13 Best Instrument Dynamic Microphones
List Updated September 2023
Bestselling Instrument Dynamic Microphones in 2023
GLS Audio Instrument Microphone ES-57 & Mic Clip - Professional Series ES57 Dynamic Cardioid Mike Unidirectional - For Instruments, Drums, Percussion, Vocals, and more
- Uni-Directional Dynamic Instrument Microphone
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz - 15,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -72dB at 1,000 Hz (Open Circuit Voltage)
- Can be used with Lo-Z XLR 3 Pin Balanced & Hi-Z 1/4"
- Impedance: 300 ohms at 1,000 Hz
Shure SM-57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
- An industry standard for performance and recording
- Handheld or mountable microphone for guitars, vocals, and other instruments in live sound and recording applications
- Dynamic cartridge with cardioid polar pattern
- Contoured frequency response for clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup
Shure SM57-LC Instrument/Vocal Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Bundle with Mic Boom Stand, XLR Cable, Mic Clip, and Bag
- Everything you need to start playing straight out of the box! Bundle includes Shure SM57-LC Instrument/Vocal Microphone, Mic Boom Stand, XLR Cable
- Contoured frequency response is clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup
- Professional-quality reproduction for drum, percussion, and instrument amplifier mixing
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main source while reducing background noise
- Frequency response 40 to 15,000 Hz
Audio-Technica PRO 63 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
- Tuned to make an impact, this mic clarifies the intensity of instruments and vocals
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
- Hi-ENERGY neodymium magnet for improved output and transient response
- Two-stage ball-type headcase for superior "pop" protection
- Corrosion-resistant contacts from gold-plated XLRM-type connector
- Rugged design and construction for reliable performance
Audix I5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
- Clear, accurate sound with wide response
- Ideally suited for snare, guitar cabs, wide variety of instruments
- VLM (very low mass) diaphragm provides excellent transient response
- Handles extremely high SPLs without distortion
- Designed, assembled and tested by Audix in the USA
Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 Dynamic Vocal Microphone, Cardioid
- Cardioid characteristic with excellent feedback suppression
- Shock mount system reduces handling noise
- Two-stage pop filter minimizes breath and pop noises
- 50 Hz to 15 kHz frequency response
- Sturdy, reliable metal construction and electromagnetic shielding.Sensitivity: -70dB
Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
- Contoured frequency response is clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup
- Professional-quality reproduction for drum, precussion, and instrument amplifier miking
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main source while reducing background noise
- Extremely durable under heaviest use
- Frequency response 40 to 15,000 Hz
Pyle Pro 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit - Kick Bass, Tom / Snare & Cymbals Microphone Set - For Drums, Vocal, & Other Instrument - Complete with Thread Clip, Inserts, Mics Holder & Case - PDKM7
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Each Microphone piece is tuned to capture everything from low end punch to sensitive / flat sound. The big drum microphone is designed for bass drums & low frequency instruments, the small drum mic is for Tom & snare drums & the overhead condenser mics are for cymbals, pianos, & vocals.
- COMPACT & VERSATILE: This instrumental microphone kit by Pyle Pro is designed for just about any set of drums or other musical instruments & the Compact size of the microphones makes it ideal for close recording.
- COMPATIBILITY: Each instrument microphone is designed with the standard thread 3/8" or 5/8" to match all types of microphone stand. Drum mount is also universal & can be attached to most drum rims. All mics comes with standard XLR connectors to allow compatibility with most audio instruments.
- CONVENIENT CARRY CASE: A convenient & lightweight carry case protects your mini microphones & allow for quick setup & safe transport. Includes a set of keys & briefcase-style locks to add safety to your audio accessories.
- INCLUSIONS: One big drum mic, 4 small drum mics; 2 condenser mics with the holder; 4 thread clip & thread inserts, 4 clamps for snare/tom mics, & 2 wind screens for condenser mics.
Pyle-Pro Professional Moving Coil Dynamic Cardioid Unidirectional Vocal Handheld Microphone Includes 15ft XLR Audio Cable to 1/4'' Audio Connection (PDMIC78)
- UNIDIRECTIONAL - Cardioid pickup pattern captures source signal such as guitar amplifier or vocalist, while shunning off-axis sound minimizing background noise & feedback reproducing audio without interference from instruments or speakers on stage.
- DYNAMIC - For optimal clarity and punch, robust & resistant to moisture, achieving high gain before feedback, makes this microphone ideal for live vocal applications and for recording amplified instruments.
- ULTRA-WIDE FREQUENCY RESPONSE - for brilliant and transparent sound with integrated pop filter and windscreen to minimize breath and pop noises you can count on it to come through after countless gigs and studio applications.
- CABLE INCLUDED - Professional grade 15 ft. XLR-to-1/4 cable supplied. This Pyle PDMIC78 is perfect for your bedroom, professional studios and on-stage vocal performances all over the globe.
- HIGH QUALITY - Rugged, all-metal construction for maximum reliability featuring a zinc die-cast case and steel mesh windscreen with anti-dent ring. A perfect all-purpose, versatile stage and recording microphone.
beyerdynamic TG I52 Dynamic Clip-On Hypercardioid Microphone for Wind Instruments
- Dynamic clip-on microphone for wind instruments
- Hypercardioid polar pattern
- Very high gain before feedback
- Compact size, rugged construction
- Flexible gooseneck with rubberized clip-on mount and 3-pin XLR output
Shure BETA 58A Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone with High Output Neodymium Element for Vocal/Instrument Applications
- Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass roll off to control proximity effect
- Uniform super cardioid pattern for high gain before feedback and superior rejection off axis sound
- Neodymium magnet for high signal to noise output
Funmily Kids Drum Set Toy Musical Instruments with Adjustable Microphone for Toddlers
- 5 MODES OF PLAY: 5 light music with flashing lights, 4 kinds of interesting sound effects, 10 melodies, 3 dynamic rhythm, simulation drums with hi-fi sound
- MAIN STRUCTURE: It has a power ON/OFF button and an +/- volume button, a holder for the two sticks and a microphone stand, three drum pads and two cymbals with its own unique sound
- INSTRUMENT LEARNING TOY: Beat the drum with the two drumsticks, allow your child to feel like a real drummer, great for kids' sensory development
- ADJUSTABLE MICROTHONE: Help you adjust the microphone up and down, or take the microphone off, play drums and sing with music, baby can create their own melodies, make baby fall in love with music, also help them fall asleep
- PERFECT SIZE: 34.5 x 16cm/13.5 x 6.2 inch (Approx). Stick length: 22cm/8.6 inch
Shure WH20XLR Dynamic Headset Microphone - (Wired) Includes 3-pin Male XLR Connector with Detachable Belt Clip
- (Wired) Includes 3-pin male XLR connector w/ detachable belt clip
- Lightweight wireframe and elastic headband adjust for a secure, comfortable fit
- Extra-strong, small-diameter attached microphone cable resists breakage
- Collapsible microphone boom for easy storage and transportation
- Smooth, natural frequency response comparable to high-quality dynamic hand-held vocal microphones
How Good is the iPhone's Microphone?
I set up a test between the iPhone's microphone and a few studio microphones to determine the quality of the mic on Apple's device.
I happened to have both around, and did a quick, unscientific test. Here's my analyisis of the iPhone microphone quality.
Sensitivity - I plugged in a studio standard, the Shure SM57, set it beside my iPhone, and recorded myself strumming a guitar and speaking from several distances around a room. The idea was to see which mic would pick up more of my sound. Not surprisingly, the iPhone was a bit more directional, but surprisingly, both mics picked up sound at a decent cardioid pattern (a pattern that arcs out in a sort of circle in front of the mic, trailing off at the sides). The iPhone's mic, primarily built to pick up telephone conversation, recorded sounds well across the room.
Tone - Listening back to the tracks, there was definitely less bass on the iPhone's microphone. Again, not by much, but by a noticeable amount. The iPhone microphone quality took its first hit here, but it still picked up more bass than a cheap $20 mic I had laying around from a practice session. The higher range of frequencies seemed very well represented and easy to hear. I applied some digital equalization, just out of curiosity, and could make the iPhone microphone sound very similar to my SM57 (but again, not perfect).
Reproduction - The quality of the iPhone mic suffers a bit in that it's meant for voice memos, and the sound it exports is not quite up to par with what's capable from a better system. Still, the difference is hardly noticeable to the average ear, save for occasional bits of phasing that pop up. It's a very good sounding, near-professional microphone of decent quality.
All in all, I don't think it's ridiculous to say that the iPhone's microphone is on par with a $50-60 project studio dynamic microphone, which is certainly saying something--most cell phones record terribly. It's also notable that the iPhone has a host of applications that allow for very versatile recording situations, so the quality of the mic is backed up with quality software. If you're looking for a simple way to make decent (though not spectacular) field recordings, don't overlook Apple's flagship device. In the words of Han Solo, she may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid.
What do you think if the iPhone's microphone quality? Post in the comments section below.
