Targeted toward broadcasters, podcasters, and content creators, the DynaCaster is a front-addressed dynamic microphone built around sE’s V Series capsule technology. With an integrated preamp and built-in EQ Filter Trim function, the DynaCaster does the heavy lifting, letting you focus on the creative process.
Its DMC8 capsule incorporates an aluminum voice coil and neodymium magnet structure with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 19 kHz. Rubber shock isolators suspend the capsule inside the all-metal housing, minimizing mechanical noise pickup. The tight cardioid polar pattern offers excellent off-axis rejection, isolating the sound source from unwanted ambient noise.
Two rear-mounted, recessed acoustic Filter Trim switches allow fine-tuning of the mic’s voicing. The 3-position Low Frequency switch can be set to: attenuate low-end to reduce proximity effect, flat for unaltered sound or a slight boost for extra low-end richness. The high frequency switch has three options: to attenuate high-end frequencies to reduce sibilance, boost the presence range for increased vocal clarity, or leave flat for unaltered sound.
Applying 48 VDC phantom power and engaging the center recessed switch turns on the internal “Dynamite” preamp for 30 dB of additional gain. Nominal sensitivity is 2.0 mV/PA (-54 dBV), which is on par with most dynamic mics, but with the preamp engaged it jumps to a healthy 60 mV (-24 dBV).
The rugged metal housing has an integral swivel stand mount. A large thumbscrew locks the swivel in place but is easily adjustable if needed. A gold-plated XLR connector on the swivel mount keeps the cable out of the way for a clean stage look.
An integral 3-layer pop filtration system offers immediate plosive protection against the most powerful of wind blasts without the need for external pop filters or screens. Easily disassembled for cleaning and sanitizing, the pop filtration components are constructed of quick drying materials that don’t soak up liquids. For outdoor situations, sE includes a heavy-duty foam windscreen.
In the Studio
As the DynaCaster is marketed as a broadcast voice microphone, the first thing I did was record some basic VO for some pre-show type announcements. With the “Dynamite” preamp engaged, I could reduce the input trim on my audio interface and still have a good clean signal. Because I have a naturally low (think big AM radio announcer) voice, I dialed back the LF trim and boosted the HF trim one step. The result was a clear articulate VO and I could work the microphone very close without much proximity effect. Compared to my current studio condenser voice mic, I thought the DynaCaster sounded a bit clearer on my voice. I liked it enough that I went back and re-voiced a video project I was working on.
I then disassembled the integral pop filter and sanitized it, so it was ready for the next application. Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve been sanitizing any vocal mic as part of our normal mic protocol. sE’s filter design makes this an easy process.
Onstage
But I know what you are thinking… this is a live sound magazine, so I put the DynaCaster through its paces on some live gigs and a few stream gigs.
I work with the local symphony orchestra and the next concert on our agenda featured selected orchestra musicians playing through guitar pedals. These pedals were “played” live on stage by the composer, who in real-time manipulated them to create some wild effects. The soloist played a custom instrument called the Confluence Harp. It consisted of tuned metal pipes suspended on tensioned nylon strings in a large wooden frame. Our original plan was to mic it using the player’s small diaphragm condensers. However, those were overly sensitive and fed back like crazy in the P.A.
I had planned to use DynaCaster on this gig on the narrator. Instead, I mounted it above the Confluence Harp, engaged the preamp and set the Low Frequency Trim for flat and the High Frequency Trim for slight boost. The DynaCaster captured the full range of the Confluence Harp including its subtle details, while its off-axis rejection eliminated the feedback issues.
Strumming Along
Next, I tried the DynaCaster on a guitar amp. For this livestream gig, the guitar player played a nylon string guitar through a small stage amp. We wanted a clean natural sound with a bit of warmth. Using the Filter Trims, I could get the warmth without sacrificing the details in the high-end. In this setup, I had sufficient signal without engaging the preamp.
Heavy Mettle
For some brass quintet stream gigs, I used the DynaCaster as a spot mic on French horn. With the “Dynamite” preamp engaged, and both Filter Trims in the flat position, I had a clean natural sound, while the tight cardioid pattern helped isolate the horn. Mounted on a small, short “desk” stand, DynaCaster’s swivel mount made it easy to position while offering an unobtrusive on-camera appearance.
On a big band gig, I used the DynaCaster on trumpet. With the preamp engaged and the High Filter Trim boosted, I got a bright, crisp trumpet sound. Being a dynamic mic, the player could work it close and not overload it, but the preamp gave me a hotter horn in the mix.
Kick it Good
Every time I get my hands on a large dynamic microphone, I try it on kick drum. I set up the DynaCaster in the typical position on my 20” kick, experimenting with each of the Filter Trim settings and the preamp engaged and disengaged. After a fun afternoon of annoying the neighbors, I concluded that with the Preamp disengaged and the Filter Trims set flat, it passed muster as a workable kick drum mic. But I preferred my old standard as it is tailored for kick drum. Besides, why waste the DynaCaster on kick when it sounded so good on other things?
The Verdict
With its warm, rich, dynamic sound, the sE DynaCaster is far more than a vocal mic. On voice, the ability to tailor the sound at the microphone makes it ideal for podcasters, streamers and vocalists who may not have access to EQ controls on their audio interface. The integral pop filter design eliminates the need for the traditional pop screen. With many folks still concerned about virus transmission in microphones, having an easy-to-clean and sanitize pop filter assembly is a big plus.
The onboard user-engageable preamp raises the bar for dynamic microphones. I found on many instruments, the preamp added life to the sound, while the dynamic capsule handled high SPL sources with ease. Using multiple DynaCasters on horn sections for my big band shows would energize the horns.
I can’t wait to try the DynaCaster on more things and even some vocals as I approach my summer festival season, but so far, my experience with the DynaCaster has been a blast!
At a Glance
Not Just for Broadcasters and Podcasters
sE Electronics’ DynaCaster is an active dynamic microphone with onboard boost and versatile tonal manipulation. Targeted toward broadcasters, podcasters, and content creators, the DynaCaster can also be used for live gigs and livestream events.
sE Electronics DynaCaster
PROS
- 30 dB of clean gain
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Recessed filter trim switches
CONS
- Its 30-ounce heft requires a solid boom stand
- No storage pouch provided
STATS
- Capsule: Dynamic
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz -19k Hz
- Sensitivity: 2.0 / 60 mV/Pa (-54 / -24 dBV)
- Powering: +48V phantom
- Weight: 29.98 ounces
- Street Price: $289
Manufacturer: sE Electronics
More Info: www.seelectronics.com
