What is Variable-D technology in the RE20?

Variable-D stands for 'Variable Distance.' It is a mechanical design that uses multiple ports along the microphone body to cancel out the proximity effect, ensuring the bass response remains constant as the speaker moves closer or further away.

Is the Electro-Voice RE20 a condenser or dynamic microphone?

The RE20 is a large-diaphragm dynamic microphone. Unlike condenser microphones, it does not require phantom power to operate and uses a moving coil transducer.

What polar pattern does the RE20 use?

It features a true cardioid polar pattern. This design provides maximum rejection at the rear of the microphone, helping to isolate the sound source and reduce background noise.

Can the RE20 be used for recording kick drums?

Yes, the RE20 is a standard choice for kick drums. Its ability to handle high SPLs and its detailed low-frequency reproduction make it excellent for capturing the impact of percussion.

How does the RE20 handle off-axis sound?

The RE20 is designed to provide minimal off-axis colouration. This means that sounds arriving from the sides of the microphone maintain a natural frequency balance rather than sounding muffled or distorted.

Why is the RE20 popular in radio broadcasting?

It is popular because it provides a smooth, 'condenser-like' sound for voices without the sensitivity to room noise common in condensers. The lack of proximity effect also allows broadcasters to maintain a consistent tone while moving.

Does the RE20 require phantom power?

No, as a passive dynamic microphone, it does not require +48V phantom power. It can be plugged directly into a preamp or audio interface without external power.

How does the RE20 compare to the Shure SM7B?

While both are professional dynamic microphones, the RE20 uses Variable-D technology to eliminate proximity effect, whereas the SM7B relies on that effect for its signature 'warm' sound. The RE20 is often considered to have a flatter, more neutral response.

Is the RE20 suitable for recording brass instruments?

Yes, it is highly regarded for recording saxophones and other brass instruments. It manages the high air pressure and complex harmonics of these instruments without clipping or losing detail.

What is included in the RE20 Recording Pack?

The pack typically includes the RE20 microphone itself and essential accessories for studio integration. It is designed to provide a professional-ready setup for recording or broadcasting out of the box.

What is the typical price for the RE20 Recording Pack?

In the UK market, the RE20 is typically positioned at a premium price point of approximately £555. This reflects its status as a professional-grade industry standard.

Does the RE20 have a built-in pop filter?

The RE20 features an internal blast filter and pop shield. This design helps to reduce plosives (like 'p' and 'b' sounds) and wind noise without the immediate need for an external pop filter.

Gear article

Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphone Recording Pack

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a professional-grade dynamic cardioid microphone widely regarded as an industry standard for broadcasting and studio recording. It is distinguished by its Variable-D technology, which eliminates the proximity effect to ensure a consistent tonal response regardless of the source's distance.

See live prices

Overview

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a premium dynamic microphone designed for high-performance applications across diverse settings, including live stages, professional recording studios, and broadcast suites. Often described as a 'desert island' microphone, it is valued for its versatility and ability to handle a wide range of sound sources. The Recording Pack typically includes the microphone itself, providing a complete solution for professionals seeking reliable, high-fidelity capture.

Variable-D Technology and Design

One of the most significant features of the RE20 is Electro-Voice's patented Variable-D technology. This innovation minimises the proximity effect—the increase in bass response that occurs when a sound source moves closer to a directional microphone. By maintaining a linear frequency response irrespective of distance, the RE20 allows presenters and vocalists to move freely without introducing undesirable off-axis colouration or tonal shifts.

Sonic Character and Performance

The RE20 is known for delivering a rich and detailed sound that rivals many condenser microphones while maintaining the ruggedness of a dynamic design. Its true cardioid polar pattern provides a focused capture of the intended source, offering excellent rejection of sound from the sides and rear. This makes it highly effective for recording in environments where isolation is required, such as multi-instrument studio sessions or noisy broadcast booths.

Applications

The microphone is suited to a vast array of sound sources, including:

Broadcast and Voiceover: Its flat response and lack of proximity effect make it ideal for speech.
Instrumental Recording: It is frequently used for capturing the punch of kick drums and the low-end detail of bass guitar amplifiers.
Brass and Woodwinds: The RE20 is a popular choice for saxophones due to its ability to handle high sound pressure levels while retaining detail.

Market Comparison

Within the professional audio market, the RE20 is often compared to the Shure SM7B, another dynamic microphone staple in broadcasting. While both are dynamic units, the RE20’s Variable-D design offers a more consistent frequency response at varying distances compared to the SM7B. In studio environments, users may also weigh the RE20 against condenser options such as the Neumann TLM 102 or TLM 103, which provide different sensitivity profiles, or headset options like the Audix HT2 for specific live performance needs.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is Variable-D technology in the RE20?: Variable-D stands for 'Variable Distance.' It is a mechanical design that uses multiple ports along the microphone body to cancel out the proximity effect, ensuring the bass response remains constant as the speaker moves closer or further away.
Is the Electro-Voice RE20 a condenser or dynamic microphone?: The RE20 is a large-diaphragm dynamic microphone. Unlike condenser microphones, it does not require phantom power to operate and uses a moving coil transducer.
What polar pattern does the RE20 use?: It features a true cardioid polar pattern. This design provides maximum rejection at the rear of the microphone, helping to isolate the sound source and reduce background noise.
Can the RE20 be used for recording kick drums?: Yes, the RE20 is a standard choice for kick drums. Its ability to handle high SPLs and its detailed low-frequency reproduction make it excellent for capturing the impact of percussion.
How does the RE20 handle off-axis sound?: The RE20 is designed to provide minimal off-axis colouration. This means that sounds arriving from the sides of the microphone maintain a natural frequency balance rather than sounding muffled or distorted.
Why is the RE20 popular in radio broadcasting?: It is popular because it provides a smooth, 'condenser-like' sound for voices without the sensitivity to room noise common in condensers. The lack of proximity effect also allows broadcasters to maintain a consistent tone while moving.
Does the RE20 require phantom power?: No, as a passive dynamic microphone, it does not require +48V phantom power. It can be plugged directly into a preamp or audio interface without external power.
How does the RE20 compare to the Shure SM7B?: While both are professional dynamic microphones, the RE20 uses Variable-D technology to eliminate proximity effect, whereas the SM7B relies on that effect for its signature 'warm' sound. The RE20 is often considered to have a flatter, more neutral response.
Is the RE20 suitable for recording brass instruments?: Yes, it is highly regarded for recording saxophones and other brass instruments. It manages the high air pressure and complex harmonics of these instruments without clipping or losing detail.
What is included in the RE20 Recording Pack?: The pack typically includes the RE20 microphone itself and essential accessories for studio integration. It is designed to provide a professional-ready setup for recording or broadcasting out of the box.
What is the typical price for the RE20 Recording Pack?: In the UK market, the RE20 is typically positioned at a premium price point of approximately £555. This reflects its status as a professional-grade industry standard.
Does the RE20 have a built-in pop filter?: The RE20 features an internal blast filter and pop shield. This design helps to reduce plosives (like 'p' and 'b' sounds) and wind noise without the immediate need for an external pop filter.