A dynamic microphone transforms sound waves into electrical signals through electromagnetism. It comes in two types: moving-coil and ribbon mics, both of which have permanent magnets for electromagnetic induction. Compared to typical microphones, dynamics are more robust and can handle high sound pressure levels without causing any distortion. Here's a look at the top 10 best dynamic microphones for streaming available in the market in 2024.
Top 10 Picks for Best Dynamic Microphone
We have scraped the internet to collate the list of best dynamic microphones for you. Let's dive into each of them:
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a top-notch dynamic microphone widely regarded for its excellent sound quality. It features a firm cardioid polar pattern and offers a flat frequency response, which makes it perfect for clear, high-fidelity recordings.
Features:
- Provides a flat, wide-range response for clear and natural sound, whether for music or speech.
- Uses a classic cardioid pattern to maintain consistency across frequencies. This ensures great off-axis sound rejection and almost negligible sound coloration.
- Comes with a yoke mounting system and captive stand nut, so it is easy to mount and adjust for precise microphone positioning.
Best For: Great for podcasting, video streaming, and voiceovers.
Pricing: $399.00 (updated on June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone Product Page
Sennheiser E945
The Sennheiser E945 is a super-cardioid, go-to microphone for lead vocals on stage. Designed to handle the toughest gigs, it delivers a smooth, natural sound every time. Musicians love it, and rental companies swear by it as well.
Features:
- It’s super-cardioid, meaning it really focuses on your voice, even in loud environments.
- No matter how loud the stage is, it adds warmth and fullness to your vocals.
- You can plug it in with the XLR cable.
- With consistent directionality, high feedback rejection, and a durable metal build, it’s built to last.
Best For: Lead vocals, both in the studio and at home.
Pricing: $184.00 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Sennheiser E945 Dynamic Microphone on Amazon
Electro-Voice RE20
The Electro-Voice RE20 is an industry-standard dynamic vocal microphone loved by broadcasters, podcasters, and sound engineers. It’s also a favorite in the music production scene. Since it is cardioid, you won't hear weird sounds creeping in from the sides; it keeps your voice front and center.
Features:
- It has a controlled sonic character, which makes your voice sound clear and natural.
- Thanks to Variable-D technology, you get a minimal bass boost when you’re up close.
- Its frequency response is fine-tuned for vocals
- It is a cardioid microphone with a large diaphragm and a humbucking coil
- It includes a heavy-duty pop filter
- It also has an internal shock mount to keep unwanted vibrations at bay.
Best For: Podcasting, broadcasting, or any time you want your voice to sound top-notch.
Pricing: $449.00 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphone on Amazon
Heil PR40
Meet the Heil PR40, the ultimate dynamic microphone best suited for in-studio and at-home broadcasting. It's the go-to dynamic mic for podcasters, broadcasters, satellite radio stations, content creators, and sound engineers thanks to its top-quality sound and versatility across various devices and voices.
Features:
- The PR40 delivers warm and articulate sound effortlessly, no matter the situation.
- It is designed using custom magnet metals and minimizes interference since it is decoupled from its steel body.
- It offers an internal breath blast filter situated near the diaphragm element.
- You get a smooth-sounding, flat response from 28 Hz to 18k Hz.
Best For: Live vocals, but also excellent for studio and home recording.
Pricing: $349.00 – $399.00 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Heil Sound Dynamic Vocal Microphone Product Page
Rode PodMic
If you’re serious about podcasting, live streaming, or any vocal application, the Rode PodMic can be your ideal pick. This broadcast-quality dynamic microphone is tailored for exceptional performance; you get a rich, full-bodied sound that elevates your audio output. Users get features like an internal pop filter to minimize plosives and a shock mount to reduce vibrations. It also has a swing mount to help you position easily.
Features:
- Delivers broadcast-quality sound for podcasting, live streaming, and other vocal applications.
- Built to last, considering it has an all-metal construction.
- It offers an XLR (not USB) connection.
Best For: Broadcasting
Price: $99.00 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Rode PodMic Dynamic Microphone on Amazon
Sennheiser MD 421 II
The Sennheiser MD 421 II is an excellent dynamic instrument microphone built to withstand the demands of professional use (guitar, drum). Its large diaphragm dynamic element makes it ideal for recording on various instruments. Given its full-bodied cardioid pattern, it’s also great for group vocals or for broadcasting radio. Not to mention, it has a five-position bass roll-off control.
Features:
- The MD 421 II features a full-bodied cardioid pattern and focused directionality, so the sound source is front and center with no background noise.
- It offers a clear, detailed frequency response and effective feedback rejection across the entire audio spectrum.
- The MD 421 II uses an XLR connection.
Best For: Capturing the sound of instruments, whether you’re recording at home or in the studio.
Price: $399.95 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Sennheiser MD 421 II Dynamic Instrument Microphone Product Page
Shure BETA58
The Shure BETA58 is the go-to vocal microphone that gives you an amplified midrange and superior bass roll-off effect. It’s built tough with a steel grille and features a shock mount to keep background noise at bay. The neodymium magnet makes sure you get a high signal-to-noise ratio, making it an ideal dynamic microphone for streaming.
Features:
- Optimized for vocals with a heightened midrange and bass roll-off to manage proximity effect.
- Supercardioid pattern for high gain prior to feedback and excellent rejection of off-axis sound.
- An advanced pneumatic shock mount system that reduces vibration and unwanted noise.
- Uses an XLR connection for interfacing professional audio.
Best For: Great for live vocals and live streaming.
Pricing: $169.00 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Shure BETA 58a Dynamic Microphone in Amazon
Beyerdynamic M88 TG
The Beyerdynamic M88TG is a tough and versatile microphone that works impressively for many purposes. Its wide frequency range and durable build make it an excellent option for both in-studio and live performances. You can place it in close proximity to loud sound sources like kick drums and bass guitars—thanks to its ability to tackle maximum sound pressure levels. It's excellent for recording vocals and also works well for brass or woodwind instruments.
Features:
- Precise hyper-cardioid pattern offers focused sound capture
- Highly responsive and accurate frequency range picks up subtle details in your audio and delivers rich high-end and deep bass
- Built-in -20 dB Humbucking Filter reduces electrical hum and interference
- Excellent SPL handling prevents distortion when in close proximity to loud sounds
- Uses an XLR connection
Best For: Recording your vocals and instruments
Pricing: $480.00 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Check out the Beyerdynamic M88 TG Dynamic Microphone on Amazon!
Telefunken M80
The Telefunken M80 is a go-to microphone with a wide frequency response that picks up all the details of your audio. For over a decade, it has been trusted for its ability to handle loud sounds without distortion. Recommended for lead vocals, snare drums, and even brass instruments, the M80 excels in recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and broadcasting. You could be in the studio or be performing live on stage, and the Telefunken M80 will deliver professional-grade sound every time.
Features:
- Acts like a condenser mic, cutting through even the highest frequency mixes.
- High SPL handling delivers clear audio even at high volumes
- Supercardioid pattern reduces background noise and feedback
- Telefunken M80 uses an XLR connection
Best For: Vocals, acoustic instruments, and broadcasting
Price: $249.00 – $379.00 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Telefunken M80 Dynamic Microphone Product Page
AKG D5
The AKG D5 is a top-notch, frequency-independent, dynamic vocal microphone that's perfect for content creators, especially if you're doing live performances or recordings. It delivers high-clarity sound even in loud environments without disruption. The super-cardioid polar pattern is great for preventing feedback, making it a reliable choice for any setup. It has a tough die-cast housing and is built to last with a spring-steel wire mesh grille.
Features
- AKG D5 uses an XLR connection
- It has a Laminated Varimotion Diaphragm that gives you crisp, clear sound
- Supercardioid pattern helps you avoid feedback issues
- Dual shock mount reduces handling noise,
- Has an integrated pop filter to remove pops and wind noise
Best For: Dynamic instrument microphone
Price: $119.00 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: AKG D5 Dynamic Microphone on Amazon
Bonus: Best Budget Dynamic Microphone
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is a fantastic choice for content creators who are looking for a versatile dynamic microphone for podcasting and voiceovers. It has both a USB output to connect directly to devices in-studio and an XLR output if you're performing live and need to connect to a sound system. The ATR2100x-USB also boasts an extended frequency response. Its rugged design can withstand the demands of content creation, so you can focus on your content without worrying about the equipment.
Features:
- With both USB-C digital output and XLR analog output, the ATR2100x-USB offers flexibility.
- The frequency response is optimized for podcasting, in-studio streaming, live recording, voiceover use, and a range of other content creation applications.
- Allows real-time monitoring with a built-in headphone jack
- Comes with three cables: USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A, and XLRF to XLRM
Best For: Live performance, podcasting, and voiceover
Price: €89.99 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Dynamic Microphone Product Page
Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U is a handheld dynamic microphone that offers both USB and XLR connections. Plus, it comes with essential accessories like a mic clip, windscreen, tripod stand, cables, etc., so you can start recording right away without extra purchases. The Samson Q2U is perfect for home and studio recording, as well as mobile recording.
Features:
- Provides flexible options for different recording environments
- USB output ensures you can easily connect to a Mac, PC, or Chromebook for a straightforward digital recording experience
- Integrates seamlessly with any mixer or PA system for professional setups.
- The on/off switch simplifies control by managing both USB and XLR audio outputs.
- Zero-latency monitoring with 1/8" stereo headphone output with level control
Best For: Home/studio recording, mobile recording, podcasting, music recording applications
Price: $69.99 (as of June 28, 2024)
Buying Link: Samson Q2U Dynamic Microphone Product Page
Behringer Ultravoice XM8500
Looking for a microphone that delivers at a minimal cost? Check out the Behringer Ultravoice XM8500! It’s the perfect dynamic vocal microphone for performers and home recording enthusiasts. With its exceptional sensitivity and precision, it captures your sound just the way you want it and is the best budget dynamic microphone on our list.
Features:
- It's truly cardioid, so it reduces background noise and other feedback so you can get clear, focused sound.
- Dynamic vocal microphone with smooth mid-frequency presence rises that ensures your voice cuts through the mix.
- It offers an ultra-wide frequency response for crisp and high-quality sound.
- Includes a microphone stand adapter
- It uses an XLR connector
Best For: Vocals and instruments.
Price: $25.00 (as of June 28, 2024)
Link: Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 Dynamic Microphone on Amazon
Conclusion
Dynamic microphones are excellent picks for a variety of use cases due to their impact-resistant nature and ability to capture crystal-clear audio even in noisy environments. We've listed some of the best dynamic microphones for podcasting, streaming, gaming, and recording vocals. Before you decide which best serves your purpose, make sure to consider key factors like frequency response, connectivity options, pricing, sound quality, etc., to get the best bang for your buck.
FAQs
- What is the difference between a dynamic and condenser microphone?
Dynamic mics are excellent picks for live performances and loud situations, while condenser mics are preferred in studios where you need a more pronounced, natural sound. Also, unlike condenser mics, which typically require power, dynamic mics don't; they operate passively using a plug-and-play setup.
- Do dynamic mics need power?
The majority of dynamic microphones, also popularly called "moving-coil" mics, do not require phantom power to operate. This is because they use magnets that already carry a charge to generate sound. As a result, dynamic mics are a lot easier and more straightforward to set up and use.
- How do I choose a dynamic microphone?
You should typically start by checking the microphone’s frequency response to ensure it reproduces your voice accurately. Then, you should look at its polar pattern. Make sure you also consider factors like connectivity options, features, durability, pricing, and build and sound quality.
- What is the main disadvantage of dynamic microphones?
Dynamic microphones are less sensitive than condenser microphones, so they need the sound source to be close for clear sound. They also don't pick up high-frequency details as well, making the sound less natural and detailed compared to condenser mics.
