Electro-Voice RE20 Wired Dynamic Microphone - Beige

The Electro-Voice RE20 is the industry-standard dynamic cardioid microphone trusted by broadcasters, podcasters, and recording engineers around the world. Designed for reliability and long sessions, the RE20 delivers a natural, clear voice with broad presence while maintaining a controlled bottom end. Its Variable-D technology minimizes proximity effect, so your tone remains consistent whether you’re speaking close to the grille or pulling back to capture room ambience. Built for tough daily use, this beige-beauty combines rugged construction with professional-grade sound, making it a versatile cornerstone for radio studios, podcast suites, and live sound environments alike. From high-energy talk shows to intimate voiceover work, the RE20 helps you sound balanced, articulate, and professional without requiring complicated setup or constant mic-tuning. Its internal P-pop filter reduces plosives, and an integrated shock-mount isolates the capsule from desk vibrations and handling noise, ensuring clean recordings even in less-than-ideal acoustic spaces. Whether you’re chasing broadcast loudness, studio warmth, or a dependable instrument mic for amps and cabinets, the RE20 delivers dependable performance, year after year.

• Variable-D technology for consistent tone – The RE20’s Variable-D design minimizes proximity effect, preserving natural bass and overall tonal balance across a wide speaking range, so you don’t have to fight the mic to get a professional sound every time you record or broadcast.
• Cardioid dynamic capsule with built‑in P‑pop filter – The cardioid pattern rejects rear‑hand noise and reverberation, while the internal P‑pop filter tames hard consonants, delivering crisp voice intelligibility with fewer plosives in close‑talk scenarios.
• Internal shock‑mount and durable build – A rugged internal shock‑mount keeps the mic capsule steady, reducing vibration-induced noise from desk taps, mic stands, or nearby equipment—perfect for on‑air use and mobile setups.
• Bass roll-off switch for tailored low end – A switchable low‑frequency roll‑off lets you trim rumble, handling noise, and proximity effects, giving you authoritative control over your vocal presence and intelligibility.
• Versatile, broadcast‑ready performance – The RE20 is a trusted choice for announcers, podcasters, voice-over artists, and instrument miking alike. Its professional XLR connection and reliable operation make it a go-to for studios and live broadcasts, delivering consistent results across applications.

Technical Details of Electro-Voice RE20 Wired Dynamic Microphone

• Type: Dynamic microphone
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Technology: Variable-D design to minimize proximity effect
• Internal P-pop filter and shock-mount for reduced plosives and vibration noise
• Bass roll-off switch for low-end contouring
• Finish: Beige
• Connector: 3-pin XLR
• Applications: Radio broadcast, voiceover, podcasting, studio recording, and live sound

How to Install Electro-Voice RE20

• Prepare your setup: Use a standard 3‑pin XLR cable and ensure your audio interface, mixer, or preamp is powered off before connecting the mic to prevent any pops or electrical noise during setup.
• Connect the mic: Attach the XLR cable to the RE20’s XLR output, then connect the other end to your mixer, audio interface, or mic preamp. The RE20 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power, though you may run it with phantom power if your equipment provides it—it's not necessary for operation.
• Position and secure: Mount the RE20 on a stable stand or boom arm. For best results, position the microphone so the front grille faces you, approximately 6 to 12 inches from your mouth. Adjust angle and distance to taste, keeping a consistent distance for even frequency response.
• Set the gain: Power up your equipment and gradually raise the preamp gain while speaking at your normal level. The goal is to reach a strong, clean signal without clipping. If you notice background hiss or noise, lower the gain slightly and assess room acoustics or mic placement.
• Fine‑tune low end: If you’re detecting rumble or proximity buildup, engage the bass roll-off switch to reduce low-frequency energy and tighten the overall voice presence. Recheck levels after activating the switch to maintain desired loudness and clarity.
• Test and adjust: Do a test recording or on‑air take, listen back for plosives, room noise, and proximity effects. Make minor distance adjustments, and consider using a pop shield or foam windscreen if additional plosive reduction is desired in challenging environments.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is the RE20 suitable for podcasting and voiceover?
  A: Absolutely. Its Variable-D design and P-pop filtering provide natural, intelligible voice with minimal proximity effect, making it a staple for podcasts, voiceovers, and on‑air narration.
• Q: Does the RE20 require phantom power?
  A: No. The RE20 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power to operate. It can be used with or without phantom power, depending on your mixer or interface.
• Q: What makes Variable-D important?
  A: Variable-D helps maintain consistent tonal balance as you move toward and away from the mic, reducing the common bass boost that plagues close‑talk recordings. This yields a more natural and transparent vocal sound.
• Q: Can I use the RE20 to mic instruments?
  A: Yes. While it excels for vocals, the RE20 is also used for certain instrument applications, such as guitar amplifiers and some ambient or kick‑drum contexts, thanks to its robust build and controlled proximity effect.
• Q: How should I position the RE20 for optimal results?
  A: For vocal work, place the mic about 6 to 12 inches from your mouth, slightly off-axis to reduce plosives. Use the bass roll-off switch to reduce low-frequency rumble as needed, and ensure your room is relatively quiet or treated to minimize reflections.