Best Dynamic Microphones:
The Definitive List  [2021]

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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?

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...

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!

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.

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!

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….

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!

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

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!

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.