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The Shure SM58 has been a legendary go-to microphone in churches since the 1960s, and for good reason!
But with so many new microphones on the market, even the classics are facing some healthy competition.
I’ve taken the time to test and compare the latest dynamic mics to help you find the best one for live worship.
Whether you’re leading the congregation in song, preaching, or supporting vocalists in a band setting, this guide will help you find a dynamic microphone that fits your unique voice and the acoustics of your church environment.
Why Dynamic Microphones Are Great for Church Sound?
Dynamic microphones are especially suited for live church sound because they’re tough and designed to handle a lot of different acoustic challenges.
They’re more durable than condenser mics, which makes them a solid choice for live performances.
They’re also built to pick up sound right in front of them. This makes them perfect for capturing vocals while minimizing background noise from instruments, audience sounds, and room echo.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a microphone for live church settings, look for a cardioid or supercardioid polar pattern. This helps focus on vocals and reject noise from the sides and rear.
The frequency response, which shapes how a mic handles lows, mids, and highs, is also important.
Mics that emphasize the mid-range can help vocals stand out in a busy mix of instruments, while smooth high frequencies can enhance clarity without harshness.
Dynamic vs. Condenser Microphones
While condenser mics are popular for studio recording, they can be too sensitive for live church sound.
Their sensitivity makes them more likely to pick up unwanted sounds and feedback, especially in reflective spaces.
Dynamic mics, by contrast, are more forgiving in acoustically challenging environments like churches, where echo and feedback are common.
Durability and Budget Expectations
A reliable dynamic mic will typically run you between $100-$400, depending on quality and features.
If your church has regular services and events, investing in a higher-quality mic can be worthwhile for the long-term durability and sound quality it provides.
Our Testing Methodology
To choose the best dynamic mics for church sound, these microphones that have been put under conditions similar to a church service:
- Live Worship Conditions: Each mic was tested for feedback resistance, clarity, and handling noise during live worship scenarios.
- Sound Quality: Clarity and warmth were top priorities to ensure vocals sounded natural and clear over instruments.
- Durability: I looked at the build quality to ensure each mic could stand up to regular use.
- Value for Money: I also weighed the price-to-performance ratio, making sure you’re getting the best sound without overpaying.
Top 5 Dynamic Microphones for Live Church Vocals
Each of these mics brings something unique to the table, and they’re all ideal for live worship.
Shure SM58
Known for its durability and mid-range emphasis, the SM58 is a great all-around option for vocal clarity. Its simple, rugged design makes it perfect for church environments where it can handle wear and tear.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and can handle frequent use
- Smooth mid-range response, ideal for vocals
- Reliable feedback rejection, even in reflective spaces
- Affordable and widely available
Cons:
- Basic sound profile may feel lacking for some users
- Limited high-end detail compared to premium mics
- Can be prone to handling noise if not on a stand
Sennheiser e935
With a super-cardioid pattern, the e935 rejects feedback more effectively, making it great for lively worship services. It adds warmth to vocals, which can enhance both speaking and singing.
Pros:
- Super-cardioid pattern provides excellent feedback rejection
- Adds warmth and depth to vocals, making them sound rich
- Consistent sound quality even with dynamic stage movement
- Great clarity in both speaking and singing applications
Cons:
- Can be sensitive to placement due to the super-cardioid pattern
- Higher price point than some other options
- May require a bit of EQ adjustment for bright voices
Audio-Technica ATM510
This is a budget-friendly mic that offers impressive clarity and feedback rejection. Its natural mid-range and cardioid pattern make it a versatile choice for churches with a tight budget.
- Excellent sound clarity for its price, ideal for budget-conscious buyers
- Durable design with good feedback rejection
- Natural mid-range tone works well for vocals in most settings
- Lightweight, making it easy to handle during long services
Cons:
- Not as resistant to handling noise as other models
- Limited bass response compared to higher-end options
- Lacks some of the robustness of more premium mics
Electro-Voice ND76
The ND76 delivers rich low-end tones, adding depth to spoken word and vocals. It’s also highly durable, making it a great option if you need a mic that will be used frequently in different settings.
Pros:
- Powerful low-end response adds depth to vocal performances
- Rugged build quality, designed to withstand heavy use
- Handles high sound pressure levels without distortion
- Cardioid pattern offers good rejection of background noise
Cons:
- Higher price point may be a consideration for smaller budgets
- Can be a bit heavy for extended handheld use
- Higher bass response might require some EQ adjustment in certain settings
Beyerdynamic TG V70d
This mic is known for excellent feedback rejection, making it a good choice for louder worship sessions. It’s a bit more expensive, but its clarity and durability make it a sound investment for regular services.
Pros:
- Exceptional feedback rejection, even in loud environments
- Crystal-clear sound quality with strong mid and high-end response
- Built for durability, suitable for frequent use
- Low handling noise, great for handheld applications
Cons:
- Not as bass-heavy as some other options, which may affect certain vocal styles
- Higher price range, which may be a barrier for some churches
- Super-cardioid pattern requires precise positioning to avoid off-axis coloration
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Here’s a quick comparison to help you pick the mic that best suits your church’s needs:
- Sound Quality: The Shure SM58 and Sennheiser e935 deliver clear, rich vocals that work well for both speaking and singing, while the Electro-Voice ND76 provides added low-end for more depth.
- Durability: The SM58 is known for lasting through years of heavy use, while the TG V70d and ND76 are also designed to withstand regular use in church settings.
- Price: The Audio-Technica ATM510 offers high value on a budget, while the Beyerdynamic TG V70d is a premium choice for churches wanting top-notch sound quality.
- Feedback Rejection: The Sennheiser e935 and Beyerdynamic TG V70d have excellent rejection capabilities, ideal for minimizing feedback in reflective spaces.
Each microphone has unique strengths, so consider the sound needs of your worship style and the acoustics of your church.
Tips for Using Your Dynamic Microphone in Church Sound
Here are a few tips to get the best sound quality from your dynamic mic during services:
- Proper Mic Technique: Hold the mic close to your mouth to get a clear, direct sound. Dynamic mics perform best up close, especially in noisy environments.
- Maintenance and Care: Keep your microphone in a case when it’s not being used, and make sure it’s protected from moisture.
- EQ and Processing: Boost the mid-range slightly to make voices more present in the mix. Avoid excessive low-end boosts, which can cause muddiness.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Avoid cupping the microphone head, as this can lead to feedback. And try to minimize handling noise by using a mic stand whenever possible.
- Helpful Accessories: Use a windscreen or pop filter to reduce breath noise. A mic stand and shock mount can also help with reducing handling noise and improving vocal clarity.
My Final Thoughts
Finding the right dynamic microphone for your church can make a huge difference in the clarity and warmth of your sound during worship.
From the rugged Shure SM58 to the clear and powerful Beyerdynamic TG V70d, each of these mics brings something unique to live church audio.
Whether you’re leading worship, supporting a band, or preaching, there’s a mic here that will help make your voice resonate in the way you intend.
Ready to take your church sound to the next level?
Use these recommendations to find a mic that suits your voice and setting, and bring your congregation closer to the message.
