Although a microphone is usually associated with a singer, it plays an important role in a DJ’s career as well. It might not be as vital as a mixer or a controller, but it can sure come in handy on stage when the time is right.
How much you’ll need one mostly depends on what type of DJ you are. Electronic dance music DJs usually avoid bringing a microphone to their gigs. However, if you’re spinning hip hop, there is clear communication with the crowd, so you most definitely want to have a mic next to you.
Obviously, a mic is also essential to wedding DJs as a key tool for communication with the guests. In this article, I will give you a list of the best-wired DJ microphones, and hopefully, by the end of this read, you’ll have a clear idea of which one you want in your shopping cart.
Top 10 Wired DJ Microphones
Overall Best: Shure SM58
It would be a shame if I didn’t start the list with the ultimate classic – the Shure SM58 microphone. This microphone has been on the market for over 40 years, and there is a reason why it’s still a standing and formidable competitor.
This handheld microphone has a durable, metal, high-quality build but it’s still pretty light. Weighing only 0.66 pounds, you’ll feel like you’re holding a hot dog. It’s very sturdy and almost indestructible, so as long as you don’t run over it with a car, it will last for a long time.
I like the style of this mic. The SM58 dynamic mic features a classic look with the grey head and black housing.
Shure SM58 offers great features, too. It has a solid frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 15 kHz. Usually, you’d hear from people that even if the lower end is 80 Hz, it’s still good. A male human speaks at 100-120 Hz, while females usually speak about an octave higher.
Shure takes a lot of pride in its unique pneumatic shock mount which it claims has not been copied by any competitor to this day. If you’re familiar with the terminology, a shock mount is here to decrease and potentially prevent any handling noises that might occur.
While the shockmount keeps you safe from noises caused by vibrations or cables, the Shure SM58 microphone has a built-in pop filter that will make sure the voice gets cleaned before it reaches the diaphragm.
It costs around $100, which is an acceptable price for a mic like this.
Pros:
- High reputation on the market;
- Very durable;
- Wide frequency response;
- Pneumatic shockmount;
- Built-in pop filter.
Cons:
- Higher-end price category.
Runner-Up: Sennheiser E840
The Sennheiser E840 is a well-built dynamic mic, with a very rugged metal housing that makes it feel sturdy and durable. To back this up, the company offers a 10-year warranty on the product, which definitely increases the trust you might have in the mic.
Noise issues are brought to a minimum with the Sennheiser microphone, mostly due to the built-in shockmount capsule, which blocks all the unwanted soundwaves. It runs smoothly as it provides high-quality vocal projection.
At the same time, the microphone has a hum compensating coil that additionally keeps external noise to a minimum.
The Sennheiser E840 microphone has an ON/OFF switch which I think is very good for DJs. I know vocalists are generally against switches, but for a DJ who just wants to impulsively address the crowd, it’s much better than to look for a specific button on your mixer.
The E840 mic has a very flexible cardioid pickup pattern, which is great for all-purpose use. This determines how the microphone will pick up the sound around the capsule. While there are different kinds of patterns, cardioid is the best for weddings, concerts, or house parties.
The frequency response is quite impressive on the Sennheiser E840, stretching from 40 Hz to 18,000 Hz. The lower end is more than you really need. You can speak as loudly or quietly as you want, and your voice will be transmitted perfectly.
The microphone comes with a microphone clip which can come in handy a lot of times, especially when your hands are full. You’ll also get a protection bag to store it safely when carrying the mic around town.
Pros:
- Rugged metal housing;
- Shockmount capsule;
- ON/OFF switch;
- Hum compensating coil;
- Good frequency response;
- 10-year warranty.
Cons:
- A bit pricey;
Good Ergonomics: AKG D5
The AKG D5 is an already established mic on the market, known for its cool design, ergonomic die-cast metal housing, and great sound delivery. It costs around $100, which is within the price range you should consider paying if you want a quality microphone.
It packs cool features as well, such as a built-in dual shockmount from the capsule that ensures no handling noises will get to the diaphragm. It has high feedback suppression, i.e. the noise that comes back from the speaker to the mic, as well as a supercardioid pickup pattern.
The supercardioid pattern differs from the cardioid one. While the former has a tighter pickup angle, meaning that it doesn’t pick up signals from all sides like the latter, it makes up for it by having higher resistance to noise coming from the sides.
Frequency response ranges from 70 Hz to 20 kHz. You may realize that most models offer a lower end that is quite a bit lower than this. However, this will not abridge you in any way and harm your performance, since your voice is already above 70 Hz while you speak, and it can only go up.
Overall, I’ve noticed that people are satisfied with the AKG D5 regarding durability and value-for-money. After reading a bunch of reviews, you arrive at the conclusion after a while that durability is by far the most important thing in a mic.
Pros:
- Ergonomic die-cast metal design;
- Dual shockmount;
- High feedback suppression;
- Durable;
- Good value for the money.
Cons:
- Frequency response could be better;
- Just a cardioid pattern would be nicer.
Total Bargain: Numark WM200
The Numark WM200 dynamic mic costs around $30. This is the first one on our list falling into the low price category, so it’s okay if you’re reading this with a bit of skepticism. However, I was impressed by what this mic is capable of given the price.
This microphone operates with the cardioid pattern which I consider to be the best one. This type of pattern covers all angles of the capsule and collects sound signals which it later converts into a crisp output.
The WM200 mic also has an ON/OFF switch button which I always say is cool for DJs, but this one is pretty off. I don’t really like the button because it differs in color from the housing, to start with, but then it also makes more background noise than usual, or at least that’s my impression.
Other than that, everything seems to be on point with Numark’s microphone. You have an XLR connector and your mic will arrive along with a mounting clip and a foam case for safe transportation, as well as a 20 ft. cable.
Twenty feet is not so ideal, but I guess I can’t really complain at this price.
The WM200 is a very light microphone, the lightest one on the list, and is perfect for DJ use. Assuming that you’re not a singer but a DJ, you don’t need your voice to be so clean, all you wanna do is ask the crowd if they’re having a good time, and you can do that with Numark WM200.
Even if you don’t like it that much, for $30, it’s worth it even if you keep it in a drawer for years.
Pros:
- Great price;
- Cardioid pattern;
- Comes with mount clip, case, and a long cable;
- Very light.
Cons:
- ON/OFF switch provides handling noise;
- Not the best choice for vocalists;
- The cable could be longer.
Low-Profile Appearance: Shure PGA58
Shure rarely disappoints with its mics and the PGA58 is no exception. The manufacturer makes mics that are used by serious vocalists and backing vocals so the clarity in its performance is more than reliable.
This handheld microphone has a subtle design, comprising fully black housing and grille, along with the ON/OFF switch, which is also black. I love the PGA58’s appearance for some reason, it gives me comfort and self-confidence.
The mic’s design itself is specially tailored for clarity and a wide frequency range for vocals. The cardioid pattern makes sure to clean all the unwanted noise coming from all sides of the capsule. Your audience will be satisfied with the sound output coming from this dynamic mic.
Shure PGA58 is quite elegant in size but is a bit heavier than the other microphones on this list. Surely this is nothing you couldn’t handle but up till now, we’ve had microphones that are lighter.
However, as a DJ, you won’t be holding the mic the whole time, as you can also mount it to a stand and chill.
The frequency response is quite impressive on this one with a range from 50 Hz to 16 kHz, meaning that it has your voice more than covered. The connection goes through a classic ¼” XLR plug.
Money-wise, the Shure PGA58 falls into the mid-price category at some $60. It’s a great option if you’re not planning on spending too much on a DJ microphone but would like something durable that offers solid performance.
Pros:
- Cool design;
- ON/OFF switch;
- Good frequency response;
- Cardioid pattern;
- Affordable.
Cons:
- A bit heavy;
- Some have reported that you have to be close to the mic in order to have clear output.
Hi-Energy Neodymium Magnet: Audio-Technica Pro 41
I wanted to keep up with the theme of the mid-price category microphones, so next up we have the Audio-Technica Pro 41 dynamic mic that’ll cost you some $50. The Pro 41mic has a rugged design made for everyday use and it offers a crisp sound.
Audio-Technica is especially proud of their superior, as they call it, shock mounting, designed to nearly eliminate all handling noises and feedback that might occur. Moreover, pickup sounds are reduced from the sides of the microphone thanks to the cardioid pattern.
This is an important thing because you definitely want to avoid those squeaky noises while you’re on stage. The handheld microphone has an ON/OFF switch which I always recommend for DJs because speedy maneuvering is what we need most during a gig.
Dynamic mics have the need for a magnet around the diaphragm because they constantly move back and forth when a soundwave hits them. Neodymium would be one of the best choices for a microphone magnet, and the Pro 41 has it.
I don’t usually pay attention that much to plugins and connectors, as most microphones have the same XLR connectors. However, here the manufacturer took it a bit further and created a gold-plated XLR which is super-resistant to corrosion.
The frequency response on this microphone disappointed me a little. It has a range from 90 Hz to 16,000 Hz. Not that this will in any way affect your voice transmission, but most brands have a range starting from 60 Hz, or at least 70 Hz.
The Audio-Technica Pro 41 mic is light and easy to carry around. Plus, you’ll get a carrying bag with your new toy as well as a microphone clip that you could install. This one is definitely worth giving a look!
Pros:
- Metal housing;
- Neodymium magnet;
- Lightweight;
- Affordable;
- Built-in mountshock;
- ON/OFF switch;
- Gold-plated connector.
Cons:
- Frequency response not impressive;
- The cable could be longer.
Excellent Acoustic Control: Electro-Voice ND86
The Electro-Voice ND86 handheld microphone has a robust die-cast zinc housing, so it’s very durable and firm. Although I prefer housings made of stronger metals (like steel), I’ve watched durability tests being done with this one and it was completely indestructible.
The grill is also specially designed using memraflex which prevents potential dents. However, the ND86 microphone offers a lot more features, making the durability thing just an extra.
In fact, this mic has one of the best acoustic controls I’ve ever seen in my life. It does a great job at cutting down low frequencies thanks to the high-pass built-in filters on the inside. The only thing that will reach the speaker is your wonderful voice without any humming or background noises.
The United States-based manufacturer has ensured to offer a wide frequency response, so it has installed a huge 1.99” diaphragm capsule for that purpose. The response itself stretches from 70 Hz to 17 kHz, which is just about enough.
Also, you won’t have to worry about the handling noise that is usually caused by cable movement or a simple tap on the grill. There is a built-in shockmount within the Electro-Voice ND86 mic that will reduce all unwanted effects.
The handheld mic operates with a supercardioid response which is very similar to the cardioid one but with a slight difference. The supercardioid is better at rejecting side noise but has a narrower pickup. Both are fine if you ask me, it’s just a matter of preference.
Pros:
- Durable;
- Memraflex grill;
- Great acoustics;
- Built-in shockmount;
- Supercaradioid response;
- Large diaphragm.
Cons:
- A bit pricey;
- Some have reported feedback issues.
Cost-Effective: Peavey PVi 2
The Peavey PVi 2 handheld microphone is a great option for a DJ mic that provides crisp sound and carries a fair price tag, costing some $50. The features it packs definitely make it a great option.
The housing is made of die-cast steel which makes it sturdy and lightweight at the same time. It comprises an ON/OFF switch which I already said is a very smart option for DJs. The switch also matches the paint of the housing so the manufacturer did a great job at keeping it discreet.
The microphone’s inherent directionality, or in other words, how sensitive the mic is to incoming sounds, is cardioid. With this response, the mic will only pick up soundwaves coming directly from the front, and at the same time, it will significantly reduce the sounds coming from the sides.
Just like most mics, you connect this one with an XLR cable. One thing I don’t like is the cable length which stretches for some 20 feet. This might seem enough but if you actually take out the cable, you’ll see that the length is not so promising, so you might end up buying a new one.
While we could discuss whether the length is long enough or not, the cable’s quality is fine, though it lacks sturdiness if you ask me. Other than that, the Peavey PVi 2 handheld microphone is a good catch at this price.
Pros:
- Affordable;
- ON/OFF switch;
- Cardioid response;
- Clean sound.
Cons:
- Cable is short (if you ask me), and is not of the best quality;
- The company doesn’t share a lot of information on its website, which is kind of frustrating.
All-Around Player: Audio Technica AT2005USB
The Audio Technica AT2005USB handheld microphone is fun in every environment. It’s meant to serve as a studio microphone, but it also does a great job at open-air concerts or clubs. Its high performance is mostly thanks to the quality features it comprises.
As it says in the name, the AT2005USB microphone has two outputs – one XLR that you can plug into whatever device you want, and a USB output that you can plug directly into your computer to use the mic for recording.
One thing I know for sure is that whatever you do with this mic, the sound will come out crisp and clean. It also works on a cardioid response method, meaning it will significantly reduce the pickup of unwanted sounds, i.e. noise.
This mic is great for those working in music production, because it has a built-in jack for headphones, allowing you to totally merge these two devices. You can monitor the songs directly from your mic in real-time!
You could even adjust the headphones’ volume via buttons placed on the bottom of the mic. The housing also includes an ON/OFF switch which I highly recommend.
Frequency response goes from 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz so with this range you won’t have any trouble even with the lowest and highest vocals. Anyway, if you’re going to use it only for DJing purposes, you don’t have to worry about that.
The price is pretty fair for all the features it offers, falling in the mid-high range category of about $80.
Pros:
- Good for music production, DJing;
- XLR and USB output;
- ON/OFF switch;
- Cardioid response;
- Fair price.
Cons:
- You must speak right into the mic for good recording sound;
- USB cable could be sturdier.
Microphone System: Shure BLX288/PG58 (Wireless)
The Shure BLX288 is not a wired microphone, but I thought it would be fun (and smart) to give this article a bit of diversity. Who knows? You might want to consider a wireless microphone system as an option.
Whatever the reason, let’s keep an open mind and see what this system has to offer.
Let’s just quickly go over the difference between a mic system and a regular wired microphone. They obviously are made based on the same principle, but the system has a router and batteries, rather than cables.
Also, a microphone system will cost you a lot more than a wired microphone. For example, the Shure BLX288 costs over $700. If this seems a lot, I get it. But wireless technology offers many advantages since there are no cables to twist or limit your movement.
Also, the whole package includes two Shure PG58 microphones, a receiver, batteries, and some clips for the microphones. The mics themselves have a cool black color and grill, along with some impressive features.
They have a cardioid response which means it clears all the unwanted noise coming from the sides of the capsules. Also includes an ON/OF switch, which is perfect for DJing.
Pros:
- Wireless;
- Two microphones, receiver, and batteries;
- ON/OFF switch;
- Cardioid response;
- Metal housing.
Cons:
- Pricey.
Best DJ Wired Microphones: Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’ve covered all the details regarding the DJ microphones listed above, let me give you some DJ tips when you’re purchasing a new piece of DJ equipment.
Set Your Budget
Don’t go around spending money on stuff you don’t really need. Take your time, and figure out how much of your earnings you’re willing to spare on a new mic. If you rarely talk to your audience, do you need a mic? If you’re a wedding DJ, do you need a $300 microphone?
See, setting your budget has nothing to do with how much money you have, but rather detecting your needs and adjusting the budget based on them.
I’d say that if you want to spend up to $100 ( /- $20) on a DJ mic, it should have:
- Sturdy and durable housing, preferably made of metal;
- An ON/OFF switch;
- Cardioid or other forms of all-covering response;
- Shock mounting capsule;
- Cables that are durable and long.
Every product is special and incomplete in its own way. You’ll read one complaint and a thousand appraisals, and sometimes the other way around (you should probably steer clear of the second category).
I think that if you’re looking for something to have for emergency cases, don’t spend too much and consider the Numark WM200.
However, if you’re more of a music producer, won’t you enjoy the Audio Technica AT2005USB?
Finally, if you want to dare and try something new, maybe take another peek at the Shure microphone system.
Do Your Research
If you don’t know jack about DJ microphones, it’ll show at the store. So, instead of rushing into buying a new piece of DJ gear, take some time to google all the lingo you see on the product descriptions.
You will be amazed by how easy things get once you finally understand all the microphone patterns and responses. The internet is full of shopping options and you must find what you need in that sea of offers.
Best DJ Wired Microphones: Conclusion
Every purchase of DJ gear should be done with a smart approach. This basically means to stick to the steps I mentioned in the buyer’s guide. With a bit of time and patience, at the end of the day, you’ll be the happy owner of a high-quality DJ microphone.
My advice is to always have a microphone included in your DJ set. Even if you don’t use it that often, you never know when the moment will come when you’ll really want to share something with the audience. It’d be a shame not having a mic then, right?
Best DJ Wired Microphones: FAQ
What Is The Difference Between A Condenser Mic And A Regular Microphone?
The difference between these two types of mics is mostly technical. In simple terms, a regular handheld microphone is used to capture strong and loud sounds, while a condenser mic is mostly used to capture delicate vocals at higher frequencies.
For DJing purposes, you should go with a dynamic microphone.
Can I Use A Condenser Mic Live?
In theory, yes. Even in practice, these types of microphones are used at a live performance. However, their more natural habitat is the recording studio.