The Best Dynamic Microphones for Live Vocals: A Comprehensive Review
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
- Discover the top dynamic microphones for live vocals.
- Each mic excels in specific environments.
- Performance analysis based on clarity, feedback rejection, and warmth.
- Comparison chart included for quick reference.
Table of Contents
Setting Up the Experiment
To test the contenders for the title of best dynamic microphone for live vocals, I rounded up five popular choices in the industry: the Shure Beta 58A, Sennheiser e935, Sennheiser e945, Telefunken M80, and the Electro-Voice RE20. Each of these mics claims to excel in different environments, making it crucial to closely examine their unique characteristics, how they handle feedback, and, most importantly, how they perform under the pressure of live talent.
I set my test environment at a local venue that typically hosts mid-sized acts—a place buzzing with life, drinks, and general audience chatter. Having a noisy backdrop allows me to assess not just clarity but also how well each mic handled unwanted noise and feedback.
Test Setup
- Microphone Positioning: I mounted the mics on boom stands, ensuring each was positioned at the same distance from the vocalist.
- Mixing Board: I connected each microphone to a high-quality mixing console (a Yamaha MG12XU), allowing me to adjust gain settings and EQ to ensure a fair comparison.
- Playback and Recording: Throughout my tests, I played tracks of varying styles (rock, jazz, and acoustic) through the venue’s PA system to see how each mic would respond to different vocal types and levels.
- Feedback Research: During sound tests, I deliberately pushed for high gain to check how each microphone managed feedback, an ever-looming threat during live shows.
The Contenders
1. Shure Beta 58A
Right off the bat, the Shure Beta 58A stood out. As an industry standard, it’s widely regarded for a reason. It features a supercardioid polar pattern, which provides exceptional isolation from ambient stage noise and greatly minimizes feedback.
Observations: When I plugged this mic into my setup, the gain range surprised me compared to other models. Even at higher levels, the sound remained bright and clear, emphasizing the warmth of vocals while cutting through the mix effortlessly. The robust build quality also gave me confidence that this mic could withstand the rigors of regular touring.
- Pros: Excellent feedback rejection; Bright, clean vocal reproduction.
- Cons: Somewhat bass-heavy for certain vocal types.
Best For: Classic rock and pop vocals, where clarity is key and stage noise is a factor.
2. Sennheiser e935
Next, I turned to the Sennheiser e935. This mic is known for having a clarity that rivals condenser microphones while maintaining that rugged dynamic feel.
Observations: The cardioid pattern effectively rejected sounds from the rear and sides, which I found invaluable during my tests. Vocals sounded rich and detailed, especially in the mid-range, and there was a noticeable reduction in handling noise thanks to its design.
- Pros: Exceptional clarity and warmth; Great handling noise reduction.
- Cons: Less effective against stage noise than the Beta 58A.
Best For: Singers who favor warmth and clarity in their vocal delivery.
3. Sennheiser e945
Then came the Sennheiser e945. This supercardioid mic aims to provide an even tighter feedback rejection compared to its sibling, the e935.
Observations: The focused pickup made it shine in dense mixes where clarity is paramount. There was something about its natural, warm sound that resonated particularly well with power singers. Vocals felt like they were in front of the music rather than buried underneath.
- Pros: Tight feedback rejection; Clear, natural sound.
- Cons: Can be sensitive to plosives without a proper pop filter.
Best For: High-energy performances and singers who often battle stage noise.
4. Telefunken M80
The Telefunken M80 boasts a well-balanced low-end and excels in clarity, and I was eager to see how it performed under live conditions.
Observations: This mic’s handling of plosives was noteworthy—considerably less problematic than some of the others during high-energy moments. The lower gain requirement meant I could comfortably crank up the volume without crossing into feedback territory. The balance it offered helped make the vocals feel both smooth and powerful in a band context.
- Pros: Reduced gain requirements; Balanced sound profile.
- Cons: Less prominent high frequencies compared to Beta 58A.
Best For: Live bands needing strong vocal presence in heavy mixes without harshness.
5. Electro-Voice RE20
Finally, the Electro-Voice RE20, more known for its studio capabilities, proved to be an interesting competitor in this test.
Observations: While it was a joy to listen to, its natural sound might get a bit lost compared to more tailored vocal mics. But the Variable-D design helped minimize proximity effect while giving me a large sweet spot. It did hold its ground well, providing clear sound with natural details, which I appreciated.
- Pros: Natural sound reproduction, versatile; Very large sweet spot.
- Cons: Bulky; might be unwieldy for some vocalists.
Best For: Vocals that require both mic presence and studio-grade quality on stage, especially for quieter performances.
Comparing Performance
Looking back at my notes, I created a comparative table that showcases key strengths:
| Microphone | Polar Pattern | Key Strengths | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shure Beta 58A | Supercardioid | Bright, present vocals, robust build | Live vocals (industry std) |
| Sennheiser e935 | Cardioid | Clarity, warmth, hum rejection | Live vocals |
| Sennheiser e945 | Supercardioid | Focused pickup, cuts through mixes | Loud stages, live vocals |
| Telefunken M80 | Supercardioid | Balanced lows, clear mids/highs | Live vocals, all genres |
| Electro-Voice RE20 | Cardioid | Natural, detailed sound, variable-D tech | Band vocals, studio/live |
Conclusion
Now that I’ve put these microphones through their paces, it’s clear that each comes with its own strengths, fitting different vocal styles and performance environments.
For the classic dynamic mic experience, you can hardly go wrong with the Shure Beta 58A—a powerhouse perfect for loud environments.
If you’re after a sonic blend of clarity and warmth, the Sennheiser e935 is a remarkable choice that could elevate your live performance.
The Sennheiser e945 is your best bet if you frequently deal with high stage noise and require a tight feedback rejection.
Meanwhile, the Telefunken M80 offers a unique balanced sound, working excellently in diverse genres.
Lastly, for those looking to bring studio quality onto the stage, the Electro-Voice RE20 provides an unparalleled natural audio experience.
Each microphone can cater to different needs, so consider what’s most important for your performances. If you’re looking for something rugged and reliable, the Shure and Sennheiser mics lead the pack, while Telefunken and Electro-Voice bring a unique flavor to the table.
For anyone stepping into the realm of live performance, I’d suggest testing out these mics in-store if possible or following the latest reviews for feedback quality.
If you want to explore unique audio tools and gear that will elevate your sound game, check out Geeksper’s recommended gear, and grab the links to these microphones to make your purchase easy. Let’s get your sound on point!
FAQ
What is the best dynamic microphone for live vocals?
The best dynamic microphone for live vocals depends on personal preference and performance style, but many favor the Shure Beta 58A for its reliability and quality.
Why are dynamic microphones preferred for live performances?
Dynamic microphones are preferred for live performances due to their durability, feedback rejection capabilities, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion.
Does microphone pattern matter for live sound?
Yes, microphone pattern matters significantly. Supercardioid and cardioid patterns are commonly used in live sound to capture vocals while minimizing background noise and feedback.