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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Dynamic Microphones
While condenser microphones have definitely been picking up a lot of steam recently, dynamic microphones are still a fantastic option to have for your recording needs thanks to their high sound pressure level capability, colored frequency response, lack of need for phantom power, and affordable price point.
Unlike condenser microphones, which are fragile, highly responsive, and often quite expensive, the best dynamic microphone is the preferred mic when recording in loud and physically demanding surroundings as they can cancel unwanted background noise and are durable enough to last.
Looking for the perfect dynamic microphone? We’ve got a definitive list of some of the best dynamic microphones on the market right now. Check them out below.
What are the Best Dynamic Mics?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Most Value For Money | Most Versatile |
Shure SM57Considered as one of the best dynamic microphone, Shure SM57 is a top choice among musician, sound engineers, and the likes. | Behringer XM8500This dynamic microphone is considered one of the most inexpensive microphones, yet its performance is equal to other expensive brands. | Sennheiser MD 441-UThe most versatile and accurate dynamic microphone. Sennheiser MD 441-U is a top choice among instrumental performers and vocalists. |
Sound Quality: Design: Features: | Sound Quality: Design: Features: | Sound Quality: Design: Features: |
Let’s Go Over Each Dynamic Microphone
#1: Shure SM57
If you asked anyone in the music industry, they would probably recommend that you add the Shure SM57 to your mic collection. Popular for its versatility, durability, and inexpensive price tag, this XLR microphone has been used to record everything from presidential addresses and TV broadcasts to raging guitar cabs.
Whether you’re making instruments on a loud stage or recording studio vocals, this is the go-to mic for all of your recording needs.
Pros and Cons of the Shure SM57
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Versatile for different recording purposes ✔ Industry Standard ✔ Good Value For Money | ✘ Older Model in a Competitive Market |
#2: Behringer XM8500
This handheld dynamic microphone is perfect for newcomers or those on a tighter budget looking for low cost but high sound quality. Its cardioid pickup pattern design means that there is good feedback rejection and separation of the sound source and wide frequency response.
Additionally, this dynamic microphone has a shock mount system built into it to reduce movement noise when held, as well as a built-in pop filter that minimizes breath and pop noises. This is the perfect budget mic that sounds great and can take you from recordings to live shows.
Pros and Cons of the Behringer XM8500
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Comes with built-in shock mount ✔ Fantastic price ✔ Great output of sound | ✘ Lacks Cord |
#3: Sennheiser MD 441-U
While most dynamic mics are known for their versatility, this model from Sennheiser is considered one of the most versatile and accurate dynamic mics on the market. Its frequency response is the flattest possible so that the mic neither adds nor subtracts anything from the sound source.
The dynamic mic features a built-in pop filter, hum compensation coil, internal shock mount, a five-position low-frequency roll-off switch, and a treble boost switch. These switches let you contour your sound however you like for any sound or instrument. This is one of the best cardioid microphones and part of our top dynamic mic picks.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser MD 441-U
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Excellent audio signal ✔ Accurate capturing of sound ✔ Versatile | ✘ Expensive Price point |
#4: Electro-Voice RE20
This Cardioid pickup-pattern dynamic mic is considered the gold standard for radio, with nearly all radio DJs using it to give them that signature bass boost. This is due to its pronounced proximity effect that enhances the bass sound and allows the speaker to sound consistent, whether up against the grille or sitting back on a chair. Combined with a bass roll-off switch, these details create that signature and distinctive radio voice sound.
While ideally suited for recording or broadcasting, these dynamic ribbon mics are also great for kick drum and bass guitar through an amp thanks to their bass roll-off and ability to capture low frequencies.
Pros and Cons of the Electro-Voice RE20
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Counter proximity effect ✔ Gives focus to vocals | ✘ Pricey |
#5: Sennheiser MD 421 II
While most of the dynamic microphones on this list excel at recording everything from percussion instruments to vocals, this Sennheiser model is especially favored for its musical recording versatility and capabilities.
Great for vocals and group vocals, this mic also works well with guitars, bass drums, and snare drums. A full-bodied cardioid polar pattern and bass control with five settings allow it to work with most instruments. It also features excellent feedback rejection of unwanted sounds, making it a great microphone for both the studio and the stage.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser MD 421 II
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Excellent sound quality ✔ Sleek build ✔ Versatile | ✘ A runner-up to most expensive boundary mic |
#6: Audio-Technica ATR2100
While the condenser mic is the more popular option for recording the human voice in quieter and controlled settings, dynamic microphones can do the job just as well, such as this model from Audio-Technica.
While its low mic diaphragm and excellent frequency response make it suitable for everything from live use, fieldwork, or home recording, it finds its best use in podcasting. The smooth frequency and cardioid pattern help reduce any unwanted sound, while the built-in headphone jack is great for when you want to check the microphone output and be kept free from any delays.
Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica ATR2100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Durable ✔ 10-year warranty ✔ Proximity effect | ✘ Mainly suited as a vocal mic |
#7: Shure SM7B
While the Sennheiser MD 421 II is best for recording versatility, this Shure model is a fantastic vocal mic for the studio and is considered one of the best dynamic microphones you could get your hands on.
With an extremely flat response minus the desired presence boost, frequency roll-off switch, built-in windscreen, pop filter, & internal shock mount, this Shure SM7b dynamic microphone gives you a crisp and clean sound, reproducing your vocals without skewing or distortion. This is definitely one of the best dynamic microphones for capturing your voice flawlessly.
Pros and Cons of the Shure SM7B
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Versatile ✔️ Built-in pop filter ✔️ Built-in internal “air suspension” ✔️ High build quality ✔️ Can be used as a dual-mic amp setup | ✖️ Requires at least a 60dB gain boost from an audio interface or mic preamp as it can be “too quiet” |
#8: Sennheiser E935
When you’re looking for a dependable and durable dynamic microphone for live performances and loud sounds, this model from Sennheiser is for you. It is equipped for rejecting sound in bigger spaces and is one of those specialized mics that prevents amp interference for a clearer sound despite a lot of outside noise.
Specially designed to work under pressure, this dynamic microphone offers a smooth tone, fast frequency response, and natural sound. Whether you’re performing in a large stadium or are facing a lot of room noise, this mic won’t let you down.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser E935
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Durable ✔ 10-year warranty ✔ Proximity effect | ✘ Mainly suited as a vocal mic |
#9: Sennheiser E906
This is one of the best dynamic microphones you could get when you want something dedicated to accurately capturing the sound of your guitar.
This mic was specifically designed to capture tones from electric guitar cabs, the E906 sculpts your sound with extended frequency response in both the high and low regions. This is a great instrument mic that is very easy to use and sounds amazing when paired with the right sound sources.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser E906
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Compact size ✔ Durable ✔ Good value for money | ✖️ Sensitive to small movements |
#10: AKG D12 VR
Capturing the sound of kick drums can be tough, but this mic makes it feel easy thanks to its dedicated design. Its responsive diaphragm captures a very detailed sound, while its optimized bass chamber frequency response handling is fantastic.
Additionally, the sound captured also lights up when this mic is fed some phantom power.
Pros and Cons of the AKG D12 VR
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Clear sound ✔ Durable design ✔ Good value for money | ✖️ Less versatile |
Are Dynamic Mics Better?
It depends on the intended use and personal preferences. Dynamic microphones are often favored for their durability, versatility, and affordability, making them a popular choice for live performances, podcasts, and recording applications. However, other types of microphones, such as condenser microphones, are often preferred for their higher sensitivity, which makes them better suited for recording studios and other settings where fine audio detail is important.
The best dynamic microphone is the ones that capture your needs. They may be an omnidirectional microphone, cardioid microphone, or cardioid dynamic microphone. The best dynamic microphone can either be a USB microphone with a USB connection, XLR cable, or mic stand. They should have, however a flat frequency response, smooth frequency response, capture ambient sound, pop filter, good electrical signal, and air suspension shock isolation.
What are Dynamic Mics Good At?
Dynamic microphones are good at:
- Handling high sound pressure levels: Dynamic microphones can handle high levels of sound without distorting, making them well-suited for live performances, where they are exposed to loud music and other sounds.
- Rejecting background noise: Dynamic microphones have a directional pickup pattern that helps reject background noise, making them a good choice for use in noisy environments such as live performances, broadcasting, and podcasting.
- Reproducing clear, articulate speech: Dynamic microphones are capable of capturing clear and articulate speech, making them a popular choice for use in voice-over work, podcasting, and other types of content creation.
- Capturing the sound of electric instruments: Dynamic microphones are well-suited for capturing the sound of electric instruments, such as guitar amps and drums, due to their ability to handle high sound pressure levels.
- Cost-effectiveness: Dynamic microphones are often more affordable than other types of microphones, making them a good choice for budget-conscious users who still want good-quality audio.
Dynamic microphones are known for their durability, versatility, and affordability, making them a popular choice for many different applications.
Are Dynamic Mics Better for Vocals?
When comparing the dynamic microphone to the condenser microphone, there are a lot of different factors to consider, with the most important factors being what you’re recording and where you’re recording.
Dynamic microphones are the best choice when recording high sound levels and for canceling out background noise, so they make for the best vocal mics in live performances as a condenser mic will be too sensitive and fragile for such a setting.
Alongside being able to pick up sound waves with consistent frequency response, they’re also incredibly durable and don’t require phantom power to function. Most dynamic mics have an internal shock mount to allow hand use, and their polar patterns also reject off-axis sounds. Due to that, they’re ideal for live applications and noisy environments. However, condenser mics are the better option when recording quieter vocals in a more controlled setting.
While dynamic microphones are best known for their use in live events, they work just as well in recording studios to capture louder sound and cancel out background noise. Dynamic microphones are also a low-cost investment perfect for when you need a room mic that captures the good sound quality and can switch from recording instruments to vocals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-quality microphone in the world?
While there are many different microphone types and brands that suit different needs, the Shure SM 57 is known worldwide for being the industry standard thanks to its ability to function for different needs and last for years on end.
What was Frank Sinatra’s favorite microphone?
Frank Sinatra was known to have preferred the Neumann U47 microphone. This large diaphragm condenser microphone was widely regarded as one of the best microphones of its time and was widely used in recording studios during the 1950s and 1960s. Sinatra was known for his distinctive singing voice, and the Neumann U47 was said to have captured the richness and clarity of his voice in a way that few other microphones could. He used it for many of his most famous recordings and is said to have been very particular about the microphones he used for his performances.
What is a dynamic microphone good for?
Dynamic microphones are good for several purposes, including:
- Live performances: Dynamic microphones are known for their durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making them a popular choice for live performances such as concerts and live theatre.
- Broadcasting: Dynamic microphones are often used in radio and television broadcasting for their ability to reject background noise and their clear, articulate sound. The broadcast mic should have ambient noise, a mid-range presence boost, and a good audio interface.
- Podcasting: Dynamic microphones are an affordable and effective option for podcasting and other types of content creation as they are easy to set up and use, and can provide good audio quality for a reasonable price.
- Voice-over: Dynamic microphones are well-suited for voice-over work, as they provide good clarity and definition for speech while rejecting background noise.
- Instrument recording: Dynamic microphones can also be used to record musical instruments, particularly electric instruments that produce high sound levels, such as guitar amps and kick drums.
The best dynamic mics are known for their affordability, versatility, and durability, making them a popular choice for many applications.
Conclusion
Dynamic mics have a reputation for being the best to withstand loud noises and a good beating, perfect for live performances and being taken on the road.
However, these mics are also versatile within themselves, with different models being renowned in different recording fields. Whether it’s for a podcast or performance, these are some of the best dynamic microphones out there right now that you can possibly choose from.
Editor’s Choice
Shure SM57
When talking about the best dynamic mics out there, perhaps the first name you’ll hear is the Shure SM57, and for good reason. This dynamic microphone is the ultimate versatile mic, nicknamed the “studio workhorse” and an industry standard, retaining its popularity since it was first released in the 1960s.
Shure designed a pneumatic shock-mount system for the capsule to reduce handling noise and other mechanical vibrations in the mic signal. The flat frequency response from 200 Hz to about 3 kHz yields a natural midrange, which is important in the overall clarity of the sound. Combine this frequency response with the cardioid polar pattern, and we have a dynamic mic capable of excellent isolation of independent instruments.
While it’s considered one of the best dynamic microphones all around, this dynamic mic has proven to be especially popular in recording rock music, from capturing loud instruments to recording vocals.
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