Electro Voice RE20 Reviews: See Why 0 Shoppers Rated It 0 Stars!

Electro Voice RE20 Review: The Ultimate Dynamic Mic for Professionals

The Electro Voice RE20 has long been regarded as one of the best dynamic microphones available, especially for those in broadcasting, podcasting, and live performance environments. This legendary mic has built a solid reputation for delivering consistent, clear audio with excellent isolation, making it a top choice for professionals in the audio industry. But what makes the RE20 so special? Let's dive into its specs, performance, and value to see if it really lives up to the hype.

Detailed Specs & Features

The Electro Voice RE20 is a dynamic microphone that has stood the test of time, with its design dating back to 1968. Its long history only adds to its reputation as a go-to mic for audio professionals worldwide. The RE20 features a large diaphragm capsule, which is key for capturing detailed sound, especially in demanding environments like broadcast studios. With a frequency response range from 45 Hz to 18,000 Hz, this mic can handle a broad spectrum of sound, making it suitable for both vocal and instrument applications.

One of the key features of the RE20 is its cardioid polar pattern, which is perfect for isolating the source of sound while rejecting background noise—a must for anyone recording in noisy environments. The mic has an excellent off-axis rejection of 15 dB, which means unwanted noise coming from the sides and rear is kept to a minimum, ensuring a cleaner recording.

In terms of connectivity, the RE20 uses an XLR connection, which is the industry standard for professional audio equipment. This ensures high-quality, balanced audio output. Despite being a bit of a throwback to older technology, this setup remains a trusted choice for serious audio engineers. Additionally, the mic is built to last with a durable steel body and a matte finish, which not only looks sleek but also resists corrosion.

When it comes to performance, the RE20 shines. Its studio-grade internal preamp delivers crystal-clear sound with minimal distortion, and the mic is known for handling high-pressure sound levels with ease. Whether you're broadcasting, recording podcasts, or streaming, the RE20 will provide rich, clear, and full-bodied sound. With a proximity effect control, the RE20 minimizes the exaggerated bass response that often comes with speaking or singing too close to the mic.

User Experience & Performance (Based on Specs)

Design & Build

The RE20 is robust yet relatively lightweight, weighing in at just 1.62 lbs. While it's certainly not a pocket-sized mic, its size feels appropriate for most setups, whether you're using a stand, boom arm, or clip for mounting. The steel construction provides the durability you'd expect from a professional-grade product, and its internal shockmount helps protect against vibrations and handling noise, adding to its overall build quality.

Performance

On paper, the RE20's performance is exceptional. The cardioid pattern excels at isolating the voice or instrument you're recording, ensuring that external sounds—like room echo or traffic noise—are largely kept at bay. The voice isolation feature is particularly impressive, making it a go-to mic for podcasters who need high-quality audio in imperfect recording environments. Additionally, the mic handles high sound pressure levels without distortion, making it ideal for both quiet and loud sources.

Extra Features

While the RE20 doesn’t come with a ton of flashy, digital features like DSP processing or built-in noise cancellation, it compensates with its tried-and-true analog design. For those who want to keep things simple and focus on sound quality, this mic is a great choice. The included pop filter helps to reduce plosive sounds, while the lack of wireless connectivity keeps the RE20 focused purely on its core function: delivering pristine audio.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Studio-grade sound quality with excellent voice isolation
• Durable steel construction with an internal shockmount for protection

Cons

• Higher price point compared to some other dynamic mics
• No wireless or USB functionality, which limits some modern use cases

Price & Value for Money

At around $449 at Sweetwater, the RE20 is certainly not a budget microphone. However, given its robust build quality, excellent sound isolation, and studio-grade performance, it provides significant value for professionals who need reliable, high-quality audio. For those who are just starting out in podcasting or audio production, the RE20 might feel like an investment, but it’s one that will pay off in the long run if you're serious about sound quality.

Quick Take

The Electro Voice RE20 is a professional-grade dynamic microphone that offers outstanding sound quality, exceptional durability, and reliable performance. While it may be a bit pricier than other options, its studio-quality features make it well worth the investment for serious audio creators.

Closing Recommendation

If you're looking for a microphone that can handle both professional-level broadcasts and home recording setups, the RE20 should be at the top of your list. Its legendary status, combined with modern features like voice isolation and excellent off-axis rejection, make it an enduring favorite among industry professionals.

Verdict

Rating: Based on the specifications and overall feature set, we believe the Electro Voice RE20 deserves 4.5 out of 5.

• Winner Feature → Studio-grade sound quality with excellent isolation.
• Needs Improvement → Lacks wireless or USB functionality for modern workflows.