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The Roger Nichols Gear Collection

Electro Voice RE20

Item ID: RE20

Dynamic Cardioid Broadcast Microphone

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From Our Research Team:

The broadcast standard for decades

The RE20 is the broadcast studio voice-over mic used by pros for years. The RE20 is smooth across a wide spectrum of frequencies, and because it’s a Continuously Variable-D mic, it’s virtually free of bass-boosting “proximity effect” when used close. An easy “bass tilt down” switch corrects spectrum balance for use in longreach situations or other bass attenuation applications, making it great for acoustic and electric bass and kick drum. The Electro-Voice RE20 is a studio and broadcast standard!

Electro-Voice RE20 at a Glance:
  • Cardioid Mic
  • Large-diaphragm Dynamic
  • Immune to Proximity Effect

Cardioid Mic
A true cardioid microphone, the RE20 offers greatest rejection at 180 degree off-axis - directly to the rear of the microphone. Pattern control is so consistent that the frequency response is nearly independent of angular location of the sound source, creating virtually no off-axis coloration, yet providing greatest possible rejection of unwanted sounds. An integral blast and wind filter covers each acoustic opening on the RE20. In recording sessions or on stage, singers can “close talk” the microphone, singing with their lips almost touching the grille screen with no worry of “P-pops” or excessive sibilance. Part of the filter also shock mounts the internal microphone element, reducing the transfer of vibrations from external sources.

Large-diaphragm Dynamic
The exceptional performance of the RE20 is achieved by using a large Acoustalloy diaphragm in combination with an exceptionally low-mass aluminum voice coil. Using this diaphragm assembly, the RE20 is capable of reproducing extremely high sound pressure levels with no fear of the overload and distortion often experienced with phantom-powered condensers. The RE20 will also continue to function flawlessly in high humidity and elevated temperatures that would seriously degrade competitive condenser microphones. A massive steel housing and effective hum-bucking coil assure the RE20’s resistance to magnetically induced hum and noise. This means the RE20 can be used successfully in situations where other microphones would experience unacceptable levels of hum and buzz. By exploiting the strength of its steel housing and employing a mechanical nesting concept, EV designers have created an exceptionally rugged microphone with superior handling noise rejection ideally suited for professional uses.

Immune to Proximity Effect
The bass-boosting proximity effect common to most directional microphones when used close to the sound source, is eliminated in the RE20. This is accomplished via the application of the EV-exclusive Variable-D technology. By controlling the effect of microphone proximity, the RE20 can be located very close to sound sources without a loss in clarity or definition making the RE20 ideal for tight vocals and challenging instruments. It can be used inside bass drums, on acoustic guitars, and is found in voice booths and broadcasting studios everywhere.

Electro-Voice RE20 Features:
  • Generating Element: Dynamic
  • Frequency Response: 45Hz-18kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Virtually free of proximity effect
  • Impedance: 150 ohms balanced
  • Sensitivity, Open Circuit
  • Polarity: Pin 2 will be positive referenced to Pin
  • 3 with positive pressure on diaphragm
  • Case Material: Steel
  • Accessories Furnished: 81715 stand clamp

Electro-Voice RE20 - A broadcast standard and a great studio mic, too!

RE20 Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 45Hz-18kHz
Impedance 150 ohms
Length 8.54"
Width 2.13"
Depth 2.13"
Weight 1.62 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number 16207816

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Reviews

based on 9 reviews

A "Must-Have" Mic for any collection!

by Chad B from New Orleans, LA
February 8, 2012
Music Background: Touring Musician, Recording Engineer
I originally bought the mic to record kick and upright bass and it has NOT disappointed in those areas. This mic has a "true" sound, meaning it will pickup your sound just as it is. For drummers that ... read more [+]know how to tune your drums, this mic is for you.

This mic also excels at vocals. Recently I was recording an artist who's voice was warm, yet powerful. I tried the U-87 and the C-414 but the producer wasn't happy with the results. Before I reached for my ribbon mic, I pulled the RE-20 out and was blown away. This mic does it all!

One side note...Mic needs gobs of gain. I strongly recommend a nice preamp or a Cloud lifter to boost gain. close [-]

Dynamic mics all the way!!!!

by Francis Kora from New Zealand
April 7, 2011
Music Background: Pro Musician, Recording Engineer,
After months of research I have finally found the vocal mic with the sound that I have longed for. Personally I prefer the RE-20 and the Shure SM7B over many of the hi-end condensors, which is really ... read more [+]saying something. I also own the Blue Bottle with B6 and B7 capsules, but I was shocked to hear that I prefered the vocal takes with the RE-20 over the Blue Bottle! (WTF!!!!!!!!!)
The sound has very smooth highs and mojo warmth that sits inside the mix, without the annoying sibilance that I tend to get with alot of condensors.
The RE-20 has excellent noise rejection, which makes it perfect to record pro results without having to leave my computer screen, it sits right next to me while I work. Bonus.
RE-20 or SM7B, Pacifica, SSL XL 9000 K dynamics. EQ not needed = BLISS close [-]

Astounding Clarity & Presence

by from Philadelphia, PA
October 3, 2008
Music Background: Producer/Engineer
We just put this mic up (through 1073>Pultec>LA-3) next to an original 251 (through 1073>LA-2A) for a low male vocalist, and there was NO comparison. The presence and power of the RE20 made the vocal... read more [+] sound bigger than life (especially in the intimately quite parts); my new favorite vocal chain! close [-]

An incredible sounding microphone

by Clayton Langeneckert from St. Louis, MO USA
October 2, 2008
Music Background: Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Video, Lighting, Student
I recently started using this microphone at one of my jobs and have found that it sounds incredible for use with any full range miking situation, especially with it's warm and smooth low end. It sound... read more [+]s great on kick drum, low toms, bass amp, and broadcasting vocals. My only problem is that it is somewhat awkward and unbalanced as it sits in it's clip so I have to tighten everything up a lot more than for something like a 57. It sounds incredible though and I am very pleased with it. close [-]

The standard "must have" double bass microphone.

by Mischa from Knoxville, TN USA
January 31, 2008
Music Background: Pro Musician, Recording/Live Sound Engineer
Being a professional double bassist and recording engineer, I am constantly crafting my tone, from both sides of the microphone. After years of consultation and experimentation, the RE20 has proven t... read more [+]o be the ideal recording/live sound microphone for the double bass. Placed near the upper f-hole and combined with a signal from a pickup (Realist, Underwood, Fullcircle), one can capture a true acoustic bass timbre that is very accurate and consistent. The pickup just adds a little clarity and growl incase one is going for that Ron Carter/Eddie Gomez sound. I recently recorded the great bassist John Clayton for The Knoxville jazz Orchestra's latest album. The album was a combination of a live performance and a studio session. Sure enough, Mr. Clayton shows up from LA with his OWN RE20, NO pickup and says that's all he needs. I also know that Edgar Meyer carries an his RE20 when on tour. The proof is in the pudding. I also use an AMT S25B. With this config., I move the RE20 to the lower f-hole. Depending on the instrument and live PA, consider using the low-cut on the RE20 to reduce excessive bottom end boom. The mic of course sounds great on vocals, reeds and brass. The RE20 is definitely one of my "Desert Island" picks. close [-]
Read more reviews

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See Also: Dynamic Mics , Electro Voice , Electro Voice Dynamic Microphones , Electro Voice Dynamic Microphones

Electro Voice RE20

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