Mic Archive

Shure

Shure SM4

Dual-diaphragm side-address cardioid condenser for home recording, with RF interference shielding and an internal pop filter

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−38 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
13 dB(A)
Max SPL
140 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the quick guide, p. 4. Frequency response graph (unlabelled in the quick start guide; "SM4 Frequency Response" in the user guide); relative dB. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the quick guide, p. 4. Polar pattern; two circles (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2.5 to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, rings labelled -20 to -5 dB plus a "0 dB" label. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB; the graph's dB scale is not labelled and was assumed.

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All specs

From the user guide
Capsuledual diaphragm. Features: "Dual-diaphragm design captures consistent, controlled lows and smooth, detailed highs." No diaphragm size is given.p. 3
Sensitivity−38 dBV/Pa (17.8 mV/Pa), at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage. "-38 dBV/Pa (17.8 mV)"; the quick start guide agrees.p. 7
Self-noise13 dB(A), A-weighted, typical. "Self-Noise A-weighted, typical : 13 dB SPL".
Max SPL140 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% THD, 1 kΩ load
Signal-to-noise ratio79 dB. "Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 79 dB" (no reference given; 94 - 13 = 81).
Dynamic range125 dB, 1 kΩ load
Output impedance150 ohm, output impedance, at 1 kHz
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHzp. 6
Poweringphantom 48 V DC. "48 V DC phantom power (5.3 mA)"; "This microphone needs a +48 V DC phantom power supply" (p. 6).p. 8
Current draw5.3 mA; also 5.2 mA, quick start guide: "48 V DC phantom power (5.2 mA)"
ConnectorXLR-3 male. "Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male".p. 7
Weight463 g. "463 g ( 1.02 lbs)".
Supplied accessoriesSM4-K: swivel-mount microphone clamp, brass mic stand adapter, zippered pouch; SM4-K-KIT: shock mount, magnetic pop filter, brass mic stand adapter, zippered carrying case. "What's in the Box".p. 3
HousingDie-cast zinc, all-metalp. 7
RF shieldingInterference Shielding Technology (patent pending) against RF noise from phones, laptops and Wi-Fi routersp. 3
Pop filteringInternal pop filter; with the kit's magnetic pop filter on the shock mount it makes a "dual-stage filtering system"
PolarityPositive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3p. 7
Placement (Shure)Vocals and speech 2-15 cm (use a pop filter); acoustic guitar 15-30 cm, near the sound hole or 12th fret; drums 1-2 m in front or overhead; strings or horns 30 cm-2 m; woodwinds 5-15 cm; amps 2-15 cmp. 9
Replacement partsA4M swivel hardmount; A4SM shock mount; A4EB rubber bands for the shock mount; A4PF magnetic pop filter; A4CC softshell carrier; 31B1856 brass adapterp. 4
Stand threadFor a 3/8 in. stand, fit the supplied brass adapter (slots facing out)p. 10
From the quick guide
Dimensions149.7 × 52 mm. Dimension drawing: 149.7 mm (5.89 in.) high overall, 138.6 mm (5.46 in.) without the mount stub at the base, 52 mm (2.05 in.) wide; the stub is 19.5 mm (0.77 in.) wide, and the end view shows 31 mm (1.22 in.). The user guide has the drawing only as an image (p. 8).p. 4

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.

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