Electro Voice Microphone Comparison | Electro Voice re20 vs re320 vs re27 n/d Review

Everyone knows that the Electro-Voice RE20 is a legendary microphone that has been used for radio broadcasting and podcasting since the 60s. What you might not know is Electro Voice have released two other microphones that are almost identical in appearance: the RE320 and the RE27 n/d.

In my new video I pit these three microphones against each other to find out which of the RE series comes out on top.

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#RE20 #electrovoice #microphonereview

[naxxtor]

Having a big flat screen and a pane of glass right next to you in the booth made that test a bit difficult to judge. You could hear the reflections off the screen colouring the sound on all of the mics - I think the RE320 was angled slightly differently to the rest of them so it wasn't quite as bad.

[artjohnson]

I think that they are all very good. To me, the RE27 sounded best. I liked the RE320 and RE20 equally. Confession: I own an RE320 (as well as several other microphones).

[SamuelRamirezTijuana]

I love the broad range and robustness of the RE20, especially in mid-low frequencies… The RE27 has a Beautiful mid-range impact. The RE320 sounds OK for general purposes.

[crtune]

I believe that Variable D (tech from EV only) is advertised as helping eliminate frequency response changes due to proximity effect. The idea is that they have a roughly four inch long set of tubes attached to the mic capsule structure (which is long in these EV mics) which has several entry points in the tubes, which uses phase effects to change the frequency response as sound source gets closer and closer to the mic. I get the impression that off axis rejection is probably a bit better in most regular cardioid mics similar to these mics (like the SM7b for example), but these mics have plenty of proximity effect, where the Variable D mics (EV only) have far less profound a proximity effect and there are plenty of aids for plosives in most of these types of mics and also they all can be isolated from their stands. So, for applications where speakers are likely to move forward and back toward the mic, these mics are a good fit. The 320 and 27 are brighter than the 20. To me all of these EV mics sound excellent, particularly on human voice, but also on certain musical instruments.

[xagrosa]

For me, the RE20 is old school showing off the low frequency, the RE27n/d has a brighter more modern sound and the RE 320 would be great for a starter because of the cost savings and it probably will match the rest of your start up gear...

[JeremyLeech]

I love the 320. I also have the 20 but I could not stand the 27n/d when I had it. No matter what I did, it never sounded good on my voice.

[JA-fybn]

very interesting video. I utilize the 320 in my amateur (ham) radio setup and get numerous, unsolicited comments about how great it sounds. I was considering the purchase of an RE 20 but based on the subtle differences, I think I'll save the money for something else. Thanks for the very informative video.

[alifaisal]

Hello James. Is it possible to connect Shure MV7 directly to an iPhone and record using the camera/video app without the need for any audio interface. Basically looking for a broadcast quality mic for YouTube videos without any complications. Plug and record. Or do you have any recommendations please? Thanks, faisal

[raytowler]

Great comparison, the Re-20 has a more flatter sound, probably better suited for an AM broadcast station. The RE-320 has a little more of mid-range, imho probably more suited for instrumental, finally (my favourite) the RE-27N/D, has the brightest /more presence overall, an ideal choice for vocal recording & perhaps using with a 'Ham radio' Station for high quality audio.

[ChroniclesofGhoul]

Great work James. What do you think about the foam disintegration issue of EV mics, should that stop someone from purchasing?

[Slipsch]

The issue with electrovoice is that, they don't have a good looking shockmount that's not gigantic. I had to use a Heil shock mount with mine, and it's still 100 bucks. Wish they design a new shock mount for the RE series mics.

[AlbertMilliron]

Thanks for doing this. I’m about to do some voice over work and choosing the EV vs the Shure SM7 is what I’m trying to figure out. I have used both the RE-20 and Shure SM5 (I think) for cutting commercials back in the early 80s. I also have a host of microphones I use for my Ham Station (AL7KT) - but I don’t currently have an EV. So, I appreciate you’re comparison in the various environments. Thanks

[tonmackee]

Awesome. Any videoon Tascam mixcast 4? Set up and...

[blormpf]

RE27 has better intelligibility (easier to understand spoken voice) for shorter takes, RE20 slightly more comfortable for extended sessions.

[goncalodias]

In my opinion, the first problem with this comparison is that your voice is not the best fit for these mics, plus you were constantly in motion looking left and right and therefore constantly changing the tone of each of the mics I couldn't draw a precise conclusion, however I liked the sound of the re20 more followed by the re320

[robertocalderonabogado]

The overall winer is clearly the RE-20. Sounds so "muscular" with beautiful controlled highs.

[Fujisan]

I think what is clear is that your voice is not suitable for any of these mics.