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Last updated: 14 Feb 2022

Put An End To Feedback With The Best Dynamic Microphones

Best Overall
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Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
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Runner-Up
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Senheisser e935 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
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Best Value for Money
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Behringer XM8500 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
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Also Consider
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Sennheiser e945 Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
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Camilla Haywood
By Camilla Haywood
Published 2:46 pm
Show contents
  • 1 Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
  • 2 Senheisser e935 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
  • 3 Behringer XM8500 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
  • 4 Sennheiser e945 Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
  • 5 Sennheiser MD 421-II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
  • 6 Telefunken M80 Handheld Dynamic Microphone
  • 7 Audio-Technica AE6100 HyperCardioid Dynamic Microphone

With so many dynamic microphones and varying price points, it's easy to get confused when making your purchase. To save you a headache, we have compiled a list of the best dynamic microphones in 2021.

Whether you're a music producer, vocalist, guitarist, or drummer - dynamic microphones help you stand out! Dynamic microphones are best used for recording low-to-mid frequency instruments. These include drums, camp sounds, and vocals. Since they're considered an all-around microphone, they're great for full and mellow recording situations. And if you're a vocalist and used to playing live, there's nothing as sturdy and sound-friendly as a dynamic microphone. We'll start with a list of the top dynamic microphones in the market, followed by a detailed buying guide to help you choose the one that suits you best!

Our Picks Of The Best Dynamic Microphone

1

Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

– Best Overall
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THE SCOOP

The Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone is a flat dialog microphone with various frequency responses. This microphone can accommodate most voice types due to its presence boost and bass-roll-off features. If you’re recording vocals, the only noise you’ll pick up from this mic is your voice – thanks to its pop filter, shock isolation, and shield against broadband and electromagnetic interference. Yoke mounting provides flexible use of your microphone so you can give your best performance time and time again.

Pros
  • Well-rounded for all voice types
  • It does not pick up interference from amps
  • The pop filter stops the microphone from capturing heavy breaths
Cons
  • Expensive, but worth investing in if you’re a professional singer
2

Senheisser e935 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

– Runner-Up
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THE SCOOP

The Sennheiser e935 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone has a cardioid pickup pattern that prevents amp interference. The only hum the audience will hear will come from your lips – the Sennheiser e935 has a hum-compensating coil to reduce electrical interference. This microphone is made using boron and a ferrous magnet making it perfectly suited to any climate. Not only is this microphone extremely well made and durable, but it also comes with a massive 10-year factory warranty.

Pros
  • No electrical interference when in use
  • Durable and well made
  • 10-year factory warranty
Cons
  • The frequency response of this microphone is tailored to vocals. As such, you do not want to use this microphone to mic up amps or record instruments
3

Behringer XM8500 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

– Best Value for Money
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THE SCOOP

The Behringer XM8500 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone is a great microphone for those with a small budget. This microphone boasts an ultra-wide frequency response for brilliant and transparent sound. The shock mount system reduces handling noise, and the cardioid feature minimizes feedback and background noise. In addition, the pop and wind noise filter reduces any breathing noise so your audience can just focus on your singing.

Pros
  • Quality materials for a long-lasting product
  • Reduces noise coming from anywhere other than your voice
  • Impact-resistant carry-case and microphone stand adapter are included in the price
Cons
  • These microphones will break from slight moisture. However, they may not survive sweaty hands
4

Sennheiser e945 Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

– Also Consider
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THE SCOOP

The Sennheiser e945 Supercardoid Dynamic Vocal Microphone has many of the same features as its e935 cousin but with a smoother, clarified sound. The Sennheiser e945 Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone has a more effective cardioid pickup pattern that wipes out amp interference. In addition, you can expect reduced electrical interference thanks to its hum-compensating coil. The Sennheiser e945 sounds crystal clear and is well made. It also comes with a 10-year warranty.

Pros
  • It focuses on picking up the sound frequency so it does not pick up background noise.
  • No amp interference
  • It comes with a 10-year warranty
Cons
  • The Sennheiser e945 might be too expensive for some customers
5

Sennheiser MD 421-II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

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THE SCOOP

Yet again, another Sennheiser makes our list for top microphones of 2021. As with the previous Sennheisers, you can expect excellent quality and a 10-year warranty. This microphone handles deafening levels and offers clear sound reproduction. You need not worry about the proximity effect with this microphone’s five-position bass roll-off switch. In addition, this Sennheiser MD 421 is dust and humidity resilient, so the atmosphere will not affect your sound. If all these features are not enough for you, the microphone also comes with a mic clip.

Pros
  • Effective feedback rejection
  • Clear sound reproduction
  • Handles loud microphone levels well
  • 10-year warranty
Cons
  • Although the microphone performs well, the clip does not
6

Telefunken M80 Handheld Dynamic Microphone

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THE SCOOP

The Telefunken M80 is available in 8 colors, so your mic will stand out in the crowd. Thanks to its dynamic super-cardioid design, It is suitable for instruments, vocals, or percussion alike. The Telefunken M80 responds quickly to sound for detailed, clear reproduction. In addition, the capsule design reduces the bass tones added by the proximity effect. The microphone comes with a microphone clip and zip bag, saving you time and money, purchasing one yourself.

Pros
  • Balanced low-end response
  • Reliable and durable
  • Available in 8 colors
Cons
  • This product is a little high in price
7

Audio-Technica AE6100 HyperCardioid Dynamic Microphone

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THE SCOOP

As the name suggests, the Audio-Techna microphone is for vocal use. It will give you fast transients and boats an amazing response time. It sounds clean, and your audience will be able to understand you clearly. Pop protection will prevent you from sounding too breathy when you sing, and antishock technology will massively reduce handling noise. These mics are made for the road. The tough and durable materials mean they will survive long journeys and being regularly handled.

Pros
  • Stand clamp and microphone pouch included
  • Sharp and clear sound pick up
  • Pop protection and anti-shock technology ensure the audience is only hearing what you want them to hear
Cons
  • Some users may feel that this microphone looks quite bland compared to others

Best Dynamic Microphones Buying Guide

Here you will find helpful answers about dynamic microphone features and pricing.

What Is a Microphone?

A microphone is a piece of equipment that turns sound waves into electrical energy. You can connect a microphone to your recording gear if you want to track vocals for songs or make podcasts. You can also connect it to an amp or speaker to amplify your voice on stage for an audience to hear you.

Things to Consider When Buying a Dynamic Microphone

There are lots of things to consider when shopping for a dynamic microphone. These include:

Polar Pattern

The polar pattern of a microphone determines how and where sound is detected. It also dictates the angles to which the microphone is sensitive to sound. Many microphones can switch between patterns, adapting to several situations. Typical patterns include:

  • Omnidirectional: These types of microphones can pick up sound from all angles, no matter where they are pointed. Omnidirectional patterns are great for microphones that clip onto your clothes.
  • Cardioid: Cardioid microphones are very popular among vocalists who perform on a loud stage. They are only sensitive to sound from where they are pointed, which limits a lot of feedback.
  • Supercardioid: These types of patterns are more narrow and direct than the cardioid. They are great for rejecting ambient sound but will still be sensitive to noise directly behind where it is pointed.
  • Hypercardoioid: These patterns are even more focused than super cardioid mics, making them useful for picking up a single source from lots of background noise.
  • Bi-directional: This is sometimes referred to as a figure-of-eight pattern. Microphones with a bi-directional pattern will detect sound from in front or behind the diaphragm. However, they won’t pick up a lot of sound from side angles.

Dynamic, Condenser, or Ribbon?

While this article is primarily about dynamic microphones, it is important to know the difference between the various types of microphones on the market.

A dynamic microphone is the cheapest type of microphone, built with a vibrating coil. These types of microphones are perfect for gigging, as they are incredibly reliable and durable. In addition, they are good if you need to record guitars or drums because they can cope with high sound pressure levels.

If you want the best sound quality, you should choose a condenser microphone. These mics produce a much higher sound fidelity than dynamic mics due to a thin diaphragm membrane. The results are always crisp, clean, and nuanced. However, they will cost you more money because the components are delicate and finely tuned. These microphones also require phantom power to work, which means you may have to invest in a preamp to get the most out of them.

Requirements

You should also consider why you need the microphone in the first place. Some microphones are better suited to certain jobs than others. 

  • Mic-ing up Amps

As a music producer, you have to play with different techniques and tricks to record your desired signal. At times, you'll be passing your guitar through an effects pedal, into an amp, and you'll need to record it into your DAW. That's when you use a mic (preferably a dynamic microphone) to record the sound out of your amp! Similarly, you can use different microphones to get a large stereo width while recording drums and such.

  • Vocals

A condenser will give you better vocal quality, but they are harder to maintain over time. The main thing to look for is a cardioid polar pattern to stop feedback. In short, if you’re singing live, a dynamic microphone is the more durable and reliable option!

  • Acoustic Guitar

An acoustic guitar is a much more subtle and delicate instrument than an electric guitar. For this reason, you will want to use a condenser or ribbon mic to capture the nuances of the sound. And if you're recording two same acoustic guitar mono tracks, panned to left and right - using a dynamic microphone on one side and condenser on the other can give you all the stereo width and frequency difference that you want!

  • Public speaking

You want to avoid causing feedback when using a microphone for public speaking. However, you also do not need to capture every fine detail of your vocal performance either. Therefore, you can use a dynamic microphone and keep it near or far from your mouth as required.

  • Podcasts

If you are recording directly into a DAW on your PC, you need a mic that is easy to use and also good for clear vocals. We recommend buying a USB condenser-style microphone for this sort of task. These products often come with their own bases, boom arms, and grips, perfect for desk work. If you're planning to invest in a microphone for podcasts, avoid going for a dynamic microphone.

How Much Do Dynamic Microphones Usually Cost?

Like most musical equipment, dynamic microphones vary in price greatly. If you are on a minimal budget, you can find microphones for as little as $60, sometimes less. However, we would not recommend using them in any professional capacity. 

If you are looking for a popular, high-quality microphone, you should expect to pay somewhere in the region of $150-$500—generally, the more expensive the microphone, the better the sound!

Best Dynamic Microphone FAQ

Q: What is the most popular dynamic microphone?

A: Without a doubt, the most popular dynamic microphone brands are Shure (known for the SM57 and SM58) and Sennheiser (who make the E835 and E935), with countless musicians and sound techs opting for one of these two brands.

Q: What is a ribbon microphone?

A: Ribbon mics can be considered dynamic microphones because they do not use phantom power. However, they are much warmer and offer a higher quality sound than the regular dynamic alternative. On the other hand, they cost a lot more money, and they are very delicate, so they should only be used for studio work.

Camilla Haywood
By Camilla Haywood
Within the city limits of NOLA, you may find Camilla hammering away on her 88, playing anything from old jazz to modern country music. Camilla's goal is to one day open a piano studio in New Orleans where she can teach the black and whites and other common jazz instruments to enthusiastic students. Ms. Haywood hopes to bring instruments to old and new musicians alike, reviewing pianos, orchestral instruments, and other products that make her tap her fingers to the beats.
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