When would a dynamic microphone be preferred over a condenser microphone?

A dynamic microphone is preferred in live performance settings primarily due to its durability and resilience to high sound pressure levels. These microphones utilize a simple design that can withstand the rigors of the stage environment, including rough handling and significant volume levels without distortion. This robustness makes them ideal for environments where they may be subjected to physical stress or where high sound levels are present, such as concerts or public speaking events.

Dynamic microphones also tend to have a limited frequency response compared to condenser microphones, making them less suitable for capturing the nuanced details of studio vocals or quiet acoustic instruments, which benefit from the sensitivity and wider frequency range of condensers. Additionally, while dynamic microphones can capture high-frequency sounds, they do not excel at this task compared to condenser microphones, which are better suited for that purpose, especially in controlled environments.

Thus, the preference for a dynamic microphone in live performance settings is largely due to its reliability and ability to handle the demands of such situations effectively.