A dynamic microphone is a rugged moving coil mic that handles very loud sources without phantom power, which makes it the standard for live vocals, guitar amps and drums.
A dynamic microphone is a rugged moving coil mic that handles very loud sources without phantom power, which makes it the standard for live vocals, guitar amps and drums.
About Dynamic Microphones
A dynamic microphone uses a simple moving-coil design that makes it tough, affordable and able to handle very loud sound sources. That is why dynamics are the workhorse of live sound: they shrug off rough handling, their cardioid pickup pattern naturally rejects feedback and background noise, and they perform best placed close to the source. In the studio the same strengths make them first choice for guitar amps, drums and brass, where a more sensitive microphone would overload.
Browse dynamic vocal microphones for singing on stage, dynamic microphones for drums for kick, snare and toms, or a complete drum microphone set to mic the whole kit, with options from Shure, Audio-Technica and our own SWAMP range. For detailed studio work on vocals and acoustic instruments, compare condenser microphones, or cut the cable entirely with a wireless microphone system.
Live vocals, guitar amps, drums and any loud source. Dynamic mics handle high volume without distorting, resist feedback on stage and survive being dropped, which is why they dominate live sound and touring rigs. The same noise rejection makes a dynamic microphone a popular podcasting choice in untreated rooms.
No. A dynamic microphone is passive and works plugged straight into any mixer, audio interface or PA with an XLR input. Phantom power will not harm a standard balanced dynamic mic if it is switched on for other microphones.
A cardioid dynamic vocal microphone is the standard choice. It rejects sound from the monitors and the crowd, handles close-up singing without distortion and copes with life on the road. Handheld wireless versions suit performers who move around the stage.