AudioFu Chart · November 2026

Best Dynamic Microphones for Live Performance 2026

Q: What's the difference between Cardioid and Supercardioid?

Cardioid rejects sound from the rear, Supercardioid rejects more, but has a small lobe of sensitivity at the rear - meaning you need to be careful about monitor placement. Cardioid is generally more forgiving on stage.

Q: My mic is feeding back constantly. What's wrong?

It could be the mic itself, but more likely it's monitor placement, gain staging, or a bad PA. Start with those basics before blaming the mic.

Q: Do I need a pop filter?

For vocals, absolutely. It reduces plosives (those harsh 'p' and 'b' sounds) and makes your vocals sit better in the mix. A windscreen is more for instrument mics exposed to wind or breath.

Q: What's a hypercardioid mic?

Hypercardioid is even more directional than supercardioid, but with a larger rear lobe. They're generally not ideal for live unless you have very precise monitor control.

Q: I'm recording drums live. Which mic should I use?

Dynamic mics are your best bet for snare, toms, and guitar amps. Look for something with good transient response to capture the attack. The Shure SM57 is a classic for a reason.

The top pick is sE Electronics V7 Handheld Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone ($166). Shure SM58 Handheld Cardioid Dynamic Microphone gives you the most for the money at $128. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 73 models across 23 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: November 8, 2026

73models in this chart

23brands

$147median price

21price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Dynamic Microphones Showing: For Live Performance · clear

Price

Skill level

Use

Brand

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

sE Electronics V7 Handheld Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
V7 PTT · sE Electronics
161 for sale on Reverb14 finishes at Thomann
- Size8"
The sE Electronics V7 PTT is a handheld dynamic mic with a supercardioid pattern and a silent push-to-talk button. It has an internal pop filter, an integrated windscreen, and a gold-plated XLR connector, and it comes with a clamp, a bag, and thread adapters. If you need a sturdy talkback mic that you can switch on and off quietly, this one is a good fit for you.
Pros
- Supercardioid pattern picks up mostly the sound directly in front of the mic
- Silent push-to-talk button lets you switch on and off quietly
- Internal pop filter and integrated windscreen help cut down on breath noise
Cons
- Weighs 307 g, so it feels heavier than a lightweight handheld mic
81AudioFu
Index
- Demand93
- Lineup100
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker94
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$166 now

$166€149 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Shure SM58 Handheld Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
SM58 LC · Shure
241 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Size8"
You get a sturdy dynamic vocal mic with a steel grille and a shock absorber to help cut down on handling noise. Its cardioid pattern picks up sound mainly from the front, and the built-in pop filter helps when you sing or speak close to it. It suits you if you want a tough, straightforward vocal mic that comes with a bag and clamp in the box.
Pros
- Integrated wind and pop filter helps cut down on breath noise
- Shock absorber system helps reduce handling noise
- Robust design with a sturdy steel grille
Cons
- Windshield and replacement grille are sold separately, not included
- Weighs 298 g, so it feels heavier than a lightweight mic
77AudioFu
Index
- Demand100
- Lineup66
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker88
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$128 now

$128€115 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Sennheiser e835 Handheld Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
E835-S-PTT · Sennheiser
72 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Weight0.67 kg
You get a dynamic vocal mic with a cardioid pattern, which means it picks up mostly sound from the front. It has a push-to-talk switch, so you can mute or unmute quickly while you speak or sing. It comes with a bag and a holder, and it is made in Germany with a metal housing.
Pros
- Dynamic design with a cardioid polar pattern for focused vocal pickup
- Built-in push-to-talk function for quick switching during speech
- Metal housing for a sturdy build
69AudioFu
Index
- Demand78
- Lineup66
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$133 now

$133€119 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Shure BETA 58A Handheld Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
Beta 58 A · Shure
143 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size8"
This is a dynamic vocal mic made for live performances. Its supercardioid pattern is built to resist feedback and cut out background noise, and the pneumatic shock mount helps with impact and handling noise. It suits singers who perform in loud, busy venues and want a mic that comes with a clamp, adapter and bag.
Pros
- Supercardioid polar pattern provides high feedback immunity and maximum suppression of background noise
- Optimised frequency response designed for vocal quality in professional live performances
- Pneumatic shock mount protects against impact noise and handling noise
Cons
- Windshield and replacement grille are sold separately, not included
68AudioFu
Index
- Demand91
- Lineup41
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker88
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$207 now

$207€185 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Sennheiser e935 Handheld Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
E 935 · Sennheiser
51 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
The Sennheiser E 935 is a dynamic microphone made to give vocals room and help them cut through the mix under loud stage conditions. It is also ideal for vocals and percussion. It suits you if you sing or play live and want a metal-housed mic with a cardioid pattern and a shock-mounted capsule.
Pros
- Metal housing for a sturdy build
- Shock-mounted capsule for the capsule itself
- Hum compensating coil helps keep hum down
Cons
- Weighs 330 g, which can feel heavy in long handheld sets
61AudioFu
Index
- Demand72
- Lineup66
- Price58
- Specs0
- Maker100
↓ 2.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
$178 · Aug 17$173 now

$173€155 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Sennheiser e945 Handheld Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
E 945 · Sennheiser
38 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
You get a dynamic vocal mic with a supercardioid pattern, so it mostly picks up sound from the front. It comes with a bag and a clamp, so you can start using it right away. It suits you if you want a sturdy, straightforward vocal mic for singing or speaking.
Pros
- Supercardioid polar pattern picks up sound mostly from the front
- Frequency range of 40 to 18,000 Hz covers a wide span
- Comes with a microphone bag and the MZQ 800 microphone clamp
57AudioFu
Index
- Demand67
- Lineup72
- Price39
- Specs0
- Maker100
↑ 3.6%since Aug 17
$189 · Aug 17$195 now

$195€175 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Sennheiser e845 Supercardioid Dynamic Handheld Vocal Microphone
E845 · Sennheiser
30 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
You get a dynamic mic made for vocals and brass instruments. Its supercardioid pattern helps it focus on the sound in front of it and cut down on sound from the sides and back. It comes with a clamp and a bag, so you can mount it and carry it easily. It suits singers and brass players who want a mic built for those jobs.
Pros
- Supercardioid pattern rejects sound from the sides and rear
- Comes with a clamp and a bag for easy transport and mounting
- Dynamic design is built for vocals and brass instruments
55AudioFu
Index
- Demand63
- Lineup51
- Price63
- Specs0
- Maker100
↓ 4.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
$106 · Aug 17$102 now

$102€91 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Shure BETA 57A Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Beta 57 A · Shure
98 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
You get a dynamic mic made for vocals, toms and brass instruments. Its supercardioid pattern picks up sound mostly from the front, which helps when other sources are close by. It comes with a clamp and a bag, so you can start using it right away.
Pros
- Supercardioid polar pattern helps reject sound from the sides and rear
- Frequency range of 50 to 16,000 Hz covers vocals, toms and brass instruments
- Includes a microphone clamp and a carrying bag
55AudioFu
Index
- Demand84
- Lineup26
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker88
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$189 now

$189€169 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Shure Nexadyne 8/C Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Nexadyne 8/C · Shure
42 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
The Shure Nexadyne 8/C is a dynamic vocal microphone made for live performance. Its cardioid pattern and Revonic technology with 2 matched capsules are built to cut down handling and background noise, which makes it a fit if you sing or speak on stage. It comes with a zip pouch and a microphone holder, so you can store and mount it right away.
Pros
- Cardioid polar pattern helps reject sound from the sides and rear
- Revonic technology with 2 matched capsules suppresses handling and background noise
- Wide 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz frequency response covers the full vocal range
Cons
- Max sound pressure level of 94 dB is a limit for very loud sources
54AudioFu
Index
- Demand69
- Lineup41
- Price67
- Specs0
- Maker88
↓ 5.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
$396 · Aug 17$374 now

$374€335 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Shure Super 55 Deluxe Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
Super 55 Deluxe · Shure
59 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The Super 55 Deluxe is a workhorse vocal mic—a direct descendant of the legendary 55 SH, but with some welcome refinements. It delivers a focused, powerful sound with excellent feedback rejection, making it a solid choice for lead vocalists and performers needing strong isolation in live settings. This mic is a premium-priced option that delivers a classic, reliable performance.
Pros
- Super-cardioid pattern offers excellent isolation on stage
- Improved capsule noticeably reduces handling noise and capsule resonance
- Robust all-metal construction ensures lasting durability for touring
Cons
- Super-cardioid pickup can be tricky to manage in less-than-ideal acoustics
- Heavier than many modern vocal microphones, may fatigue some performers
51AudioFu
Index
- Demand75
- Lineup26
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker88
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$312 now

$312€279 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗

All 73 dynamic microphones

Sort

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

11
Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Handheld Cardioid Dynamic MicrophoneKSM8 B · Shure

Index 51Stable
51
Stable$463€415
$463€415Check ↗
12
EV ND76EV · 2 finishes

Index 50↓ 3.7%
50
↓ 3.7%$147€132
$147€132Check ↗
13
Audix OMX-E Cardioid Dynamic MicrophoneOMX-E · Audix

Index 49↓ 19.3%
49
↓ 19.3%$103€92
$103€92Check ↗
14
Shure PGA48-XLRPGA48 · Shure

Index 48↓ 5.2%
48
↓ 5.2%$61€55
$61€55Check ↗
15
sE Electronics V2 Switch Supercardioid Dynamic MicrophoneV2 Switch · sE Electronics

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$66€59
$66€59Check ↗
16
Audix PDX520Audix

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$385€345
$385€345Check ↗
17
Warm Audio Retro 64 Cardioid Dynamic MicrophoneRetro 64 · Warm Audio

Index 47Stable
47
Stable$166€149
$166€149Check ↗
18
sE Electronics V8 BlacksE Electronics · 2 finishes

Index 47↓ 4.6%
47
↓ 4.6%$233€209
$233€209Check ↗
19
Audix OM7 Handheld Hypercardioid Dynamic Vocal MicrophoneOM7 · Audix · 2 finishes

Index 46Stable
46
Stable$250€224
$250€224Check ↗
20
sE Electronics V3 Handheld Dynamic MicrophoneV3 · sE Electronics

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$77€69
$77€69Check ↗
21
Audix OM2 Handheld Hypercardioid Dynamic MicrophoneOM2 · Audix

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$104€93
$104€93Check ↗
22
Audix OM5 Handheld Hypercardioid Dynamic Vocal MicrophoneOM5 · Audix

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$178€159
$178€159Check ↗
23
Telefunken M80 Satin ChromeTelefunken · 4 finishes

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$479€429
$479€429Check ↗
24
AKG D 5 Vocal MicrophoneD5 · AKG · 2 finishes

Index 44Stable
44
Stable$95€85
$95€85Check ↗
25
Audix OM3 Hypercardioid Vocal MicrophoneOM3 · Audix

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$126€113
$126€113Check ↗
26
EV ND96EV

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$214€192
$214€192Check ↗
27
Austrian Audio OD505 Handheld Supercardioid Dynamic MicrophoneOD505 · Austrian Audio

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$253€227
$253€227Check ↗
28
Audix OMX-E Cardioid Dynamic MicrophoneOMX-M · Audix

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$138€124
$138€124Check ↗
29
Audix OMX-E Cardioid Dynamic MicrophoneOMX-T · Audix

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$155€139
$155€139Check ↗
30
Warm Audio WA-19NWarm Audio · 2 finishes

Index 41↓ 2.7%
41
↓ 2.7%$205€184
$205€184Check ↗
31
Audix F50 Handheld Cardioid Dynamic MicrophoneF50S · Audix

Index 40Stable
40
Stable$67€60
$67€60Check ↗
32
Sennheiser MD 445 Supercardioid Handheld Dynamic MicrophoneMD 445 · Sennheiser

Index 40↓ 0.5%
40
↓ 0.5%$442€396
$442€396Check ↗
33
the t.bone GM 55the t.bone

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$77€69
$77€69Check ↗
34
RODE M1 Handheld Dynamic MicrophoneM1-S · Rode · 2 finishes

Index 39↓ 2.9%
39
↓ 2.9%$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
35
Beyerdynamic TG-V70D Hypercardioid Dynamic Vocal MicrophoneTG V70 · beyerdynamic · 2 finishes

Index 39↓ 1.6%
39
↓ 1.6%$211€189
$211€189Check ↗
36
Sennheiser MD431II ProfipowerSennheiser

Index 38↓ 6.9%
38
↓ 6.9%$512€459
$512€459Check ↗
37
Superlux TM58SSuperlux

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$28€25
$28€25Check ↗
38
Warm Audio Retro 64 ChromeWarm Audio

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$166€149
$166€149Check ↗
39
Lewitt MTP 840 DMLewitt

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$222€199
$222€199Check ↗
40
Beyerdynamic TG V50d Dynamic Cardioid MicrophoneTG V50 · beyerdynamic · 2 finishes

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$105€94
$105€94Check ↗
41
Austrian Audio OD303 Supercardioid Dynamic Handheld MicrophoneOD303 · Austrian Audio

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$99€89
$99€89Check ↗
42
Behringer SL 84CBehringer · 2 finishes

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$11€10
$11€10Check ↗
43
the t.bone MB 45 IIthe t.bone · 2 finishes

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$13€12
$13€12Check ↗
44
Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal MicrophoneXM8500 · Behringer · 2 finishes

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$22€20
$22€20Check ↗
45
the t.bone MB 85the t.bone · 2 finishes

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$28€26
$28€26Check ↗
46
AKG Perception Live P5sAKG

Index 33↓ 6.5%
33
↓ 6.5%$48€43
$48€43Check ↗
47
Yamaha YDM505Yamaha · 2 finishes

Index 33Stable
33
Stable$103€92
$103€92Check ↗
48
Yamaha YDM707 BYamaha · 2 finishes

Index 33Stable
33
Stable$166€149
$166€149Check ↗
49
Sennheiser MD 435 Dynamic Cardioid Handheld MicrophoneMD 435 · Sennheiser

Index 33↑ 7.8%
33
↑ 7.8%$479€429
$479€429Check ↗
50
Lewitt MTP 5Lewitt · 2 finishes

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$98€88
$98€88Check ↗

Dynamic Microphones by the numbers

Measured across all 126 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $147 — half of all dynamic microphones here cost less.

<$50$50–100$100–150$150–200$200–300$300–400$400–500$500+

Weight0.34 kg

median of 24 models · 0.18 kg–2.5 kg

Size8"

median of 23 models · 8"–8"

How to choose the best dynamic microphones

Feedback Rejection

This is HUGE. A mic that screams feedback at moderate levels is useless. We're looking for mics with a tight polar pattern that resist bleed from monitors. Think about that screaming guitar player next to you - you need to cut through, not compete.

Durability

Gigs can be rough. Mics get dropped, cables get yanked, and the roadie might use it as a stand. We're prioritizing mics built to withstand abuse - solid construction, robust capsules, and reliable internal components.

Tonal Character

A bright, ice-picky top end might sound 'crisp' in a pristine studio, but it'll be a feedback nightmare on stage. We're looking for mics with a balanced frequency response - enough presence to cut through, but not so much that it's ear-piercing. That 'fat midrange honk' is often key for vocals.

Sensitivity & Headroom

A mic that needs a ton of gain to sound usable is asking for noise. We want mics with decent sensitivity that can handle loud sources without immediately distorting. Headroom is your friend - it lets you push the mic without it turning into a digital mess.

Versatility

While a mic might excel at one thing (like screaming metal vocals), having a mic that can handle a range of sources - vocals, brass, drums - saves you money and simplifies your rig. A 'one mic does it all' solution is incredibly valuable for smaller gigs.

Buying guide

Alright, so you're hunting for a dynamic mic for live gigs? Let's be honest, a lot of mics claim to be 'perfect for live performance,' but most are just marketing hype. You need something that can handle stage volume, feedback rejection, and deliver a usable signal even when the sound guy's having an off night - a mic that sounds decent even if you're playing a dive bar with a PA held together with duct tape. This list isn't about spec sheets; it's about mics that work.

Don't fall for the 'expensive equals better' trap. A lot of boutique mics sound fantastic, but are overpriced for the average gigging musician. Often, a well-built, slightly less hyped mic will serve you better.

Pay attention to the capsule - that's where the magic happens. And seriously, invest in a decent mic clip - it'll save you a headache (and a broken mic) down the road.

How the AudioFu Index works

Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.

This chart covers 126 dynamic microphones from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.

AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.

Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.

Questions

What's the difference between Cardioid and Supercardioid?

Cardioid rejects sound from the rear, Supercardioid rejects more, but has a small lobe of sensitivity at the rear - meaning you need to be careful about monitor placement. Cardioid is generally more forgiving on stage.

My mic is feeding back constantly. What's wrong?

It could be the mic itself, but more likely it's monitor placement, gain staging, or a bad PA. Start with those basics before blaming the mic.

Do I need a pop filter?

For vocals, absolutely. It reduces plosives (those harsh 'p' and 'b' sounds) and makes your vocals sit better in the mix. A windscreen is more for instrument mics exposed to wind or breath.

What's a hypercardioid mic?

Hypercardioid is even more directional than supercardioid, but with a larger rear lobe. They're generally not ideal for live unless you have very precise monitor control.

I'm recording drums live. Which mic should I use?

Dynamic mics are your best bet for snare, toms, and guitar amps. Look for something with good transient response to capture the attack. The Shure SM57 is a classic for a reason.