Best Dynamic Microphones for Any Musician

The AKG P S 3 makes the most sense for those who are looking for a reasonable and fitting dynamic mic that can suit a need for rugged build, affordable pricing, and great sound. This handheld cardioid device can easily be muted and unmated via an easy-access switch, making it great for those who are also giving seminars or don’t want their microphone to be on all the time. An internal windscreen helps to protect sound against breath noises and other unwanted artifacts, which also makes this a great tool for those who aren’t necessarily as experienced in the world of speaking into a microphone (and trust us, there are a lot of people who fall into this category). The unit also comes with a handy stand adapter and zip bag, making it easy to travel with and put to use as soon as you’re ready to go.

Contrary to the layman’s perception, microphones aren’t just made for capturing vocals. Take a look at any stage and you’ll see that drum kits and guitar amps are also paired with mics that are there to subtly yet seamlessly get the job done. Enter the Shure PGA57, a dynamic microphone that is ideal for those types of uses, particularly with snare drums and amp cabinets. The unit’s cardioid pickup pattern captures a direct signal of the source that it’s being pointed at, while carefully filtering out any unwanted ambient room noise. Because it’s a Shure microphone, this unit is also built to last, so feel free to give it the kind of regular abuse that you would usually reserve to initiating the newest crew member on his first national tour.

It’s rare to encounter a microphone that not only can do it all, but also not break the bank for someone seeking such a valuable tool to add to their arsenal. Shure’s SM57 dynamic microphone somehow manages to fall into both of those categories. Great for use in both studio and live environments, this mic also can be used as a handheld or can sit in a stand mount for optimal use. It’s built rugged enough that it can take a (relative) beating and still perform its function, which is one reason why it gets used so frequently on the road. Its natural presence peak also works to bring out extra clarity in instruments such as guitars and the human voice.

If you’re looking for a live dynamic microphone to use for vocalists, the Rode M1 is a serious option to consider. A rugged die-cast body and sturdy dynamic capsule ensure that you won’t have to baby this thing when you should be focusing on delivering the best performance; an internal pop-filter also helps to reduce any unwanted frequencies that are unpleasant to the ear. This mic also has a feedback rejecting pick-up pattern, which any vocalist will tell you is a must-have when it comes to the tool that they’re going to be using to project their voice throughout a loud room. Gold-plated XLR connectors give this mic a sense of style and elegance, but that’s not where the fun stops. The Rode M1 also comes with a lifetime warranty, so even if it should fall victim to some sort of accident, you may be covered.

Blue Microphones’ enCORE 100 is a dynamic cardioid microphone that is specifically designed for capturing vocals onstage. To that end, the unit’s aria dynamic capsule has been tuned to capture a natural performance while providing clear and detailed sound. Blue’s propriety capsule mount is also conducive to onstage performance, as it blocks out nearly all handling noise without the use of pads or filters. Because it’s a Blue, this thing also has a distinct style that sets it apart from other budget dynamic microphones; a hand-painted logo and laser-engraved trim ring gives this unit a sense of style. Because this mic has been built to take on the road, it’s only right that it comes equipped with a soft-grip microphone clip and soft-lined storage pouch for easy travel and application.

Audio-Technica boasts their AE2500 dynamic microphone as the ultimate kick-drum mic, and with its bevy of features, it’s not a far-fetched claim. Built with a dual element design, the AE2500 actually acts as both a condenser and dynamic microphone, which grants it the ability to capture the aggressive attack that kick drums have while also maintaining the round tonalities produced by the shell. The elements in this microphone have been positioned to create a perfect phase relationship, which would be nearly impossible to do if you were to use two separate microphones to achieve the sound that this single unit is capable of producing. Because this mic has been built to handle the low-end thump of the kick drum, the AE2500 also comes with an 80Hz low cut filter build into the condenser part of the mic. The AE2500 also comes with a shock mount and breakout cable as added accessories.

It’s rare to encounter a microphone that not only can do it all, but also not break the bank for someone seeking such a valuable tool to add to their arsenal. Shure’s SM57 dynamic microphone somehow manages to fall into both of those categories. Great for use in both studio and live environments, this mic also can be used as a handheld or can sit in a stand mount for optimal use. It’s built rugged enough that it can take a (relative) beating and still perform its function, which is one reason why it gets used so frequently on the road. Its natural presence peak also works to bring out extra clarity in instruments such as guitars and the human voice.

Sennheiser’s MD 421 II dynamic microphone features a five position bass roll-off switch and feedback rejection that helps to cut out unwanted bleed-through frequencies that often occur in live and recording setups. The aforementioned bass roll-off switch controls proximity effect, which allows you to place the unit close to your audio source while still maintaining a clear and clean signal free of any unwanted bass boost. The unit’s acoustic components within the microphone’s inner chassis have a reduced sensitivity to dust and humidity, ensuring that this thing will last longer even in the less ideal environments you could bring a dynamic microphone into. The MD 421 II also works well with exceptionally high sound pressure. This unit also comes with a handy mic clip so that you can get started with it soon after purchasing.

Neumann’s BCM 705 is a dynamic hypercardioid microphone that features the same sound as the company’s 104 condenser microphone, at a fraction of the cost. The microphone itself is mechanically suspended in a way that reduces sensitivity to stand movement and handling shocks, which helps to prevent any unnecessary noise in the recording process. Lower frequencies are enhanced via an enlarged and acoustically coupled capsule, which was made from a design based around the Profi Power Sennheiser MD 431 handheld stage microphone. An integrated pop screen helps build resistance to wind, while still promoting clear high-frequency response. The BCM is designed for close mic techniques, but it can also work when placed slightly further from the audio source.

Those who are looking to get more out of the sound of their kick drum would do well to check out the AKG D12 VR dynamic microphone. This mic is ideal for both studio and live environments. This unit applies phantom power to activate three different filter curves; one hades a low-frequency boost, a second is a midrange cut, and the third combines the first two filters while adding a presence boost for clarity. A C414 transformer adds an additional rich quality to the high-level signals processed by this microphone. The D12 VR’s thin diaphragm and bass-optimized capsule chamber also help to harness the huge bass tones that come from a kick drum.