What Is a Dynamic Microphone?
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A dynamic microphone turns sound into an electrical signal with a diaphragm and a coil moving inside a magnet, and it needs no outside power to do it. It connects with an XLR cable to an interface or mixer. The four microphones in this article are all dynamic models with XLR outputs.
How a dynamic microphone makes sound
Sound waves move a thin diaphragm inside the microphone. The diaphragm is attached to a coil of wire that sits inside a magnet, and as the diaphragm moves, the coil moves with it. That movement creates a small electrical signal, which travels down the cable to your interface or mixer. Nothing inside the microphone needs outside power to make the signal.
Why it needs no phantom power
A dynamic microphone makes its own signal, so it needs no power from the device it plugs into. Condenser microphones work the other way: they need 48V phantom power from an interface or mixer, and stay silent without it. A standard dynamic microphone is not affected when phantom power is on, so you can leave 48V on for an input it shares with a condenser.
What cardioid and hypercardioid mean
The polar pattern describes which directions a microphone picks up sound from. A cardioid pattern takes sound from the front and takes less from the sides and rear, which keeps room sound and background noise out of the recording. A hypercardioid pattern narrows the front pickup further and reduces sound from the sides and rear even more. The Audio-Technica AT2040 is hypercardioid, while the Shure SM7dB, the FDUCE SL40X and the Rode PodMic are cardioid.
What to plug it into
A dynamic microphone connects with an XLR cable to an audio interface or a mixer, which sends the signal on to your computer or speakers. The Shure SM7dB has a built-in preamp with selectable +18 dB or +28 dB of gain, so it can drive an interface without a separate inline preamp. The FDUCE SL40X includes a 2m XLR cable in the box, so the cable is covered for a first setup.
Shock mounts and pop filters
A shock mount sits between the microphone and the stand and soaks up knocks and vibration before they reach the recording. The Audio-Technica AT2040 has an integrated shock mount, the Shure SM7dB uses air suspension shock isolation, and the Rode PodMic has an internal shock mount. A windscreen or pop filter tames plosive sounds: the AT2040 has a multistage windscreen, the SM7dB includes a detachable windscreen, and the PodMic has a built-in pop filter.
What you need
Audio-Technica AT2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic Podcast Microphone Hypercardioid
A hypercardioid dynamic microphone with an integrated shock mount and a multistage windscreen, for podcasting and streaming.
- XLR output
- Polar pattern: Hypercardioid
- 2-year warranty stated
Shure SM7dB Dynamic Vocal Mic with Preamp
A cardioid dynamic vocal microphone with a built-in preamp offering +18 dB or +28 dB of gain, plus rear-panel EQ switches.
- XLR output
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 2-year warranty stated
FDUCE SL40X XLR Dynamic Podcast Microphone
An all-metal cardioid dynamic microphone with an XLR cable included, for vocal recording, streaming and voiceover.
- XLR output
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 1-year warranty stated
- 1 lb, the lightest here
Rode RØDE PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
A cardioid dynamic broadcast microphone with an internal pop filter and shock mount, in white.
- XLR output
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 2-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Dynamic Microphone, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Does a dynamic microphone need phantom power?
No. A dynamic microphone makes its own signal, so it needs no 48V supply. Plug it into an interface or mixer with an XLR cable and it works with phantom power off.
What is the difference between a dynamic and a condenser microphone?
A dynamic microphone makes its signal without outside power, while a condenser microphone needs 48V phantom power to work. The four dynamic models here connect with XLR cables and need no power supply.
Do dynamic microphones work for podcasting?
Yes. The Audio-Technica AT2040, Shure SM7dB, FDUCE SL40X and Rode PodMic are all listed for podcasting, and each connects with an XLR cable to an interface or mixer.
What cable does a dynamic microphone use?
An XLR cable. All four microphones here have XLR outputs, and the FDUCE SL40X includes a 2m XLR cable in the box.
Ranked dynamic microphones lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.