thank you for this review! I very like all comparisons and agree with your conclusion. Personally, I think the SM4 sounds a bit "thinner" than other competitors (maybe LCT240 is the closest)

[@tombuck]

It's definitely not a bossy mic, but I do like it (at least for my voice) because I can basically use it with no processing. Might not be everyone's cup-o-tea though!

[@keeppushin]

where did you get the blue pop foam for the sm7b i need that lol

[@tombuck]

Mine is from reporterstore.com 👍

[@ВиталийБойко-з5й]

Worthy competitor to Rode NT1?

[@tombuck]

Definitely! Although the NT1 is still such a phenomenal mic.

[@kyngb24]

What kind of headphones do you have⁉️⁉️😊

[@tombuck]

I use the Rode NTH-100's 👍

[@kyngb24]

Awesome buddy thanks awesome mic review keep up the great work I have Shure mv7​@@tombuck

[@DeadliestEvil]

It’s cheaper than the 7b and you don’t need a clean boost, I’m about to get rid of my sm7b and get one.

[@KaneTreble]

Bahahaha I ugly snorted at the Neewer fade - well played!

[@tombuck]

Haha glad you caught that 😁

[@Daxverse]

hey tom, do you think its better than podmic usb and signature series,thanks in advance

[@tombuck]

That's a lot of personal preference really, they're all great mics! Of those 3, I probably prefer the sound of the NT1 the most, but I like the build quality of the Shure more. The PodMic is also built like a tank, but takes the most work to EQ.

[@Daxverse]

@@tombuck Tom you are in with love NT1 signature series for sure🤣. I wanted to buy the signature series too but given that my room is untreated, unfortunately I have to go with the podmic usb, anyways Thanks a lot, Tom❤️.

[@REAPERMania]

@@tombuck Yeah. The pod mic is very weak on the low end. But it does take well to EQ if you don't mind digging in. The PodMic would be my go to if I had buy 3-4 for a podcast. I like my Lewitt LCT-240 if I was just buying one.

[@Daxverse]

@@REAPERMania would you recommend any dynamic mic for talking head kinda videos for covering news on pc gaming and console gaming . Thanks in advance 🫡

[@thesprucelodgechannel]

You did Neewer so wrong lol 😂

[@tombuck]

I think Neewer did themselves wrong 😉

[@demestin]

How does it sound in an untreated room

[@tombuck]

My room is really not very well treated, so pretty much like this for the most part.

[@AerialEmber]

The biggest thing you didn't account for in all the comparisons is proximity effect. When you talk into the SM4 you sit back. When handling the other mics you are much closer. Proximity effect kicks in. It's really obvious when you go back and forth between the Shure and Earthworks. You pull the Earthworks right up, as you should. Then sit back to talk into the Shure.

[@tombuck]

I just used the mics how I use them "in real life" to give a general comparison, far from any sort of scientific test.

[@PierreBaudinat]

For pretty the same price, definitely not a mic that can compete with MXL 2003A, Austrian Audio OC16 or Lewitt 440.

[@matahari1576]

The SM4 sounds much more neutral than the bassy and dull sounding SM7b, the most overrated mic. on planet earth.

[@theperiidot]

The SM7b is actually more neutral, modern audio production standards just have a lot of high end excitement edit: you're not wrong tho, it is very overrated

[@nathangothan601]

Maybe it’s just me, but the SM4 sounds terrible in my opinion. It’s way too treble forward, and has this distorted electronic chatter in it.

[@Rossdink]

Distorted electronic chatter?

[@Rossdink]

Oh I see what you’re saying. I think that’s the crispness

[@nathangothan601]

@@Rossdink yeah idk how else to explain it. It sounds like it’s being compressed artificially. I understand KZbin compresses their audio but in the multiple review videos I’ve watched it’s got this odd sound.