Best Cardioid Dynamic Microphones of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Cardioid dynamic microphones are a popular choice for live performances and recording sessions due to their directional pickup pattern. They are designed to capture sound from the front of the microphone while minimizing background noise and feedback. Dynamic microphones are also durable and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for use with loud instruments such as drums and guitar amplifiers. Additionally, their affordability makes them a practical choice for beginners or those on a budget. Some popular models include the Shure SM7B and the Electro-Voice RE20.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone Cover #TOP 1
Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Rode PodMic Broadcast Microphone Cover #TOP 2
Rode PodMic Broadcast Microphone
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Dynamic Microphone Cover #TOP 3
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Dynamic Microphone
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Cardioid Dynamic Microphones

#TOP 1

Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone

SM58LC
Black
SM58-LC
Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone Cover
Shure SM58 Pro XLR Dynamic Microphone - Professional Studio & Live Performance Cardioid Mic for Vocals, Podcasting, and Recording (SM58-LC)

The Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is the industry standard, delivering exceptional vocal performance with its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange for clear and present vocals. Its uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note as it was intended, while the spherical mesh grille and built-in pop filter keep unwanted noise out of the mix. The durable construction and break-resistant stand adapter make the SM58 perfect for performances on the road or in the studio, isolating between vocals and instruments.

What We Like
Exceptional vocal reproduction
Industry standard for performers
Built to last and withstand tough performances
#TOP 2

Rode PodMic Broadcast Microphone

PODMIC
Black
Rode PodMic Broadcast Microphone Cover
Rode PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone, Black

The Rode PodMic is a cardioid dynamic broadcast microphone that comes with an integrated pop shield. It is designed for use in various recording applications, making it a versatile choice for podcasters, content creators, and streamers. The microphone's cardioid polar pattern ensures that it captures sound from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. Additionally, the built-in pop shield helps to minimize plosive sounds and wind noise, making your recordings sound clearer and more professional.

What We Like
Versatile choice for podcasters, content creators, and streamers.
Cardioid polar pattern captures sound from the front and rejects noise from the sides and rear.
Built-in pop shield helps to minimize plosive sounds and wind noise, making your recordings sound clearer and more professional.

Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Dynamic Microphone

ATR2100X-USB
Silver
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Dynamic Microphone Cover
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone

The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is a handheld dynamic microphone with both USB and XLR outputs. It features a durable metal construction with a smooth, extended frequency response that is perfect for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, voiceover, and other content creation applications. The on/off switch functions for both USB and analog operation, while the built-in headphone jack allows for direct monitoring with adjustable volume. The cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of unwanted sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. The microphone also comes with a sturdy tripod desk stand, threaded stand clamp, and three cables: USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A, and XLRF to XLRM.

What We Like
Dual USB and XLR outputs
Built-in headphone jack for direct monitoring
Cardioid polar pattern for improved isolation of desired sound source
Sturdy tripod desk stand with folding legs
Comes with three cables: USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A, and XLRF to XLRM
#TOP 4

Shure PGA48 Dynamic Microphone

PGA48-QTR
Black
5.00 x 10.00 x 3.50
Shure PGA48 Dynamic Microphone Cover
Shure PGA48 Dynamic Microphone - Handheld Mic for Vocals with Cardioid Pick-up Pattern, Discrete On/Off Switch, 3-pin XLR Connector, 15' XLR-to-QTR Cable, Stand Adapter and Zipper Pouch (PGA48-QTR)

The Shure PGA48 Dynamic Microphone, also known as the Shure PGA48 Mic, is a handheld microphone designed specifically for vocals. With its tailored microphone cartridge design, it delivers exceptional clarity in the standard frequency range of speech. The cardioid polar pattern ensures that it picks up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted noise, making it ideal for live performances and recording sessions. The microphone features an updated industrial design with a black metallic finish and a grille featuring a classic silver ball grille, giving it a sleek and professional look. It comes with three available options: one with a 15-foot XLR-XLR cable, one with a 15-foot XLR-QTR cable, and one without a cable. Additionally, it has an on/off switch for discrete control of microphone operation, providing convenience for performers. Overall, the Shure PGA48 Mic offers exceptional sound quality and versatility for vocal applications.

What We Like
Exceptional clarity
Cardioid polar pattern
Updated industrial design
#TOP 5

Shure SM57 Dynamic Vocal Microphone

SM57-LC
Black
Shure SM57 Dynamic Vocal Microphone Cover
Shure SM57 Pro XLR Dynamic Microphone - Professional Studio & Live Performance Cardioid Mic for Instruments, Recording for Drums, Percussion, & Instrument Amplifier Miking (SM57-LC)

The Shure SM57 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is known for its exceptional vocal performance and industry standard quality. Its uniform cardioid polar pattern delivers warm, crisp sound while reducing background noise. The durable construction and break-resistant stand adapter make it perfect for any performance, whether on stage or in the studio. The package includes the SM57 microphone, shock mount, A25D mic clip, and storage bag.

What We Like
Exceptional vocal performance
Industry standard quality
Reduces background noise
Durable construction
Versatile for live performances and studio use
#TOP 6

Pyle-Pro Dynamic Microphone with XLR Cable

PDMIC58
Black
Pyle-Pro Dynamic Microphone with XLR Cable Cover
Pyle Handheld Microphone Dynamic Moving Coil Cardioid Unidirectional Includes 15ft XLR Audio Cable to 1/4'' Audio Connection (PDMIC58)

The Pyle-Pro Dynamic Microphone is a versatile, high-quality microphone that is ideal for live vocal performances and recording amplified instruments. Its unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern captures source signal while minimizing background noise and feedback. The microphone has an ultra-wide frequency response for brilliant and transparent sound and comes with a 15 ft XLR-to-1/4 cable. It features rugged, all-metal construction for maximum reliability and is perfect for bedroom, professional studios, and on-stage vocal performances.

What We Like
Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern minimizes background noise and feedback.
Ultra-wide frequency response for brilliant and transparent sound.
Comes with a 15 ft XLR-to-1/4 cable.
Rugged, all-metal construction for maximum reliability.
Ideal for live vocal performances and recording amplified instruments.
#TOP 7

Shure SM58S

SM58S
Black
4.90 x 3.30 x 10.30
Shure SM58S Cover
Shure SM58 Pro XLR Dynamic Microphone with On/Off Switch - Professional Studio & Live Performance Cardioid Mic for Vocals, Podcasting, and Recording (SM58S)

The Shure SM58S is a top-notch vocal dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional vocal performance. Its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange ensure clear and present vocals, making it the first choice for performers worldwide. With a uniform cardioid polar pattern, the SM58S reproduces every note accurately, providing warm and crisp sound. Its spherical mesh grille and built-in pop filter effectively eliminate background noise, keeping your performance clean and professional. The durable construction and break-resistant stand adapter make it perfect for touring musicians. The SM58S is versatile, working equally well on stage and in the studio, while the convenient On/Off switch allows for easy control. With the SM58S, you can take your vocal performance to the next level.

What We Like
Exceptional vocal performance
Industry standard
Clear and present vocals
#TOP 8

Shure SM48 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

SM48-LC
Gray
Shure SM48 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone Cover
Shure SM48 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone with Shock-Mounted Cartridge, Steel Mesh Grille and IntegralPop Filter, A25D Mic Clip, Storage Bag, 3-pin XLR Connector, No Cable Included (SM48-LC)

The Shure SM48 is a high-performance dynamic cardioid microphone built to endure the rigors of stage and studio use. Its tailored frequency response with bass rolloff and midrange boost provides clear and natural-sounding vocals. With impressive signal-to-noise ratio and great off-axis rejection, the SM48 is an affordable yet professional choice for musicians, public speakers, and podcasters on a budget. It is also easy to set up and use, suitable for both novice and experienced users. The package comes with a microphone, mic clip, and storage bag.

What We Like
Durable construction for stage and studio use
Tailored frequency response for clear and natural-sounding vocals
Great off-axis rejection reducing unwanted background noise and feedback

Amazon Basics Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Amazon Basics
LJ-DVM-001
Black/Silver
Amazon Basics Dynamic Vocal Microphone Cover
Amazon Basics Microphone for Singing, Speaking, Wired, Dynamic, XLR, Cardioid, Black/Silver

The Amazon Basics Dynamic Vocal Microphone is a cardioid microphone designed for vocal amplification. It features a cardioid pick-up pattern with a built-in wind and pop filter, making it great for live performances, podcasting, and recording sessions. The microphone has a durable zinc die-cast housing with a matte enamel finish and steel mesh head. It comes with an XLR cable and an on/off switch for easy use.

What We Like
Durable zinc die-cast housing with matte enamel finish and steel mesh head
Cardioid pick-up pattern and built-in wind and pop filter for clear sound
Easy to connect and use with included single male XLR cable
#TOP 10

Pyle Dynamic Vocal Microphone - PDMIC59

PDMIC59
Black
Pyle Dynamic Vocal Microphone - PDMIC59 Cover
Pyle Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone - Moving Coil Dynamic Cardioid Unidirectional Handheld Microphone with ON/OFF Switch Includes 15ft XLR Audio Cable to 1/4'' Audio Connection - PDMIC59

The Pyle PDMIC59 is a unidirectional dynamic vocal microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern that captures the source signal while minimizing background noise and feedback. It has an ultra-wide frequency response for brilliant and transparent sound and features an integrated pop filter and windscreen to minimize breath and pop noises. The microphone comes with a 15 ft. XLR-to-1/4 cable and has rugged all-metal construction for maximum reliability. It is ideal for live vocal applications, recording amplified instruments, and versatile stage and recording use.

What We Like
Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern captures source signal while minimizing background noise & feedback
Ultra-wide frequency response for brilliant and transparent sound with integrated pop filter and windscreen
Rugged all-metal construction for maximum reliability
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a cardioid microphone a dynamic microphone?

Due to the rougher sound characteristics, dynamic microphones with a cardioid pattern (more on polar patterns in a bit) tend to eliminate more background noise, although they may lose some nuances in a performance.

2. What are cardioid microphones good for?

Cardioid microphones are used in applications where sound needs to be picked up from the front and sides but not the rear. An example of this may be musical performance where a singer may be singing in the front, a band playing instruments on the sides, with an audience of viewers in the back.

3. Is cardioid dynamic or condenser?

The two are not mutually exclusive, because condenser microphones are also cardioid. Dynamic mics are cardioid too! The main takeaway is this: cardioid is a polar pattern, while condenser is a type of microphone.

4. What is the difference between a dynamic cardioid microphone and a condenser microphone?

There is a difference in how they work. The dynamic mics use a diaphragm, voice coil and magnet to pick the sound waves and convert them into an electrical signal. Condenser mics use an electrically-charged diaphragm, which when vibrates, an electrical signal is generated that is proportional to the sound.

Editor's Notes

During our cardioid dynamic microphone research, we found 24 cardioid dynamic microphone products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 195,555 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cardioid dynamic microphones list. We found that most customers choose cardioid dynamic microphones with an average price of $62.28.

The cardioid dynamic microphones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cardioid dynamic microphones, including Shure, Rode, Audio-Technica, Pyle. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.