Electro-Voice RE20 Review
Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 18,965 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Electro-Voice RE20. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Electro-Voice RE20. For example, 89% of 607 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Electro-Voice RE20 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 102 Reviews
Great all-around mic especially for home recording vocals.
Electro-Voice RE20 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Sean J. on Reverb
The two main reasons I got this mic were... 1. For home recording where I don't have an ideal sounding room and 2. In hopes that it would be a good fit for my vocals. Having used it on tracks recording in my office for the past week or so I have to say I'm really impressed. It gives a much cleaner recording in my 12x15 space than my condenser mics (Stellar CM-6, AKG C414 and a couple others) because they pick up too much of the room sound. The RE20 is not as "airy" as a condenser but with a bit of eq you can add in some sparkle. Basically it gives me a clean sounding track I can work with, then I add a subtle room verb in the master to give a sense of space and tie tracks together. I have recorded dobro, acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals with it. Again, ideally you'd probably use a large diaphragm condenser in a good sounding room for acoustic instruments, but in cases where you want to take the room out of the equation, this mic works surprisingly well. Actually for dobro, I think the warmth and punch of this mic sounds good even compared to nicer condensers I've used. For vocals, I have a honky sounding voice in the Willie Nelson (but not nearly as cool) range. I've been trying to find a mic I felt comfortable with for some time. I got the RE20 after reading some recommendations that it could be a good fit for that type of voice. I think it definitely has a warmth and midrange richness that allows my vocals to sound punchy and cut through without being too harsh. When paired with a Heritage 73 JR preamp you get a nice warm vintage vibe. In general it's a great all-around mic that can be used on a variety of applications. Great for situations where you don't want to pick up room reflections. It adds warmth and fullness to my honky sounding voice and sounds pretty darn good on dobro. While other mics may be better for certain applications, this one is a solid all-arounder that I can see myself using for a long time to come. If you want an example of how this mic sounds check out this youtube video. After I saw this video, I went online and bought the RE20. This is a great clip of how warm and full it sounds on vocals and how good it can sound in a home recording environment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDMYgk9DcRE ... More
The venerable do-it-all microphone
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed by mchakra on B&H Photo Video
You can use this microphone confidently for almost any application, be it at the home studio, recording studio, project studio or on stage. The EV RE20 is very forgiving where most Large diaphragm condensers (LDC) aren't for lack of a proper studio environment. Use it for bass, horns, percussion and of course vocals, and you will be amazed at its performance. The sensitivity of this mic is phenomenal for a dynamic mic and its reproduction of sound in the entire frequency range is undoubtedly superlative. It does not undermine any of the venerable LDC's, but none can handle the range of frequencies as well as SPL's that this one can. No wonder this mic has stood the test of time. Pitfalls though are the following: You would need to have this one connected to a good outboard pre-amp for best results. With its output at 1.7 mV you will have to jack up the gain to reasonably high levels on any standard console and this would in most cases add noise to the signal chain. For talents who like to use the proximity effect for deep sounding vocals, this is not the mic of choice. However, for those who have a baritone voice, this one is silky smooth; and for screamers, you won't find a mic that is significantly better than the RE20 in overall performance and reliability. Frankly this mic is a solidly built all rounder to last you a lifetime of satisfaction. ... More
EV RE20 - Very good quality and value.
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed by Jace on B&H Photo Video
I became interested in the RE20 Microphone after seeing Tom Yorke from Radiohead using one in the scotch mist videos and checked out some reviews that all praised the mic highly..After this I decided to get one for myself for recording, live and studio vocals and to use on guitars and other instruments as a different choice between the mics i already have. Im impressed with its ability to produce faultless vocals with very little, if any, sibilance without any EQ in the mic's chain. Even trying to make it 'pop' by repeating 'p' words with lips touching the mic without a pop filter the mic still produces very warm smooth sounds with hardly any popping if any, and this was trying to make it pop!..My only issue has been gain,I must point out dont have a high end mic pre, i Have an ART MPA2, which i have to push pretty hard to get a strong signal into my software with this mic but it is a dynamic so this is nothing unusual! The sound of this mic is very warm compared to other mics i have used, mostly AKG and Shure. As soon as i spoke into it I recognized the sound from radio and voice overs where it would have been used. This mic is also very well made and will last a long long time if it is looked after. That means no dropping with your butterfingers! all in all its a great addition to anyones mic collection, and if you have the money and are looking for something to add to your collection grab one, the RE20 is a great mic, no question will hold onto it and use it for years to come. thanks BH! ... More
Great, warm sound
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed by Little Sound Druid on B&H Photo Video
I was looking for a great studio mic to use in my home studio. As a beginner, I learned that people recommend dynamic microphones for this type of usage. I was torn between the Shure SM7b and the EV RE-20. Also, I looked at the Heil PR-40. Well, I can't compare all of those but I can say that the EV RE-20 sounds very nice! Be aware though that this dynamic mic needs a lot of preamp gain. My old MotU Ultralite could only provide 24dB. This mic needs 55dB upwards to get to usable levels, so if you're a beginner as me, make sure you have a preamp that can cough up that much juice. As a low cost solution I bought a PreSonus Studio Channel and I'm quite happy with it. It can only provide 54dB so it's at the edge of what it can deliver. All in all I'm really happy with the sound. It makes the voice smooth and warm and gets rid of a lot of room reverb if you don't have a special room that is treated acoustically! The only negative I found is that many sites said this mic does not need a suspension as the membrane inside the mic is already suspended. But I get a hum that's transmitted through the table the mic sits on. With my condenser mics that have a suspension, I don't get this noise. And also experiments of taping the mic to such a suspension got rid of the noise. So make sure you don't have vibrations on the table you put the mic's arm on. Every movement with the hands on the table, every tap on the keyboard can be heard. ... More
RE20 Sounds GREAT!
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video
This kit comes with everything you need except the interface. I paired this kit with the MOTU M2 which I also got here on B&H. Using the Motu with the Cloudlifter you only need 50% gain on the interface, it works out great with super low noise floor. (almost not even there) The other accessories in the kit are decent. Taking into account how great the mic and cloudlifter combo is I'd feel bad taking stars off for the accessories but they do sort of miss the mark at this price point. The O.C White pro boom is nice and very sturdy, but I had to grease the base with silicone grease because it's very squeaky when you turn the boom right or left. It does a good job holding the RE20 with the auray shock mount though which is over 2.5 lbs. The auray shock mount is as other have mentioned in their reviews, decent for the price in this kit, would not spend $80+ on one separately unless you bump your mic a lot. The RE20 honestly doesn't need a shock mount if you keep your movement of the mic minimal. The Roland Cables are spot on for what I needed on a desktop setup, the 5ft gold cable is the exact length needed to fit into the snap in enclosures the Pro Boom has, then into your cloudlifter. The 10ft is great for running from the cloudlifter to your interface, but if you have a really large desk or special cable routing it might be a bit short, 10ft was fine for me though. The pop filter, well it's a pop filter. A bit muffled vs just using the RE20 no filter. I've been using it as a dust cover more than anything. lol ... More
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Outstanding for Broadcast or Podcasting
Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone
Reviewed by Chris on Guitar Center
This is one of the "industry standard" broadcast microphones found in FM Radio stations, Voice over studios, etc.If you are looking for that "professional" sound in those kinds of applications, this is the mic you want. The reason is simple- listeners have heard this mic so often it's what they associate it characteristics with "professional" sounding voices. Well worth it. It's a heavy mic, so be prepared. Also very good for untreated rooms and poor mic technique. It's VERY directional so it covers these issues.
Wonderful Mic
Electro-Voice RE20 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Bradley D. on Reverb
Excellent for vocals, bass, kick, guitar, ondes martenot, bouzouki, autoharp, electric triangle, dinner parties, and home invasions
Easiest money I've ever spent!
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed by Dan on B&H Photo Video
Being new to the hobby of podcasting, YouTube pre-recorded content and Skype calling, I started out with a condenser mic. It didn't take long for me to figure out that I wanted something different, so I started ordering dynamic mics. My first dynamic microphone was the PR40 from Heil and it is certainly a fantastic mic! Still, microphones are very different in their design and how they sound with your particular voice. I immediately discovered the benefits of both. Unlike the somewhat bright sound from the Heil, the RE20 soften the edges off my aging voice with a warmer and richer tone. Also, I was able to lean back in my chair and turn my head away from the microphone while still talking, without noticing any difference in how my recorded voice sounded. So, if you're new to this topic you will benefit from testing 2-3 options before committing to a final decision. Fortunately, B&H Photo is very understanding to this process. ... More
This is core studio gear
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I bought this mic knowing it is a broadcast standard piece of gear. What I didn't get was that is exactly what the RE20 is all about. Broadcasting in a word. If you are doing broadcast or podcast work and have a less than ideal environment to record in, this is a must have piece of gear. I cannot recommend this for voice over work where clarity through a production mix is required and subtle voice nuances are desired.
small basement studio
Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone
Reviewed by Jethro Dirt on Guitar Center
I spent most of the 90's in a van or bus and used this mic a ton on my bass cabinets. I ran my signal direct to the board and then miced my cabinet where the signal was affected by whatever I was stepping on. I loved the way this mic on an 8x10 cab. I knew this mic was commonly used on kick drums, so I figured I would give it a try in my basement studio. I put it inside the kick about 3 inches from the head. To me, it sounds great. You turn it on, you get the kick drum. And, now I can bring it to gigs and know what mic the engineer is going to put on my cab every time. It is perfect for what I need. There may be better kick drum mics out there. But for the money, and my needs, the RE20 is a total solution. ... More
Perfect for Podcasting
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed by Walter on B&H Photo Video
I had been using an Audio Technica AT2020 condenser microphone for recording my podcast, and it worked reasonably well. However, it picks up too much of the ambient noise around me, and I don't have a treated, dedicated studio in which to record. Therefore, I researched better microphone options for my scenario. The Electro-Voice RE20 seemed like the best choice after all my research, and I am convinced it is ideal for my situation and my voice. In fact, even recording in my house with no sonic treatment on the walls, I don't even have to use my iZotope RX8 Vocal Noise Reduction as I used to do on every recording. Because I use a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as my interface to my computer for recording in Sound Forge Pro, I also got a CloudLifter, because I would have had to crank the gain on the 2i2 beyond where it introduces audible distortion/noise. That obviously raised the overall expense of this upgrade, but it is truly a significant upgrade. For male voice, spoken word (and possibly other applications), the Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone receives my very highest possible recommendation. ... More
Fantastic Microphone
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I bought this microphone after doing a ton of research about voiceover microphones. There are a lot of good ones out there and of course it is an individual choice based on your needs and your voice. But for me, the RE-20 is a match made in heaven. It brings out all the best tones in my voice and is so forgiving of all the bad parts. It is well shielded and rejects noise well so it works wonders in my paltry in home studio. I love this mic. It is built like a tank. Seriously, you could drive nails with it. It is definitely built to take the abuse that it would get in the broadcast booths in which the RE-20 usually lives. It has a very distinct big sound, very radio and I mean that in the best possible way. You can also really play with proximity at times being a normal distance from the mic and when you want you can definitely get up close and personal with it. I guess you can tell I am happy. I don't think this will be the last mic that I buy but I am super pleased that it was the first. If you like the sound you will not be disappointed. ... More
Professional results in my home studio
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed by Rich on B&H Photo Video
I traded in my precious Rode NT2000 for something that could stand up to the high heat/ humidity conditions of SE Asian summers, and be more forgiving of the incidental noises of urban living. The RE20 has performed magnificently. It`s solidly built with great frequency response, not quite that of the NT200 but also much more forgiving of A/C noise, hiss or passing vehicles outside. It`s important to note nothing can fix poorly recorded audio. No mic will make you a better narrator. Positioning, your space, your delivery, workflow and end result helps determine the quality you achieve. However after I compared the two mics side by side in a studio, I and found the RE20 delivered excellent results and fits my nomadic lifestyle, one in which I have traded a sealed booth, double-paned windows and peaceful countrysides for efficiency apartments and passport stamps. ... More
classic for a reason
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed by cmcenearney on B&H Photo Video
Great apartment mic for many of the same reasons it's a great broadcast mic: sounds lovely, built like a tank, and so practical. I use it for vocals and ac. gtr at home and love it also on kick, upright, and horns. In a small apartment you can use this with a fair amount of gain and not hear the fridge or the people outside, as opposed to a condenser. Then too, get right up on the re20 and have barely any proximity effect. So useful... I have one of the all-mahogany Martin OM guitars and it records well with the re20, not a ton of high-end detail to begin with so it doesn't suffer there like a nice spruce-top might. Also, it's prone to some low-mid woof with certain mics and the re20 just soaks all that up without getting overwhelmed. Some will need a pop-filter, despite the built-in one. With proper positioning (and depending on gain + source) you can track with monitors instead of headphones. ... More
GREAT ALL AROUND MIC
Electro-Voice RE20 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Cliff L. on Reverb
LOVE THIS MIC! I've had one since the 80's. I had it reconditioned after many years when the gel padding inside deteriorated and the mic started to rattle, but that's it. Built like a tank, reliable, great sounding mic. Unique among dynamic mics, the RE20 has no "proximity effect-" close sound sources do not have exaggerated low frequency content and sound clear and clean. Over the years I've used mine on everything including acoustic instruments & vocals. Note- the RE20 has come down in price dramatically now that it is not longer alone in its field and has more competition. That makes it an even better value. LOVE THIS MIC!!! ... More
Workhorse
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed by Joseph on B&H Photo Video
Best sounding dynamic mic for voice-over work. Warm sound, low noise & internal pop filter make for a robust and pleasing sound at a great price. Because it's a dynamic the output is low but it is very low noise so it is okay to goose the gain and still get clean sound Ostensibly good for miking drums and instrument amps but I personally have never used for that application.
Awesome for Trumpet
Electro-Voice RE20 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Thomas S. on Reverb
PROS: Silky smooth, consistent tonal color (Variable D) - which was very important to me when recording trumpet, I blew the walls down with my bell right on the mic - no distortion, perfect response and clarity, just what I expected from an EV RE20!! Oh yeah, of course I bought the beautifully distictive 'Fawn beige' color - love it. This mic is a terrific improvement over my Shure SM57 for recording trumpet. Construction is solid and rugged, flawless. For podcast and/or radio studio broadcast it is perfect. CONS: This mic may not be the most appropriate mic for recordings of singing, depending on your individual voice needs. Maybe you are the voice type that really should have a vintage Neumann U47? Who knows?! ... More
One of the best dynamic mics around
Electro-Voice RE20 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Jim T. on Reverb
I've been using an RE-20 for years now. It's certainly no one-trick pony. It's my go to horn microphone, sounds great on guitar cabs (I use this, a 57, or the Beyerdynamic M88 almost exclusively), and is especially great for vocals. The latter might be surprising considering so many engineers are hellbent on using high-dollar condensers and ribbon mics. Stevie Wonder, Thom Yorke both use these as vocal mics regularly. Don't get me wrong, I love old RCAs, Gefells, C12s, Neumanns, etc. RE-20s are a different thing of course, but it is a total go-to for multiple applications. ... More
Pro Quality Sound
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I use this mic to produce my christian radio show. I tried several other mics but this one really deals witht the POPS better than any other mic I have used. I use it with the Edirol UA-25EX 24Bit/96kHz USB Audio Interface - together they captures voice perfect - crisp and clear. Everything good you read about this mic is TRUE it makes my productions much easier.
Great Voice Over Microphone
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D (Black)
Reviewed by Take 45 on B&H Photo Video
I use this with an Apogee Duet and the sound quality is fantastic; it's quiet and handles all types of voices (female and male) incredibly well.
