“Certain to become a standard for home studio engineers seeking a very versatile first mic”: Shure SM4 Home Recording Microphone review

Looking for that first mic to complete your home studio setup? The SM4 is a high-performance candidate that is a versatile option for electric guitars, acoustics and vocals

Shure SM4 Home Recording Microphone
(Image: © Shure)

Guitar World Verdict

The Shure SM4 is certain to become a standard for home studio engineers seeking a very versatile first mic, but it’s also recommended for users seeking a useful addition to their mic collections thanks to its super affordable price and value.

Pros

  • +

    Affordable 1-inch condenser mic.

  • +

    Built-in and external pop filters prevent plosive “pops.”

  • +

    Internal wire-mesh Faraday cage blocks RF interference.

  • +

    Excellent performance when recording vocals, guitar amps and other common instruments.

Cons

  • -

    Excellent bass response may be too aggressive for some instruments like acoustic guitars.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Shure SM4 Home Recording Microphone: What is it?

In the not-too-distant past when guitarists asked me what I would recommend as a first microphone purchase for their home studios, I would usually recommend a Shure SM57.

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