Shure SM27 Multi-Purpose Condenser Microphone

Shure SM27 Multi-Purpose Condenser Microphone Overview

The Shure SM27 is a versatile large-diaphragm side-address cardioid condenser (LDC) microphone, that’s as comfortable on stage as it is in the studio. The SM27 is part of Shure’s SM family of workhorse mics, which are renowned amongst engineers for their reliability and exceptional audio reproduction. Whilst the SM27 is a condenser mic, with the detail & delicacy that you’d expect, it can also cover loud live applications where you might use a dynamic mic.

Reliable & Adaptable Design

The SM27 continues Shure’s legacy of innovative, robust design with its durable metal construction (ready for the road), built-in transformerless Class A preamplifier (no crossover distortion), ultra-thin large Mylar diaphragm (delivers extremely fast transient response), internal shock mount (reduces handling noise) and three separate mesh layers (counteracts wind & breath noise).

Shure have equipped this side-address LDC with a three-position low-frequency filter (flat, 80Hz roll-off & 115Hz roll-off). This onboard filter gives you multiple sonic characters to play with and allows you to tailor the SM27’s response to your sound source. Plus, it can counteract proximity and reduce background noise.

The SM27 boasts a switchable PAD (passive attenuation device), which significantly improves its versatility. When engaged, the PAD attenuates the signal by 15dB and optimises it for use with high-volume sound sources.

Incredible Versatility

Shure have designed the SM 27 to be a true multi-purpose LDC mic that can excel at practically any recording or live mic’ing situation you throw at it. If it’s the only microphone in your collection, you can achieve a lot with it. Whether you’re using it with lead or backing vocals, acoustic instruments, brass, woodwind, drums and cymbals, the SM 27 will deliver pro-quality audio.

When it comes to recording, the SM27’s incredibly low self-noise (9.5 dBA) and flat, neutral frequency response (20 Hz to 20 kHz) results in a natural reproduction of your sound source.

The SM27 is an outstanding vocal mic. The SM27’s frequency response is well-tailored to vocals, imparting a crisp presence that sounds fantastic in a mix.

For live use, the SM27 is great as a vocal microphone and when used to mic up instruments. The SM27’s tight cardioid polar pattern & astounding off-axis rejection helps to isolate sound sources from bleed, resulting in a cleaner live vocal. The SM27’s ability to handle punishing SPL (152dB) means you can stick it in front of a pumping guitar/bass cabinet or bass drum for a full-bodied, defined sound.

Shure’s SM27 is an essential condenser mic for your studio or live rig. It’s a top choice if you’re looking to step up your microphone setup, only have the budget for one good mic or need another sonic flavour in your arsenal. For the price, its audio fidelity, impeccable build quality and chameleonic ability to adapt to essentially any mic’ing context makes it very hard to beat.