Today we have one of our favorite mics in the spotlight at a very affordable price (the lowest you can go here). Dynamic microphones are usually used on instruments with a lot of low-mid energy. They are best for recording vocals. They are also used for podcasting, singing, recording multiple people in the same room, voice-overs and live performances.
Microphones come in different shapes and sizes with different price ranges. People might question whether a cheap dynamic microphone is worth the money or not. In reality, you should know that a very cheap ones are not too much better than a toy or a gimmick. One should be honest with oneself about what a dynamic microphone under $50 can and cannot do. If you do want to take a slight step up, you can read our guide on dynamic microphones under $100. Otherwise, we still are getting quite a lot of power and flexibility here with this list today.
One good case for the usage of dynamic microphones under $50 is the fact that these are especially good for those who are just getting into music recording or performing and don’t want to spend a lot of money just to shape their skills. Even within the $50 budget, you will be surprised by the quality that some of these microphones have. Many also buy a lot of these in bulk for different types of environments or applications, like recording large bands or choirs, for schools, venues, etc.
Yes, they have limitations like some have a simple diaphragm capsule setting, but there is nothing wrong with this setup. These kinds of limitations will not stop the microphone from performing like the ones with a price in the higher range in regards to efficiency.
The Best Dynamic Microphones for $50 or Less
Shure PGA48
Up first, we have one of our favorite budget-friendly dynamic microphones under $50 in the entire market. The Shure PGA48 is a professional quality microphone with a highly durable design and construction. It has a good sound and is used for spoken word and karaoke performance. The Shure PGA48 has a cardioid polar pattern that picks up audio from the source and is great for cutting out that unwanted noise. It has a built-in microphone cartridge that works well for for clarity in the typical frequency range of all sorts of vocals.
It has an on and off switch for easy control of the operation of the mic, a swivel and stand adapter to mount to a stand, a carrying pouch and includes a XLR or QTR cable for flexibility in your choice of connectivity. Just some great efficiency and overall power here for a really cheap price.
Sennheiser XS 1
The Sennheiser XS 1 has a rich, full professional live sound quality with a slight emphasis on the top end to help vocals cut through a loud mix. It is used for solo vocal performances, choir making and speech. It also has a handy silent mute switch that can be used to cut the microphone without pesky clicks or pops.
It can also be locked to the on position to prevent accidental muting (it’s happened to the best of us). Its cardioid pick-up pattern provides additional isolation from unwanted sound and great rejection of feedback. The capsule of the Sennheiser XS 1 is lastly shock-mounted to decrease handling noise and it’s reputation definitely brings it into the dynamic mic under $50 consideration.
Shure SM48
The Shure SM48 is a cardioid dynamic vocal microphone, great for performance. Its cardioid pickup pattern helps keep outside sound sources out and fight off that annoying feedback. This dynamic microphone is best if used for backup vocals, lead vocals and spoken word.
It has a frequency response specifically designed vocals since it brightens mid-range and includes a roll of for bass, cardioid pickup pattern that says goodbye to off axis sound, has some great gain before feedback, a built in pop filter that to reduce breath sounds and wind noise as well as a shock-mounted cartridge for reliability and reduction handling noise. Look in to the Shure SM48 for yet another beautiful pick in this guide.
Behringer XM1800S
This dynamic microphone comes in a set of three high quality vocal and instrument dynamic microphones. The Behringer XM1800S has high signal output that makes your voice cut through, an ultra-low distortion for super clean sound. Super-cardiod polar pattern here.
Like most other dynamic mics, we also have an off-axis rejection eliminating feedback problems, a presence boost in mid-ranges that gives us great voice projection, and integrated pop filters. The rugged construction handles the user’s toughest live assignments, and it also comes with a microphone stand adapter and an on and off switch. Yet another pick as the best dynamic microphone under $50 here by Behringer.
Samson R21
Like the Behringer XM1800S, the Samson R21 comes in a set of three high quality, low impedance vocal dynamic microphones. This dynamic microphone is great for live performance, recording and for performing musicians thanks to its rugged and tank-like design.
It has a natural warm sound, a reliable cardioid pickup pattern for maximum gain before feedback, heavy duty windscreen, gold plated XLR connectors for stable connectivity, heavy gauge mesh and an anti-dent ring that protects from heavy usage. It can take some high sound pressure levels in case you want to record or perform some louder instruments as well, like drums.