Electro-Voice RE20

The Electro-Voice RE20 microphone is more than just a musical accessory to me; it's a true sonic passion. Having had the privilege of working with this gem of technology, I can't help but share my personal experience with you.

This classic cardioid dynamic microphone from Electro-Voice is a globally recognized treasure in the realms of recording and live performances. Utilizing condenser technology, it delivers outstanding performance that goes beyond my wildest expectations.

What truly enamors me is how remarkably the RE20 captures sounds. Its extended frequency response ensures faithful sound reproduction across the entire spectrum. Moreover, its sturdy and robust construction is an undeniable asset, especially when recording in various studios and locations.

One of the standout features of this microphone is its internal pop filter, effectively reducing the proximity effect, and the internal element shock mount, minimizing undesirable external noise. These features significantly contribute to the microphone's performance.

However, the real ace up the RE20's sleeve lies in its versatility. It's not confined to a single type of instrument. It excels in recording a wide range of instruments, from pianos and strings to ensembles, flutes, snares, acoustic and electric guitars, and percussion. Plug it in, apply some compression and EQ, and you'll quickly achieve incredible results.

Now, let's address the cost question. The RE20 isn't the most budget-friendly microphone, with a price tag hovering around $800. Nonetheless, I can unequivocally state that if you have the budget and are seeking an investment that will stand the test of time, the Electro-Voice RE20 Classic Cardioid Dynamic Microphone is well worth considering. It delivers professional-grade quality that rivals the precision and sound capture found in high-end studios.

Having worked with an array of microphones, both dynamic and condenser, I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of the RE20. Its sound quality is exceptional, providing a level of detail and clarity that's simply unmatched.

The Electro Voice RE20 is a dynamic microphone with a cardioids polar pattern. The casing is made out of steal and you don’t have to worry at all about this microphone getting damaged from a drop/fall. The microphone is built to last a long time and it is great in so many different situations. The RE20 is truly a work horse type of microphone, it can do it all and do it well. You can use this microphone on kick drums, vocals, bass and guitar cabinets. Since we have had this microphone we really have not found something that it is not good at.

OVERALL OPINION

This open circuit dynamic microphone has an impedance of 150 ohms and a frequency response of 45Hz-18 kHz. I love the way this microphone sounds on our Pearl kick, it brings that thump while still keeping the sound punchy. We don’t even have to mess with the EQ at all when we record kicks with the Electro Voice RE20.
Depending on what your main use for this microphone is I do suggest getting a good quality shock mount for it, Electro Voice does make a shock mount for it but you have to pay for it separately and it is not cheap. The shock mount itself will cost you a little over a hundred dollars.
Since you can use this microphone for almost any applications, live or studio; it makes it a must have for any band or group that is a dynamic group recording not only vocals but instruments as well. You will need a microphone that can handle whatever you throw at it and the RE20 is just that. I was not too sold on Electro Voice microphones before we got this one, but since we have been using it I have to respect the company now because this is by far one of the best all around microphones that I have used.

Great Mic for kick drum and broadcast. This was the mic you hear on kick drums for the last three decades and to this day on most all broadcast radio talk shows. When you add compression to an RE 20 you will hear wonderful things from this mic. It has a bump on the low mid so it is great for kicks. Polar Pattern Cardioid is all you get from this mic as for patterns. Broadcast stations all over the world for 30 years have been using this mic for years and again it is the standard mic for broadcast in the world. I have never been to a top radio station that does not use the RE20 for broadcast voice. I love the sound of this mic but it does get a great deal of low mid sound so if you are using it on a kick drum you will have to cut about 220hz a great deal maybe even 15 db. Recently we had a few kick mics and a great deal of time to test some mics for a recent project. I was surprised that I wanted to try the RE20 as I have moved on to other mics in recent years that have caught my attention or that are well priced and that I have heard on YouTube or from recommendations from business associates in the engineering community. I will say that I really enjoyed the A and B testing we did recently. I took a D110 and had it inside the kick drum about three inches away from the beater but placed inside the kick really close. I got the drummer to do three tests one whereby he hit the drum soft the next harder and the last really hard. The D110 had tons of low end but lacked the presence that I desire in a kick drum. I turned to the RE20 and place it at the same point on the kick drum but inside the kick. I had the drummer do the exact same thing regarding the three hits on the kick drum. I was surprised at the presence of the kick drum and it reminded me of the 1980's whereby we would use this kick sound every day and the only mic we had for kick was the RE20. Back then it was the standard for kick mics, like if you listen to the first Van Halen records or Fleetwood Mac you can hear an RE20.

OVERALL OPINION

A must have for broadcast or kick drum or bass amp micing. Can take hot levels and sounds fantastic. Not the best for lead vocals on music though. The Electro-Voice RE20 is a dynamic cardioid microphone so it is limited and you should know that. Like I said it was created specially for recording, broadcast and sometimes live for horns and kick.

It does have a bass enhanced sound so be aware of that when you buy this mic but if you want a great mic for about 400.00 Ebay. GOOD BUY.