Dynamic microphones are a must for every recording studio and for use on stage.The main uses of the Dynamic microphones are voices and instruments such as guitars, pianos or percussions. But it is difficult to cover all microphones in one category. That is why in this article I will divide them into two sections: dynamic microphones for vocals and dynamic microphones for instruments. I will show you the best 5 options for voices and the best 5 for instruments.
Contents
Best Dynamic Microphones for VocalsShure SM58Sennheiser E835AKG D5Blue enCore 100Behringer
Best Dynamic Microphones for Vocals
In case you are looking for a dynamic microphone to use in live performances (stage).. here we will show the best mics in relation to quality/price.
They are also suitable for recording in a studio but particularly for heavy musical styles. Generally for vocal recording, condenser ones obtain better performance for other styles. Most of these dynamic microphones are affordable ($80 to $150) and have excellent performance.
MicrophoneSummaryPriceShure SM58Legendary vocal microphoneAmazon/ThomannSennheiser E835Best combination of technology and qualityAmazon/ThomannAKG D5Excellent cheap and quality optionAmazon/ThomannBlue enCore 100Superior quality and very versatile microphoneAmazon/ThomannBehringer XM8500Inexpensive and affordable alternativeAmazon/Thomann
Shure SM58
The Shure SM58 is one of the legendary dynamic microphones for vocals.
This microphone offers a clean but warm vocal response for bright mids and controlled bass. It is equipped with an anti-shock system that helps eliminate noise when handling the microphone. It is a robust and reliable mic . With all the quality of any Shure equipment.
See prices for the SM58 on Amazon / Thomann
The technical specifications are:
- Frequency response: 50 Hz – 15 kHz
- Sensitivity: -54.50 dBV/Pa
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Capsule: Fixed
- Connector: 3-pin XLR
- Nominal impedance 150 Ω (300 Ω, actual )
- Weight: 298 g
Sennheiser E835
The Sennheiser brand is one of the most prestigious when it comes to audio.
The E835 is a dynamic microphone that is designed for vocals and produces a solid sound that projects well both on stage and in the studio.
Its technology helps eliminate feedback, withstands high acoustic pressures and offers a uniform response. In addition, it has a damping capsule that helps eliminate noise from impacts. Regarding the design, it has a robust metal body suitable for demanding environments.
See prices for the E835 on Amazon / Thomann
The technical specifications are:
- Frequency response: 40 Hz to 16 kHz
- Nominal impedance: 350 Ω
- Sensitivity: 2.7 mV/Pa
- Weight: 330 g
- Connector: three-pin XLR
AKG D5
The AKG D5 is a professional dynamic vocal microphone at an incredibly cheap price.
AKG equipment is known for being expensive, but this is the case of a cheap and good product. It is perfect for recording both main and secondary vocals with the best quality and powerful sound. It is also suitable for stage as it has an assembly that eliminates any type of mechanical noise. It has a supercardioid pattern that ensures maximum gain without producing feedback.
See prices of the AKG D5 on Amazon / ThomannThe specifications are:
- Frequency: 70 Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 2.6 mV/Pa
- Electrical impedance: 600 Ohms
- Polar pattern: supercardioid
- Connector: XLR
- Construction: metal
- Weight: 320 g
Blue enCore 100
The Blue brand is not so well known, but it has incredible, highly prestigious microphones.
The enCore 100 is a studio-quality dynamic microphone that produces clean, transparent sound.
It is a useful microphone for both studio recording and live performance. Its stage-proof construction is heavy gauge, with a reinforced grille and hardened metal laminate finish. It excels in its performance for vocals, but It is also useful for instruments such as acoustic guitars or drums. So it is a very versatile microphone.
See prices for the enCore 100 on Amazon / Thomann
The specifications of the enCore 100 are:
- Frequency response: 50 Hz to 15 kHz
- Transducer: Dynamic coil
- Sensitivity: 1.55 mV/PA
- Impedance: 250 Ohms
- Maximum SPL: 147 dB
Behringer XM8500
The Behringer . It is suitable for both stage and studio. The cardioid also helps minimize background noise and feedback.
It is a high quality microphone at a very cheap price.
See prices on Amazon / Thomann
The specifications of the XM8500 are:
- Frequency: 50 Hz to 15 kHz
- Impedance: 150 Ohms
- Sensitivity: -70 dB
- Connector: XLR
- Weight: 240 g
- Designed in Germany
Best Dynamic Microphones for Instruments
On the other hand, there are dynamic microphones designed specifically to work with instruments such as guitars, drums and others. Here we will show the best 5 microphones for instruments in relation to their price and quality.
MicrophoneOverviewPriceShure SM57Shure’s legendary dynamic microphoneAmazon/ThomannSennheiser E906Versatile, high-quality multi-purpose microphoneAmazon/ThomannAudio Technica ATM650Improved technology and great performanceAmazon/ThomannAudix i5Versatile, clear-sounding microphoneAmazon/ThomannBeyerdynamic M201 TGHigher quality but more expensiveAmazon/Tho Mann
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is the most famous dynamic microphone in the world.
This legendary microphone earned its fame for good reasons, but broadly speaking… for its incredible performance at a small price.
It offers clean reproduction of amplified and acoustic instruments. This microphone is ideal for recording the amplifier of electric guitar, drums and percussion, a trumpet, acoustic guitar or any other instrument. Regarding its construction, it is made to resist even in the worst conditions. It is an all-terrain microphone. It includes an anti-shock system to eliminate noise with the movement of the microphone.
See prices for the Shure SM57 on Amazon / ThomannThe technical specifications are:
- Frequency response: 40 Hz to 15 kHz
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Sensitivity: -56.0 dBV/Pa
- Nominal impedance: 150 Ω
- Connector: XLR
- Weight: 284 g
Sennheiser E906
The Sennheiser E906 is a professional quality instrument microphone.
It is extremely versatile for use with percussion, drums, wind instruments or guitar amplifiers.
It is equipped with a presence filter to adjust the sound characteristics according to need. It can be set to bright, normal or soft. The sound it offers is very full and powerful with a hum compensating coil. Regarding its construction, it is made with an extremely resistant metal. Its price is a little more expensive but it offers superior quality.
See prices on Amazon / Thomann
The characteristics of the E906 are:
- Frequency response: 40 Hz to 18 kHz
- Sensitivity 2.2 mV/Pa
- Nominal impedance: 350 Ω
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Connector: XLR
- Weight: 140 g
Audio Technica ATM650
The Audio Technica ATM650 is a dynamic microphone designed to work with guitar, drum and percussion amplifiers.
It is very similar to the Shure SM57, but has some differences… such as its hypercadioid polar pattern that helps isolate sound or the Hi-Enegery magnet to improve transient response. These improvements allow it to work better with batteries especially. Its design is metallic and is built to last many years of use. It is a great studio quality microphone at an affordable price.
See prices on Amazon / ThomannThe characteristics of the ATM650 are:
- Polar pattern: Hypercardioid
- Frequency: 80 Hz to 17000 Hz
- Sensitivity: –56 dB (1.5 mV)
- Impedance: 300 ohms
- Connector: integral three-pin XLR
- Weight: 279 g
Audix i5
Audix is a North American company that goes unnoticed but has great equipment. The Audix i5 is a dynamic microphone designed for instruments such as guitar amplifiers, drums, percussion, acoustic instruments and also vocals.
Making it a widely versatile microphone that adapts to many uses.
It is built with a cardioid pickup pattern for isolation and feedback reduction. The VLM diaphragm allows for clean, natural sound quality.
See prices on Amazon / ThomannAll its specifications are:
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency: 50 Hz to 16 kHz
- Impedance: 280 ohms
- Sensitivity: 1.6 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 140 dB
- Weight: 248 g
Beyerdynamic M201 TG
This is the microphone with the most difficult name to pronounce, but when you check this microphone… you find an excellent microphone.
It is a multi-use microphone for any type of instrument… drums, percussion, wind instruments, guitars and even pianos. It integrates a hum-buck coil and has feedback resistance. This microphone, made in Germany, is built with a sturdy frame. It is one of the highest quality microphones. However, it is one of the most expensive on this list.. but it is worth it.
See prices of the M201 TG on Amazon / ThomannIts specifications are:
- Polar pattern: Hypercardioid
- Response: 40 Hz to 18 kHz
- Sensitivity: 1.2 mV/Pa (-58 dBV)
- Nominal impedance: 200 ohms
- Diaphragm: Hostaphan
- Connector: XLR
- Weight: 220 g
Same OG Producer Guide
You are in: Chapter 1 –> Essential studio equipment –> Dynamic microphones
Previous lesson
Return to Chapter 1