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Ever wondered what the Shure SM 27 feels and sound like?
As a musician and audiophile, there are thousands of microphones out there that deserve a place in my microphone rack.
And it just doesn’t help that most companies these days say that their own special microphone is the one that works across all borders.
Which is why most people, myself included, like to keep it simple by limiting the amount of microphones I actually but to known names and brands in the industry.
Which is why in this article, Shure SM 27 review, I will be talking about the Shure SM 27 microphone, looking at the pros and the cons, what makes it tick and if actually this microphone is worth buying.
What’s in the box?
When you purchase the Shure SM 27 microphone, here is what comes in the box
- Everything comes in a really nice leather carrying case
- You get one microphone obviously
- You get a nice plastic shock mount which does have a standard microphone adaptor
- You get documentations showing you mic specifications and manuals
- And lastly you get your own Shure sticker
The Design
Even though the SM27 has a normal microphone look, there is something really special and unique about this microphone
While most companies go for the classic tubular designs, Shure decided to go with an oblong chassis and an all black finish with just the Shure logo in front.
The mesh grille out front is also all black and features a side address pattern with a three layer mesh cover.
This is one nice looking microphone with subtle aesthetics that deserves to be among your studio rack.
The Features
The SM27 has a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response and an 84.5 dB signal-to-noise ratio.
It has a built-in Class A preamp and requires 48-volt phantom power.
It’s a quiet mic, with just 9.5 dB of self-noise (the KSM version rated at 14 dB).
With three different mesh layers that reduce wind and pops, and a -15 dB pad switch, it can handle SPLs up to 152dB.
There’s also a low frequency filter with three positions: flat, an 80 Hz roll-off (via an 18dB octave filter) and a 115 Hz roll-off (via a 6 dB octave filter).
The mic is also equipped with an internal shock mount.
It comes with a soft gig case and a simple hard mount. (The SM27-SC model comes with a suspension shock mount and a velveteen case.)
The Performance
This is one microphone that certainly can be addressed as a workhorse.
It has a solid performance for the price tag and delivers excellent clear vocals when used for recording
The defining feature of the SM 27 is it’s flat response which is in part down to its low mass diaphragm.
Also it’s ability to handle high SPL values makes it ideal for recording instruments.
One awesome thing about this microphone is that the vocals are clear and clean
And also due to its transparency, this microphone tends to suit a wide array of instruments and vocal profiles – ranging from the deep baritone of the male voice to the high pitched female voice
It adds a decent amount of mid range warmth which is just the right amount without distorting the nature of the voice.
Related: 5 Best Condenser Microphones for Acoustic Guitar
Unexpected Delights
The SM27 worked really well as a bass cab mic, pairing nicely with a Yorkville combo with 15 in it, and a kit cab with four 10s hooked up to a GK Backline 600.
I had full control of low-end rumble with the roll-off switch.
I’m partial to well-framed bass note articulation with beefy low mids, and this mic dialed it up easily.
The SM27 also came in handy during a session with congas where 57s were working nicely on the heads and a Rode NT1-A was doing a great job with room ‘verb from a distance.
We needed something near the floor by the shells in order to fill out each drum’s low tonal character and the SM27 worked great, even eliminating some ground vibration that two other mics with shock mounts couldn’t eliminate.
The mic also worked well for overhead drums, even in a situation when a room’s ceiling was lower than preferred.
Related: 10 Best Condenser Microphones
Overall Thoughts
When you purchase the Shure SM 27 microphone, you have a serious recording tool at your disposal.
If you are looking for a general all purpose condenser microphone, then this bad boy is near perfect.
This is the type of microphone that you purchase and be rest assured that it will cover almost all your recording needs.
