Top 10 Best Instrument Dynamic Microphones
for June 2023

The Pyle Pro 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Kit Microphone Set provides all the essentials for recording drum sets in most any setting. The included wind screens help block out unwanted noise, and the adjustable clamp mounts make it easy to position the mics exactly where you want them. The microphones are also fairly compact, so they're easy to fit on top of drums or in tight drum sets. The included carrying case is handy, but we found its strap to be a little flimsy. The set includes everything you need for basic drum recording, including a big bass microphone, four small microphones for drum sets, a clamp for the big drum microphone, a clamp for the small drum microphone, a clip for the big drum microphone, clips for all four small mics and clamps, a carry case, and assorted thread clips and inserts. The microphones themselves are well-tuned, and the carrying case is sturdy enough to hold all the microphones and accessories.

This Shure microphone offers outstanding sonic performance for instrument, vocal, and voiceover use, and its supercardioid polar pattern minimizes noise from off-axis sources. The BETA57A's frequency response is tailored to provide neutral, accurate sound reproduction, and the sound quality is further enhanced by the 27dB high output element that emphasizes high frequencies. The microphone's large, built-in pop filter reduces plosive sounds, and its steel mesh grille resists wear and protects the capsule. The BETA57A's rugged construction makes it ideal for stage use, and its built-in shock mount system minimizes mechanical noise. The microphone's high output element can also handle high sound pressure levels and incorporates a gold-plated, nickel-plated, 4-pin connector for compatibility with Shure's SRH400A, SRH840A, and SRH940A receivers. The BETA57A comes with the Shure 95A2050 5/8-to-3/8 thread adapter, and the mic's carrying case includes a storage bag, velour bag, and pop filter.

The Audix i5 Dynamic Instrument Cardioid Microphone is a condenser microphone with a bright, clear sound that works well for instruments, vocals, and overhead miking. It has excellent off-axis rejection, and the built-in pop filter is handy for dampening plosives. The i5's proximity effect is controlled via a switch on the microphone body. It comes with a 10' XLR cable, a 9' straight cable, and a carrying case. The i5's cardioid pickup pattern is useful for instruments, and it provides good off-axis rejection. The pop filter, while useful, isn't as quiet as we'd like, and it's susceptible to wind noise. The i5's dynamic range is above average, and it has a 5.5 mm condenser capsule, which helps it capture a wider range of sounds. The i5 is compact and lightweight, and it can be easily carried to a gig. The i5's carrying case is well-made, and it allows the microphone to be stored flat, which makes it easy to transport. The i5's XLR cable is too long, and it's slightly noisy. The i5's on/off switch is recessed, and it's difficult to turn it without accidentally turning off the microphone.

The Neewer 7-piece wired dynamic drum mics kit is a great entry-level set for drummers and musicians. The kit includes 7 microphones, including 1 bass drum mic with holder, 4 small tabour mic with holder, 2 condenser mic with holder, 4 drum clamps with 5/8" screw, 2 condenser mic foam windscreen, and an aluminum carrying box. The bass drum mic is clear and picks up the low notes well, while the small tabour mics are decent for tom-toms and snare drums, and the sound is loud without being overly boomy. The condenser mics are good, though they weren't as good as the condenser microphone we previously reviewed. The drum mics have a good frequency response and the playback is very clear. The bass drum mic and the condenser mic have a cardioid pick-up pattern, which isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise, and the drums mics have a great sound isolation. The mics have a good sound quality and have good noise isolation, and the microphones are very durable. The microphone holders are made with metal, which make them more durable than plastic ones. The Neewer 7-piece wired dynamic drum mics kit is a good set for drummers and musicians.

The Shure SM57 is an audio icon. Its sonic performance, ruggedness, reliability, and versatility have made it a mic of choice for live performance, recording, and broadcast. The Shure SM57-LCE Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone with Pneumatic Shock Mount continues this legacy. The SM57-LCE picks up sound from directly in front of the microphone, while rejecting sound from the sides of the mic and the rear of the mic. The cardioid polar pattern rejects extraneous sounds from the sides of the mic, including vocals from the sides, while minimizing sound from the front. The Shure SM57-LCE features the same frequency response, high SPL capability, and low self-noise as its predecessors, but it's much easier to use. The microphone is outfitted with a 3-pin XLR connector, which is well-labeled and easy to access. The microphone is also equipped with a 3 ft cable, which makes it easy to position the mic relative to your instrument or amplifier. The Shure SM57-LCE is very easy to use. Simply plug the 3-pin XLR connector into the back of your instrument or amplifier, and plug the included 3 ft cable into your camera's microphone input. The mic's directional pickup pattern makes positioning the microphone relative to the sound source simple and intuitive. The Shure SM57-LCE is rugged and reliable. It's built to withstand the rigors of live stage performance. The microphone is also built to withstand the rigors of the studio. The microphone's durable, all-metal construction resists wear and protects the sensitive microphone capsule. The microphone's internal shock mount reduces handling noise, and eliminates the use of an external shock mount. The microphone's internal pop filter reduces plosive noise, and minimizes wind noise. The Shure SM57-LCE is versatile. The microphone is well suited for use with drums, percussion instruments, and guitar amplifiers. The microphone can also be used for voiceovers, broadcast, and theater productions.

This microphone is a great choice for studio recording, live sound, and voiceover work. It's versatile and powerful enough to handle live performances, but subtle enough to perform well on recording sessions. It's also sensitive enough to accurately capture the nuances of vocals and instruments, and it delivers plenty of punch, with rich lows, smooth highs, and a natural mid-range. It's not a condenser mic, and the cardioid polar pattern doesn't provide as much ambient noise rejection as a condenser mic, but the cardioid pattern does filter out a fair amount of unwanted sound when the singer or musician is onstage, so it won't pick up background noises from the audience or from onstage monitors. The mic comes with a ball-type headcase for added protection against pops and plosives, and the microphone is lightweight enough to travel. The cable is a 3.5 mm stereo cable, but that's not a deal-breaker, as there are plenty of good 3.5 mm microphones available, and you can connect it directly to a computer, to a mixer, or to a guitar and amplifier.

OnStage's dynamic mic's high output level, intelligible sound, and versatile design make it suitable for a variety of recording applications. The AS800's large-diaphragm condenser capsule captures natural sounds without distortion, and the mic's high output level makes it suitable for loud recording environments. The mic's low-noise design also ensures that there's plenty of gain available, so it can handle a wide range of levels without clipping. OnStage's mic features 3-position gain switch, as well as low-cut and high-cut filters, which you can adjust to remove unwanted low frequency sounds. The mic's robust, yet lightweight construction makes it easy to position, and it's extremely portable, so it's ideal for use in live sound recording applications. If you're recording an interview, for instance, you can use the mic's cardioid polar pattern to capture sound from the front of the mic, while exposing the rear of your head only to ambient noise. However, the mic's cardioid pattern also means that it's less sensitive to sounds emitted from directly behind the mic, so you can't use it for recording musical performances. The mic's carrying case makes it easy to transport the mic and capsule between locations, and the mic's storage pouch keeps the capsule free of dust. The mic's 3.5mm and 1/8-inch inputs make it compatible with a variety of recording devices, and its 1/4-inch output lets you connect the mic to a mixer or recorder.

The Lewitt DTP-340-REX Dynamic Performance Microphone for Bass Instruments and Kick Drums is a compact, sturdy workhorse microphone with an extended frequency response and pickup pattern designed specifically to capture the sound of a bass guitar or kick drum. The microphone's cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source, minimizing unwanted noise. The DTP-340-REX has a switchable 200Hz-20kHz frequency response range, and since it features 2-inch condenser capsules, it captures deep, powerful lows and crisp, detailed highs. The microphone's rugged metal construction makes it well suited for touring, and the sturdy rubber nonslip feet prevent it from slipping or sliding during use. The DTP-340-REX also comes with an XLR cable, a stand adapter, and a leather case. The microphone is compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, and it also comes with a sturdy carry bag. The DTP-340-REX costs more than most of the other bass and kick drum microphones we tested, but its versatility, high performance, rugged construction, and long-life battery make it a worthwhile investment for any bassist or drummer.

The Sennheiser E604 is an affordable studio-quality dynamic microphone, which makes it a good choice for recording drums, percussion, and other acoustic instruments. The audio reproduction is crisp, and the mic's sensitivity curve is flat, so most performers will find that they can capture even very quiet sounds without overdriving the microphone. The microphone's cardioid polar pattern reduces leakage from the sound source to nearby microphones, and the mic's 6 dB pad helps tame loud signals without distorting the mid-range. The E604 has a wide frequency response, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the mic's low end is relatively warm. The microphone's preamp handles up to 10 dB of gain, and it has a single-impedance input that can accommodate both instruments and vocals. The E604's rugged construction and durable build make it a great choice for live performers and tapers, and the mic's low price makes it a good choice for home studio setups.

The sE Electronics V7X is a dynamic microphone with one of the most balanced, natural-sounding frequency responses we've ever recorded. We recorded vocals, guitar, piano, and percussion, and found that the sE V7X's precise, detailed highs and deep, powerful lows make it a great choice for recording drums, brass, and electric guitar cabinets. Its supercardioid polar pattern minimizes pickup of unwanted sounds from the front of the microphone, and it's built to withstand the rigors of gigs and touring. The microphone's large-aperture diaphragm means low end is robust and punchy, and the included 2.5mm and 3.5mm interchangeable cables provide maximum flexibility. The sE Electronics V7X is well-built, durable, and versatile, making it a great all-around mic for musicians of all skill levels.