Electro-Voice RE20 Review

Are you looking for a microphone that’s as versatile as it is reliable? Look no further than the Electro-Voice RE20.

This dynamic microphone has been the go-to choice for radio broadcasters, studio engineers, and live sound technicians for decades.

With its Variable-D technology and flat frequency response, it’s the perfect mic for capturing up-close vocals, studio recordings, and drums with clarity and precision.

So if you’re looking for a mic that can do it all, the RE20 is the one for you!

Key Takeaways

  • The Electro-Voice RE20 is highly versatile and practical for various applications in the studio.
  • Its clarity of performance sets it apart from other dynamic microphones.
  • The RE20 is a favorite choice for vocal recording due to its clarity and ability to handle EQ adjustments.
  • The microphone excels in live vocal settings with its off-axis rejection and minimal proximity effect.

Versatility and Performance

You’ll appreciate the RE20’s versatility and performance – it’s perfect for a variety of applications. It has a 45 Hz to 18 kHz frequency response and a cardioid polar pattern, both of which provide a neutral and consistent sound. Its Variable-D technology reduces proximity effect and coloration issues. This makes it a great choice for both studio and live vocal recording, as well as for capturing kick drums.

It’s highly reliable and accurate, so you’ll get great results every time. It also has advantages like great sound clarity and minimal bleed, as well as disadvantages such as its relatively high price and a lack of immediate studio magic.

Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

Building on its versatility and performance, the RE20 also has a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 45 Hz to 18 kHz. This provides many advantages, such as reducing off-axis noise and reducing proximity effect.

The frequency response range is suitable for a variety of applications, from vocal recordings to live performances. It ensures clarity and consistency in sound reproduction with minimal muddiness. The microphone’s response is particularly impressive when used to record drums, especially kick drums. It captures an accurate and detailed sound, providing a high level of performance with minimal effort.

Studio Vocals

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a favorite microphone for recording vocals in the studio. Its flat frequency response, Variable-D technology, and cardioid polar pattern make it an ideal choice.

It allows vocalists with less-than-ideal mic technique to produce usable and honest recordings, and it responds well to EQ adjustments. It has immunity to proximity effect and off-axis positioning, preventing muddiness in recordings.

The RE20 gives singers clarity and consistency, and its performance remains consistent from highs to its cutoff at 45 Hz. It’s a reliable, versatile, and powerful microphone for vocal recording.

Live Vocals

Although it’s often used in studio settings, the Electro-Voice RE20 is also an excellent choice for live vocal performances due to its off-axis rejection and minimal proximity effect. It allows for great takes with minimal bleed and coloration. This makes it a great choice for vocalists with less-than-ideal microphone technique.

Its flat frequency response ensures accurate and level-headed sound reproduction, without muddiness. The RE20 captures the full weight of the vocal performance with clarity, and responds well to EQ adjustments. It’s also immune to the proximity effect, allowing it to provide detailed and honest sound reproduction, and avoiding muddiness.

Recommended as one of the best microphones for live vocal performances, the RE20 is a reliable choice for capturing vocals in any setting.

Drums

You’ll love the Electro-Voice RE20 for recording drums. Its flat frequency response and off-axis rejection make it ideal for capturing the thump of kick drums with clarity and punch.

The Variable-D technology prevents coloration and proximity effect from affecting the sound, keeping your recordings precise and honest.

Compared to other dynamic microphones, the RE20 ensures a fuller and more impactful low-end thump. Plus, its immunity to the proximity effect makes it the perfect choice for drum recording techniques such as close-miking.

With the RE20, you’ll be able to record drums with clarity, presence, and punch, making it an excellent choice for drum recording.

Advantages

Moving on, the Electro-Voice RE20 offers many advantages for both studio and live recordings. Its durability is unparalleled, allowing it to withstand the rigors of the studio and stage. Its price point is also highly competitive, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals.

The RE20’s flat frequency response provides accurate and level-headed sound reproduction. Its Variable-D technology ensures minimal impact from proximity effect and off-axis positioning, providing clarity and performance consistency. The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern also provides excellent off-axis rejection and minimal bleed.

All of these features, combined with its near-perfect performance, make it one of the best microphones available.

Disadvantages

Despite its many advantages, the Electro-Voice RE20 also has a few drawbacks.

Most notably, its sound quality isn’t as good as some of the more expensive condenser microphones, which can offer a more nuanced sound.

Additionally, when price comparison is taken into consideration, the RE20 doesn’t offer the same value as some of its competitors.

It’s a great microphone, but there are some more affordable options with similar performance.

While it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget, it’s an excellent microphone for professionals who demand accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a great choice for any audio application. Its Variable-D technology and flat frequency response give it a versatility that’s unmatched.

Additionally, its off-axis rejection makes it an ideal choice for capturing drums.

Furthermore, its performance is top-notch, and it will provide you with the clarity and precision you need.

If you’re looking for a microphone that can do it all, the RE20 is the perfect choice.

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