Dynamic Microphones?

[crunchy]

Hello everyone, Just curious why there arent alot of people using dynamic mics for recording. It seems like they would be better suited for location recording as they dont require phantom power. But I dont really know much about them other than that. Any info is appreciated


     Thanks

          -Bob

[Tim]

dynamic mics do not have nearly as good a frequency response as condensor mics. that would be one reason, I'm sure there are others.

[Brian]

Hello everyone, Just curious why there arent alot of people using dynamic mics for recording. It seems like they would be better suited for location recording as they dont require phantom power. But I dont really know much about them other than that. Any info is appreciated

     Thanks
          -Bob

since most dynamic microphones, at least i think, are designed for vocals, there is a huge mid range boost to get better response from a voice.  when these mics are used in the field it will yield a very harsh sounding recording in the mid range that can be very fatiguing.  

as tim said condensers have much better frequency response, typically more flat, with full bandwidth from 20Hz-20kHz. most dynamic mics do not have this full bandwidth.

i'm sure there are more reasons but these are the ones i could come up with right off the top of my head.

Brian

[Brian]

this thread has reminded me of a recording i have heard with this rig ina  very small venue:

shure sm57's > Behringer UL....(2 channel battery powered mixer) > MD

mics were about 8' from the stage.  to be totally honest....it sounded pretty damn decent....little harsh in the midrange but very comparable to my copy of the show. made me think of this funny slogan punk record labels have for the sm57:

"The Shure SM57 condensor microphone......use it for everything!!!!!"

[plucks]

Also, phantom power wont cut it for powering those mics, which is why you dont see a lot of us using them for field recording.  
Mixers and home/studio products are able to supply ample power to the dynamic mics.  

Here is a link:
http://www.crownaudio.com/mic_htm/tips/mictip1.htm

phil

[JNT]

Also, phantom power wont cut it for powering those mics, which is why you dont see a lot of us using them for field recording.  
Mixers and home/studio products are able to supply ample power to the dynamic mics.  

Here is a link:
http://www.crownaudio.com/mic_htm/tips/mictip1.htm

phil

Maybe I've missed your point here.  Dynamic mics do not need to be powered by phantom power or by any other sourse.

Joe

[Jason B]

Dynamic mics do not need to be powered by phantom power or by any other sourse.

Correct-a-mundo

[Chuck]

I recorded some shows with Shure SM57's in the dinosaur days.
Moving to condensors was a huge improvement.

[kindms]

we still run a pair of Beyer M201's from time to time. When the AKG's are out of town I will run the beyers.

The tapes are pretty damn good. They don't have to low end of the AKG's but these mics made many Grateful Dead masters from the 80's ->

most recently ran them for Psychedelic Breakfast 2004-01-22.  Also used them exclusively at Wormtown Festival last year in th late night cabins, suspended from the rafters X/Y Tapes smoke