In this top 10, you can find reviews of the best dynamic Microphones in the world. You may have questions such as what dynamic microphone to buy, what suits me? among others.
Are you finally ready to perform with your band? Do you need a microphone for your podcast? Do you want to record voices and instruments in your home studio? If the answer is yes, what you need could be a dynamic microphone! The dynamic microphone, unlike the condenser microphone, has a greater direction to the voice and the ability to withstand a great deal of sound pressure. The dynamic microphones are the ones that are most in the stages to sing live since it only captures the singer’s voice avoiding drums, guitar, public, etc. However, the Shure SM58 as SM57 managed to be used in the recording studio.
The condenser microphones are certainly the best to capture the nuances of the sound and to have detailed and engaging shots.
But when we are dealing with live sound, for example, dynamic microphones come to our aid.
In fact, the capacitors are delicate and cannot suffer traumas due to falls or shocks, or even worse be exposed to very high levels of decibels.
Dynamic microphones are real workhorses: tireless, versatile, effective, stubborn, and robust.
In this article, I will present a complete and definitive guide to the best dynamic microphones and their characteristics.
What are dynamic microphones?
Dynamic microphones use an electromagnet. The iron coil and the magnet inside the microphone vibrate to create the audio signal. Given the use of this technology, they can sustain very high sound pressure.
They do not require phantom power and no other external power source to operate. Dynamic microphones are used for countless musical applications.
As for versatility they are the best type of microphones, used a lot in live contexts for voices, drums, acoustic guitars, amps, brass instruments, and much more.
When working in the studio, we tend to prefer condenser microphones, especially if the performance is very controlled, say “theatrical”.
Instead, live users tend to prefer dynamics also due to their greater directionality and repulsion of sound on the sides and back, in fact, while condensers can often have problems of annoying returns in live contexts with little control the dynamics will tend to be much more usable without too many headaches. Dynamic microphones are also cheaper and lighter than condenser ones.
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Top 10 reviews: What dynamic microphone to buy?
When shopping, we are always afraid to invest our money in the wrong way that is why we provide you with microphones. Visit a top 10 of the best dynamic microphones that you can use when buying. What are we going to rely on to perform this top 10? We will do it based on the following characteristics:
Price
Quality
Brand
Reviews
And here we start …!
Shure SM58 and SM57 Dynamic Microphones
The SM58 and the SM57 are probably the most famous dynamic microphones in the world.
If you go for a tour of the Italian and other services that provide the sound of the stages and of the various live situations, it is the easiest microphone to meet, normally if you buy a dynamic microphone it is easy to be directed to a 58 or a 57.
These microphones are famous for being very well built, equipped with an excellent shock system, the frequency response is 50hz – 15kHz, but it can be slightly modified through some modifications, for example by removing the transformer inside you will get an opening of the high frequencies and an increase in bass, at the expense of volume and certain background noise.
The original unmodified version sounds very clear on the mids, which are the trademark of this microphone.
Normally we speak of the 57 and 58 as two different microphones, but if you go to consult the wiring diagram you will realize that they are practically the same identical microphone with the only difference that the 58 has the sponge to cover the capsule, making it tend to be more indicated for entries.
Discover more and the price here
Sennheiser E835 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphones
Here we are in the presence of another great microphone second to fame only to the Shure, the Sennheiser E835. Sennheiser is known as a headphone manufacturer, but over the years has created a number of excellent noteworthy microphones.
The frequency response is wider than the 57, but you won’t notice much in the recording. Personality is different, less average.
The construction is very solid in metal and has very interesting feedback from noise and noise protection. It’s a more controlled microphone than the Shure with a different personality.
It is more expensive than the two Shure and tends to be sold at a higher price also in the used one.
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Electrovoice RE-20, perfect for broadcasting
The Electrovoice RE-20 is a great dynamic microphone, perhaps one of the best ever, although here we are in a completely different price range. Widely used in radio broadcasting and to record voices in general, adored by professional sound engineers.
It is also used by podcasters and gamers on youtube. It has a variable-D to minimize the proximity effect, which would be the sometimes unwanted effect you get when you approach the microphone less than 5cm from it, you will have a bass explosion, try it.
The pattern is cardioid and the sound quality is amazing, with a precise personality.
If you have the right budget and want to get serious, this is the microphone to buy without a doubt.
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Rode M1 Live Performance Dynamic Vocal Microphones
Another extremely competitive live microphone. The Rode M1 is a microphone with a clear, clean but full-bodied sound. A lot of people compare it to the SM58 but, unlike the latter which needs to be adjusted in the lows and highs, the Rode M1 can be used well even without a particular setting.
The microphone always has a cardioid (unidirectional) diagram, a frequency response of 75Hz – 18kHz, XLR output, and a dedicated handling reduction system.
With rock-solid build quality and a high-power neodymium capsule, the RØDE M1 live dynamic microphone is designed to provide the very best performance. Its durability is backed up by a lifetime warranty, following registration of purchase.
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Sennheiser MD 421 II
Probably the best dynamic in the world, budget permitting.
The Sennheiser MD-421 is another dynamic cardioid microphone of excellent
quality.
Sturdy and with an incredible sound. It is excellent for recording instruments or amplifiers, holding
very high sound pressures which makes it ideal for batteries.
It has excellent feedback rejection and unmatched sound clarity. Great on battery tom or snare, it also makes it good on bass cabinets.
Its excellent sound qualities enable it to cope with the most diverse recording conditions and broadcasting applications. The large diaphragm, dynamic element handles high sound pressure levels, making it natural for recording guitars and drums. The MD 421’s full-bodied cardioid pattern and five-position bass control make it an excellent choice for most instruments, as well as group vocals or radio broadcast announcers.
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AKG D112 MkII Professional Dynamic Bass Drum Microphones
This is another of the best dynamic microphones to buy now. Not just rumors! Here is the AKG D112 MKII, one of my favorite models for the bass drum. The frequency band is 20 Hz – 1700 Hz and the polar pattern is cardioid. This dynamic wide diaphragm has a bass resonance chamber that offers a vibrating and buzz-compensating coil.
Designed for the case, it is able to handle sound pressure over 160 dB without distortion. In addition to drummers, this instrument is also excellent for trombones, bass brass, and bass amps.
Its use offers quality results both live and in the studio. The weight is around 600 grams and the dimensions are 11.9 x 15 x 7.1 cm. The colors used are black for the structure, gray / silver for the grille, and a water green for the grommet on it.
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Shure PG58, cheap but excellent live
Another famous model of the Shure, a relative of the MS, but cheaper. It is a less refined and accurate version of the two older brothers, recommended for those who do not want to spend too much but take home a nice microphone with Shure quality and an excellent semi-professional sound.
I have seen so many PG58s in live service contexts, they are usually those microphones used as worthy substitutes for the SM, if you maybe need several dynamics to microphone a large number of elements you could make a big purchase of PG58 without spending capital and go to the sure.
He manages to isolate the sound coming from the sides by focusing on the one in front. Great for live use.
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Behringer XM8500, Dynamic Microphone Price-Quality!
This is another of the best dynamic microphones to buy now. If your economy is a bit complicated but you’re dying to have a microphone to sing karaoke when your friends come Behringer XM8500 gives us the opportunity. A microphone that really has a non-existent price and good quality!
Like all dynamic microphones designed for the stage, it is built with resistant and moisture-resistant materials. The presence at medium frequency is raised to favor the quality of the voice projection and the frequency response is 50 Hz – 15 kHz.
The shock-resistant mounting system helps reduce movement-related noise, which is inevitable when performing live. The two-stage anti-pop filter and the cardioid pattern help eliminate background noise and annoying pops from the shot.
One of the disadvantages that it has, I have to confess is that you are facing a professional XLR microphone, therefore, you will not be able to connect it directly to the computer to get the most out of it, you will need a sound interface and an XLR cable.
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Shure SM7B, legendary for the voices
Here is another great cardioid microphone famous in the rock field, an industry standard for recording studio vocals.
Many vocal performances of your favorite rock albums have been recorded with the SM7B.
For example, Michael Jackson recorded the vocal part of Thriller.
It has a roll-off switch, a mid-boost switch, and an invaluable internal anti-pop filter, thus avoiding the use of a special external one.
Even this microphone is used in radio and broadcasting contexts for the profound and faithful rendering of the voices.
Famous for its very warm tone in contrast with the more clinical and cold style of condenser microphones, in particular, the modern ones.
Recommended for a semi-professional home recording studio combined with an excellent condenser microphone to have a valid alternative depending on the voice we are facing, in fact, that extra “heat” is not always desirable, it depends on the singer.
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PylePro PDMIC78, the best cheap model
This is another of the best dynamic microphones to buy now. This unidirectional and dynamic handheld microphone is perfect for recording serious musicians in the studio or on stage. It offers a robust sound with high gain before feedback thanks to its dynamic moving coil element.
It is also unidirectional. So the microphone picks up only the sounds directly in front of it: in this way, the audio is reproduced without interference from instruments or speakers on the stage. It is perfect for voice recording thanks to the unidirectional dynamic element of the high-quality moving coil.
Thanks to the durable zinc alloy metal construction and steel ball-shaped grille, you know your equipment is safe, the PDMIC78 is built to last and can handle anything. In addition, it includes a 4.5-meter XLR cable, which gives you the highest-quality sound possible for your vocal performances.
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What is a dynamic microphone for?
These dynamic-type models have a wide range of applications. They are generally used in live performance settings for vocals, but also for all other instruments that require projection, such as drums, guitars, guitar booths, and more.
Although we personally recommend the use of a condenser microphone in the case of recording for voice and other studio instruments, dynamic-type microphones are still sometimes used for this. It all depends on the artist’s preferences.
General aspects
Each microphone has specific features based on the type of use that it wants to do. Here are the guidelines for choosing the most appropriate microphone:
Performance
Dynamic microphones adapt normally to any type of use: They are perfect for live performances, group podcasts, or family karaoke. There are always limitations: if, for example, you need to move a lot with the microphone you might think about buying a Wireless microphone.
The place
It is dramatic, for those who record podcasts or want to sing outdoors, to be in an extremely noisy place. Fortunately, the limited frequency of a dynamic microphone, unlike a condenser microphone, helps protect against annoying unwanted noises. For better quality, you can always choose a directional microphone that, as the word itself says, allows sound reception only in the direction of the person using it.
The cable
Depending on your equipment, you will need to connect your microphone to a mixer or computer. There are different types of microphones, suitable for every function. For example, the PC microphone can have a cable with a USB input or a normal Jack input.
The instruments
We have already repeated several times that dynamic microphones can be used for practically everything and are perfect with the use of acoustic instruments like the guitar but (and there is always a but) you have to be careful in case you need to use the microphone for special records. For example, if you need to record low sounds, you will need to look for a specific microphone for bass and bass (the so-called kick drum mic) to get the desired effect!
There are other things that you should take into consideration. And, of course, the Budget is clearly one of the most important. Although these microphones tend to be cheap and have a good quality/price, it is important to know that there is a big difference, in terms of quality, between a 10e microphone and a 150e microphone.
Dynamic or condenser microphone?
This can be a relatively long explanation, but to put it simply, the differences really do reach the specifications of the microphone. The dynamic type devices do not need phantom power, they are generally cheaper, they handle a higher sound pressure level (SPL) depending on the preamplifier for the condenser microphone, and are more suitable for recording instruments other than the voice.
Some are even a little lighter and you can hold them more comfortably in hand. Therefore, they are ideal for singers on stage or even for those attending lectures, speeches, sermons, etc.
In addition, a condenser microphone is much more sensitive than the dynamic one and its frequency response is much wider. This means that it can reproduce the sounds produced by the instrument or song very quickly.
A condenser microphone is usually found in studios. They are fantastic for the immediate response they provide, but this means that they are also much more sensitive to loud sounds and external sound interference, which a dynamic instrument microphone can erase.