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Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone

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A broadcast industry standard, the Electro-Voice RE20 is a cardioid dynamic microphone that delivers reliable, low-noise performance with exceptional clarity and definition.

Tailored Response
Response tailored especially for vocals with high sound pressure handling capabilities
Construction
Rugged, steel construction with low handling noise
Supercardioid Pattern
The RE 20 features a supercardioid polar pattern which is extremely effective in isolating sound sources while reducing background noise
Internal Windscreen
An internal blast and wind filter eliminates "pop" and wind noise at the closest proximity
Bass Tilt Down Switch
The "bass tilt down" switch corrects spectrum balance for use in long reach situations and eliminates low frequency noise and rumble
Flat Frequency Respone
The RE20's flat frequency response remains flat even at extremely close proximities
Transducer Dynamic
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 45 Hz - 18 kHz
Dynamic Range (Typical) not specified by manufacturer
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Hum Pickup Level, typical (60Hz / 1 milliOersted field)
-130dBm
Maximum Input Sound Level not specified by manufacturer
Power Requirements None Dynamic, Requires No Phantom or Battery Power
Output Impedance Wired for 150 Ohms, 50 and 250 Ohms May be Attained Via Re-Wiring
Output Connectors XLR-3M Type
Pad No
Low Frequency Roll-Off No
Dimensions 8.53 x 2.14" (216.7 x 54.4 mm) LxDdiameter
Weight 1 lb. 10 oz. (737 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Electro-VoiceRE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone
 
4.9

(based on 19 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (17)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Durable (17)
  • Great sound quality (17)
  • Long lasting (11)
  • Simple use (9)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Professional (13)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Tech savvy (12), Gearhead (4)
      • Primary use:
      • Business (12), Personal (7)

    Reviewed by 19 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-19

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    5.0

    Best VO mic

    By Michael Digital

    from Dayton, Oh

    About Me Professional

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Great Sound Quality
    • Long Lasting

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Professional

      Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

      This is my second RE20. My other mic is over 15 years old and going strong. I needed a second for recording dual VO in a studio. This mic is just as great as the orginal.

      • Primary use:
      • Business

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      4.0

      Near-perfect home recording Microphone

      By Timmy C

      from San Francisco, CA

      About Me Technically Challenged

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Durable
      • Easy To Use
      • Great Sound Quality

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Productivity
        • Professional

        Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

        I've already recorded a full drumset, acoustic guitar, and lead vocals through this dynamic microphone paired with a tube pre-amp and it's proven to be the most versatile home-recording microphone I've used. Gone to both analog tape and digital with it. Easy to control input levels, theres a built in pop filter and it gets great vocal response across the freq range.

        • Primary use:
        • Personal

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        5.0

        I love this mic

        By jalvid

        from Sioux City Iowa

        About Me Tech Savvy

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Great Sound Quality
        • Long Lasting

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

            I am a boradcast voiceover professional and this is a nice mic to add to my collection. It's so important to have good microphones and this mic is smooth and rich yet very clean. Of course it's a standard in broadcast and it's reputation is well deserved. I have a condenser mic for my voice over work as well but opted for this dynamic for the durability, hoping the sound would come close to the condenser mics. I am totally satisfied and use this mic for much of the work I do. It also has a low noise level which is crucial for VO work. You won't be disappointed with this mic. The RE20 is a great mic.

            • Primary use:
            • Business

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            5.0

            Great, warm sound

            By Little Sound Druid

            from Basel, Switzerland

            About Me Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Great Sound Quality
            • Narrow Pickup Pattern

            Cons

            • Bad Suspension
            • Quite Heavy

            Best Uses

            • Voice Over

            Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

            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.

            • Primary use:
            • Personal

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            5.0

            Great sounding broadcast microphones

            By Elf

            from Irvine, CA

            About Me Tech Savvy

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Durable
            • Easy To Use
            • Great Sound Quality
            • Long Lasting

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Professional

              Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

              Bought two of these for a radio show. Great sounding, classic broadcast microphones that give a very good character for broadcast and voice-over work. Probably the best I've heard in this capacity. Depending on the singer I have also used them well for vocals.

              • Primary use:
              • Personal

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              5.0

              classic for a reason

              By cmcenearney

              from Brooklyn, NY

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Great Sound Quality

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                  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.

                  • Primary use:
                  • Personal

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                  5.0

                  I love this mic

                  By Jim

                  from Spokane, WA

                  About Me Tech Savvy

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Great Sound Quality

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Professional

                    Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                    Great for radio production and voice overs.

                    • Primary use:
                    • Business

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    EV RE20 - Very good quality and value.

                    By Jace

                    from Adelaide, Australia

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Durable
                    • Great Sound Quality
                    • Long Lasting
                    • Simple Use

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                        Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                        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!

                        • Primary use:
                        • Personal

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                        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        Classic sound

                        By Tamer

                        from London, England

                        About Me Gearhead

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Durable
                        • Great Sound Quality
                        • Long Lasting
                        • Simple Use

                        Cons

                        • Hard to Clean

                        Best Uses

                        • Professional

                        Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                        I bought this purely because I've heard from so many engineers over the years that nothing beats it for recording bass. It's now my go-to mic for bass guitar, it has a growl and grit to it and adds real body to the sound. Highly recommended![...]

                        • Primary use:
                        • Personal

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                        5.0

                        Fantastic Microphone

                        By Sturat

                        from New York

                        About Me Gearhead, Tech Savvy

                        Verified Reviewer

                        Pros

                        • Durable
                        • Great Sound Quality
                        • Long Lasting
                        • Simple Use

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Broadcast
                          • Voiceovers

                          Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                          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.

                          • Primary use:
                          • Business

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                          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          The Gold Standard!

                          By Drlaff

                          from Bainbridge Island, WA

                          About Me Tech Savvy

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Durable
                          • Great Sound Quality
                          • Long Lasting
                          • Simple Use

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Home Recording
                            • Professional

                            Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                            I have used this in my radio career for 15 plus years, and when it was time to build a home studio, I couldn't find a better mic for the price. Totally worth it!

                            • Primary use:
                            • Business

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                            (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            Great Mic

                            By MCOM

                            from Frostburg, MD

                            About Me Technically Challenged

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Durable
                            • Great Sound Quality
                            • Lightweight

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Presentations
                              • Productivity
                              • Professional

                              Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                              We use these mics in our audio lab for student's use and the quality has been outstanding.

                              • Primary use:
                              • Business

                              Share this review

                              (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              This mic is worth every penny!

                              By Mr. C.

                              from Dallas, TX

                              About Me Tech Savvy

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Durable
                              • Great Sound Quality
                              • Long Lasting
                              • Simple Use

                              Cons

                              • Needs a good preamp

                              Best Uses

                              • Professional

                              Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                              I am an elementary school teacher and make reading CDs for my students to help them build fluency. Even I sound like a professional voice-over guy with this baby. I am looking for a decent preamp because my mixer's preamps don't get it done.

                              • Primary use:
                              • Business

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                              (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              The venerable do-it-all microphone

                              By mchakra

                              from Bahrain

                              About Me Gearhead, Tech Savvy

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Durable
                              • Great Sound Quality
                              • Long Lasting
                              • Simple Use

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Professional

                                Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                                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.

                                • Primary use:
                                • Personal

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                                (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Great Voice Over Microphone

                                By Take 45

                                from Lake Hopatcong, NJ

                                About Me Tech Savvy

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Durable
                                • Great Sound Quality

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Professional

                                  Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                                  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.

                                  • Primary use:
                                  • Business

                                  Share this review

                                  (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Pro Quality Sound

                                  By James

                                  from Springfield, MO

                                  About Me Gearhead, Tech Savvy

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Durable
                                  • Great Sound Quality
                                  • Long Lasting
                                  • Simple Use

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Professional

                                    Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                                    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.

                                    • Primary use:
                                    • Business

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                                    (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    For live saxophone sound

                                    By MarchingBear

                                    from NYC

                                    About Me Tech Savvy

                                    Pros

                                    • Durable
                                    • Great Sound Quality
                                    • Simple Use

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                        Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                                        I use the RE20 on stage to amplify my different saxophones in concert. It's the best sounding mic that I have played in a live setting. It doesn't emphasize the shrill high end like many modern mics do. It has a large, full bodied sound that is true to your instrument.

                                        • Primary use:
                                        • Business

                                        Share this review

                                        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                         
                                        5.0

                                        Personally a great mic.

                                        By Bolo

                                        from Calexico, CA

                                        About Me Tech Savvy

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        Pros

                                        • Durable
                                        • Long Lasting
                                        • Quiet
                                        • Simple Use

                                        Cons

                                        • Hard to Clean

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Professional

                                        Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                                        I use it in a professional studio, and it's known for that use. It's known because it's a good-sounding microphone for many applications. It's a must in a decent mic cabinet.

                                        • Primary use:
                                        • Business

                                        Share this review

                                        (2 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                                         
                                        4.0

                                        Great Voice Over Mic

                                        By zachsdad

                                        from Cayman Islands

                                        About Me Tech Savvy

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        Pros

                                        • Durable
                                        • Quiet

                                        Cons

                                          Best Uses

                                          • Professional

                                          Comments about Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone:

                                          It's as simple fr our news staff to walk in and roll ob a VO knowing that the audio is clean and crisp..

                                          • Primary use:
                                          • Business

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                                          Cables

                                          Pearstone -  3-Pin XLR Male to 3-Pin XLR Female Audio Cable (6')
                                            • Original: $15.99
                                            • Save: $1.60
                                          • Price: $14.39
                                           

                                          Wind Protection

                                          Electro-Voice -  Foam Windscreen (Black)
                                          • Price: $18.50
                                           

                                          Microphone Clips

                                          Electro-Voice -  309A Suspension Microphone Shock Mount
                                          • Price: $109.00
                                           

                                          Tabletop Scissor Stands

                                          Rode -  PSA-1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones
                                          • Price: $99.00
                                           

                                          Stands & Support

                                          Ultimate Support -  JS-DMS50 Table-Top Mic Stand
                                          • Price: $8.15
                                           

                                          Pop Filters

                                          Pearstone -  PFN Nylon Round Pop Filter with Gooseneck (6.6")
                                            • Original: $22.95
                                            • Save: $2.29
                                          • Price: $20.66
                                           
                                          View all Accessories

                                          What's in the Box

                                          Electro-Voice RE20 - Cardioid Variable-D Dynamic Voiceover Microphone
                                          • (81715) Stand Adapter
                                          • Plastic Foam Lined Case
                                          • 2 Year Warranty
                                           
                                           
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