A Striking Design with Purpose
The RE20’s unique look is defined by its hefty steel housing and large, integrated grille. Unlike sleek, minimalist microphones, the RE20’s rugged aesthetic reflects its durability and engineering ingenuity. The grille, paired with an internal pop filter, minimizes plosives and wind noise, making it ideal for close-miking scenarios like vocals or voiceovers. Its Variable-D technology, a hallmark of Electro-Voice’s innovation, uses multiple ports to direct sound waves, virtually eliminating proximity effect—a common issue where bass frequencies exaggerate when a source is too close. This design ensures consistent tonal quality, whether the mic is inches away or at a distance, a feature that directly ties its looks to its performance.
Debut and Market
Introduced in 1968, the RE20 was designed primarily for broadcasters, targeting radio and television studios where clarity and reliability were paramount. Over time, its versatility expanded its appeal to podcasters, voiceover artists, and music producers. The microphone’s ability to deliver professional-grade sound in varied environments—studios, live stages, or home setups—has made it a go-to for anyone seeking pristine audio capture.
Technical Brilliance
The RE20 boasts an unusually flat frequency response for a dynamic microphone, spanning 45 Hz to 18,000 Hz. This wide range rivals many condenser mics, capturing everything from deep bass to crisp highs with remarkable accuracy. Its off-axis response is equally impressive, maintaining tonal consistency even when sound sources move around the mic. This smooth rejection of unwanted noise at 180 degrees off-axis ensures clean recordings in less-than-ideal settings.
 |
| Bass Roll-Off Filter Switch (set to Flat-Response) |
Handling noise is minimized thanks to an internal shock-mount system, which isolates the microphone element from vibrations. This makes the RE20 a favorite for dynamic environments like live broadcasts or stage performances. The mic features a balanced XLR output, ensuring compatibility with professional audio interfaces, and an output impedance of 150 ohms, which pairs well with most preamps for clean signal transfer. Its cardioid pickup pattern focuses on the sound source while rejecting ambient noise, enhancing its suitability for both studio and live applications.
The RE20 shines across a diverse range of instruments, particularly those with rich low-end frequencies. It’s a top choice for kick drums, delivering punchy, defined bass without muddiness. Bass guitar cabinets benefit from its ability to capture warmth and clarity, while electric guitar amps gain a balanced, natural tone. The mic also excels on brass and woodwind instruments like saxophones and tubas, preserving their depth and nuance. For vocals, especially deeper voices, the RE20 provides an intimate, radio-ready sound, as evidenced by its use on albums like Boston's lead singer Brad Delp, Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book and Joan Jett’s I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.
The optional Electro-Voice 309A shock mount, designed for the RE20, effectively reduces vibrations transmitted through stands or booms. However, its bulky steel yoke and rubber cord suspension can feel awkward to set up and adjust, especially in tight spaces. While it gets the job done, some users opt for modern third-party mounts for easier handling, though the 309A’s retro charm matches the RE20’s aesthetic.
The PL20: A Stylish Variant
In the 1990s, Electro-Voice released the PL20, a navy blue-gray version of the RE20 aimed at the recording studio market. Functionally identical, the PL20 offered the same stellar performance but with a darker, more polished look to appeal to studio engineers seeking a distinct vibe. Though discontinued, it remains a collector’s item, valued for its rarity and identical sonic excellence.
 |
| Stylish Protective Storage Case |
Electro-Voice: The Company Behind the Mic
Electro-Voice, founded in 1927, has a long history of audio innovation. Based in the United States, the company is now a brand under Bosch Security Systems, following acquisitions in the early 2000s. While Electro-Voice maintains its American identity, with headquarters in Burnsville, Minnesota, some manufacturing has shifted to facilities in China and other countries to meet global demand and cost efficiencies. The exact proportion of products made overseas versus in the U.S. isn’t publicly detailed, but the RE20 itself is still produced with rigorous quality control, preserving its reputation. Electro-Voice remains a mid-sized player in the pro-audio industry, competing with giants like Shure and Sennheiser through specialized, high-quality offerings.
 |
| In Case, click to enlarge |
Staying Relevant Amid Competition
Despite increased competition from brands like Rode and Audio-Technica, Electro-Voice endures as a preferred choice. The RE20’s blend of durability, versatility, and sonic fidelity keeps it relevant, whether in top-tier studios or DIY podcast setups. Its induction into the TEC Awards Technology Hall of Fame in 2015 underscores its lasting impact. While newer mics boast modern features, the RE20’s proven track record and unique design ensure it remains a benchmark for excellence.
 |
| In Da Kitchen Studio |
Epilogue
The Electro-Voice RE20 is more than a microphone—it’s a testament to thoughtful engineering where aesthetics enhance performance. Its bold design isn’t just iconic; it’s integral to delivering the flat response, minimal handling noise, and versatile capture that professionals trust. From its 1968 debut to its modern-day ubiquity, the RE20 proves that true innovation stands the test of time, making it a cornerstone of audio history and a tool that continues to shape the future of sound.
 |
| Getting a grip on the beast of a microphone |
©April 13, 2025 by Mark King, It's not ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.
