Microphones generally fall into one of two categories: condenser or dynamic. We’re going to focus on dynamic microphones today, answering the question of what are dynamic microphones and more specifically when to use on/what they’re best suited for recording.
What Are Dynamic Microphones
First let’s answer what are dynamic microphones.
Dynamic microphones operate using a diaphragm which is attached to a wire coil housed in a magnetic field.
The magnetic field generates electrical signals which captures sound when sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate.
Dynamic microphones have the arguably more recognizable shape with the long slender handle beneath the wire mesh head which protects the diaphragm.
Here is a quick overview of the major points about dynamic microphones:
As you can see, they’re less sensitive than condenser microphones and likewise are more durable.
They also generally capture a more limited physical range.
As I explained on my overview on microphone polar patterns, they typically fall into the cardioid pattern, meaning dynamic microphones pick up whatever source is right in front of them.
As such, you’re not using dynamic microphones to capture a wide physical range, like to mic an entire room or even multiple sources (unless the sources are both right in front of it).
Speaking of what they’re NOT suited for, let’s talk about when you SHOULD use dynamic microphones, including situations and specific instruments they excel in miking and recording.
When to Use Dynamic Microphones
Let’s talk when to use dynamic microphones as I just mentioned by focusing on the situations and instruments in which to use one.
Louder Instruments
I mentioned earlier how dynamic microphones aren’t known for their sensitivity. You can’t easily overload a dynamic microphone with too much signal which makes them better suited for capturing less dynamic (ironically), loud instruments like most drums.
When you’re close miking a very loud source with low dynamic range (meaning not a lot of difference between the quietest and loudest instances/samples), a dynamic microphone is the best choice.
These include:
Snare
The classic example of a loud instrument is close miking a snare drum. Snares are some of the loudest instruments, particularly when you’re right up next to it.
It’s also one of the most reliable instrument in terms of dynamics, virtually outputting roughly the same level with every hit (see my guide to snare compression).
The SM57 is a dynamic microphone you’ll find in a lot of studios on the snare drum because of its ability to handle the pressure up close created by repeated powerful hits of the snare drum and faithfully capture the sound to reproduce in your mix.
Guitar Amp
Amplified electric guitar is also another classic example where even top end studios go to the budget workhorse SM57 for miking the loud cabinet.
Once again, a guitar amp/cabinet is typically a loud source and one without a lot of dynamic range, though there’s admittedly more there than on the snare.
Brass
Even with a mute, a lot of brass instruments are loud and relatively limited on dynamic range, making them excellent candidates for dynamic microphones.
Less Dynamic Instruments
This is essentially another aspect of what we just covered.
I talked about how loud a snare, guitar cab, or brass instruments are, but again I also talked about their limited dynamics relative to other types of instruments.
Live Settings
The durability and lower sensitivity understandably makes dynamic microphones the preferred choice in live settings.
You’d be hard pressed to find a condenser microphone in a live performance because dynamic microphones are built to be more durable, handle the wear and tear of the transit and live performances themselves, and can handle the louder signals, reflections, and simply put the wildcard aspect of live performances.
When NOT to Use Dynamic Microphones
The downside of dynamic microphones or rather the situations of when not to use dynamic microphones is essentially just the flip side of their pros.
Most notably, dynamic microphones aren’t the best matches for recording more dynamic instruments, and while you can certainly use them, they just may not produce the same results as you’d get with a condenser microphone.
Specifically, I prefer a condenser microphone for recording vocals or acoustic guitar – two “instruments” which have a lot of nuance in their dynamic range and as such are better suited for a microphone which is capable of picking up these details which is a condenser microphone.
Dynamic Microphones Reviewed
- Dynamic microphones are known for their limited physical range/polar patterns, limited sensitivity in dynamic range nuance, greater physical durability, and their commonly cylindrical shape.
- They are best suited for close recording louder, simpler (i.e. less dynamic range) sources.
- Specifically, close miking snare drums, guitar amp cabinets, and brass.
- Dynamic microphones are the best microphones to use in a loud and less predictable live setting.
- Dynamic microphones ARE NOT the ideal microphones when recording instruments with more complex dynamics like vocals, acoustic guitar, or even piano.
