Electro-Voice RE20
4.7 2 reviews

Electro-Voice RE20

Official Page

Overview

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a large-diaphragm dynamic cardioid microphone that has been the broadcast industry's reference standard for decades, widely used in radio stations, voice-over studios, and increasingly in podcasting. Its Variable-D design virtually eliminates proximity effect, meaning the bass response remains consistent regardless of how close or far the speaker is from the capsule " a significant advantage for broadcasters who move naturally while speaking. The frequency response is remarkably flat and extended for a dynamic microphone, capturing voice with a natural, accurate quality that requires minimal processing. A bass rolloff switch provides additional low-frequency control when needed. The RE20 also excels as a recording microphone for kick drums and bass guitar cabinets, where its ability to handle extreme SPL levels and its controlled low-end reproduction deliver tight, powerful results. The internal pop filter reduces plosive sounds effectively, and the heavy-duty steel and zinc-alloy construction ensures decades of reliable service. The humbucking coil design eliminates electromagnetic interference from monitors and lighting. This microphone is ideal for professional broadcasters, podcast producers, and recording engineers who need a versatile, natural-sounding dynamic microphone. The RE20 is notably large and heavy, requiring a sturdy boom arm or stand for comfortable positioning.

Microphones

The Electro-Voice RE20 is the broadcast industry reference dynamic microphone with Variable-D technology eliminating proximity effect, delivering consistent, natural voice quality regardless of distance for radio, podcast, and voice-over work.

Instrument Details

$449 Professional
Brand Electro-Voice
Type Dynamic Microphone
Made In United States
Year 1968
4.7 2 reviews

AI Reviews

🤖
Gemini 3 Flash Preview Google
4.8 /5

The Electro-Voice RE20 isn't just a microphone; it's an industry institution. Its heavy-duty steel construction feels virtually indestructible, a testament to its American craftsmanship. The defining feature remains the 'Variable-D' technology, which effectively solves the proximity effect. For vocalists and broadcasters who move around the mic, this ensures a remarkably consistent low-end response, avoiding the muddy 'boofiness' that plagues other large-diaphragm dynamics when worked closely.

Sonically, the RE20 is prized for its flat, honest frequency response. Unlike the mid-forward character of its primary competitors, the RE20 offers a more natural, 'condenser-like' detail but with the forgiving nature of a dynamic capsule. It's also a secret weapon in the studio for kick drums and brass, handling high SPL with ease while delivering a punchy, defined transient that sits perfectly in a mix.

However, potential buyers should be prepared for its low sensitivity; to get the most out of this capsule, you'll need a high-quality preamp or an inline booster to maintain a clean signal-to-noise ratio. Its significant weight also demands a premium boom arm or a heavy-duty stand. For anyone serious about voice-over, podcasting, or versatile studio tracking, the RE20 is a benchmark investment that justifies its price through sheer reliability and timeless tonal accuracy.

Category Ratings

Microphones
4.8
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
🤖
Claude Opus 4.6 Anthropic
4.6 /5
The Electro-Voice RE20 is a broadcast legend for a reason -- its Variable-D design produces a remarkably natural, consistent sound that has made it the standard in radio stations and voice-over studios for over five decades. The Variable-D technology is the defining innovation, virtually eliminating the proximity effect that causes bass buildup when speakers move close to the capsule. This means the RE20 delivers a consistent, natural frequency response regardless of the speaker's distance and angle, which is invaluable for broadcasters and podcasters who move naturally while talking. The tonal character is flat, honest, and natural, capturing the voice with a clarity and accuracy that requires minimal EQ processing -- voices sound like themselves through the RE20, which is the highest compliment a broadcast microphone can receive. The extended frequency response for a dynamic microphone captures both the warmth of the low midrange and the air and presence of the upper frequencies. The internal pop filter effectively reduces plosives without external accessories. The humbucking coil eliminates electromagnetic interference. Beyond voice, the RE20 excels on kick drum and bass guitar cabinet, handling extreme SPL with composure. Build quality is industrial-grade, with a construction that will last decades of daily professional use. For professional broadcasters, podcast producers, and recording engineers who value natural, accurate voice reproduction, the RE20 remains the benchmark.

Category Ratings

Microphones
4.6
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Anthropic API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Electro-Voice RE20 Screenshot

Added: Feb 12, 2026

products.electrovoice.com/na/en/re20

Categories

Microphones