Shure SM63 Review: A Classic Dynamic Microphone That Stands the Test of Time

The world of professional audio equipment is filled with innovations that come and go, but some classics manage to endure for decades. The Shure SM63 dynamic microphone belongs firmly in this latter category. First introduced in the late 1970s, this omnidirectional dynamic microphone has maintained its reputation as a broadcasting and field recording staple. In this review we will determine why the SM63 continues to be relevant in 2025, almost five decades after its initial release.

Heritage and Design

The Shure SM63 follows in the footsteps of Shure’s legendary microphone lineup, including its more famous sibling, the SM58. While the SM58 dominates the stage, the SM63 found its niche in broadcasting, journalism, and field recording. Its sleek, champagne-colored aluminum body with a distinctive tapered design makes it instantly recognizable.

Weighing just 150 grams (5.3 oz), the SM63 was designed with portability and comfort in mind. Even during extended handheld use, it doesn’t cause fatigue – a crucial feature for field reporters and interviewers. The microphone measures 6.4 inches (163 mm) in length, making it compact enough for travel but substantial enough to maintain presence during on-camera work.

The SM63 is available in three variants:

• SM63: The standard version in champagne finish
• SM63L: An extended (longer) version for interview situations
• SM63-BK: The standard version in black finish

Its construction quality is exceptional, embodying Shure’s legendary durability. The microphone features a humbucking coil that reduces electromagnetic hum – a thoughtful design element that speaks to its intended use in varied environments where electrical interference might be present.

Technical Specifications

The SM63 features an omnidirectional polar pattern, capturing sound equally from all directions. This makes it particularly suitable for interviews and ambient recording, though less ideal for isolating a single sound source in noisy environments.

Key specifications include:

• Frequency response: 80Hz to 20kHz
• Impedance: 150 ohms (rated)
• Sensitivity: -56.5 dBV/Pa (1.5 mV)
• Maximum SPL: No specific rating, but like most dynamic microphones, it handles high sound pressure levels effortlessly
• Connector: Three-pin professional audio connector (XLR)

The microphone does not require phantom power, which is standard for dynamic microphones but worth noting for field recordists who may be working with limited power sources.

Sound Character

The SM63’s sonic signature is characterized by a clean, neutral midrange with a subtle presence boost in the upper midrange (around 4-6kHz) that enhances speech intelligibility. This is particularly noticeable when recording spoken word content, where the microphone adds a pleasing clarity to voices without accentuating sibilance.

Bass response is remarkably controlled for an omnidirectional microphone. While many omnidirectional mics suffer from excessive proximity effect (bass boost when used close to the source), the SM63 maintains a relatively flat low-frequency response even when used up close. There is still some warmth, but it’s musical rather than overwhelming.

The high-frequency response extends smoothly to 20kHz, providing adequate detail without harshness. This balanced approach makes the SM63 suitable for capturing not just speech but musical performances as well, though it won’t provide the same level of detail as a dedicated condenser microphone.

Practical Applications

Broadcasting and Journalism

The SM63 established itself as a broadcasting legend for good reason. Its combination of clear speech reproduction, rejection of handling noise, and durability makes it ideal for field reporting. The internal shock mount effectively minimizes handling noise, while the built-in wind and pop filter reduces breath sounds and light wind noise.

When used outdoors, the microphone performs admirably in moderate conditions, though extreme weather situations will require additional windscreening. Shure offers compatible windscreens that enhance the microphone’s outdoor usability without significantly compromising sound quality.

Interview Recording

For documentary filmmakers and journalists, the SM63’s omnidirectional pattern facilitates natural-sounding interviews. The interviewer can position the microphone between themselves and the subject without constantly redirecting it, resulting in more fluid conversations.

The longer SM63L variant provides additional reach, useful when interviewing subjects at a slight distance or when recording in settings where the microphone needs to be kept out of frame.

Voice-over and Podcasting

While cardioid microphones like the SM7B have become podcast standards, the SM63 offers a viable alternative for those seeking a warmer, more room-inclusive sound. Its controlled proximity effect means that voice artists can work closer to the microphone without overwhelming bass response.

For podcasters recording in acoustically treated spaces, the omnidirectional pattern captures a natural room sound that can feel more intimate and conversational than the tighter focus of a cardioid microphone.

Performance in the Field

Testing the SM63 revealed impressive handling noise rejection. The microphone’s internal shock mounting system significantly reduces the rumble and low-frequency noises that typically plague handheld recording. This makes it possible to conduct “walking interviews” or move between recording positions without distracting noise.

Wind noise resistance is good for a microphone without external windscreening. The built-in wind and pop filter handles light breezes and vocal plosives effectively, though serious outdoor use still benefits from additional protection.

The microphone’s output is strong enough to work well with portable recorders and field mixers without requiring excessive gain, which helps maintain a clean signal path. When paired with modern low-noise preamps, the SM63 delivers professional-quality recordings.

Comparisons with Contemporary Options

While the SM63 has stood the test of time, today’s market offers numerous alternatives that bear consideration:

Electro-Voice RE50/N-D: Perhaps the SM63’s closest competitor, the RE50 offers similar durability and handling noise rejection. The RE50 has a slightly more pronounced proximity effect and a different upper midrange character that some find more flattering for certain voices.

Sennheiser MD 46: A more recent design, the MD 46 uses a cardioid pattern rather than omnidirectional, offering better isolation in noisy environments at the cost of requiring more precise positioning.

Rode Reporter: A modern omnidirectional dynamic microphone designed specifically for interview applications, featuring a more contemporary sound signature with slightly extended low frequency response.

Despite these alternatives, the SM63 maintains advantages in terms of proven reliability, established reputation, and a balanced sound character that works across applications.

Long-term Value and Durability

One remarkable aspect of the SM63 is its longevity. Many broadcasting organizations still use SM63 microphones that are decades old. The microphone’s simple mechanical design means there are few components that can fail over time. The dynamic element itself is virtually indestructible under normal use conditions.

This durability translates to excellent long-term value. While the initial price (approximately $250-300 for a new unit) might seem high compared to budget options, the SM63 represents an investment that can last an entire career.

The microphone also maintains good resale value. Used SM63s in good condition typically sell for 60-70% of their original price, even after years of use – a testament to their reputation and continued demand.

Limitations

Despite its virtues, the SM63 isn’t the perfect microphone for every situation:

• The omnidirectional pattern limits its usefulness in noisy environments where isolation is critical
• While the frequency response is balanced, it doesn’t offer the extended low-frequency response that some modern productions demand
• It lacks the detailed high-frequency capture of condenser microphones, which may be preferred for studio voice work
• The classic design, while elegant, lacks modern features like built-in USB conversion or headphone monitoring

Conclusion

The Shure SM63 remains relevant in 2025 not because of nostalgia, but because it continues to excel at its intended purpose. Its combination of clear, natural sound reproduction, exceptional durability, and practical features for field use justify its reputation as a broadcasting classic.

For journalists, documentarians, and field recordists who value reliability above all, the SM63 remains a compelling choice. Its ability to capture clean audio in challenging environments while withstanding the rigors of daily professional use makes it worth consideration even alongside newer designs.

While technology has advanced significantly since the SM63’s introduction, this microphone reminds us that thoughtful engineering and purpose-driven design can create products with truly remarkable longevity. In an industry often driven by the pursuit of novelty, the SM63 stands as proof that some tools simply get it right the first time.