Best Cardioid Vocal Dynamic Microphones of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Cardioid vocal dynamic microphones are a popular choice for live performances and recording studios alike. These microphones are designed to pick up sound from the front while minimizing background noise from the sides and rear. This makes them ideal for vocals, as they capture the singer's voice clearly and crisply while reducing unwanted noise. Some popular models include the Shure SM58, the Sennheiser e835, and the Audio-Technica PRO 31. These microphones are durable, versatile, and can be used in a variety of settings, from small club gigs to large concert venues.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone Cover #TOP 1
Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Pyle Dynamic Vocal Microphone - PDMIC59 Cover #TOP 2
Pyle Dynamic Vocal Microphone - PDMIC59
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Pyle-Pro Dynamic Microphone with XLR Cable Cover #TOP 3
Pyle-Pro Dynamic Microphone with XLR Cable
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cardioid Vocal Dynamic Microphones

Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone

SM58-CN
Black
5.00 x 3.50 x 10.00
Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone Cover
Shure SM58 Pro XLR Dynamic Microphone with 25-Foot XLR-XLR Cable - Professional Studio & Live Performance Cardioid Mic for Vocals, Podcasting, and Recording (SM58-CN)

The Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is an industry standard microphone that delivers exceptional vocal performance with its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange. It has a uniform cardioid polar pattern that reproduces every note as it was intended, while the spherical mesh grille and built-in pop filter keep out unwanted noise. The microphone has a durable construction and break-resistant stand adapter, making it perfect for live performances. It comes with a 25' XLR cable, shock mount, A25D mic clip, and storage bag.

What We Like
Exceptional vocal reproduction
Industry standard microphone
Uniform cardioid polar pattern for clarity
Built-in pop filter to keep out unwanted noise
Durable construction for live performances

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
#TOP 3

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 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 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
#TOP 6

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 7

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 8

Sennheiser Professional E 835 Vocal Microphone

004513
Charcoal
Sennheiser Professional E 835 Vocal Microphone Cover
Sennheiser Pro Audio Professional E 835 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone, Wired, Wireless

The Sennheiser Professional E 835 Vocal Microphone is designed for stage and studio applications. It features a cardioid pickup pattern that provides good signal isolation, balanced frequency response, gentle presence boost, minimal proximity effect, and rugged metal construction and internal damping to isolate handling noise. The microphone is perfect for vocal clarity and projection, even in high sound pressure environments.

What We Like
Cardioid pickup pattern for good signal isolation and feedback rejection
Minimal proximity effect for clear bass and performance when singing closer to or farther from capsule
Gentle presence boost for vocal clarity and projection

Pyle Classic Retro Dynamic Vocal Microphone

PDMICR42SL
Silver
Pyle Classic Retro Dynamic Vocal Microphone Cover
Pyle Classic Retro Dynamic Vocal Microphone - Old Vintage Style Unidirectional Cardioid Mic with XLR Cable - Universal Stand Compatible - Live Performance In Studio Recording - PDMICR42SL (Silver)

The Pyle Classic Retro Dynamic Vocal Microphone is a perfect fit for those looking to add an old-fashioned touch to their live performances or studio recordings. It has a built-in pop filter, which reduces unwanted popping sounds, a high signal output, and a wide frequency response that ensures clear audio. The unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern makes it ideal for stage performances and in-studio recordings. The adjustable angle feature allows you to adjust the microphone to your liking. The microphone is compatible with most microphone stands available today.

What We Like
Retro, elegant design
Built-in pop filter for clear audio
Cardioid pickup pattern ideal for live performances and in-studio recordings
#TOP 10

Pyle 3 Piece Dynamic Microphone Kit

PDMICKT34
Black
Pyle 3 Piece Dynamic Microphone Kit Cover
Pyle 3 Piece Professional Dynamic Microphone Kit Cardioid Unidirectional Vocal Handheld MIC with Hard Carry Case & Bag, Holder/Clip & 26ft XLR Audio Cable to 1/4'' Audio Connection (PDMICKT34),Black

The Pyle 3 Piece Dynamic Microphone Kit includes three unidirectional, cardioid microphones that capture clear vocals and instrument sounds while minimizing background noise and feedback. These microphones are robust and moisture resistant, making them perfect for use in live vocal performances and recording amplified instruments. The microphones have an ultra-wide frequency response, integrated pop filter, and windscreen to minimize breath and pop noises. They come with a hard travel case, storage bag for microphone clip holders, and a professional-grade 26+ft. XLR-to-1/4 cable, making them perfect for professional studios and on-stage performances.

What We Like
Unidirectional, cardioid pickup pattern minimizes background noise and feedback, making these microphones ideal for live vocal performances and recording amplified instruments.
Robust and moisture resistant construction ensures durability and reliability.
Comes with a hard travel case, storage bag for microphone clip holders, and a professional-grade 26+ft. XLR-to-1/4 cable, making them perfect for professional studios and on-stage performances.
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is cardioid dynamic vocal microphone?

Dynamic microphones have a unidirectional pattern (otherwise known as a cardioid pattern – because it looks like a heart). This means that the mic picks up sound in the direction it is being pointed, and cancels out any sound coming from behind it.

2. 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.

3. Is a cardioid mic good for singing?

In my experience, and most musicians and sound engineers' experience, the best microphone type for live vocals is a cardioid dynamic microphone. It's preferred if this microphone also has a boost in the presence range of its frequency response as well as a low and high-end roll-off.

4. Is a dynamic mic good for vocals?

Dynamic mics are excellent for recording vocals – everything from podcasting to voiceovers to singing – and work especially well when you're recording multiple people in the same room. Like our similar article on the best condenser microphones, there are a variety of different models at different price points.

Editor's Notes

During our cardioid vocal dynamic microphone research, we found 24 cardioid vocal dynamic microphone products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 164,718 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cardioid vocal dynamic microphones list. We found that most customers choose cardioid vocal dynamic microphones with an average price of $37.06.

The cardioid vocal dynamic microphones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cardioid vocal dynamic microphones, including Shure, Pyle, Sennheiser. 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.