Before we start, make sure you have the basic knowledge of studio microphones, if not, check the ultimate guide to studio microphones, where I went through different types of microphones and what those technical specs mean. I’m not going to talk about the character of dynamic microphones again, so better check it out if you missed it.

 

Now let’s dive in…

1. Shure SM57

I believe you’ve already heard of SM57, and here is the reason why it’s so famous. SM57 can be used for any occasions, no matter it is in recording studios or live shows, SM57 can handle your sound source really well. It’s mostly used for miking snare drums and guitar cabinets. And it’s very durable, unlike some high-end microphones that are fragile, it’s almost impossible to break a SM57, drop it or hit it with a drumstick, SM57 will still work just fine. Make sure you have at least one SM57 in your studio, you will find it really handy.

• Cardioid
• Frequency response: 40 – 15,000 Hz
• Output Impedance: 310 Ohms
• Max SPL: 150 dB
• Sensitivity: 1.88 mV / Pa

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2. Shure SM58

You can tell from its name, SM58 is similar to SM57, they share most of their features. It also has a wide range of use that works great for any situation. Originally, SM57 and SM58 are the same Unidyne III design, however, the grille design of SM58 acts like a pop filter which make it more suitable for vocal than SM57. Just like SM57, SM58 is very durable, some claims a 20 years old microphone performs just as well as the new one.

• Cardioid
• Frequency response: 50 – 15,000 Hz
• Output Impedance: 300 Ohms
• Max SPL: 150 dB
• Sensitivity: 1.88 mV / Pa

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And if you want the SM58 with on/off switch which is useful for live shows, you can check out the SM58S.

Shure SM58S

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3. Sennheiser E835

This one is the great competitor of SM58, both microphones are very suitable for live vocal, studio as well as other use. Sennheiser E835 sounds more pleasant. The wider frequency response and high-end boost make Sennheiser E835 sounds really great, but SM58 sounds better if you tweak EQ properly. The downside of Sennheiser E835 is it doesn’t have that much room for EQ like SM58 does.

• Cardioid
• Frequency response: 40 – 16,000 Hz
• Output Impedance: 350 Ohms
• Max SPL: 150 dB
• Sensitivity: 2.7mV / Pa

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Sennheiser E835 also has an on/off switch model E835S.

Sennheiser E835S

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4. AKG D5

A lot of people compare AKG D5 with SM58 and E835. It is also mostly used for vocal and it’s great for live shows, the supercardioid polar pattern prevents it from feedback. It has a crispy sound character. In compare to SM58, AKG D5 is airier and has more high-end content, in comparison to E835, AKG D5 is even crispier but less warm. One thing SM58 and E835 can’t beat is its price, AKG D5 is the cheapest microphone on this page.

• Supercardioid
• Frequency response: 70 – 20,000 Hz
• Output Impedance: 600 Ohms
• Max SPL: 156 dB
• Sensitivity: 2.6mV / Pa

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And here is the on/off switch model D5S.

AKG D5S

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5. AKG D40

It’s an instrument microphone that mainly designed for handling loud sound, which makes it really great for live shows and also recording drums and guitar cabinets. AKG D40 can deliver great sound in a loud environment without losing any frequency. It is also very durable that can survive from any kind of drops and hits.

• Cardioid
• Frequency response: 50 – 20,000 Hz
• Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
• Max SPL: 156 dB
• Sensitivity: 2.5mV / Pa

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6. Sennheiser MD421-II

All 5 microphones I’ve mentioned earlier are all very affordable. If the price is not your only concern, let me introduce the king of dynamic microphones, Sennheiser MD421-II. The price is a bit high for most home studios, but this microphone is definitely worth the money. No matter is percussion, toms, guitar cabinet or even vocal, It sounds just amazing on everything. The best feature is the 5 position bass roll-off that make MD421-II an all-round dynamic microphone.

• Cardioid
• Frequency response: 30 – 17,000 Hz
• Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
• Max SPL: 150 dB
• Sensitivity: 2mV / Pa
• Five position bass roll-off switch

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