Just in time for record inflation levels comes a solid competitor to Shure’s classic large diaphragm dynamic microphone, the SM7b.
At $399, the SM7b is now outside of the home studio sweet spot many. Enter the sE DynaCaster. At its current $289 price point, it handily beats the SM7b on price. But fortunately, that’s not where it stops.
Back in 2018, sE introduced their DM1 “Dynamite” inline mic preamp. It provides about 28 decibels of 48V phantom powered clean gain for $99. Guess what? The DM1 is included in the DynaCaster! So yes, even the most entry level of audio interfaces and mixing boards can be coupled with it.
How does it sound? I would say “larger than life” like its competitor but with more detail. Its higher frequency response makes it a competitor with the Electro-Voice RE20, another classic radio station microphone.
Audio samples will be included and posted in this spot once a video demonstration of the DynaCaster is released.
The DynaCaster’s body length is about two inches smaller than the Shure, which certainly looks nicer on camera. Overall DC length is about 7.5″ with the foam windscreen, 5.5″ without. In comparison, the SM7b is 7.5″ with the standard windscreen and 9″ with the larger windscreen.
Speaking of body, the DynaCaster’s capsule is protected by a solid metal housing. It’s easily removable for cleaning purposes. The SM7b has a thin metal covering underneath the foam windscreen and is susceptible to being easily bent if the microphone is dropped.
Two analog voicing switches gives you six different options to acoustically tailor voices and rooms. I preferred my voice on the high passed, flat mid-range setting. In the same area is the dynamite on/off switch, so in case you prefer the boost off or if your input does not have phantom power, you can still use the microphone. From what I recall, it has more output level compared to the 7b.
Another reviewer incorrectly stated that the DynaCaster’s capsule is the same as the V7’s. No, it is based on the V Series microphones but the capsule is the DMC8. It’s also cardioid as opposed to the V7’s super cardioid pickup pattern.
One downside to the DynaCaster is that it appears to be more susceptible to thuds. So if you accidentally hit a boom stand or hit the table that a tabletop stand is sitting on, the vibrations will go to the capsule more easily than the SM7b.
I was hoping that my Stedman Proscreen XL would not be necessary because of the three-layer pop filter, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. However, with the foam windscreen on, the Proscreen XL becomes unnecessary. And because the DynaCaster has a more natural/detailed sound, the windscreen did not muffle the tone unlike my experience with the 7b.
I do prefer the 7b’s mic stand adapter (because it twists into place fast), however I never liked the small cable that sticks out of the connector. The DynaCaster’s mount has to be spun around. The swivel mount design is cool though and solidly built. Thick
At this point, I think it’s clear which microphone I recommend at this time. You will get a lot more bang for buck from the DynaCaster, period. If you’re looking for a professional level podcast or radio station microphone this is it. Your search is over. The only question is, will it last for years to come like the classics? Only time will tell, but my guess is yes. Other sE Electronics gear that I have looks and works like the day I opened their packages. What I’m trying to say here is…there’s Made in China and then there’s Made in sE’s Factory. There is a big difference between the two.
If you end up buying a DynaCaster, don’t forget to register for the full three year warranty!
Amazon affiliate links are used in this review.