[Review&QnA] Electro-Voice RE20-BLACK Dynamic Broadcast Announcer Microphone, Black (RE20)
Musical Instruments > Microphones & Accessories > Microphones > Dynamic Microphones > Multipurpose
[Review&QnA] Electro-Voice RE20-BLACK Dynamic Broadcast Announcer Microphone, Black (RE20)
About this item
- The classic sound of FM radio voices
- Smooth, natural and controlled sonic character
- Variable-D for minimal proximity effect
- True cardioid with no coloration at 180-degrees off-axis
- Voice tailored frequency response
Reviews
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
I recommend this over the SM7B 100% for streaming
For this review, I will be comparing this mic directly to the Shure SM7B
Pros:
- Absolutely fantastic voice quality
- Confidence inspiring metal construction
- Internal pop filter
- Dynamic (great for voice isolation with little to no sound treatment)
- Low cut switch
- Sounds comparable to a condenser mic without picking up everything around you
- Compatible with a few shock mounts (Highly recommend using one, I'm using one of those clamp style ones I had for my AT-2020)
- Includes thread adapter to fit Rode PSA-1
- Anti-Proximity effect
Cons:
- No internal shock mount like the SM7B
- A little upset that I didn't try this first
Thoughts:
Have you ever tried a product, and immediately regretted not getting it first over something else? I absolutely did with this mic. I let the legendary reputation, modern popularity of the SM7B, and number of reviews sway my decision when searching for a high quality mic for streaming last year. I never even gave this mic a second look until very recently when I heard a streamer speak into this beauty and it was the most crisp audio quality I've ever heard. After watching a few direct comparison videos between the 2 mics, I began to question my decision. I was hearing much more detail out of the RE20 and when directly compared, noticed that the SM7B was sounding sort of muffled. After setting up the RE20 and doing my first test record, my fears were realized. I had purchased the wrong mic last year. The RE20 is exactly the sound I was looking for. No matter what I did in the EQ to the SM7B, there was always something off about it that disappointed me. Make no mistake, it's not a bad mic by any stretch, but in the end, it just doesn't produce the sound that I personally want for my stream. If you've ever used a condenser mic, you know that it picks up more details in your voice, with the drawback that it also picks up sounds from all around your room as if they were next to the mic. The RE20 has that same bright detail, but with the voice isolation of a dynamic mic. The best of both worlds for my use case. In the end, I really wish I had done more research before making my initial purchase because I would have certainly gone for the RE20. If you can try out the mics you're eyeing to find out which one compliments your voice the best. What sounds good for me might not sound good for you. Just try to not let the review numbers steer you too much like I did. This is an absolutely fantastic microphone that deserves more attention.
*Update 7/25/2021: I re-oriented my shock mount to hang down from the boom instead of the more sideways orientation in the video, and it completely eliminated the apparent over sensitivity I thought it had. The shock mount I'm using is one by BTOOP (I can't seem to find it's exact name), that was recommended for the AT-2020.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
The Ultimate Multi purpose Studio Microphone it lives up to the Hype and More.
I mentioned in another review for The RE 320 ( the baby brother of the RE20) i was able to finally purchase a couple of these last year as they were on my long time wish list being a 26 year radio DJ veteran the station where I do my shows still have the same RE20 mic in the studio they had when I first began in 1996 ( the label lists Electro voice being in Buchanan Michigan while the current label lists Burnsville Minnesota) their Mic still works and sounds great considering its age and for me there is no substitute for Good Quality when you buy an RE 20 keep in mind You're paying more for Quality And not so much for Advertising and to me its well worth the Investment just make sure you take The Best care of this Microphone and it will always be reliable I love my EV mics so much I replaced all the cheaper copycats with them they work well with voices and instruments hence its versatility I Highly recommend The RE20 it is pricey but worth it and if you can get it on sale ( which happens on occasion) thats the best time to get one or two UPDATE 9-30-2021 after a year I'm still very Happy with my RE20s as a seasoned Radio and Pro audio geek I can say by experience This is the very best mic you can get for the money and in my experience no cheaper copy cat mic can ever come close to the EV RE series ( my favorites being this and it's Baby brother The RE 320)
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Love it in black
My first nice dynamic mic was a Shure SM7B, years ago. At the time, they were both $400 mics--now the RE20 is $90 more. I love the Shure too, and I'm no audio expert, so I'm not going to get into the weeds with any technical sound comparisons. There's infinite information online putting the 2 mics against each other.
99% of the time I wear all black, and I use my mic mostly for work video conferencing, talking-head sort of videos, etc. I know some people pick a mic and want something flashy, which is valid, especially if you're dropping a significant amount of money and want to flex. I prefer my mic is as unobtrusive as possible. And since I can't always have an acoustically perfect situation, I kind of have to have a dynamic mic.
Now that the RE20 comes in black, it truly competes with the SM7B for my use case. (I LOVE the look of the OG cream colored RE20 btw--its a work of art--I just don't want something so loud on video)
One observation, having owned both now: The mount and XLR input situation on the SM7B can be annoying paired with certain mounts, sometimes requiring a 3" extension tube to give room for the XLR housing. A lot of people complain about this--but after dealing with it, and now having the RE20, which is noticeably bigger and longer (especially with the XLR attached), I sort of feel like I prefer Shure's method. The total space that the mic takes up is significantly smaller--especially if you're using the RE20 with it's massive shock mount system (I dont have that). The Shure's mounting system and better noise rejection (tapping the body of the mic and it's stand causes almost no noise in the mic), and therefore not needing any shock mount are a HUGE plus over the RE20 in real world application--especially if space and an understated appearance are pros to you. To some, this is probably a complete non-issue. But for use on a desktop with limited space, in front of a camera, it might be make or break. I don't hear many reviews mentioning this difference.
Otherwise, I personally prefer the more natural, less bassy/boomy sound of the RE20 (judging the sound sans EQ, as I wont always have the option of EQing in my use case). I also love the physical design of the mic being all black metal, with matte black metal mesh, and the super clean branding/typography nice and subtle on the lower 1/3. It feels like a more expensive object in hand, imo.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Broadcasters Favorite That Doesn’t Disappoint
With 40 years in the business and 20 of them in radio, I knew that a home studio and internet radio station would sound its best when cracking this mic. Works perfectly. I’d only recommend avoiding the shock mount and go for quality mic stand or boom arm that will hold the RE20 in place and an interface and your golden. People always compliment me on how smooth I sound during my radio breaks and I give credit to EV for this piece of industry standard used by us broadcasting Jocks, spoken workers, and musicians all around the world. Get yours and you’ll hear exactly what I’m talking about.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Just buy it.
For all the naysayers about this mic, use it correctly. This mic is amazing. I mean, it’s used on ESPN every day. There is just enough low end on this microphone to create a presence. The highs are perfectly set for clarity and the lows decrease the muddiness to an exact level. It sounds amazing. It looks amazing. I’m here for it. Do yourself a favor and buy this mic.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Switched an SM7b for This and Couldn't Be Happier
Amazing mic for so many things. I am stunned how this mic can capture cabinets, pianos, acoustic guitars, snares, kicks, and pianos. It is more bright than the SM7b which is what i needed to get a more clear sound. I also did not buy a separate pre-amp (which i needed for the shure) and plugged it into my focusrite 18i20 and it sounds great. Overall 10/10.
Also, it's just so damn cool looking.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Treat Yourself
Was hesitant to pull the trigger on this mic because of the price tag, but it gets a smile out of me every time. It also makes for a great conversation starter in any online class or work meeting. This mic is miles ahead of the Shure SM7B in my opinion. Much more natural sounding and has character.
If you are also on the fence of purchasing this mic because of the hefty price, just do it. Life is short, RE20 is forever.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Fantastic broadcasting mic
This mic has been a staple for pro broadcasting since 1968. To this day these mics are still found in radio stations throughout the country and for good reason. The fullness of these mics are fantastic and the clarity is pristine. It has a really nice midrange frequency. I have a youtube channel called "Life Afterlife Paranormal Podcast" and this is my favorite mic now. I was using a vintage Rode NT1 which is a fantastic mic on its own but I prefer this mic over the vintage NT1. I also purchased the shock mount for it which is very large but has a great look and works well. I would definitely recommend this mic for a podcast, voice over work or live broadcasting. Excellent mic and has a great look too!
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
That FM voice that you did not know you had
This microphone did not disappoint. It even made me believe my voice is great, with that warm late night FM voice. If that is what you are looking for, go for it. It produces clear, intelligible recordings with pleasant, rounded, not over the top, non-fatiguing basses and trebles. I was torn between this and the Shure SM7b, and am glad I got the Electro Voice. I have not tried it for singing yet but on my preliminary tests it seems to perform well on acoustic guitar, and is much less sensitive to room acoustics than large diaphragm condenser mics.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
For saxes a very good mic
This dynamic mic is good for gigs and recording when you don't want to pick up surrounding noises or other instruments when playing. The material is solid, it is a good sized mic. You will sound like yourself when you use this mic. The price may be a little steep for some people (about 500 bucks) however you will have a great mic in your collection.
Question & Answer
Question :
Does this come with a shock mount?
Answer :
No. The shock mount is an additional accessory. Their recommended 309a mount is great, but costs around a hundred dollars.
Question :
Is this for usb connection
Answer :
No. This is an XLR microphone. If you need to hook this into a computer, you will need an interface can take an XLR connection for the microphone and a USB connection to the computer.
Question :
Does this come with a shock mount, mic connector and case?
Answer :
Mine came with a case, but the 309a was a separate purchase.
Question :
Does this RE20 package come with the shock-mount as indicated in the pictures?
Answer :
No. I had to get the 309a Mount separately for an extra hundred dollars.
Question :
Is the OEM shock mount included?
Answer :
No
Question :
Do you need a pop filter?
Answer :
Yes and no. Yes, it's always wise to use a pop-filter or a windscreen. No. If you annunciate without popping or overemphasizing "S" you can go sans.
Question :
Is a shock mount necessary for a desk mic stand? i know with sm7b, it is not necessary but i do prefer the sound of the re20... thanks.
Answer :
No, the shock mount is not a big difference at all I've found...and I have the 309. It works fine with a standard mic stand. I too prefer the RE 20. Has much better presence than the 7B does.
Question :
Can one get a black "sock" of some type from speaker grill material for this mic? I want to change the color to be more subtle. Thanks.
Answer :
There are several options for windscreens or pop filters for this mic, many in different colors. Check out Rycote or Windtech.
Question :
What's the difference between the re20 and the re320? besides price that is
Answer :
The re320 has a neodymium magnetic capsule andnd less moving parts than the RE20. It is much cheaper to manufacture. It has a brighter sound and higher output.
Question :
what size foam cover is needed for the RE-20 mic? Any recommendations?
Answer :
Most commonly we use ours indoors, meaning we don’t need a wind sock. If you are planning on talking into the microphone for webcast purposes, I recommend a pop filter. Otherwise if you have to use it outside a black sock should get you by
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