What are Dynamic Mics Used For?

When your ready to buy a microphone. It seems like a simple task. I mean after all a mic is a mic. Isn’t it? When you start looking around. You will find condenser mics and dynamic mics. But what is the difference? And what are dynamic mics used for? Not to worry, I needed to buy a mic so I did a lot investigating prior to making my purchase.

So if your wondering what are dynamic mics used for? Lets look at What are dynamic mics used for? They are versatile microphones that can be used for miking high levels of sound. Miking Electric Guitars, Acoustic guitars, Vocals, and Drums. A Dynamic mic is a more durable microphone.

Like I said after a lot of research I went out and bought the Best Dynamic mic, at a bargain price. And that is the Shure SM57,

If you want to hear all about what are dynamic mics used for. Then let me make it simple for you. So that you can make an informed decision when you buy your mic.

What is a Dynamic Microphone

A Dynamic microphone pics up sound and transfers it into electrical energy. This is done through a transducer that is inside the mic. A transducer, plain and simply receives a signal. Which is in the form of one type of energy. Then converts it into a signal of another form.

A Microphone converts acoustic energy into electrical impulses. source

The Dynamic microphone construction is simple. With fewer parts. They are more rugged. And due to less parts to transduce the sound. The Dynamic mic is more economical.

Humidity and heat does’t affect a dynamic microphone. Due to versatility, durability and resistance to climate. The Dynamic microphone is more widely used. And very economical.

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What Can You Mic With a Dynamic Mic?

Because the Dynamic Microphone is so versatile. You will find that they are used for miking Acoustic guitars. Setting the mic in various places next to the guitar. Depending on what sound you want. More of a warm sound or a brighter sound.

Miking an Amplifier is what I use the Shure sm57 for. This allows you to get a live sound from your electric guitar.

Drummers can use a dynamic microphone to mike there drums. And of course when you think of microphones. You think of singers. The dynamic mic does it all! Including used for vocals. Singing and even if you were going to use it for speaking. Such as if you had a pod cast.

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Studio Recording Microphone

I use the Dynamic microphone in the studio. Because it is so versatile, and doesn’t need any Phantom power. After looking at how I use the microphone in the studio. If you need help setting up a home studio click the link.

When I am recording my acoustic guitar. Then I can use the microphone close to the sound hole. Sitting on a boom or mic stand. The mic can plug directly into the audio interface. With the use of an XLR Cable.

Or if I want to play my acoustic electric guitar, plugged into the amplifier. I can use the Dynamic mic in front of the amplifier. With the mic plugged into the Audio interface.

Another use for the Shure sm57 in the studio. When i’m miking the electric guitar, and have a live sound. Without using any effects from a DAW. Then again place the mic about 8 inches away from the amplifier, and man does it sound great.

If you are looking for an economical, durable and versatile Dynamic mic. Then click here for current price on Reverb.

Durability of the Dynamic Mic

Dynamic mics are more durable! When I purchased the Shure sm57 to mic my amplifier. I was really shocked when I pulled it out of the box. And found that it was quite heavy for a small microphone. Then upon further inspection I discovered. The body of the microphone is made of steel.

This is as rugged and durable as it gets. If your at a gig and setting up. And accidentally drop your mic. Well that could be a problem. But with a Dynamic mic, and I am speaking about the Shure sm57. There is no problem. I can tell you first hand that this is a well built mic. That sounds great, and is so affordable. It’s a no-brainier when in comes to microphones.

Related Article: Gear & Resources Best Micrphones.


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Dynamic Mic VS Condenser Mic

After I checked out lots of microphones prior to purchasing the Shure sm57. I really took a close look at the difference between a Dynamic mic VS Condenser Mic.

Both microphones use a transducer to convert the energy. The Dynamic mic used a coil wire and a magnet. There is a thin diaphragm inside the microphone that moves back and forth. The coiled wire moves with the vibration of the diaphragm. There is a small magnet that creates a magnetic field from the movement of the coiled wire. Thus creating an electrical energy. And converting the acoustic sound into an electrical signal.

As you can see that there are not a lot of parts. Thus keeping the cost of construction down. In turn cutting the costs. Then past on to the consumers. The end result is a more cost effective microphone.

Related Article: How to play guitar & sing at the same time.

Condenser Microphone

Condenser microphones are a little more complex. There is a back-plate assembly that is part of an electrically charged diaphragm. This creates a consistent charge of electricity from sound waves.

These sound waves cause a vibration on a plastic diaphragm. The electrical charge, and the space between the back-plate and diaphragm cause a vibration. Which forms an electrical signal that is heard when using a condenser mic.

The Capacitor is the component that holds the charge of electricity. Back in the day a Capacitor was called a condenser. Hence Condenser mic. Source

Because the condenser mic works when electricity is accumulated and holding a charge. All condenser microphones have to be powered by batteries or another source of phantom power.

The cons of using a condenser mic:

  1. The electronics in a condenser mic cause a noise.
  2. There is a limit to the amount of signal that the electronics can handle.
  3. Batteries or Phantom power.

Good Condenser microphones are designed to have very little noise. Considering a condenser mic? Take a look at the review on the Best Condenser microphone.

Depending on what you are planning to use the mic for. Will depend on what microphone you use. If you are using the mic outside. Or in a loud arena setting. Like playing in a bar where things are loud. Then you will defiantly want to get a Dynamic mic.

Conversely if you are in a controlled environment, then a Condenser microphone can. work quite well.

These are things that I use and can say are good choices. I feel are super useful when I am recording.

  • Shure SM57 Dynamic Mic – Great sounding, versatile, solid microphone & inexpensive
  • Focusrite Scarlett 2i2-Best Audio interface. Easy to use & works great.(48v phantom power)
  • MXL 990 Condenser Mic-This microphone does a great job for singing in the studio. Very Little noise, and sounds great. (Comes with shock mount & Case).
  • XLR Cable – Whether you use a Dynamic mic or Condenser you will need a cable.
  • Heavy Duty Mic Stand– A Mic stand/ boom will come in handy.

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Related Questions

What is Phantom Power

A Microphone that needs electricity all the time to operate is called a condenser mic. The power that drives direct current of electricity to the microphone. Is called phantom power. The microphone can get phantom power from batteries.

More often the phantom power is delivered using a preamp like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. Then delivered to the mic through a cable. Get the current price on Reverb.

What kind of Cable Does a Dynamic Microphone use?

You know the old saying you get what you pay for. Well this is true when it comes to microphone cables too. No they are not all the same.

Cables for microphones can range from $10.00 -$100.00 or more. If you are like me working at home in your studio. You don’t need an expensive cable. But you don’t wan’t a cheap one because they can have radio interference. (Noise) Or just break way to soon. I recommend getting an XLR Cable that is at the low end $25.00. And on the High end $50.00. See the Current price on Reverb.


Best Dynamic Mic SM57 for Guitar

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