If you’ve just started to delve into the world of dynamic microphones and are feeling overwhelmed by all of the options and possible applications, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to explain what a dynamic microphone is, how it differs from other types of microphones, and when to use it. We’ll also provide some popular product examples to help you get started.
What Is a Dynamic Microphone?
Broadly speaking, there are two types of microphones: dynamic and condenser. Although condenser microphones are known for being more precise and sensitive than dynamic microphones, dynamic microphones are often just as integral to studio recording as they are to stage performance.
In general, dynamic microphones tend to offer a more focused quality than condenser microphones and are often more forgiving, especially in less-than-ideal acoustic settings. Dynamic microphones also tend to be better at handling loud sources, making them less prone to distortion.
When to Use a Dynamic Mic
On Stage
Dynamic microphones are the obvious choice for stage performance, as they effectively pick up vocals while minimizing any sound from further away. They also allow you to be more active, holding the mic and moving around with less risk of creating unwanted noise.
Recording and Broadcasting Scenarios
Dynamic microphones can also be very useful in recording situations. If you’re recording in a smaller room where multiple instruments are involved, dynamic microphones do a better job of ignoring the sounds reflecting in the space. For that reason, some engineers will use dynamic mics for recording acoustic guitars, as the mic is less likely to pick up loud fret noises.
We should also mention ribbon microphones, which are a type of dynamic microphone that use slightly different technology. Ribbon microphones are even more focused than a typical dynamic mic and are ideal for handling loud sources. For this reason, ribbon microphones are popular in studio settings, where the mic needs to target and record a singular, and often loud instrument in the most natural way possible.
Ribbon mics are also the most receptive to the proximity effect, which means that low frequencies become more exaggerated the closer the microphone is placed to the sound source. Radio announcers love these mics for this reason, as they can often add richness and gravitas to their voice.
Read: What is a Ribbon Mic?
How Do Dynamic Microphones Work?
Dynamic microphones are relatively simple in design. Inside the microphone capsule, a magnet creates a magnetic field around a small, movable coil that's attached to a diaphragm. When sound waves enter the mic, they push and pull the diaphragm, causing the coil to move within the magnetic field. This movement generates voltage, which is then boosted by a transformer and exits the microphone as a mic-level signal. It basically works like a speaker, but in reverse.
The reason dynamic mics have such a focused pickup is because they have a cardioid polar pattern, which means they are very sensitive at the front, less sensitive at the sides and blind to sound arriving from the rear.
Because dynamic mics have no active circuitry, they don’t require batteries or phantom power. As a result they tend to be more affordable, less troublesome and more rugged than condenser microphones. This is yet another reason why they are great for stage use and performing on the road.
Picking the Right Dynamic Mic for Your Application
We’ve put together a list of microphones for a range of instruments, including vocals. If you’d like to check out a few demos of popular mics, many of which are included in this list, take a look at our Mic Shootout Video.
Guitars
Let’s start with one of the most famous and durable dynamic microphones ever made: the Shure SM57. Bright and clean, this is probably the best value and most reliable mic on the market.
If you’re looking for a something a little more linear in terms of tuning, check out the Audix i5. Not only does it work great for guitar amps, but is also popular for snares, as it bring out a nice crispness in the treble.
Snares and Toms
A wallet-friendly and well-built option for snares and toms in the Electro-Voice PL35. It has a supercardioid polar pattern, so it’s super focused, doing a great job of eliminating off-axis signal and noise. It excels at delivering plenty of punch, snap and presence, bringing out the full potential of these percussion parts.
If you can afford to spend a little more, the SE Electronics V Beat brings out a lively yet accurate and natural sound from your snares and toms. In addition to its highly directional supercardioid polar patters, iits built-in windscreen built will minimize any plosives and peripheral noise.
Alternatively, you can invest in a whole mic kit for your drum setup. The Telefunken DD4 includes four microphones: the M82 for use with kick drums, two M81-SH mics, and the M80-SH for snares and toms.
Bass and Kick Drum
If you want to get a solid low end without losing any higher-frequency nuance, consider the famous Sennheiser MD 421-II. With a 5-position bass roll-off switch, you can get a great a natural bass or kick drum sound without any overly heavy or bloated low frequencies.
Another legendary model is the Electro-Voice RE20, which is most well known as a broadcast announcer mic but works great on bass and kick drums. The RE20 is also especially useful for bass cabinets, as it has a minimal proximity effect, allowing you to get up close to the amp without blowing up the low frequencies.
We should also mention the Sennheiser E902 which is designed for kick drums and bass especially, as it can reproduce low frequencies with notable richness and detail.
Brass
The Sennheiser e 604 is particularly popular for brass instruments as it does a great job at capturing high-sound pressure levels without distortion. And with a slight emphasis in the 4-5kHz range, you can expect your instrument to sit prominently within the mix.
Vocals and Broadcasting
Not only is the Shure SM7B a great broadcast mic, but it's also a studio classic used by famous vocalists like Michael Jackson and Metallica’s James Hetfield. It produces a rich low end with a smooth character overall. It’s also highly versatile, working just as well for instruments as it does for vocals. Just know that it requires quite a bit of gain, so make sure you have a robust preamp to go with it.
Let’s put another budget-friendly option on this list. If you’re looking for a reliable mic for onstage performances, the sE Electronics V7 Switch is a great entry-level choice that yields professional results. Delivering a crisp, open sound, this microphone also shows off an attractive red and silver metal windscreen that effectively minimizes unwanted wind noise and plosive pops. As its name suggests, it also has an on/off switch so you can shout vulgarities at your bandmates without the crowd hearing.
There are so many solid dynamic microphones on the market, and this list certainly doesn’t cover every great option out there. That said, if you’re in the market for your first dynamic mic, and you plan on using it for a number of applications, get something versatile to start with, like the previously mentioned Shure M57 and slowly build from there. You’ll be surprised at how many bases can be covered with just one good dynamic microphone.
For more information about the dynamic microphones listed above, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
0 Comments