A dynamic microphone works on the same principle as an electric generator. A coil of wire attached to the diaphragm sits inside a permanent magnetic field. As sound waves move the diaphragm, the coil moves through the magnetic field and induces a small electrical current — the audio signal.
Dynamic microphones are mechanically simple and physically robust. They handle extremely high sound pressure levels without distorting, which makes them the standard choice for live vocals, guitar amplifiers, drums, and brass instruments. Drop a dynamic mic on stage and it keeps working. Drop a condenser and the precision-engineered capsule may be damaged.
The trade-off is sensitivity and frequency response. Dynamic mics are less sensitive than condensers and have a more limited high-frequency response. Vocals recorded with a dynamic sound slightly darker and less detailed. For podcasting and streaming, this is often an advantage — the mic is less likely to pick up background noise.
Dynamic mics do not require phantom power. They connect directly to an XLR input and work without any additional power supply. This simplifies the signal chain for live performance and casual home use.