Electro-Voice RE20 Microphone Review and Audio Test

Electro-Voice RE20 Microphone Review & demo.

This microphone gives your voice a nice rich yet natural sound and is one of the most popular choices in radio. Please note- the preamp in the camcorder I used to record this was a bit weak so the gain was up high, this is why you may hear some hiss. This is not due to the microphone itself as there is no hiss when using a higher quality audio recording device. For this video I wanted folks to hear how this mic sounds directly into the camcorder.

[rudybacon]

I've looked at several RE20 reviews and it was a real treat to hear someone with a quality "natural" voice test it out. Great video.

[prometheushippopotimi]

This is an awesome review! I am buying one right now!

[trentbosnic]

The best thing about this review is the guy doesn’t have some squeaky or annoying voice that is all high-end frequency. I don’t know why people with annoying voices tend to do mic reviews, but this guy’s voice is perfect to actually hear the full range of the mic. THANK YOU.

[jacobnollette]

I've never heard a mic like this before. It has a very dynamic quality, but still sensitive enough to give you that condenser vocal presence. Seriously considering this mic for my desk setup.

[DJDStackz]

this is, honestly, the best mic review that I've seen in a long time! Subscribed!

[skylisszthecolossus]

Best Review of the RE-20. I was fascinated by it because of Stevie Wonder using it for some of his classic albums, and how intimately the presence of the voice stood out on the songs. You answered all the questions from proximity, background noise, and more. Big thanks!

[danielpaulson]

I keep getting video recommendations because I’ve been shopping for this mic. It’s on order now. I loved the dark sound and I’m sibilant. But you are quite sharply sibilant. I can see the mic won’t cut that out like I hoped. But I’m happy it’s on it’s way

[JohnBarrylizard]

Sounds fantastic! I like it with the bass roll off switch (50hz) off. It sounds much richer to me. Another thing is I would still use a pop-filter with it and the P's are very accentuated. At least for vocals. Afterwards I'd probably roll off the bass and EQ it to fit in the mix of a song I'm recording. If it's only for speaking and there's no low frequencies (trucks, drums, etc) around I'd leave it as wide spectrum as possible. I'm speaking from a musicians perspective.

[michaelgamble]

There is ONE aspect of the RE20 which must be considered: that of the foam used inside it to embody the 'motor'. Both my RE20's turned into 'baby rattles' after about 20 years due to the degradation of the foam. I had to source replacement foams and repair them myself - which IS 'do-able' if you first hunt around on-line for the information. Now both my RE20's are back - like new - in their virtually indestructible, wonderful, form. Electro-Voice seem to use this degradable foam in other areas too. My pair of SENTRY 100A Studio Monitors have foam in them to support the smaller speaker unit. This foam degraded about 15 years ago when, fortunately, E-V had a presence in London UK and I was able to effect a 'fix-while-you wait' with them. I also have a pair of RE55's which have a response curve as good as most Condenser mics. Why E-V stopped making this industry-standard mic is beyond comprehension. It's a beautiful looking mic - and hand-holdable. Look these and all other E-V mics up on-line.

[thespecialcrew]

That'll be the pre-amp in the camera I presume. Used these for voiceover in a studio, sounds fantastic

[planetasemilla]

I think that you are enjoying this mic each time you work with. I'll buy one soon.

[DS-ffze]

i own this mic. of the youtube videos out, i think this one is an accurate reflection of what the mic sounds like.

[oldgoody]

Hi Tristan. You missed probably the most important single feature of this mic. It has Variable D. It's the reason for the long body with all the openings along it. Even though it is a cardioid mic it doesnt have nearly as much "proximity effect" (bass tip us) as most other cardioids. When you get close to it, it doesnt boost the bass nearly as much. The smooth "off axis" response  is also related to the Variable D design. EV pioneered this feature in various mic models from back in the 50's. A few other companies have used it such as AKG's D202 and Shure's SM53/54 but I believe those mics have been out of production for a long time. This and a few other EV models are only mics I know of currently available with this feature.

[phototristan]

Espn radio uses this mic, NPR does too. I could go on and on. This is a great mic!

[phototristan]

Yep, the preamp of the camcorder is not that silent, plus I'm standing only about 6 feet from my refrigerator too.

[DanielOrtegoUSA]

I just received mine and I love it! By the way, as of this posting the price is now $449 so please consider yourself fortunate that you bought when you did.

[thespecialcrew]

Just a suggestion, it would be a lot better to use the microphone plugged into a dedicated recording device (audio interface) rather than directly into the camera. It'll no doubt reduce the noise.

[MARINACTORS]

Nice review, my man. I'm an old radio guy. Have a Sure M7. Nice low response, as well. Gonna get the SE. Thanks. U covered everything bang on. Good &bad. Bravo!

[antonrodin]

I considering to buy RE20 MIC but I’ve some doubts because of a lot of people that complain about magnetic-interference issues.

[KernRamsdell]

I love my EV RE 20. Great video, thanks!