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When it comes to vocals, picking closer sounds, and rejecting background noise, the dynamic microphone will be a go-to mic for this kind of work.
These mics usually come with really simple construction and we use these mics for really loud sounds signals and vocal recordings. So, in today’s guide, we’re presenting the best dynamic microphone for every budget so you can pick the best one.
People get confused comparing dynamic and condenser microphones. Dynamic microphone mostly picks closer sounds and doesn’t focus on what’s coming from a distance. So you’ll have to be closer to the mic, in order to get better audio.
But condenser microphones are the exact opposite of dynamic. They can capture the audio from a distance and merge everything to produce the final output.
If you ask me, I would say, if you have a fully treated room, you can go with condenser mics. But if you’re in a bit noisy environment or there is a traffic noise or any other background rumble, then dynamic mics are suitable for this kind of situation.
And they have a relatively low sensitivity which means they have a low output level. In order to navigate fast to the products, you can check out the table below:
Top 10 Picks: Best dynamic microphones
| PRODUCTS | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATR2100x | Weight: 7.7 pounds Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 4.2 x 11.5" Manufacturer: Neumann | Check Price |
| Shure SM7B | Weight: 13.6 ounces Product Dimensions: 6.38 x 2.05 x 2.05" Manufacturer: Audio-Technica | Check Price |
| Shure SM58 | Weight: 11.5 ounces Product Dimensions: 1.77 x 1.77 x 8.68" Manufacturer: Blue | Check Price |
| AKG D5 | Weight: 4.6 pounds Product Dimensions: 15.25 x 4.5 x 11" Manufacturer: Rode | Check Price |
| Electro-Voice RE20 | Weight: 0.004 ounces Product Dimensions: 5.98 x 5.98 x 12.01" Manufacturer: Blue | Check Price |
| Sennheiser E835 | Weight: 14.2 pounds Product Dimensions: 26 x 6 x 13" Manufacturer: Rode | Check Price |
| Sennheiser MD 441-U | Weight: 1.57 pounds Product Dimensions: 5.05 x 4 x 9.8" Manufacturer: HyperX | Check Price |
| Heil PR-781 | Weight: 1.9 pounds Product Dimensions: 2.17 x 2.17 x 8.23" Manufacturer: Rode | Check Price |
| Electro-Voice RE320 | Weight: 15.8 ounces Product Dimensions: 2.12 x 7.08 x 2.12" Manufacturer: Samson | Check Price |
| Shure SM-57 | Weight: 1 pounds Product Dimensions: 12 x 4 x 8" Manufacturer: MXL | Check Price |
1. Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB – Best budget USB & XLR mic
This is the brand new microphone by Audio-Technica and comes with an affordable budget. The microphone looks like Shure’s SM58, the build quality is extremely amazing. It has all-metal construction + you get an XLR and USB support, so, it is all in one package for professional use on a budget.
ATR2100 has a cardioid polar pattern which is enough for this microphone, because it’s designed for podcasting, gaming, vocals, etc. The mic has a good frequency response and sensitivity.
You can use it as a handheld microphone for stage performances or you can mount it on a boom arm. It does have a desktop stand with a microphone stand adapter. It is suitable for studio use but if you’re gonna be using it for gaming, you’ll need a quiet keyboard and treated room.
The mic comes at a reasonable price because it has USB and XLR connections + a Headphone port. But the thing I don’t like about this microphone is you can’t turn off a 0 latency monitoring and this might be irritating. I would recommend using it on a microphone stand instead of its own desktop stand because it generates some noise out of it. Overall it is well constructed and can be a good fit as a budget-friendly microphone.
Specifications:
| Polar Patterns | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-15kHz |
| Bit Depth | Up to 24 bit |
| Sample Rate | 192 kHz |
| A/D Conversion | 24-Bit |
| Headphone Connector | 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm |
2. Shure SM7B – Redefines the versatility & Durability
SM7B is an industry-standard versatile dynamic microphone. You get a lot of flexibility to utilize this thing as a multi-purpose microphone. In the box, you’ll get a windscreen to get rid of rumble and cut down the higher frequencies and noisy peaks.
In terms of build quality, this microphone is extremely nice and simple constructed. You’ll get what you expect from a pro broadcasting microphone. It has an all-metal body with a nice amount of weight to it.
In order to bring more clarity to the audio, there is a low-cut filter, and this will reduce a room tone or unwanted noise from the audio. It comes with a pre-installed mounting system, so you can mount it on your stand. You might be thinking, how to attach it to a shock mount. Well, honestly you don’t need a shock mount for this mic because the mic comes with a pre-installed internal air suspension system that fixes those shakes and bumps to audio.
The microphone comes with a really nice off-axis rejection, and the microphone’s capsule just focuses on what’s coming from the front and rejects the sounds that come from the sides of the back of the microphone. It will help a lot if there is traffic noise around your home or you’re in a noisy situation. Shure SM7B is so quiet that makes it a versatile microphone for gaming. Apart from that, this is a nice broadcasting microphone.
So, overall this is a natural-sounding microphone and best for vocals, instruments, or professional studio recordings. But if you’re just starting on youtube or something like that, this might not be suitable for you. But if you’re starting your podcast or want to upgrade to take your audio quality to the next level, then this is the perfect choice for you.
Specifications:
| Output Impedance | 150 ohms |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency range | 50Hz-20kHz |
| Connector | XLR |
| Sensitivity (at 1 kHz, open voltage) | -59dBV/Pa (1.12 mV) |
| Hum Pickup (At 60 Hz) | 11 dB |
3. Shure SM58 | A durable and budget-friendly mic
This is a well-known budget vocals microphone. The overall build quality of this mic is like an absolute Hammer, it doesn’t get damaged, even if it is run over by a tank. On this price tag, this thing is amazingly constructed by Shure. It has an all-metal body and grill.
SM58 is being used mostly as a stage-performing microphone, and it doesn’t pick noise if you use it as a handheld microphone. It has a cardioid polar pattern and comes with an awesome off-axis rejection. It will only pick the audio where the mic is pointing at. So, this will help reduce noise around the mic.
SM58 works amazingly in a noisy environment. Because it has a good off-axis rejection, so it can manage if there is some noise around you. Apart from the stage performances, it works work nicely with an electric and acoustic guitar and other musical instruments. You can use this mic for your podcasts, gaming or streaming, and vocals, etc. S, this is an all-in-one driver for music lovers. If you just want to get a solid performer on a nice budget, then there is nothing better than this mic.
Specifications:
| Frequency Response | 50 to 15,000 Hz |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz Open Circuit Voltage) | –54.5 dBV/Pa (1.85 mV) 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL |
| Impedance | 150Ω (300Ω actual) |
| Connector | Male XLR type |
4. AKG D5 | Compact and budget-friendly microphone
AKG is a reputed manufacturing company. Now we’re talking about it’s a compact and affordable vocal dynamic microphone. This is a competitor of Shure’s SM7B and comes with similar to that. The mic comes with AKG brandings on the front and very simple construction.
It does have a microphone clip with the stand adapter for separate boom arms. The mic itself is extremely durable and well designed. It has an all-metal body, and you won’t see anything else on the microphone and just get a 3 pins standard XLR cable.
D5 has a super-cardioid polar pattern and has a good frequency response of 70Hz – 17kHz. AKG has set the microphone capsule very smartly that has an excellent off-axis rejection. So, you’ll get crisp and clean audio. Because of its amazing off-axis rejection and noise rejection capability, not just podcasting, or vocals, this microphone is ideal for gaming as well.
So, overall it sounds really nice on the voice. But in my opinion, it might not be a good fit for instruments recording because this microphone has specific audio and tone that sounds nice on a human voice. Feel free to pick this up if you’re searching for a budget microphone for podcasts, live performances, gaming or streaming etc, it works amazingly. The thing I love is, AKG offers a super-cardioid polar pattern that does a pretty nice job in rejecting the audio from the sides and the back.
Specifications:
| Polar Pattern | Super-cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz – 17kHz |
| Sensitivity | -52dBA |
| Impedance | 600Ω |
| Connector | XLR |
5. Electro-Voice RE20 | Professional broadcast dynamic mic
One of the best broadcast dynamic microphones. This is a bit similar to the SM7B and both of these mics come with almost similar prices and features. Everything comes in a nice and sturdy carrying case. The mic has a pre-installed mount the does come with the stand adapter to mount it.
You get variable D technology in this mic and you’ll see a bunch of metal gaps on the microphone. But this thing will decrease the amount of proximity effect you get out of the mic. In terms of build quality, this microphone is supremely amazing.
If you look at the microphone, it seems to be cheap plastic, but you get a solid metal construction and overall extremely durable product. You’ll also get a low-cut filter on the mic that will help you reject Hummmm sounds or unwanted rumble from your audio.
Because it is a professional studio broadcast microphone, so it comes with a cardioid polar pattern. Electro voice says that this microphone has -130dBm noise or Hmmm picking level which is absolutely amazing.
As I mentioned before this mic has variable D technology that means, you won’t get a much better proximity effect and not just the front, the mic al focuses on the audio coming from the sides and the back of the mic.
But it does a pretty nice job in rejecting plosives and nice especially if you turn on a low-cut filter. It works amazingly in terms of rejecting keyboard noise. So not just pro audio recording, it is also a good option for gaming or streaming.
It sounds great on the voice and as well as instruments, vocals or podcasting, etc. Even if you’ve ever used Shure SM7B, this thing can boost you from switching from that to this. Now, if we talk about some cons of this mic, it has a low sensitivity which means you’ll have to use a nice preamp. And secondly the price tag. The mic is a bit expensive but if you want to get a high-end broadcast microphone, I think it’s worth buying.
Specifications:
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz – 18kHz |
| Sensitivity | -56.5dB |
| Impedance | 150Ω |
| Variable D Technology | Yes |
6. Sennheiser E835 | Ideal for stage performances
Provided by Sennheiser, this is the best handheld dynamic microphone designed for stage performances. It comes with an XLR connection at an affordable budget. The mic has an all-metal body and contains a good weight to it.
It has a reliable frequency response. All of this is impressive on this budget. If you’re just starting out and want a reliable, budget-friendly microphone to start recording professional and clean audio, this would be the best option to start from. This is ideal for stage performances, vocals, podcasting, or gaming.
It basically focuses on higher frequencies and does eliminate irritating tones and noise, that’s why it is ideal for live situations. The minimal proximity effect delivers amazing audio if you get further closer to the mic. This is simple to use and has an internal shock mount to minimize the handling noises.
If you’re micing multiple sound sources, this is a great option for that. Overall it is good for almost everything whether you use it as a stage performer, for vocals, podcasting or home recording. The build quality is amazing and usually, we don’t get this level of construction on this budget.
Specifications:
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz – 16kHz |
| Sensitivity | 2.7 mV/Pa |
| Impedance | 350 Ohms |
| Load Impedance | 1 Kilohm |
7. Sennheiser MD 441-U | A solid option for voice-over
Here is another versatile dynamic microphone by Sennheiser. This was originally released in the 70s and this is a top-quality and high-end performer for professional studios. Obviously, this is an expansive microphone, but if you’re serious about your podcasting or vocals, etc, this is a versatile option.
The design of this mic is eye-catching and unique. This microphone comes in a hard shell storage box for safety. There isn’t so much box content, you’ll just see the microphone in the box. In terms of build quality, the microphone feels incredible and has an all-metal body and you don’t need to be sensitive about it.
This microphone has a bit of oud design but I personally love it because when we mount the other microphones in front of us, they cover our faces which don’t look good in the video frame. But in this scenario, this mic won’t cover your face just because of its smart construction. On the back of the microphone, you’ll a very cool leather accent and high boost switch + high pass selection dial, that personally notice in all microphones.
MD 441-U comes with a super-cardioid polar pattern and a reliable frequency response of 30Hz – 20kHz. In the normal settings, it generates a bit of handling noise, but you have a lot f setting to fix this issue. If you turn on the high pass filter, it will clean all the plosives from the audio, and you’ll get extremely quiet and smooth audio.
A good thing is, in this mic, instead of a single high pass switch, you’ll get almost 4 different stages of high pass filter, from stage 1 to an extreme level of a high pass. This will help a lot if you’re in a very noisy environment.
In this microphone, there is an impressive proximity effect you’ll get which is ideal for professional voice-over projects. It does an amazing job if you use it for instruments recording. There are a ton of options to demonstrate, which kind of tone you wanna get. Overall, this is absolutely amazing, but the negative point is its price tag.
But here is a disclaimer, this is not for beginners, if you’re just wanna get a good mic for youtube of gaming, etc, there are dozens of cheaper options available. But not expansive and the best choice for those who are serious and want to invest to get the high-quality broadcast sound for professional recording.
Specifications:
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Frequency Response | 30 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 1.8 mV/Pa |
| Impedance | 200 Ohms |
| Load Impedance | 1 Kilohms |
8. Heil PR-781 | Affordable option for podcasters
This one is a mid-budget microphone but comes with a really nice build and audio quality. The microphone is all metal constructed and contains a good weight to it. But this mic looks a bit bigger which I personally don’t like. It comes with a pre-installed mount and it does have a microphone stand adapter for a separate boom arm.
You get a really nice finish of black satin epoxy. Because of its metal gaps, this microphone will also be focusing on what’s coming from the sides and this will decrease the level of proximity effect. Apart from that, this mic also has a good off-axis rejection that will help reduce background noise.
It does an excellent job in rejecting plosive but you have the option to use a pop filter to get more clarity to the audio. It works pretty nice on the voice as well as instruments and produces really smooth and clear audio. But the con is, it lacks a bit in the lower frequencies but works well if the higher frequencies and loud sounds are sources.
But honestly, this is not designed for all purposes like for studios and everything. I would recommend this mic to the podcaster, gamers and it will also work nicely for voice-over. So, if you’re on a low budget, and don’t wanna spend on some high-end and top models such as SM7B or Electro-voice RE20, then this is a great option in terms of build quality, nice audio, and affordability.
Specifications:
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz to 16kHz |
| Diaphragm | Low mass aluminium |
| Impedance | 600 Ohms |
| Output level | -55dB |
9. Electro-Voice RE320 | Redefines the durability
Here we’ve another broadcast large-diaphragm dynamic microphone by Electro-Voice. Same as RE-20 this microphone also comes in a hard show carrying box, that you’ll be using while traveling.
The microphone is nicely built and has an all-steel body with a pre-installed microphone mount and everything feels insanely amazing. In this microphone, you’ll also get a variable d technology, which helps eliminate the proximity effect that we talked about before in RE20.
There is nothing on the microphone, just you’ll see a switch between a general frequency response and a kick drum mode. The microphone comes with a cardioid polar pattern. The polar pattern works pretty smartly and has an excellent off-axis rejection that will minimize the rumble coming from the sides and the back.
This microphone is very popular for podcasting and works amazingly in producing a smooth and crispy sound, so everything is to the point. The mic itself and its accessories are really expansive but if you’re trying to get a broadcast sound and want to enhance your audio quality, this is an amazing and versatile choice.
If you want to pick a shock mount for the microphone, you’ll have to buy it separately, but you can use it conveniently without the shock mount so that is optional. It has an Integrated humbucking coil and integral pop shield that delivers virtually noiseless audio. So as a final recommendation, this thing is absolutely recommended if you can afford it, but if you can’t there are some cheaper options you can find on our list.
Specifications:
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz to 18kHz |
| Sensitivity | -52dB |
| Impedance | 150 Ohms |
| Orientation | End address |
10. Shure SM-57 | Compact and reliable option
Shure brings an extremely compact and lightweight but awesome-sounding microphone. This is specially designed for vocals and live performances. SM57 is an industry standard and is being used for years. The thing most people love about this mic is, it is very compact and easy to carry. It has an all-metal body and but there is a plastic cover around the microphone capsule.
The same as Shure SM58 this mic is also built like a tank or hammer, insanely durable and sturdy. It comes with a standard cardioid polar pattern and has a good frequency range.
You have a really awesome noise rejection capability in this mic and if you use it as a handheld, this thing won’t disappoint you there. Even if you’re in a noisy environment, it should perform excellently. The polar pattern of this microphone is suitable for live situations. Both of these mics, SM58 and 57 sound similar.
Honestly, if you get much closer to the mic, it might be generating plosive, so it is better to pick some accessories with the mic to get better audio. The first one is a windscreen and the other thing is a compact shock mount for this mic. These things take your audio to the next level and will improve your audio to the professional. So, this is budget-friendly and a solid performer for everyone, one of the best dynamic microphones.
Specifications:
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz to 18kHz |
| Sensitivity | -52dB |
| Impedance | 150 Ohms |
| Orientation | End address |
Wordict | Best dynamic microphone
So, these we our opinions of the best dynamic microphone. Now, it’s your turn to make a division. Let me tell you some of the top features that your dynamic mic should have. If you wanna pick the best dynamic microphone for your job, obviously budget comes first. We’ve shared some low-budget and high-end models on our list. But now we’re going to list down the ideal features of a dynamic mic.
First, confirm that the mic doesn’t generate plosive and bumps in the audio because we usually get irritated to use windscreens every time. So it is important to get the mic that can work nicely without it. The next one is frequency range, make sure it’s reliable so produce smooth sound whether you’re micing quiet or loud sound sources.
Now comes your personal preferences, every mic comes with its own tone. If the mic has the things I shared, then you can pick according to the tone you like. I hope this will help you choose the best dynamic microphone for your job.