Best Dynamic Microphones:
The Definitive List  [2021]

 by 

Jay Von K   -  


Updated: January 23, 2021

It is true that every audio engineer starts out by buying a dynamic microphone…

Whether you are looking to buy your first or sixth dynamic mic, you will find a great recommendation here!

Because in this article, we will cover all the advantages and drawbacks of the top eight dynamic microphones that you can find in 2021!

Best Dynamic Microphones
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But before we dive into it, let’s talk about a few things that make dynamic microphones a must-have….

Picture this: you have a mic that is relatively cheap and can be used in many situations…

Moreover, it only amplifies the sound that is near it, so that you don’t have to worry about background noise. That makes it suitable for both concerts and studios!

Finally, it can be used for instruments and vocals alike, once you place it close to the sound source...

Well, that’s actually the dynamic microphone and all these features have made it popular for years now with musicians, sound engineers, and radio presenters!

So, if you want to find out which dynamic microphones are the best, read on!

The 8 Best Dynamic Mics of 2020 include:

1. Shure SM57

Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone
General

First of all, let’s begin with the usual suspect...

What if you could get a dynamic microphone that everyone keeps recommending for years now at a low price?

Well, good news!

The Shure SM57 is exactly that! It has been designed to be placed exactly in front of what you want to record.

In addition to that, it’s really easy to use it: you plug it and it works!

In fact, the SM57 is as simple as it gets. That’s why if you are looking for more advanced features in a dynamic mic (such as the ability to change polar patterns) maybe the SM57 is not for you.

Shure-SM57-Setup

Can you guess why it has been popular for so long?

Well, it is very durable! You can make sure that once you buy it, you will probably never need to replace it, even if you treat it roughly.

Plus, it is really good for amplifying many different instruments: from acoustic guitars to drums and from saxophones to vocals, it has amazing sound performance!

PROS
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Good for different instruments
CONS
  • Not many features
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All in all, the Shure SM57 is a famous mic both for its performance and durability, and it is quite affordable for anyone to buy.

Shure SM57:

2. Shure SM58

Shure - SM58 Dynamic Microphone
General

Does the name of this mic remind you of something?

I am sure you guessed it! It’s just like the SM57 that we have just reviewed, with one small difference…

It is made with vocal performance in mind, so basically, that means that it has an additional steel grille. Besides that, it also has a cardioid polar pattern, just like the SM58. That means it only captures the sound source that is right in front of it.

Shure SM58

You know what? I think you already know this mic…

It is a standard mic for vocal performances, so if you look better at any band’s singer on stage, you‘ll probably find that he’s holding the SM58!

Do you know why this mic is so popular on stage?

Because no one is afraid to accidentally drop it! It is a really rugged mic that can withstand abuse!

Plus, the sound quality is amazing for the price! Did I mention that is one of the most value-for-money dynamic microphones out there?

However, if you plan to use it for recording, you should probably get a pop filter, too.

PROS
  • Rugged
  • Cheap
  • Good sound quality
CONS
  • You need a pop filter
Compare Prices

On the whole, the SM58 is a great dynamic microphone for low budget musicians.

Shure SM58:

3. Shure SM7B

Shure - SM58 Dynamic Microphone
General

Now let's up our game a bit and take a look at a more high-end mic…

The SM7B comes again from Shure, so that you can be sure it offers a lot of the usual characteristics of this brand’s mics….

It offers amazing sound performance that you wouldn’t probably expect from a dynamic microphone.

This dynamic microphone has been made mainly for vocal performances, so it is an optimal mic for singing and broadcasting.

Shure-sm7b-vocal-dynamic-microphone

Another great thing about the SM7B is that you can choose its frequency response from the back of the microphone. That means that you can tweak how the microphone will respond to the voice and how it will actually color it.

Needless to say, this premium-quality microphone includes a pop filter so that you don’t have to worry about plosive sounds.

But there’s more!

The package features an additional detachable windscreen to eliminate plosive sounds even more!

On the other hand, it falls on the expensive side, so it is better suited for professionals.

PROS
  • Ability to choose frequency response
  • Features detachable windscreen
  • Great sound quality
CONS
  • Pricey
Compare Prices

In short, if you are looking for a professional vocal dynamic microphone, then the Shure SM7B is definitely something you should check!

Shure SM7B:

4. Sennheiser MD421-II

Sennheiser MD 421-II Dynamic Microphone
General

 Let’s imagine a situation where you have to record something that is really loud…

For instance, parts of a drum set, such as toms and bass drums. Or a powerful guitar cabinet. Or even a really loud vocalist!

I know what you are thinking…

Is there a mic that could be equally good at all these tasks?

Sennheiser-Md-421-II Dynamic Mic

Good news! The Sennheiser MD421 II is a high-quality dynamic microphone that is very versatile and perfect for studio use.

Moreover, you can use it for wind instruments: sound engineers around the world have been using it a lot for saxophones and trombones!

Actually, this mic is an update to the Sennheiser MD421. The new model has a much more robust build quality, as well as a more beautiful design!

There is only one issue: the clip is not very well-made...

PROS
  • Excellent for toms, bass, and guitar cabinets
  • Good response to loud sound sources
  • Sturdy build quality
CONS
  • The clip might cause you problems
Compare Prices

If you are looking for a versatile dynamic microphone, or you often have to deal with loud sound sources, I would definitely recommend the Sennheiser MD421 II.

Sennheiser MD421 II:

5. Audio-Technica ATR2100

Audio-Technica - ATR2100 Dynamic Microphone
General

Do you sometimes wish that you had a microphone that would be easy to connect both to your computer and a mixing console?

The Audio-Technica ATR2100 does exactly that!
It comes with both an XLR and a USB output that lets you easily sing on stage as well as record your voice on the computer.

Moreover, a headphone input provides you with real-time monitoring, without any latency!

ATR2100 Dynamic Mic by Audio-Technica

The Audio-Technica ATR2100 is also quite versatile, as its design allows it to be handheld, but the extended frequency response lets you use it for instruments as well.

If you don’t feel convinced yet, here comes the best thing…

This microphone is really cheap! For under $100 you get a high-quality dynamic microphone with dual outputs! Can you imagine?

The package also includes a microphone stand, but we recommend that you use a different one, as the one included is not very sturdy.

PROS
  • Bang for the buck
  • XLR and USB outputs
  • Headphone input
CONS
  • You should get a microphone stand.
Compare Prices

On the whole, the Audio-Technica ATR2100 is a great dynamic microphone that you can use to easily record your voice or sing on stage.

Audio-Technica ATR2100:

6. Electro-Voice RE20

Electro-Voice - RE20 Dynamic Microphone
General

Here comes a great microphone for those who like their voice to sound natural…

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a high-quality dynamic microphone with a cardioid pattern that rejects the sounds that come from behind it.

It is very good at vocal performances and especially rich and warm for speech. That’s why it is a great option for those who want to do audio broadcasts!

Can you imagine why?

Actually, it features special Variable-D technology, that minimizes the proximity effect. That means that it delivers clear sound performance, without coloring it!

RE20 Dynamic Mic by Electro Voice

The package also features a mic clip as well as a carrying pouch.

However, note that this is not the cheapest dynamic microphone.

I know what you are thinking…

“Should I get such an expensive mic just for vocals?”

Well, certainly not! But the good news is that you can also use the Electro-Voice RE20 for instruments, and it performs well with bass sound sources….

PROS
  • Great for broadcasting
  • Versatile
  • Clear sound without proximity effect
CONS
  • Pricey
Compare Prices

In short, the Electro-Voice RE20 is a highly recommended mic for those who do podcasts.

Electro-Voice RE20:

7. Telefunken M80

Telefunken - M80 Dynamic Mic
General

Are you looking for a mic that not only sounds good, but it looks good as well?

Problem solved!

The Telefunken Elektroakustik M80 comes in six different colors to choose from, including white, red, cherry, oak, chrome, and of course standard black color.

It is mainly used for vocals on live occasions so that everyone will be able to see this flashy mic!

M80 Dynamic Mic by Telefunken

As I mentioned in the beginning, it also sounds good: it comes with a wide frequency response that will get your voice clear out there, without sounding muddy.

Furthermore, you can also use it for other instruments such as brass and guitar amps.

Before you read further, I have something more to say…

If you plan to use it for vocals, you need to get a pop filter for this microphone. Its build won’t cancel all plosive sounds by itself

PROS
  • It comes in 6 different colors
  • Versatile (both for vocals and instruments)
  • Crystal clear sound performance
CONS
  • You’ll need a pop filter with this one
Compare Prices

All in all, the Telefunken Elektroakustik M80 is probably the most good-looking mic on this list, and it sounds good, too!

Telefunken M80:

8. Sennheiser e835-S

Sennheiser - E835 S Dynamic Microphone
General

Last but not least, the Sennheiser e835-S is another dynamic microphone that is made for live singing.

Its design allows you to hold it easily on your hand, while its cardioid polar pattern ensures that it won’t pick up sounds that are not exactly in front of it, saving you from feedback issues.

Plus, it incorporates a switch that lets you turn it on and off without the need to do this from the mixing console.

It is mainly used for vocals, and it is really useful for soft and quiet voices. But this is not the limit: you can use it for instruments, too!

E835 S Dynamic Microphone by Sennheiser

Do you want to know the best thing?

This mic comes at a really low price, which is actually surprising for a Sennheiser product.

Moreover, a clip and a carrying pouch are included in the package.

Like everything else, it has a downside, too.

The main issue with this mic is that it might sound a bit muffled to some, as its proximity effect is more intense.

PROS
  • Inexpensive
  • Switch to turn it on and off
  • Good for soft vocals
CONS
  • It might sound muddy to some people
Compare Prices

Summing up, the Sennheiser e835-S is a great low-budget dynamic microphone for live vocal use.

Sennheiser e835-S:
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Final Thoughts

So, what are you waiting for?

Getting a dynamic microphone isn’t something that you will regret in the future!

These microphones are very versatile and once you buy them, you will be using them more than you could imagine!

Pick one and start using it!

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