Dynamic Microphones
Contents
Compatibility
This list will be of interest mainly for S1 Pro system and S1 Pro+ owners because Dynamic microphones do not require phantom power. The S1 Pro system and S1 Pro+ do not provide phantom power. However, any of the microphones listed on this page will work with S1 Pro system and S1 Pro+ and L1 family of products.
Sensitivity
Microphones with higher sensitivity will tend to sound louder than those with lower sensitivity. While sensitivity is not an indicator of quality or gain-before-feedback, it can impact how loud the microphone sounds through the S1 Pro system and S1 Pro+.
See also: Microphone Review
Dynamic Microphones for Portable PA Use
This table compares popular dynamic microphones used with systems like the S1 Pro system and S1 Pro+ and L1 models. Column headers and pattern labels include footnote-style links to the glossary for easy reference. Click a column header to sort.
| Manufacturer ¹ | Model ¹ | Sensitivity (mV/Pa) ² | Sensitivity (dBV/Pa) ² | Polar Pattern ³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audix | OM2 | 1.60 | -55.9 | Hypercardioid³ |
| Audix | OM3 | 1.60 | -55.9 | Hypercardioid³ |
| Audix | OM3xb | 2.50 | -52.0 | Hypercardioid³ |
| Audix | OM5 | 2.00 | -54.0 | Hypercardioid³ |
| Audix | OM6 | 1.50 | -56.5 | Hypercardioid³ |
| Audix | OM7 | 0.80 | -61.9 | Hypercardioid³ |
| Beyerdynamic | M88 | 2.90 | -50.7 | Hypercardioid³ |
| Electro-Voice | N/D767A | 3.10 | -50.2 | Supercardioid³ |
| Electro-Voice | N/D86 | 2.40 | -52.4 | Supercardioid³ |
| Electro-Voice | N/D96 | 3.30 | -49.6 | Supercardioid³ |
| Rode | M1 | 1.60 | -55.9 | Cardioid³ |
| Sennheiser | e 835 | 2.70 | -51.4 | Cardioid³ |
| Sennheiser | e 845 | 1.80 | -54.9 | Supercardioid³ |
| Sennheiser | e 935 | 2.80 | -51.1 | Cardioid³ |
| Sennheiser | e 945 | 2.00 | -54.0 | Supercardioid³ |
| Sennheiser | MD 421-II | 2.00 | -54.0 | Cardioid³ |
| Sennheiser | MD 431-II | 2.00 | -54.0 | Supercardioid³ |
| Sennheiser | MD 435 | 1.80 | -54.9 | Cardioid³ |
| Sennheiser | MD 441 | 1.80 | -54.9 | Supercardioid³ |
| Sennheiser | MD 445 | 1.60 | -55.9 | Supercardioid³ |
| Shure | Beta 58 | 2.60 | -51.7 | Supercardioid³ |
| Shure | KSM8 | 2.66 | -51.5 | Cardioid³ |
| Shure | SM58 | 1.85 | -54.6 | Cardioid³ |
Glossary of Terms
¹ Manufacturer & Model: Refers to the company and specific microphone designation. Grouping by manufacturer makes comparisons easier.
² Sensitivity (mV/Pa or dBV/Pa): Indicates the output voltage of the microphone at 94 dB SPL.
- mV/Pa – Millivolts per Pascal, a linear scale.
- dBV/Pa – Decibels relative to 1 Volt, a logarithmic scale used in pro audio specs.
Higher sensitivity means a louder signal, but doesn't guarantee better tone or less feedback.
³ Polar Pattern: How the microphone picks up sound from different directions:
- Cardioid – Primarily from the front, with some side rejection.
- Supercardioid – Tighter front pickup and greater rear rejection.
- Hypercardioid – Extremely directional; rejects more from the sides and rear.
Notes
- Very low-sensitivity mics (e.g., OM7) may require more gain and aren’t ideal for S1 Pro or S1 Pro+.
- Condenser mics need phantom power — if not available, they won’t function. That is wny this list doesn't not include condenser microphones
- High-sensitivity mics (>3.0 mV/Pa) can feedback easily without proper gain management.
- Mics near 1.85 mV/Pa (like SM58) are good matches for open mic setups and inexperienced sound operators.