The Best Dynamic Mic
Table of Contents
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Dynamic Microphones
While condenser microphones have been picking up a lot of steam recently, dynamic microphones or moving coil mics are still a fantastic option to have for your recording needs thanks to their high sound pressure level capability, lack of need for phantom power, and affordable price point.
Unlike condenser mics, which are fragile, highly responsive, and often quite expensive, the best dynamic mic is the preferred microphone when recording in loud and physically demanding surroundings as it can cancel unwanted background noise and is durable enough to last.
We’ve got a definitive list of some of the best dynamic microphones on the market right now. Check them out below.
What Is the Best Dynamic Microphone?
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. |
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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.
Its rugged build can withstand the rigors of live performances and studio sessions alike. With a tight cardioid pickup pattern and flat grille, it excels at isolating sources while minimizing background noise, making it ideal for recording instruments like acoustic guitar, guitar amps, kick drums, and snare drums, as well as capturing live vocals with minimal handling noise.
Whether you’re making instruments on a loud stage, miking up guitar cabinets, recording drums, or recording studio vocals, the SM57 delivers consistent, high-quality results—your go-to mics for all of your recording needs.
Plus, its durable construction and included accessories make it a practical and long-lasting investment for any performer or recording artist.
Pros and Cons of the Shure SM57
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Versatile for different recording purposes ✔️ Industry standard ✔️ Good value For money ✔️ Also works as a room mic | ✖️ May sound nasal at times ✖️ Not for spoken word applications |
#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. Despite its affordable price, it offers impressive audio quality and durability. Its cardioid pickup pattern design means that there is good feedback rejection and separation of the sound source and broad frequency response.
With an ultra-wide frequency response and high signal output, it cuts through the mix with ease, making it ideal for both recording and live applications. 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 noise for cleaner recordings.
This is the perfect budget mic that sounds great and can take you from recordings to live shows. A must-have in your mic locker, the XM8500 delivers professional results at an entry-level price point.
Rugged construction and included accessories like the microphone stand adapter and carrying case ensure durability and convenience, making the XM8500 a reliable choice for any musician or vocalist.
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 active 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 and ensures faithful reproduction of sound, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Equipped with features like a built-in filter, hum compensation coil, and internal shock mount, this dynamic mic delivers pristine audio quality with minimal interference.
With a spring capsule mounting system, it provides low sensitivity to handling noise, allowing for precise and reliable performance in any environment. The five-position low-frequency roll-off switch and treble boost switch allow for precise sound shaping, catering to various instruments and recording scenarios.
Whether you’re capturing studio vocals, instruments, or broadcasting, the MD 441-U offers unmatched versatility and performance.
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
The Electro-Voice 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.
The Electro-Voice RE20 has a cardioid pickup pattern and pronounced proximity effect to enhance bass frequencies, resulting in a rich and authoritative audio ideal for voice recording.
Combined with a bass roll-off switch, these details create that signature and distinctive radio voice sound. The switch also provides additional control over low-end frequencies, ensuring clarity and consistency in recordings.
The Variable-D design and heavy-duty internal pop filter make the Electro-Voice RE20 perfect for close-in vocal applications, delivering smooth, natural, and controlled sound character. The inner shock mount reduces vibration-induced noise, ensuring pristine audio quality.
While ideally suited for recording or broadcasting, these dynamic ribbon microphones are also great for kick drum, snare drum, and bass guitar through an amp thanks to their bass roll-off and ability to capture low frequencies.
While it excels in radio and broadcasting applications, the Electro-Voice is also a favorite among musicians and audio engineers alike.
Pros and Cons of the Electro-Voice RE20
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Multi-purpose mic with unique characteristics ✔️ Counter proximity effect ✔️ Gives focus to vocals | ✖️ Pricey ✖️ Not for acoustic guitar or cymbals |
#5: Sennheiser MD 421 II
While most of the dynamic mics 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.
The Sennheiser Pro Audio Professional MD 421-II is a rugged and versatile microphone renowned for its excellent audio reproduction. Designed for diverse recording conditions and broadcast settings, it excels in capturing clear and detailed audio.
Great for vocals and group vocals, this large diaphragm dynamic element mic also works well with guitar cabs, kick drums, bass drums, and snare drums. A full-bodied cardioid polar pattern and bass volume control with five settings allow it to work with most instruments. It also features excellent feedback rejection of unwanted sounds, making it a good microphone for both the studio and live stage.
Whether you’re tracking individual instruments or recording a full band, the MD 421 II delivers transparent and detailed audio reproduction, earning its place as a go-to choice for professional musicians and engineers.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser MD 421 II
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Excellent audio quality ✔️ Sleek build ✔️ Versatile ✔️ Works well with guitar cabs ✔️ Tone-shaping low-cut filter ✔️ Great for podcasts and other spoken word applications | ✖️ A runner-up to most expensive boundary mic |
#6: Shure SM7B
While the Sennheiser MD 421 II is best for recording versatility, this Shure model stands out with its own characteristics. It is a fantastic vocal mic for the studio and is considered one of the best dynamic microphones you could get your hands on.
Fun fact, this is the mic that was used to record Michael Jackson’s Thriller album. No wonder it’s trusted by leading vocalists, podcasters, and streamers worldwide; it excels in studio recording, home recording, podcasting, and streaming applications.
With an extremely flat response minus the desired presence boost, frequency roll-off switch, built-in windscreen, pop filter, and internal shock mount to ensure mechanical noise and breathiness are eliminated for crystal-clear recordings, the SM7B gives you crisp and clean audio, reproducing your vocals without skewing or distortion.
Equipped with a professional XLR connection, it offers precise control over audio quality, while its rugged construction ensures durability in any recording environment. This is one of the best dynamic mics for capturing your vocal applications 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 ✔️ Works well with vocals because of low sensitivity ✔️ Best for podcasting and spoken word applications | ✖️ Requires at least a 60dB of clean gain boost from an audio interface or mic preamp as it can be “too quiet” |
#7: Sennheiser E935
When you’re looking for a dependable and durable dynamic microphone for live settings or live vocals 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 clearer audio 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 great mic won’t let you down.
Featuring a hyper-cardioid pattern, it provides good signal isolation and feedback rejection, enabling higher sound levels to be obtained without interference.
Built for durability and reliability, it boasts a shock-mounted capsule and 100% metal casing, making it resistant to handling and impact noise, ideal for rigorous on-stage use. With its hum-compensating coil and neodymium magnets with boron, it delivers excellent audio quality consistently, regardless of climate conditions.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser E935
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Durable ✔ 10-year warranty ✔ Proximity effect | ✘ Mainly suited as a vocal mic |
#8: Sennheiser E906
This is one of the greatest dynamic mics you could get when you want something dedicated to accurately capturing the sound of your guitar cabs, percussion, and horns.
Its flat shape is perfect for positioning on guitar amps, ensuring optimal sound capture. With its reinforced metal body, it’s built to withstand the rigors of professional use. The microphone features a three-position switchable sound character, allowing you to choose between bright, moderate, or dark tones to suit your preference.
This mic was specifically designed to capture tones from electric guitar cabs, the E906 sculpts your audio 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 sources.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser E906
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Compact size ✔️ Designed for guitar cabinets ✔️ Durable ✔️ Good value for money | ✖️ Sensitive to small movements |
#9: AKG D12 VR
Capturing the sound of low-frequency instruments like kick drums can be tough, but this mic makes it feel easy thanks to its dedicated design. The AKG Pro Audio D12VR is a reference large-diaphragm dynamic microphone designed specifically for kick-drum recording applications.
Its unidirectional polar pattern ensures precise sound capture while rejecting overspill from nearby instruments. Its responsive diaphragm captures very detailed audio, while its optimized bass chamber frequency response handling is fantastic.
The microphone features patented switchable active-filter presets to match the character of the kick drum, allowing you to customize its sound shape. Powered by the original C414 transformer, it produces warm and dynamic audio, particularly impressive at high frequencies.
With its versatile features and superior audio quality, the D12VR is an essential tool for professional drum recording. Additionally, the audio 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 ✔️ Low-cut filter mic | ✖️ Less versatile |
#10: Rode PodMic
The Rode PodMic is a top-notch mic designed for podcasting, live streaming, and other voice applications. It’s equipped with features like an internal filter to reduce harsh sounds, a shock mount to minimize vibrations, and a swing mount for easy positioning (the same mic position or mic placement).
With its broadcast-quality audio and durable construction, the PodMic enhances your content creation experience. Whether you’re streaming on Twitch or recording a podcast, this mic captures your vocals with clarity and depth, ensuring professional-level performance even in noisy environments.
Plus, its sleek design and sturdy build make it a lasting addition to your setup.
Pros and Cons of the Rode PodMic
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Broadcast-quality sound ✔️ Compact form factor ✔️ Great build quality with an all-metal body and stainless steel mesh grille | ✖️ May have weak bass levels |
#11: Heil Sound PR40
A high-performance dynamic mic with a tight cardioid pattern, the Heil PR40 is often praised for its great clarity and broad frequency response. Professionals, podcasters, studio engineers, YouTube streamers, and musicians alike trust the PR40 for its ability to deliver articulate audio.
Its internal design offers great isolation and minimizes any ambient noise. The condenser-like detail of the PR40 makes it suitable for professional work, but it also excels in home studio use.
The PR40 has a rich low-end and smooth high-end, delivering accurate audio, especially in applications such as podcasts, voiceovers, and even live vocals. Furthermore, it can also be used to capture bass-heavy instruments such as kick drums and floor toms.
Pros and Cons of the Heil PR40
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Low noise microphone ✔️ Clear recordings ✔️ Cardioid pickup pattern | ✖️ Expensive |
What’s the Best Dynamic Microphone?
When it comes to the best dynamic mics, one name stands out above the rest: the Shure SM7B. Renowned for its versatility, durability, and exceptional sound quality, the SM7B has earned its place as the industry standard for professionals worldwide.
From capturing vocals and instruments to broadcasting and podcasting, this dynamic mic delivers unparalleled performance in any setting. Its flat, wide-range frequency response and cardioid polar pattern ensure pristine audio reproduction with minimal noise, making it a go-to mic choice for recording in studios, radio stations, and live stages alike. Other contenders include Sennheiser and sE Electronics.
Do Dynamic Mics Sound Better?
It depends on the intended use and personal preferences. Dynamic mics are often favored for their durability, versatility, and affordability, making them a popular choice for lives, 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 perfect dynamic microphone is the one that captures your needs. They may be an omnidirectional mic, cardioid mic, or cardioid dynamic microphone. The top dynamic microphone can either be a USB mic with a USB connection, XLR cable, or mic stand. They should have, however, a flat and 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-type mics can handle high levels of sound without distorting, making them well-suited for live applications, where they are exposed to loud music and other sounds.
Rejecting Background Noise
These mics have a directional pickup pattern that helps reject background noise, making them a good choice for use in noisy environments such as live applications, broadcasting, and podcasting.
Reproducing Clear, Articulate Speech
These mics 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 Raw Sound of Electric Instruments
Mics that are dynamic are well-suited for capturing the sound of electric instruments, such as guitar cabs, brass instruments, and drums, due to their ability to handle high sound pressure levels.
Cost-Effectiveness
These mics are often more affordable than other mics, 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 Good for Voice-Over?
Dynamic-type mics like the SM7B by Shure excel in voiceover applications, thanks to their natural sound reproduction and excellent off-axis rejection. Whether you’re narrating audiobooks, recording commercials, or podcasting, the SM7B’s smooth frequency response and built-in air suspension shock isolation system ensure crystal-clear vocals with minimal handling noise and plosives.
Plus, its rugged construction and versatile mounting options make it the perfect choice for both studio and remote recording environments, giving voiceover artists the freedom to capture professional-quality audio anywhere, anytime. Do note that this mic requires more gain from a preamp, but it is still an excellent one to use.
Are Dynamic Mics Better for Vocals?
When comparing dynamic and condenser microphones, there are a lot of different factors to consider for a vocal mic, with the most important factors being what you’re recording and where you’re recording.
Dynamics are the best choice when recording high sound levels and canceling out noise, so they make for the best vocal mics in live vocals as condensers 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 quiet vocals in a more controlled setting.
While dynamics are best known for their use in live events, they work just as well in studios as condensers to capture loud vocals and cancel out noise. Dynamic microphones are also a low-cost investment perfect for when you need a room mic and vocal mic that captures good audio quality and can switch from recording instruments to vocals.
What Is a Good Dynamic Range for a Microphone?
The dynamic range of a microphone refers to its ability to accurately capture both quiet and loud volumes without distortion. For optimal performance, a good dynamic microphone should have a wide dynamic range, typically ranging from 120dB to 140dB or higher. This ensures that the mic can handle a wide variety of audio sources, from whisper-soft vocals to thunderous drum kits, with clarity and precision.
Why Do Streamers Use Dynamic Mics?
Condensers are preferred for producing natural sounds, but many streamers like to use dynamics for their versatility and ease of use. Dynamic-type microphones are more robust than condensers and are less sensitive, able to reduce ambient noise. Dynamics are unrivaled at blocking any unwanted noise and will only pick up the streamer’s voice, making fan or other noises a thing of the past.
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. Also, check out Sennheiser and sE Electronics.
What was Frank Sinatra’s favorite microphone?
Frank Sinatra was known to have preferred the Neumann U47 microphone. This large diaphragm condenser was widely regarded as one of the best microphones of its time and was widely used in studios during the 1950s and 1960s.
Sinatra was known for his distinctive singing voice, and the Neumann U47 studio mic was said to have captured the richness and clarity of his voice in a way that few other mics 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: These mics are known for their durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making them a popular choice for settings with live vocals such as concerts and live theatre.
- Broadcasting: Dynamic-type mics are often used in radio and television broadcasting for their ability to reject ambient noise and their clear, articulate audio. The broadcast mic should have ambient noise, a mid-range boost in presence, and a good interface.
- Podcasting: These mics 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: Mics that are dynamic are well-suited for voiceover work, as they provide good clarity and definition for speech while rejecting ambient noise.
- Instrument recording: Dynamic-type mics can also be used to record musical instruments, particularly electric instruments that produce high sound levels, such as guitar amps, kick drums, and brass instruments.
The top dynamic mics are known for their affordability, versatility, and durability, making them a popular choice for many applications.
Is Blue Yeti a dynamic mic?
No. Blue Yeti is a condenser mic.
Is Shure SM7B a dynamic microphone?
Yes, it is. In fact, SM7B is one of the greatest dynamic mics in the market.
What mic do professionals use?
Professionals use a variety of mics for various recording applications. Some of the well-known mics that professionals use include the Neumann U87, Shure MV7, Sennheiser MKH 416, and the Rode Procaster to name a few.
Is the Shure 520DX a dynamic mic?
Yes, it is. The Shure 520DX is also known as the Green Bullet, a special mic mainly used by harmonica players but has also become a favorite for stage and studio use. The Green Bullet is great for lo-fi vocals for that ol radio effect. It can also be used as a secondary mic or applications that need a midrange punch.
Conclusion
Dynamic mics or moving coil mics have a reputation for being the best to withstand loud noises and a good beating, perfect for live applications 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 mics out there right now that you can 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 mic is the ultimate versatile mic, nicknamed the “studio workhorse” and a standard in the industry, 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 for the overall clarity of the audio.
Combine this response with the cardioid polar pattern and a flat grille, and we have a dynamic mic capable of excellent isolation of independent instruments.
While it’s considered one of the best dynamic-type mics all around, this dynamic mic has proven to be especially popular in recording rock music, from capturing guitar cabs to hand drums to recording vocals.
