Shure SM27 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Reviews

I'm using a pair of these on overheads for drums. They sound silky smooth with lots of definition and a very small self noise level. They are the best I've used so far as far as tone (no EQ) and i have been doing sessions now for over 35 years. I'm very pleased with the sessions.

Super lindo su sonido

Shure is one of the oldest and most respected names in the world of microphones. This SM27 is a newer product, and I was looking at it vs. an SM7B, which seems to be all the rage today. The SM7B is a dynamic mic, so it's going to be much quieter and probably better for noisy environments; but it requires a very high-gain preamp or a second preamp (I have a couple of FetHeads I use for that purpose).

This SM27 is a condenser mic, so it requires phantom power for the built-in preamp. But it provides a very beefy signal to my Zoom LiveTrak L-8 and it sounds quite full and even. I got it mainly to use on video calls (eg., Zoom). I've tried several other mics and kept getting complaints about the sound quality. So I wanted something with a large diaphragm (for better sensitivity), cardioid pickup pattern (for off-axis noise rejection), and a side pickup.

I paired this with a Gator FrameWorks stand (designed for drums) that works great on my desk. It has a massive 10# base and a 2# counter-balance to hold the SM27 in place without having to worry about bumping it and having it move or go sliding away on the desk.

I'm able to mount the mic nearly an arm's length away (18"), about 45 degrees to the right so it's off-camera, at mouth level, pointing directly at my face. The rear of the mic faces one of my computer speakers which is closer to it than my face, and the other speaker is 90 degrees off-axis. I keep the fader on the mic channel set to zero (I don't need to hear myself) so I get no feedback at all from my computer while I'm online. Even when I bring up the fader on the mic channel, it takes quite a bit before I do get any feedback, showing the value of a directional mic with strong off-axis noise rejection. (An omni mic would give almost instant feedback as soon as you pushed the fader up even a tiny bit.)

As an aside, I don't know why people seem to think they need a big fat mic with a pop filter sitting in front of them when they're on camera. You don't see that on TV, only in video shots of people in radio stations who are not normally on-camera, so they're practically eating their mics. If you're more than a few inches from the mic, you don't need a pop filter anyway, especially if it's off to the side and away from your mouth. Maybe people just like having a massive mic and pop filter so they can hide behind it. I dunno. Makes me wonder why they're even bothering to get on-camera. Besides, having the mic 18" away means you're far less likely to bang it if you're inclined to "talk with your hands". I can't tell you how many people I see on videos who bang their hands into their mics from time to time. What's it doing there right in front of your face anyway? Sheesh.

Even though it's about 18" away, everybody says I sound very clear and natural. And if I turn my head to face the mic, and even move closer to it, people don't report much of a volume increase either way unless I get right up to it. So that's a big plus in my mind.

If you're looking at an SM7B, the SM27 is 25% cheaper and I believe every bit as good. You won't need a separate preamp or an expensive mixer with quieter, higher-gain preamps; you'd sound just as good; and you can mount it solidly off-camera and not have to worry about picking up extraneous room noise or feedback that you'd get with an omnidirectional mic.

I have had the SM27 for a couple of weeks now. Was looking for an affordable large-diaphragm condenser mic for my home studio--wanted a mic capable of capturing both vocals and acoustic guitar mainly. This mic does this very well. I am running it through a Mackie ProFX12v2 mixer into my computer and, so far, have no complaints. I am still getting used to it, have not used the various switches on the back yet, but have been extremely happy with this mic so far. I was looking for a solid entry level condenser, and think this is more than that.

Great quality from a quality company!

Used this a bunch for some vocal recording as well as recording an acoustic guitar and I've absolutely loved it. Was debating between this and the SM32 but ultimately chose those one. At this price, it's got to be one of the best mics you can get.

Vocals are very clear and pristine. The mic provides an honest rendering of audio.

The flat, bass cut-off, and bass roll-off filters and the -15 dB setting are really useful in live applications, but also in the studio if you know what type of final EQ you are looking for. Since I'm currently using for vocals, I'll likely keep the roll-off filter on.

The packaging and stand mount are really sturdy; stand mount comes with an adapter that can be unscrewed if necessary so that it will fit a boom stand. Velvet-lined bag is nice.

Thumbs up!

In the growing seas of large condenser microphones, I shopped around. There aren't many reviews on the SM-27 and I don't live where I can go shootout microphones. Like many, I was buying blind. I have some experience with sure microphones, SM-57's and 58's. True workhorses and legendary in their own right. I'm just starting up my home studio and needed a "workhorse" microphone I could throw on anything I needed to record with, day after day. And since it's arrival, it's been in use nearly every day. I've used it on acoustic guitars, vocals, drums, tambo's, shakers... Awesome microphone and money well spent. If the SM-27 is as tough as my 57's, it's also a microphone for life. I'm saving up to get two more...

I happened upon this mic when I was recording a band at a new studio and forgot to bring my standard overhead mics. I was extremely happy with the transparency, clarity, and versatility of this mic, that I wound up purchasing a pair for myself. They're built like a tank and I am in love with their ability to capture the source at hand.

I've had this mic for about a month and I really enjoy using it. My vocals are really dynamic and this mic is able to handle it. The vocal replication is accurate but not harsh. The Shure SM27 is a microphone that I highly recommend. Very Nice!

Using with a Bose L-1 with a Martin acoustic and harmonica. Love it!

I'm disappointed. Too much high end response and not enough warmth. I have to spend too much time on EQ in the software to get the vocal sound I want. It also is very easy to overload this mic through the preamp. I have to back the preamp down to 1.5 to get my normal levels the firewire control surface to the softwate.

First used for a bluegrass band performing in a park. Bass player, Banjo and Mandolin shared. All came over the PA very nicely, and they were able to switch positions easy for each break. The bass just blended right it. Nice.tone and coverage, no feedback.

This microphone is amazing. It is small and rugged and completely portable and the response is amazing. It requires very little extra body even including EQ or compression for the voice work that I use it for on The Less Desirables podcast. Almost makes my SM7B sound wimpy. I love this mic. I have 3 on the podcast, one for my co-host one for my color commentator and one for any guest we have (I use the SM7B). I have to do the most post-production on the SM7B and almost nothing with the 27s.

This stuff is great at an affordable price tag n a bit more in high frequency than lower end but a KSM 32 would be more of a proffesional touch.

I use the SM27 on one side of my stereo guitar rig to fatten up the sound in the FOH system. Mixed with a Sennheiser e609,for attack,the SM27 rounds out the sound and adds a nice,full and balanced tone that always get noticed. Shure makes microphones that can take a beating and keep on working,as my thirty year old SM57s can attest,and that represents real value.