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A dynamic microphone is specifically designed for the recording or transmission of vocals. Depending on your needs it can be a dynamic or a condensor microphone. In live broadcasts and on stage usually dynamic microphone are used, while in studio sessions large-diaphragm condenser microphones are used for vocal recordings. In our microphone test, we will only look at dynamic microphones for live and stage use.
Condenser microphones for studio recordings can be found here: Recommended condenser microphones.
Best Dynamic Microphones
Recommended Dynamic Microphone: Shure SM58
Our recommended dynamic microphone is the classic Shure SM58! For decades, it has been the best-selling and most popular dynamic microphone in the world! Due to its high-quality, the Shure SM58 is very robust and almost indestructible which is the most important feature for musicians who need a reliable microphone for a lot of live performances.
The SM58 Shure also impresses with an outstanding sound quality and a wide frequency spectrum, which is optimized for vocals. A slight bass results in a warm sound of voices and the midrange frequencies provide very good assertiveness throughout the mix. The uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the voice from other sound sources and reduces background noises, which also makes it insensitive for feedback.
The Shure SM58 has a shock absorber which minimizes handling noise effectively. An integrated pop filter reduces wind noise and other sounds.
By unscrewing the microphone’s top basket the Shure SM58 can also be used for recording instruments. This true allrounder microphone can be found on Amazon starting at 127 Euros. With this investment you get an ageless classic, on which you can rely for a very long time. Therefore, the best best dynamic microphone out there and a definite buy recommendation is the Shure SM58.
Alternative Dynamic Microphone: Rode M1 dynamic Microphone
Looking for a lower price range? The Rode M1 vocal microphone is not as expensive as the Sure SM58. However, it still boasts an excellent sound quality. and very good results. It is a dynamic vocal microphone with cardioid characteristic, it’s built very robustly and has a clear and warm sound spectrum. The integrated pop filter provides an optimal sound on a stage with low handling noise and virtually no feedback noises. The transmission range is between 75Hz – 18kHz with an output impedance of 320 Ω. The Rode M1 has an XLR connector and comes with an accessory pouch and a clamp.
Very lively performers might find it too heavy and not ideally shaped. That’s due to the straight construction and its weight of 400 grams, which can result inthe Rode M1 to easily slip out of hand.
Budget-Tip: Behringer Ultravoice XM8500
If you’re a hobby user or doing your first steps in the field of singing, our budget-Tip is the ideal solution for you. The Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 costs about 20 Dollars. For your money, you get a dynamic microphone with XLR connector. It even comes with a 3-meter cable and a microphone clamp; extras that most expensive microphones are missing and need to be purchased seperately. The sound is natural and warm, which is quite a positive surprise at this low price.
There’s not much to be criticised but the frequency range is between 70 Hz and 13 kHz, making the basses come across not as good as with professional microphones. However, that is still enough for amateur singers and beginners. Its plastic processing also makes it the wrong choice for professionals but again, that’s not the target audience of the Golden Sound V45.
So if your not looking to become the next superstar singer but are looking for a reasonably priced microphone for practice and rehearsal purposes or doing your first steps singing, you can’t go wrong with the very low priced Behringer Ultravoice XM8500.
Features of a dynamic microphone
The purpose of a dynamic microphone is to transmit voices fully and clearly understandable at live performances. Minimizing feedback sounds is a crucial topic as there may be a lot of speakers on stage. The wrong setup results in unwanted noises, e.g. when a microphone isdirected towards a speaker. This makes you look very unprofessional. Therefore microphones should be very insensitive to feedback.
Since we all know that in the heat of the moment onstage, things can get pretty loud, the sensitivity of pop and S-sounds is also a test criterion for a dynamic microphone.
A rugged design can be important too, since some rockstars do quite the equipment test onstage. Rammstein singer Till Lindemann used to bang his mic against his forhead til it bled and other singers don’t take it easy on ther mics as well. When it comes to processing, the weight plays a role. A microphone that you hold in your hand on stage, should not be too heavy, so it won’t wear you down during longer gigs. Material and shape of the microphone should also ensure a good feeling when singing.
The directivity of a dynamic microphone can be everything from classic cardioid via super-cardioid to hypercardioid. While the classic cardioids receive the vocal sound in its entirety (taht means noise,too), super-cardioid and hypercardioid mics concentrate on the exact origin of the sound. The narrower the directional characteristic, the more in control of your microphone do you have to be as a singer.