Shure SM27 Review / Test

Today i review the Shure SM27, a studio workhorse or all-purpose cardioid condenser microphone. Features wise it offers a -15dB pad and 2 high pass filters. The sound has a bit of a bump in the bass, and then a presence and treble boost, with a slight boost in the air which gives it a brighter sound. It also leans slightly on the sibliant side so for sibilant voices it may not be the best choice.

Buy the Shure SM27 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/ssm27
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4br7bZR

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

  • Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

  • Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

  • Gain: ~1:00

  • Boosted in Post: +10dB

SPECS:

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

  • Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

  • Sensitivity: -37dB

  • Self Noise: 9.5BA

  • Max SPL: 152dB (with pad)

  • Impedance: 150 Ohms

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:17 - What’s in the Box
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:14 - Specifications
01:25 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:42 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:20 - Background Noise Test 
02:35 - Untreated Room Test
02:55 - Shock Rejection Test
03:11 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:24 - High Pass Filter Test
03:56 - Pad Test
04:34 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:56 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
05:19 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
05:44 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:10 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
06:39 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
07:08 - Shure KSM44a Comparison
07:39 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:11 - Music Test
09:47 - Pros & Cons
10:58 - Overall Thoughts
12:16 - Recommendation

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing.