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Are you into live performing or podcasting? Would you like to start your own home recording studio?
Then, purchasing a dynamic mic is a great point to start.
In fact, if you want to make a career out of music or even if you do it as a passion having a few dynamic mics is essential for anyone interested in recording sound.
Every professional studio has them.
They are cheaper than condenser microphones and they are also usually the preferred option for home studios.
In this post you’ll find your perfect match depending on your budget and recording purpose:
-Top pick (Shure SM7B)
-Best value (AKGD5)
-Best for Vocals under $100 (Shure SM58)
-Best USB (Audio Technica ATR2500)
-Best Wireless (Audio Technica ATW 1102)
But first, let’s start going through the basics.
What is a dynamic microphone?
Dynamic microphones capture sound through a system of coils and two magnets in their internal structure.
When a sound wave comes into a dynamic microphone the coils move back and forth creating an electromagnetic signal that gets passed into the wire.
Their diaphragm is bigger and heavier.
They have a better response to low-frequency instruments like electric guitars, drums, and live performances.
Dynamic microphones are also good if you are on a budget and have decent survival chances if dropped to the ground (don’t take this for granted though, they might still break)
Last but not least, they perform well under extreme humidity and don’t need an external power source or phantom power.
Dynamic vs condenser microphones
Have a look at this chart comparing their main differences.
For a detailed guide head over to “dynamic vs condenser mics”
Condenser microphones
Better response onHigh frequency instruments like (acoustic guitar, piano or vocals) Diaphragm Smaller and lighter Power source Active. Needs phantom power. Durability More fragile. Can be damaged at higher sound pressure levels. If dropped to the ground, low survival chances. Does not perform well under extreme humidity Price More expensive
Dynamic microphones
Better response onLow frequency instruments like (electric guitar , drums, live performance) Diaphragm Bigger and heavier. Generates enough voltage through movement. Power source Passive. No need for phantom power. Durability Stronger. Can take louder sounds and instruments such as drums. If dropped to the ground, decent survival chances. Performs well under extreme humidity. Price Perfect for projects on a budget
What are dynamic microphones good for?
A dynamic mic can be used for many different applications.
They are particularly good for live performances and strong voices, vocals, and low-frequency instruments like the electric guitar or the drums.
Dynamic microphones perform well in almost all areas and they are fairly affordable, so they are great value for money if you’re just starting or want to add a new mic into your microphone collection.
They are also a “plug and ready to use” type of microphone since they don’t need any external power source in order to work.
Disadvantages:
Their internal sound capturing mechanism, although producing enough voltage by itself, also limits the movement. This means the transient response and the frequency of the microphone are restricted.
Compared to condenser microphones they are also not as suitable to record instruments with higher frequencies, such as the acoustic guitar or violin or studio vocals.
Best dynamic microphones on the market in 2020
-Top pick (Shure SM7B)
The first fact you should know about this microphone is that it’s designed to make you sound like a PRO.
Michael Jackson himself used it to record his album “Thriller”. I mean… What else is there to say?
With superb quality, this microphone will provide you with clean and crisp voice recordings.
Although it was mainly designed to record vocals (particularly rock vocals), it also captures music exactly as it is without getting any distortion in your piece.
It is proven by the many reviews state the Shure SM7B doesn’t have the background noise issues some of its predecessors had.
Shure takes vocals very seriously and has definitely come back with a much more improved version.
So much so that it also incorporates a built-in pop filter, which will filter out the “pops” in your vocals.
If you want to get a microphone that sticks with you for years to come and provides you with amazing quality recordings, the Shure SM7B is what you’re looking for.
Main PROs:
Wide-range frequency response
Improved rejection of electromagnetic hum
A highly effective pop filter
Includes A7WS detachable windscreen.
Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20,000 Hz
Bass Roll
-Best value (AKGD5)
AKG, although not as popular as Shure or Neumman, is definitely my top pick for best value dynamic microphones.
The brand provides great quality products for a reasonably affordable price.
This dynamic microphone’s cardioid polar design will ensure you get a high gain without compromising on feedback.
Its design will also allow for the sound to be captured from its frontal axis, isolating your voice or music from background noise.
The AKG D5 was made to handle strong voices and high-frequency sounds and make them shine.
So if you plan on becoming the next Stevie Wonder or Tina Turner, an AKG D5 could become your best buddy.
Main Pros:
70Hz – 20000Hz frequency bandwidth
Super-cardioid pickup pattern to eliminate feedback
2.6 mV/Pa sensitivity
Integrated pop-filter plus dual-shock mounted capsule to reduce handling noise
Includes mic clip stand adapter and carry case
Solidly manufactured
-Best for Vocals under $100 (Shure SM58)
The Shure SM58 is one of the classic dynamic microphones designed for vocals.
According to many reviews and personal experiences and to the Shure website, the microphone is pretty similar to the SM57.
The latter is preferred by drummers and guitar players and its design allow more proximity.
This microphone is great for studio vocals and instruments, providing you with fabulous recording accuracy.
But truth be told, even though it’s a good microphone for vocals the AKG D5 beats him by far.
However, if you are a beginner and want to get your Shure dynamic microphone I would recommend the SM58 or SM57.
Main Pros:
Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass roll-off to control proximity effect
Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise
The pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
Effective built-in spherical wind and pop filter
Frequency response: 50 to 15,000 Hz
-Best USB (Audio Technica ATR2500)
If you want a dynamic microphone but also don’t want to compromise on flexibility, the Audio Technica ATR2500 will have you covered.
Not only would it work as a USB mic but also with XLR.
This model can be used for vocals but also works well with guitars, drums, and stringed instruments in general.
Having two outputs makes it an ideal microphone for home studio recording purposes but also for outdoor and field recordings.
It has a smaller frequency range than other dynamic mics but it’s good for people on a budget since it’s still good enough for most needs.
With a built-in headphone jack, it also makes things way easier in terms of checking your microphone output and still be free.
The Audio Technica ATR2500 would be a great versatile microphone to use in a small studio but also for podcasting or even on stage.
Main Pros:
Side address condenser microphone with USB output for easy connection to your computer
Ideal for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voice overuse
Built-in headphone jack allows you to directly monitor your microphone output without audible delay
Adjust headphone volume with easy to use controls on the front of the microphone
High-quality AD convertor with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kiloHertz sampling rate
Frequency response: 50 Hz to 15 kHz
-Best Wireless (Audio Technica ATW 1102)
Not a big fan of cables?
The thing is If you want to move around while you sing, having a versatile microphone is a must.
The Audio Technica ATW 1102 will provide you with a good quality sound for an affordable price.
It is also very user friendly, offers signal integrity and an easy display of its receivers and transmitters.
If you want a wireless microphone that is also completely free from interference the Audio Technica ATW 1102 could be what you are looking for.
Main Pros:
The wireless handheld microphone system
ATW-R1100 receiver and ATW-T1002 handheld dynamic unidirectional microphone/transmitter.
ATW-R1100 is a digital receiver with volume control, AF Peak and Pair indicator lights
Three levels of diversity assurance: frequency, time & space
Automatic frequency selection for seamless, interference-free operation
Operating range of 30m, in the 2.4GHz range (Open range environment with no interfering signals)
Extremely easy operation with instantaneous channel selection, sync, and set-up
Balanced XLR and unbalanced ¼” output jacks with level control
Handheld Power Supply: 2x AA (not included)
Battery Life: >7hrs (Depending on battery type and use pattern)
Does a dynamic microphone need phantom power?
If you read most of the sections in this article you would be probably wondering about this. “what is phantom power?”
What phantom power refers to is the amount of power or voltage to make a condenser diaphragm move.
Here’s a short video that illustrates the matter better:
Phantom power can either come from a pre-amp(converts weak signals into recordable and high enough electric signals for further processing) or your audio interface.
When it comes to dynamic microphones their diaphragm is bigger and heavier than the one in condenser microphones.
This also means that dynamic microphones generate enough voltage through movement so they don’t need any phantom power or an external power source.
Because dynamic microphones internal mechanism is made out of coils and two magnets that move back and forth and create voltage phantom power is not necessary.
Microphones by purpose
Vocals
To find the right microphone for you, check the following post:
“Best microphone for recording vocals”
Instruments
Acoustic guitar
If you are not too sure about which is the best microphone to record this instrument head to:
“Best microphones for recording acoustic guitar”
Drums
You just need to have a look at what works best:
“The best microphones for recording drums at home”
Bass
Also known as kick-drum mics, these will have a great response with low-frequency instruments (such as bass-heavy instruments).
This would be your best buddy to capture low-end sounds.
Want to know more?
Head to “Best mics for recording Bass Guitar and Kickdrums”
Electric guitar
To have a look at the classic microphones recording this instrument check:
“Best microphones for recording electric guitar”
Piano
In my opinion, a small diaphragm condenser microphone would be perfect for an over the shoulder piano recording.
However, there are many options available that can adjust to many budgets.
So to be completely certain you are getting the best option, have a look at:
“Best microphones for piano recording 2020”
Violin
Although the violin produces a beautiful sound if played right, they are also a high pitched instrument.
For this reason it’s better to use a microphone that has tempered high frequency in order to avoid sharpness.
“Best microphones for violin recording”
Filmmaking
If you are a film lover and want to know the type of microphones used in indie film, head to “Best boom poles for indie filmmakers”
Voice over
Condenser mics are specially designed for recording studios so they’d be great in order to record a perfect VO for your project.
For more information check:
“Best voice-over microphones”
Conclusion
Getting a dynamic microphone that adjusts to your specific needs can seem like a challenge.
There are so many brands, types, and prices that it’s somehow hard to determine if you’re getting a good deal or if you’re not investing enough money in it.
But the truth is, a dynamic microphone is an affordable product that has become attainable for many.
For instance, it’s much more affordable than a condenser microphone and does not require any external power source to work.
In our opinion, the Shure SM7B deserves to be the first on our list.
Not only because its superb quality will provide you with clean and crisp voice recordings but because it will make you or your music pieces sound like they were recorded by the best professionals.
The Shure SM7B will stick with you for years so if you want to invest in quality this microphone is what you’re looking for.
But if you’re on a budget and want to get the best value for a more affordable price, the AKG D5 will also ensure you get pristine audio recordings for a lesser price.
Whether this is your first microphone or you are adding one more to your home collection, getting one of the mics recommended will definitely improve your sound gear.
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