Best Dynamic Microphones 2023 (For Every Budget)

Dynamic microphones are the go-to choice for live performances, podcasting, and broadcasting because of their durability, affordability, and versatility. They are known for their roadworthiness and ability to handle loud sound sources while rejecting unwanted background noise.

Dynamic microphones are also known for their warm tone, often seen as a way to build authority for radio, broadcasting, podcasting, and live streaming.

One of the great things about dynamic microphones is that they come at a relatively low cost, making them accessible to a wider range of users. The Shure SM58, for example, is a classic and widely used dynamic microphone that is affordable and will likely live longer than you.

Below are our recommendations for the best dynamic microphones in 2023.

• Best Handheld: AKG Pro Audio D5 – https://currentprice.io/akg_d5
• Best Podcast: Shure SM7B – https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
• Best Broadcast: Electro-Voice RE20 – https://currentprice.io/re20-black
• Workhorse: Heil Sound PR40 – https://currentprice.io/heil_pr40
• Drums & Guitar: Sennheiser MD 421-II – https://currentprice.io/md421iii
• Most Versatile: Shure SM57 – https://currentprice.io/shure_sm57
• Most Durable: Shure SM58 – https://currentprice.io/shure_sm58
• Highest Value: sE Electronics Dynacaster – https://currentprice.io/dynacaster

AKG Pro Audio D5 – Best Handheld

The AKG D5 Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone is designed for stage and studio use, with a cardioid polar pattern that allows freedom of movement while minimizing feedback. It can handle sound pressure levels up to 160 dB, which is suitable for almost any environment.

If you plan on holding this microphone on stage, you’ll appreciate the internal dual shock mount built into the microphone, which will work to reduce handling noise.

Not only does the D5 sound great on vocals, but it will also surprise you when you use it on instruments and guitar amps!

AKG D5 C Microphone Specs

Electro-Voice RE20 – Best Broadcast

The Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Dynamic Microphone is known for its reliable, low-noise performance and exceptional clarity and definition. With its roots grounded in broadcasting, the RE20 has become a popular microphone for podcasting and live-streaming.

The RE20 features a cardioid polar pattern that eliminates coloration at 180 degrees, providing superior rejection of unwanted sounds. The Variable D technology in the microphone will make your voice sound consistent and eliminate the proximity effect if you get too close to the microphone.

The RE20 has a rugged steel construction, low handling noise, and a pop filter to eliminate plosives from wind noise.

It has a flat frequency response that remains consistent even when used nearby. If you want to use the high pass filter, it will roll off the lower frequencies.

The RE20 is an industry-standard microphone for broadcasting, but it also sounds great in front of a kick drum or bass amp.

Compared to microphones like the Shure SM7B, it’s known to be less muffled and offer more clarity.

Electro-Voice RE20 Specs

Heil Sound PR40 – Workhorse

The Heil Sound PR 40 Dynamic Microphone is a high-performance cardioid microphone that we recommend using as a vocal mic for podcasting and other voice-over applications.

The microphone has a large diaphragm that produces a smooth response with an articulate and natural midrange. Compared to other popular dynamic microphones, the PR 40 has a lightweight NdFeB magnet capsule, which allows it to capture loud volumes without distorting.

This front-address capsule works to reject off-axis noise, resulting in a smooth and tight cardioid pickup pattern with a reduced proximity effect.

The steel body is robust, and its internal shielding makes it safe to use in a studio environment surrounded by computers and lighting.

When you combine its high SPL rating with its large dynamic range, you will also understand why audio engineers love using this microphone on kick drums and vocals.

The PR 40 is available in Black or Grey.

Heil Sound PR40 Specs

sE Electronics Dynacaster – Best Value

The SE Electronics DynaCaster dynamic microphone was designed specifically for podcasting, gaming, and voiceover applications.

It features a dynamic mic capsule that doesn’t require any external power. If you turn on 48v (phantom power), it will activate a Dynamite preamp, giving the microphone +30dB of clean gain and reducing the effort required by your audio interface or audio mixer.

Additionally, the microphone includes two switches that provide EQ adjustments, allowing you to get the right tone for your voice and achieve consistent, no-fuss results every time. One switch acts as a high pass filter, the other as a mid-frequency boost.

The Dynacaster also has a built-in three-layer pop filter and internal shock mounting, which will keep the distracting plosives and taps from making their way into your recording.

The DynaCaster is a great option for anyone looking to take their podcasting, gaming, or streaming to the next level.

sE Electronics Dynacaster Specs

Sennheiser MD 421-II – Best Drums & Guitar

The Sennheiser MD 421-II Dynamic Microphone is another classic dynamic microphone in almost every recording studio worldwide. It is an upgraded version of the MD 421, one of Sennheiser’s best-selling microphones for the last 35 years. It’s a classic.

Its ability to handle high-pressure sound levels makes it a great fit for guitar amps and drums and versatile enough to work on vocals, podcasting, and gaming.

The MD 421-II’s cardioid pickup pattern will reject background noise in the studio and on stage, giving you a very clean and focused recording.

The MD 421-II has five selectable bass roll-off settings to help you control the proximity effect. If you have the microphone close to your voice, you can select the best bass roll-off mode to properly control the mid-boost that you typically get from the proximity effect.

The MD 421-ii has a composite glass construction combined with hardened stainless steel to provide enough protection for a lifetime of abuse on stage or in the studio.

Sennheiser MD 421-II Specs

Shure SM57 – Most Versatile

The Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone is another classic on this list. By now, you’ve probably figured out that every microphone on this list is highly recommended, but the Shure SM57 is no different.

This cardioid dynamic microphone has been used in countless applications over its 60-year history, including being the preferred microphone for the President of the United States for over 30 years. This fact alone should give you an idea of how versatile and reliable this microphone is.

One of the things we love about the SM57 is its bright, clean sound. It’s perfect for live sound reinforcement and recording and great for picking up musical instruments or vocals. Its cardioid pickup pattern is particularly effective at isolating the main sound source and minimizing background noise, making it an ideal choice for live performances.

In the studio, the SM57-LC shines in recording drums, guitars, and woodwinds. But it’s not just limited to these instruments – its versatility and reliability make it a consistent choice for professional performers, producers, and sound engineers worldwide.

The Shure SM57-LC is a workhorse that delivers outstanding performance and legendary reliability.

We recommend using this microphone on pretty much everything. That being said, if you’re looking for a purpose-built microphone for podcasting or gaming, you will find better options elsewhere.

Shure SM57 Specs

Shure SM58 – Most Durable

Next, we have the Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphone. This microphone is built like a tank. It’s made to withstand the rigors of live performances and has proven that it can take a beating. It has survived countless YouTube drop tests and continues to show up daily on everyone’s “must-have” microphone lists.

The SM58 is a dynamic cardioid microphone, which is great at rejecting background noise and focusing on the main sound source in front of the microphone. This makes it perfect for live performances, whether you’re on stage singing or speaking into it. The sound quality is crisp and clear, and it does a great job capturing your voice’s details.

In the studio, the SM58 is also a great choice for various applications. It’s great for recording vocals and excels at capturing the sound of drums and guitar. The microphone’s design makes it easy to hold and maneuver, which is great for musicians who need to move around while performing.

The Shure SM58 is an excellent microphone with outstanding performance and legendary reliability. Whether you’re a singer, speaker, or musician, this microphone is an excellent choice. It’s built to last, is easy to use, and delivers great sound quality.

If you don’t yet have a Shure SM58, you should probably get one. You’ll use it far more often than you realize.

Shure SM58 Specs

Shure SM7B – Best Podcast

The Shure SM7B dynamic microphone is perfect for podcasters and radio hosts.

If you’re in the market for a new microphone for your podcast, live stream, or music studio, the Shure SM7B should be at the top of your list. This dynamic microphone has been a favorite among professional audio engineers for decades for a good reason.

First and foremost, the sound quality of the SM7B is simply outstanding. It has a smooth and warm tone that makes vocals and speech sound clear and natural. The built-in bass roll-off and mid-range boost controls also allow you to fine-tune the microphone’s tone to suit your specific recording environment and speaking style.

In addition to its exceptional sound quality, the SM7B is also built to last. It’s a sturdy and durable microphone that can withstand the rigors of regular use. The built-in pop filter also helps to reduce plosives and wind noise, so you can record without worrying about unwanted noise. It also has shielding built into the microphone to reject interference from nearby computers or lighting equipment.

But perhaps the best thing about the Shure SM7B is its versatility. This microphone is perfect for various recording applications, from podcasting and radio hosting to voiceover work and music recording. It’s as comfortable in front of a kick drum as it is in front of a horn or a podcast host. Whether you’re a professional or novice, the SM7B is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality dynamic microphone that will last a lifetime.

Shure SM7B Specs

How Do Dynamic Microphones Work?

The mechanics behind a dynamic microphone are fascinating. Here’s how most dynamic microphones work:

1. The acoustic energy flows through the air as sound waves reach the microphone.
2. The diaphragm of a dynamic microphone will capture that acoustic energy and move.
3. The diaphragm is attached to a coil that is wrapped around a magnet.
4. The movement of the coil around the magnet generates voltage
5. The voltage is wired to the XLR connector and sent to your audio interface or audio mixer as an analog audio signal using an XLR cable.

Dynamic Vs Condenser Microphones

While this page is mostly focused on dynamic microphones, it can be good to compare dynamic microphones vs condenser microphones to find the microphone that is best suited to your needs.

Generally speaking, condenser microphones are more sensitive to detail and offer more clarity compared to dynamic microphones.

However, this amount of clarity comes at a cost.

Condenser microphones are more likely to pick up background noise and feedback. Condenser microphones are also more delicate and sensitive to abuse, temperature, and humidity.

Best Dynamic Microphone FAQs