Are Dynamic Mics Good For Podcasting?

Dynamic microphones offer decent sound quality at affordable prices, making them a good choice for podcasters who are just starting out.

Unfortunately, there is no straight answer to whether dynamic microphones are good for podcasts or not. This is because the discussion involves several variables that can change depending on individual preferences. Simply put, dynamic mics can be an excellent choice if you are running on a budget, but if capital is not an issue it lags far behind condenser microphones in terms of sound quality.

Let’s dissect it and allow us to make you understand why dynamic microphones can be good in some situations, but not in others. Let’s get to it:

When Should You Pick Dynamic Microphone Over Condenser Microphone For Podcasting?

While condenser microphones are an excellent choice when it comes to recording vocals, there are times when choosing a dynamic microphone seems a better choice.

1. Budget Issues

Say that you have only started podcasting and are not sure whether it will take off or not. You will not want to invest too much at the start until you are sure about the return on investment. Picking a condenser mic will be expensive, making a dynamic microphone a suitable alternative. 

Furthermore, a point that often gets brushed under the carpet with this dynamic vs condenser mic debate is the supporting equipment you need with both microphones. You can’t make a true condenser microphone work without Phantom Power which is supplied via audio interface or mixer. However, since dynamic microphones do not need phantom power their USB versions are truer than their condenser counterparts.

So, getting a dynamic microphone fixes your budget problem without compromising on the sound quality too significantly and you can start your podcast without breaking the bank.

If you are having trouble finding the right microphone to start the podcast we have another article lined up for you. 

2. Background Noise

Condenser microphones are notorious for picking up the background noise mainly because of their higher sensitivities. To reduce the noise you have to treat the room which can be expensive and not many people have that kind of a budget. Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, have lower sensitivities which means they would not pick up as much noise as a condenser podcast microphone.

So, when you invite multiple guests over to record a podcast you will not have to worry about the spacing between them to get a clear audio for your podcast. 

3. Sound Quality

While it is a fact that when it comes to delivering studio-grade sound quality, condenser mics are great at it. However, another fact is you don’t need studio-grade results for a podcast. As long as a microphone is capturing the speaker’s vocals and reproducing them, it works well enough. Unlike the vocal recordings for a music piece, you do not need to capture the nuances of the speaker’s voice while recording a podcast. 

Certainly, purchasing a condenser microphone will improve the quality of your podcasts but the difference will be hardly noticeable to the general audience. Thus, it is better to use a dynamic microphone for the podcast and use the rest of the capital to invest in marketing for your production.

4. Tailored Frequency Responses

 Modern technology has narrowed the gap between dynamic and condenser mics and the tailoring of frequency response is one such example. Traditionally, dynamic microphones were used to record live recordings because of their better live audio quality. However, now that manufacturers can tailor frequency response, they can make a dynamic mic react to vocals in almost the same way as a condenser XLR mic.

So, you can purchase a dynamic microphone with a frequency response tailored for capturing indoor vocals to get more than decent recording of your podcasts.

5. Portability

In addition to mitigating room noise, affordable price, and decent sound quality there is another reason which may compel some of you to purchase a dynamic microphone. See, podcasts have become a video media and to keep the audience engaged you will want to change locations every once in a while. It is when a dynamic microphone will make a great podcast mic. 

These microphones are portable as you don’t necessarily need hefty equipment to make them work. You can purchase a couple of good quality dynamic mics, connect them to your laptop and that’s all you need to get started. Furthermore, dynamic microphones are more durable, allowing you to travel with them without needing a special storage box.

When You Should Not Prefer Dynamic Over Condenser Mic

Quite frankly, there is only one reason to prefer a condenser mic over its dynamic counterparts and that is when you want the podcast to sound as if it is produced in a professional recording studio. While dynamic microphones have come a long way, there are some fundamental differences in how they respond to sound waves, preventing them from delivering as good results as condenser mics.

Even if you use an XLR microphone with a pop filter, shock mount, and other accessories, if it is dynamic it will always lag behind the condenser microphone in terms of vocal quality. However, you must remember it will be possible only if you treat the room to mitigate ambient noise and provide the condenser microphone with external power to ensure smooth functioning. For live vocals, a condenser mic often provides superior sound clarity and detail compared to other microphone types.

Tips To Get Best Results From Dynamic Mics For A Podcast 

If you want to get the best results from a dynamic microphone for a podcast, follow these tips:

• Always use cardioid mics because they reject the background noise more efficiently and keep the audio clear and crisp. You can also use a dynamic microphone with multiple patterns, but switch to a cardioid pattern while you are recording a podcast.

• While using a different USB mic for each guest, ensure that you have the software in your processing laptop or desktop to record each of them on a separate track. It will give you more creative freedom to edit the podcast and get the desired results.

• Browse for the best podcast microphones before purchasing them and ensure they have a tailored frequency response for the vocals. 

• The best mic technique to get the desired results from a dynamic microphone is to keep them at least 6 inches away from the speakers. 

Conclusion

Whether dynamic microphones are good for podcasts comes down to exactly what type of results you expect and the kind of budget you have. The dynamic microphone will deliver more than decent results at almost half of the price of condenser microphones. However, if you want your podcast to sound professional the best choice between dynamic or condenser mic is the latter one.

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