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Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone with Variable-D

Dynamic Cardioid Broadcast Microphone
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Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone with Variable-D
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Broadcast-standard Dynamic Mic

The Electro-Voice 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 long-reach situations or other bass attenuation applications, making it great for acoustic and electric bass, as well as a kick drum. Engineers at Sweetwater agree: the Electro-Voice RE20 is a studio and broadcast standard!

Cardioid polar pattern for top-notch rejection

A true cardioid microphone, the RE20 offers greatest rejection at 180º 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 the greatest possible rejection of unwanted sounds.

An integral blast and wind filter covers each acoustic opening on the RE20. In recording sessions or onstage, 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 shockmounts 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 humbucking 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 it is found in voice booths and broadcasting studios everywhere.

Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphone Features:

  • The top industry-standard broadcast microphone for decades
  • Variable-D technology minimizes proximity effect for smooth and consistent sound
  • Finely-engineered cardioid polar pattern provides 180º of off-axis rejection, with no coloration
  • Voice tailored frequency response brings out rich fundamental and chest voice
  • Large diaphragm delivers condenser-like sensitivity and response
  • Humbucking coil further reduces noise from poor grounding
  • Bass rolloff switch makes it easy to rein in low frequencies

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Dynamic
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 45Hz-18kHz
  • Output Impedance: 150 ohms
  • Color: Silver
  • Connector: XLR
  • Dimensions: 8.53" x 2.14"
  • Weight: 1.62 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Stand Mount, Carry Case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: F.01U.413.981

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Kept trying others...THEN I FINALLY MATURED and grew up! Realized I already had the best microphone for my voice AND for EVERY USE! THE EV RE20!

I have a tiny little niche audio interview podcast. It was time for an upgrade from my Blue Yeti Condenser mic. I blindly fell victim to the myriad of so called experts on YouTube and got lost in the microphone hype garbage that pulls you into deep and cavernous rabbit holes. About the time I had mentioned something to my brother about my need to upgrade during a casual conversation, he quickly advised me to STOP the mad search and heed is professional advice. He had just finished up a very successful run at a podcast series and simply said,..."You have the same deep voice that I do, you NEED to EMBRACE it and let it shine! There is NO choice,...it's the RE20 mic by Electrovoice. It will cost you BUT its a one time expense because you will NEVER need another mic thereafter."

Naturally I was intrigued and located the RE20 and took the plunge! I set it up with my little Solo interface and a Cloud lifter and NOTHING more. The sound coming out of that thing was TRULY DYNAMIC in every sense of the word!! WOW! Just the right amount of clarity in the mids to highs and that DEEEEEP RICH BASS that just brings it all together! It is so balanced and hard to explain it but you know it when you hear it!

Since this was the first mic that I purchased for the upgrade, I of course HAD to convince myself that there was nothing better out there since the YouTubers kept pushing the "latest and greatest" hitting the current market and all of the "flavor of the months". After a few other mics had come and gone,....I realized that I truly already had the best and that all mics are indeed NOT ALIKE! Those other mics were promptly returned and the RE20 remains here.

Honestly,...it is such a forgiving mic too in that it keeps outside disturbances at bay with seemingly apparent ease. I have no idea how anyone can have noise issues with this thing. My studio is far from sound proofed and yes,..I take some of the basic precautions with moving blankets here and there and a carpeted floor with a popcorn ceiling above, but its just basic stuff. The mic is even next to my giant desktop PC workstation. It honestly doesn't care and just seems to be focused on my deep voice when I speak.

Just a lovely mic! I understand now why it has stuck around for as long as it has! Sure,..I wish it wasn't that odd looking Putty color and had a cool looking foam screen....but quite frankly,...who gives a flip?!?! I wouldn't trade it for any mic out there! NONE!!!

The newer models do come in black now...but again....I'm learning to love the classic putty color.

Maybe I will purchase a black version one day as a second mic but for now....I'm good; really good!
Rated 5/5

Frankly- NO other mic is this good

I run a (Legal) part time broadcast station and do some Skype and palchat work on my system. I purchased a "real" RE20 original and then I bought the (BEST) mic cords money could buy. These people talking about noise and cell towers and being inside cages and all that garb...obviously they need to look into better mic cords and check their studios for proper wiring and inhouse leaks and learn some good electronic engineering skills. Hell, I run mine in my 2012 Home that has it's own office, which is my studio. I have over 8,000 miles of wiring in my home (yes 8,000 miles of wires) and have never had an issue using this mic. I been into radio since 1969.

I will caution folks about Alto mixers --(in my opinion), there is nothing professional about Alto. The RE20's DO NOT mix well with them. There is a low level very annoying sound which I could never resolved and seems you're forever replacing a "cap" in them to help kill that sound. So I bought a new mixer from Sweetwater, an Allen & Heath and never had another issue with the mic quality. I have about $5k in my home-studio and I do not have sound proof walls or anything like that, no cages behind the walls and a cell tower less than a mile right out the windo facing the mic.

This is "THE BEST mic you could or will ever own. Make sure you purchase an (Original) RE20 and not a wannabe or one made after the buyout. YOU WILL NOT be sorry because the RE20 has its very own distinctive sound and quality that will blow away all other mics. --Producer Robert Margouleff specified the RE20 for Stevie Wonder's vocals through two album projects: Talking Book in 1972 and Innervisions in 1973. Margouleff said that the RE20 helped achieve a "close, intimate sound for the famous singer. The re20 has a LONG history in music recording studios.

I run from my mic (Providing you have the mic settings set properly and your mixer is set up right)... through an LexiconMX200 then through the a dbx215S and finally through the Allen Health mixer to smooth it out and send it all out. Everyone continues to talk about my station and the quality I run out here. I'm a self-taught audio man learned everything on my own and following great people like-- Mel Street, 700WLW engineers and chatting with the boys over at Dark Horse Recording.

It's up to you, if you want the best clean sounding professional quality on the market, the RE20 is your mic to own and certainly cherish as I do. At the time… it was the best $997.00 I have ever spent for voice audio. (Did you know), if you run these mics every day, 24/7 for 50 years they will still sound as great as day one. Long about 60 years of 24/7 use they considered a good point to overhaul one. You tell me what mic on the market is that great?!? Electrovoice re20, it's a "true professional studio mic" hands down!!!!
Music background: Radio tech since 1969
Rated 5/5

The Best Broadcast Mic Available Today

The RE20 is a classic design from the late 1960's that has stood the test of time. Very little has changed in regards to its design since its inception (there are a few parts at the bottom of the mic that holds the assembly together that have changed... and thats about it). The mics variable distance (variable d) technology allow this mic to be put in front of less disciplined individuals and still get a great result. The video linked goes into the history of the RE20, its construction and some practical use cases. Though vintage units do suffer from foam rot, theres almost no reason to fork over more money for a vintage unit, as the main element and external body haven't changed. If anything, you're better off getting a new one, since you wont have to deal with the foam rot, and there is no exception to this. No matter how well kept the mic is, the chemical in the foam breaks down and causes the vents to become clogged and can get all over the diaphragm cap. Its a mess... just get a new one, they sound no different.
Music background: Engineer 20+ years
Rated 5/5

Fantastic choice, came in mint condition

The quality of EV is on another level. Iconic microphone
Rated 5/5

Perfect mic that doubles as a hammer

What can be said about the undisputed industry standard for dynamic mics. All other mics are just attempting to be as good as this one. Now, I know that not one single mic can work for all applications, but this mic might be the closest to a Swiss army knife that has ever been. Home run for male vocals, drums, wind instruments, and due to it's flat response, I've even used it for acoustic guitar. I adore the RE20.

Oh also, you could likely build a large house with it. It's more solid than some hammers I've used. ((And yes, this is a pro, not a con))
Music background: Professional Voice Artist and Musician

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Conner Erwin

If I had to rebuild my recording studio from the ground up, the first mic I would purchase would 100% be the Electro-Voice RE20. There is not a single day where i am not using this industry standard microphone in some manner. Whether it's recording bass drums, acoustic guitars, or podcasts this microphone has never done me wrong in the past 4 years. Its incredible resistance to proximity effect along with its mid-bass tone-shaping switch makes the RE20 useful in so many scenarios.

Greg Baum

I bought my first RE20 in 1982 to use on my demos for Motown. In all these years it has never failed me. Believe it or not, my partner used to like to record vocals with it. For me, it is still my choice for a kick drum.
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