Electro-Voice RE20chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Users repeatedly describe the RE20 as sounding rich, smooth, and artifact-free, calling it 'the goat' of broadcast mics. Many say it's worth every penny and delivers a classic radio sound unmatched by competitors.

@markwhite-what-da-jazz

There are a couple more options for mic clips/holders. The mic clip for the Heil PR-40 works perfectly, but the quality of the RE-20 clip is better for longevity. I've used both clips and the Heil clip wears out faster (the screw part wears out). I remember using a generic shock mount that didn't block the variable-D ports. The RE-20 has been my favorite dynamic mic since I first started using it in the 80s. I love the natural sound. I use it for live gigs. I prefer my large condenser mics for studio work, but once in a while if I have to record in awful acoustics, I will use an RE-20 up close to my instrument to avoid (as much as possible) the awful acoustics. It's not quite as smooth as a large condenser mic, but it's the best dynamic mic I've ever found. I tried the Shure SM7B and it doesn't compare to the natural sound of the RE-20. If you have a Shure SM7B, I have a suggestion... take off the windscreen to get a more natural sound. The Heil PR40 is my second favorite dynamic mic... some people prefer that scooped EQ you get with the Heil mics. I always reduce the high frequencies on the Heil mics.launch

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June 26, 2026

@slackalope_streams

First. Also the RE20 is the goat. It's got a good frequency response for voice, is beefy sounding as hell, doesn't pick up a bunch of room modes anywhere near as badly as a condenser, and having had both, I much prefer the RE20 over the SM7b. My SM7b has been mostly retired to the mic cabinet since I got the RE20, and it's not even expensive as microphones go. Also they're durable so buying a used one is much less dangerous.launch

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June 12, 2026

@pierre.a.2982

I personally think the RE-20 sounds much better on you—fuller and cleaner. Of course, this is totally subjective, but it just feels right to me. Based on everything I’ve listened to so far on YouTube, the RE-20 consistently sounds more refined compared to the SM7B.launch

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October 24, 2024

@totallyfrozen

I spit my script through one of these for nearly a decade as a radio jock. For very clean, super high quality, worry free voice work, this can’t be beat. Worry-free meaning you don’t have to spend much effort on sound treatment and processing. Some BASIC room treatment and minimal processing will be all you need. This is a set it n’ forget it mic. Kicks the hell out of a Shure SM7b.launch

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December 7, 2023

Multiple users highlight the mic's mind-blowing ability to reject background noise like neighbors, traffic, and room reflections even in untreated spaces. This makes it very forgiving for home studios without acoustic treatment.

@totallyfrozen

I spit my script through one of these for nearly a decade as a radio jock. For very clean, super high quality, worry free voice work, this can’t be beat. Worry-free meaning you don’t have to spend much effort on sound treatment and processing. Some BASIC room treatment and minimal processing will be all you need. This is a set it n’ forget it mic. Kicks the hell out of a Shure SM7b.launch

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December 7, 2023

@scottdelaney98

I've used the RE20 since the early 90's for broadcast, and then more recently in a home studio.\n\nIt's the perfect microphone for the beginner because it is A LOT more forgiving than a condenser mic, and because it doesn't pick up sound from behind the mic it is also more forgiving of less than perfect studio space, but STILL delivers broadcast studio quality.\n\nSpring the extra few bucks for the shock mount and pop filter and you'll never need another microphone.launch

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April 4, 2023

@jimshaw899

Good comparison and samples. One issue that the RE20 seems to excel at is control of 1st reflection off a table or desk. This can add an objectionable timbre difference, and it can get annoying. Perhaps it's the EV's pickup pattern that gives it an advantage in a typical broadcast studio environment. Or, perhaps it is my imagination.launch

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December 25, 2022

@Drfresh1402

My room is untreated and this mic still sounds great for audiobooks I record. And if you know how to process your audio, you will get great results. Here are plugins worth having with this mic. RX standard, Acon Deverberate 3, Any good gating plugin and you are done.launch

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March 28, 2022

Beyond vocals, users praise the RE20 for kick drums, bass cabs, guitar amps, and guitar cabinets, especially when a Shure SM57 sounds too fizzy. It handles high sound pressure levels without breaking up.

@rjy8960

I've gone for an RE20 and ART Voice Channel for a radio application where the audio bandwidth is limited to 4kHz. I learned a long time ago that fidelity over even a narrow band can be absolutely noticeable. I carry a decent audio system when travelling and it blew my colleague away with the detail he could hear even with a very reduced hearing range. So for me, this mic seems to be the best of what I have looked at and considered. I went for the ART because it has a digital TOSLINK out that I can connect straight into the transmitter. \n\nShould be arriving next week and I may do a video on it. Great video - the RE20 is just wonderful on guitar!launch

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March 28, 2024

@williamburkholder769

As an ex-radio guy, I've owned an RE-20 since 1980 when I left radio to do AV/Video production. I laughed when you showed the foam deterioration, as I need to send mine in for reconditioning! It's been my go-to vocal mic for decades. I've used the SM-7B and the Sennheiser MD-421U, but neither of them is right for my voice. I agree with your overall assessment. The RE-20 is fine for most people's voices, especially folks who don't know how to sit still in front of a mic. You can still get some proximity effect, but it's subtle and controllable. I'd use a Shure SM-57 for guitar cabs, and the RE-20 for kick drums and bass cabs. I think the SM-7B is good for some female voices who need some added intimacy during \"quiet lamentations.\" I would use a good pop filter, as the SM-7B isn't as effective at killing plosives as the RE-20. I'm amazed at how good mic designs from the 1960s, '70s, and '80s have held up. Nice review!launch

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April 5, 2023

@MichaelWynneCAS

Love the RE20 dynamic mic. It has been the broadcast & radio standard for years! I first used it back in the early 2000’s for internet radio shows ( pre podcast )Also great mic for high SPL sources such as guitar amps & kick drums!launch

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December 26, 2022

@williamburkholder769

I have had the RE-20 microphone since 1980. Your review is spot-on. It has always been my first choice as a narrator of video and AV programs through the years. I first \"met one\" in a radio studio, where we also had Shure SM-7 (the original) and Sennheiser MD-421U mics, along with an AKG D200E. On my voice, the RE-20 was just right. The Shure and Sennheiser were wooly and boomy, and the AKG was thin and lacked warmth on my voiced. As you said, and I agree, the SM-7B is often better for sibilant voices. \n\nI highly recommend getting the EV Model 309 suspension shock mount for the RE-20. It drastically reduces vibration noise when using a Luxo arm mounted to a table or bench. I always liked the RE-20 for micing kick drums, because it can handle a high SPL before break-up if your console has a good input pad or trim control.launch

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December 25, 2022

Long-serving users report decades of reliable use in professional broadcast studios, with solid build quality that can take a drop. It's regarded as the classic mic people associate with broadcast work.

@clipeclipaway

While the RE20 isn't that popular in most of Europe. It's still THE mic I see in my head when I think of broadcast mics.\nWished they would create a smaller version of that shockmount tho. It's absolutely fine for broadcasting. But it's really, really big for onscreen stuff.\nI know many use the Heil PR40 shockmount which looks... Interesting. But a properly redesigned one would be cool.launch

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February 24, 2023

@MichaelWynneCAS

Love the RE20 dynamic mic. It has been the broadcast & radio standard for years! I first used it back in the early 2000’s for internet radio shows ( pre podcast )Also great mic for high SPL sources such as guitar amps & kick drums!launch

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December 26, 2022

@williamburkholder769

I have had the RE-20 microphone since 1980. Your review is spot-on. It has always been my first choice as a narrator of video and AV programs through the years. I first \"met one\" in a radio studio, where we also had Shure SM-7 (the original) and Sennheiser MD-421U mics, along with an AKG D200E. On my voice, the RE-20 was just right. The Shure and Sennheiser were wooly and boomy, and the AKG was thin and lacked warmth on my voiced. As you said, and I agree, the SM-7B is often better for sibilant voices. \n\nI highly recommend getting the EV Model 309 suspension shock mount for the RE-20. It drastically reduces vibration noise when using a Luxo arm mounted to a table or bench. I always liked the RE-20 for micing kick drums, because it can handle a high SPL before break-up if your console has a good input pad or trim control.launch

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December 25, 2022

@chriscutress1702

I've used RE20's for many years in professional broadcast studios. Reliable and solid. Not the greatest sounding mic but \"not\" horrible in sound and texture. Solid build and can take a drop without self destructing. Works best with an aftermarket shock mount and a pop/wind screen to cut some top end harshness. Another faves are the Sennheiser 421 and 441 for certain voices but the RE20 with light EQ can sound similar to them.launch

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December 24, 2022

The newer black color option is well received, seen as more professional-looking and eliminating what some considered the mic's only downside — its original industrial-gray looks.

@coffeehigh420

wow seriously this mic sounds ..... AMAZING !!!!!! To my ears, it beats the \"WONKY\" crazy mid range boost SM7b from Shure when it comes to \"just plug the damn thing in and go without having to EQ\" sorta thing !!!! Thank you for making this video, I'm ordering one tomorrow !!! Love the black painted version by the way over the original OG ~launch

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June 15, 2026

@SteveEricJordan

i just got this baby and it could be able to beat my nt1 as my favorite mic. i think they could be the ultimate team, one thick broadcast dynamic and one clear and crisp condenser, both will probably cover most use cases for voice work.\noh and also the relatively new black option gets rid of one of its only downsides, the looks. one simple color change made it go from ew to whew for me personally.\nabsolutely perfect review, as usual, btw.launch

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June 14, 2025

@GlitchComputer

So happy they finally gave it a black paint job! So classy.launch

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December 27, 2020

@mallorga1965

I like it in black! It looks pro and elegant at the same time.launch

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December 26, 2020

Commenters note the RE20 sounds relatively flat or 'blah' unprocessed but responds fantastically to EQ and compression, making it a favorite in broadcast facilities. It can even be EQ'd to closely resemble the brighter RE27N/D.

@lancemanyon3139

This mic handles EQ exceptionally well. I also have the brighter/crisper RE27nd but the RE20 can be EQ'd to sound almost exactly like the 27 yet you cannot make the 27 sound like the 20. I love them both and use them on my show.launch

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March 13, 2025

@Drfresh1402

My room is untreated and this mic still sounds great for audiobooks I record. And if you know how to process your audio, you will get great results. Here are plugins worth having with this mic. RX standard, Acon Deverberate 3, Any good gating plugin and you are done.launch

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March 28, 2022

@jowilliebear

Out of the box, the RE20 sounds kind of blah naked (the Heil PR40 is much more substantial). But it handles processing fantastically . That's why it's in so many broadcast facilities. Great test. Thanks for that.launch

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September 25, 2016

Several users with deeper voices, including female voiceover artists, say the RE20 captures a full, radio-quality sound that suits them better than the SM7B, which can darken or muddy their voice too much.

@ThyriCarver

I love my RE20. I have a deeper voice for a female and the RE20 really captures that \"radio sound\" that I'm looking for in a microphone. I've even done voice acting and voiceover work with it. I tested an SM7B with my particular voice and it darkens my voice so much that it nearly makes me sound masculine. Now I could play around with EQ and get the SM7B to brighten up a bit, while jacking the gain all the way up on that gain greedy mic. I dont doubt that there are some great applications for the SM7B. If you have a brighter voice than I do, higher pitched, never hit puberty (its a joke!) then I can see an arguement for the SM7B. Just for me, the RE20 really has been a superstar. \nAnd now I want its little brother. Just for portability because travelling with the RE20 can be a little taxing to go carryon only with my audio setup.launch

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December 27, 2024

@pierre.a.2982

I personally think the RE-20 sounds much better on you—fuller and cleaner. Of course, this is totally subjective, but it just feels right to me. Based on everything I’ve listened to so far on YouTube, the RE-20 consistently sounds more refined compared to the SM7B.launch

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October 24, 2024

@MainelyFlies

Awesome review! I am in the market for a new mic for my voiceovers. In my untreated room, I think the RE20 or the SM7B is probably the best it will get for my situation and budget. Right now, I'm leaning into the RE20 because I have a deeper voice and worry the SM7B will muddy it too much. Although I have just about zero knowledge of this subject, if you have any thoughts, I'd greatly appreciate it.launch

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February 11, 2023