Dynamic microphones are chosen in studio, broadcast and stage applications for their ruggedness, high sound pressure capability, coloured frequency response, and affordable price point, among other reasons. Not all dynamic microphones are created equal, though, and this article aims to provide you with the top 11 best dynamic microphones on the market today.
What Is A Dynamic Microphone?
A dynamic microphone (more specifically known as a moving-coil dynamic microphone) is a transducer that converts sound waves (mechanical wave energy) into audio (electrical energy) via a movable diaphragm and the process of electromagnetic induction.
The defining component of a dynamic microphone is the moving-coil cartridge transducer. Let’s talk about the cartridge in greater detail, starting with a simplified diagram to show the main working parts of the transducer:
We have a conductive coil attached to a diaphragm within the cartridge that moves within a peculiarly designed magnetic structure (made of magnets and pole pieces). Electrical leads are connected to either end of the coil to use the voltage/signal of the cartridge effectively.
To explain how the dynamic microphone transducer works, let’s begin with the sound waves. Sound waves cause localized variation in sound pressure levels within their medium (air in the case of most microphones). Any pressure difference between the front and backside of the mic diaphragm causes the diaphragm to move.
As the diaphragm moves, so too does the attached conductive coil. It’s important to note that the dynamic does not need to be, nor should it be, electrically conductive.
As the coil moves within the permanent magnetic field (supplied by the magnetic structure), a voltage is induced across it via electromagnetic induction. Since the coil moves back and forth with the sound waves, the voltage is alternating. This AC voltage is effectively our mic signal and represents the sound pressure variation quite well.
This method of energy conversion is completely passive (it requires no power to function properly). This signal created by the dynamic cartridge is then sent to the mic’s output.
Many dynamic microphones feature an output transformer to step up the signal’s voltage and provide some protection from stray voltage and electromagnetic interference. However, an output transformer is not absolutely necessary. To be more specific, transformers are also passive devices that work on the principle of electromagnetic induction or inductive coupling.
For everything you need to know about dynamic microphones, check out My New Microphone’s Complete Guide To Moving-Coil Dynamic Microphones and/or What Is A Dynamic Microphone? (Detailed Definition + Examples).
What Characteristics Does A Great Dynamic Microphone Have?
Every dynamic microphone model will have its own sound and performance characteristics. That being said, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the best dynamic microphone. They are:
Ruggedness/Durability
Dynamic microphones are known for being tough as nails. It’s one of their main selling points. Choosing a durable dynamic mic, then, should be easy but is still worth mentioning here.
Sensitivity
The passive transducer and electronics of a moving-coil dynamic microphone cause a fairly low output. The output sensitivity specification should be noted when considering which dynamic mic to buy or use. A lower sensitivity rating ultimately means the mic will be more reliant on a strong preamp to sound great.
The other definition of sensitivity refers to the mic’s ability to pick up the small nuances in a sound. While condenser microphones typically excel at this, dynamic microphones are often preferred since they’re not so sensitive. This low sensitivity is advantageous when recording in less-than-ideal or otherwise noisy environments.
To learn more about microphone sensitivity ratings, check out my articles What Is Microphone Sensitivity? An In-Depth Description and What Is A Good Microphone Sensitivity Rating?
EMI Immunity
The electrically conductive coil in a dynamic microphone naturally acts as an antenna for external electromagnetic fields. This naturally makes dynamic mics susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Professional-grade dynamic microphones typically have static coils incorporated elsewhere in the microphone body to eliminate, or at the very least mitigate, this EMI. When an external electromagnetic field generates a voltage across the moving coil, an oppositely phased voltage is generated across the fixed coil. These two voltages cancel each other out, eliminating EMI from the signal.
This drastically improved the signal-to-noise ratio in the mic signal and is a must-have in this list.
For more information on signal-to-noise ratios in microphones, check out my article What Is A Good Signal-To-Noise Ratio For A Microphone?
Versatility
Dynamic mics are best-known for their use as live vocal mics, drum mics and guitar cabinet mics. However, many dynamic microphones excel in applications other than the commonalities listed.
A great dynamic microphone is versatile. It works well in a multitude of miking techniques on a variety of sound sources and is a go-to in studio, broadcast, and stage environments.
Price
Dynamic microphones are relatively cheap compared to ribbon and condenser mics. The best microphone is often the same as the best microphone in your budget, so price should be a factor in choosing the best dynamic microphone.
A Few Extra Notes
A few last words before we get started.
The microphones on this list have been selected based on the following:
- Personal experience
- Outreach to mentors and their opinions
- Forum research
- Price point
- Product descriptions, sales pages and datasheets
Remember that this list is simply my opinion and is certainly not an end-all-be-all. I would fully expect the next person to have a different list than me, and, in that spirit, I anticipate you may disagree with some of the items on this list.
That being said, I believe the following microphones are the best of the best dynamic microphones on the market, and I hope you enjoy reading through this article!
