Shure

Shure SM4

The Shure SM4 lands as a entry-level studio microphone, built around cardioid.

50/100
Mixed bag
Overall score · how we rate
cardioid
£239best price at Amazon
In stock at 1 retailer

We may earn a commission on purchases via this link. It never affects our scores or rankings.

Independent score · no sponsored placement
Price checked across retailers daily

Why we rate it

  • Scores 50/100
  • Built for the job
  • No switchable polar patterns
  • No high-pass filter
Score profile

Where the Shure SM4 wins and loses

Scored against the studio microphones class
OverallValueFuture-proo…505045
Overall spec score
50
Value position
50
Future-proofing
45
Full specification

Specifications

Grouped · supported features marked in blue

Audio

Polar patterncardioid

Design and build

Weight1143 g

More specs

ConnectionXLR
Pop filterYes
Head to head

Shure SM4 vs RODE RODE NT1 Signature Series

Highlighted cell = better in that row
OverallValueFuture-proo…
Shure SM4RODE NT1 Signature Series
 ShureShure SM4This pageRODERODE NT1 Signature Series
Overall score50 /10050 /100
Polar patterncardioidcardioid
Weight1143 g313 gBetter
Who it's for

Is the Shure SM4 right for you?

Buy it if
Buyers on a budget

Anyone who needs a dependable studio microphone for the essentials without overspending.

Skip it if
Skip it if

You need switchable polar patterns, in which case a higher-tier studio microphone is the better call.

Critical listener
Cares about detail, tuning and codec support.
okay
Everyday listener
Music, calls and commuting, wants a safe all-rounder.
good
Value seeker
Wants the most sound for the least outlay.
good
Common questions

Before you buy

Is the Shure SM4 worth it?

It depends on what you need. It scores 50/100 against other studio microphones, a entry-level result where the class average is around 51.

What stands out on the Shure SM4?

Its overall 50/100 rating against the rest of the studio microphones class.

How does it compare to the Ortizan XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone?

The Ortizan XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone scores 55/100 versus this one at 50/100, so it is the step up on the spec sheet.