Radio Microphones - The Electro-Voice RE-20 & RE-27

[mesaoneCCK]

@NewMediaGear I like the Aphex 204 on bass. I have noticed a significant increase in noise, more than should be heard from one signal processor. Maybe my unit is showing its age, it has been well-used. Also, I can't help but notice the lack of a preamp in your list. It's cool you are using a budget audio interface, this video shows that you can get a pro sound out of inexpensive equipment.

[mesaoneCCK]

When I do an A/B comparison with mics, I record with them both positioned in front of me, at the same time. I know this isn't possible without a second stand, but it would give you a more accurate way to compare, instead of unpluggin one and plugging in the other. Thanks for the video!

[kravron]

I Just got myself a FTDX-5000MP and I'm looking for a microphone to use on my Ham Radio and to do some Voice over work and some Podcasting and Vloging and such what would you suggest? I'm Currently looking at the RE-20 and PR-40 anything else I should keep in mind?

[g1981c]

yeah the 27 does sound sibilant. the 20 sounds classic as you would imagine.

[nhtmil]

Hi, I'm from mexico. I want to know what equipment is needed for Internet radio home. I hope to answer. Thanks for the post, helped me a lot. Good vibes!

[hubidybrubabrubMKII]

sounds mint on a kick drum

[radiodeejayromania]

What Mic Arm do you use?

[NewMediaGear]

@radiodeejayromania In this video, I think we are using the Heil PL2T. Currently, we use a mix of the PL2T, OC White Elite and Mika. BTW: HeilSound has a new, inexpensive and (quieter?) HB-1 boom that I hope to try

[radiodeejayromania]

@NewMediaGear Ok. Currently I use K&M stand. I have a curiosity: the sound it's just from the microphone or you use a processor? and what kind of processor do you use?

[DataID]

RE-27 is ideal for vocal applications...period!

[tuskertopics]

I just got my RE20....love it!

[JoshSitar]

I have the same Yamaha monitors. I like them quite a bit.

My favorite mics for virtually anything and everything are ribbon mics. I'm in the process of developing a new type of cardioid ribbon. What's your view of ribbons these days?

[SmallFish616]

Thom York uses this mic for singing :D

[btyremanable]

it has an amazing off axis response, thanks for posting this

[RileyBurgess]

My studio just got an RE-20. Already used it for 2 sessions!! Great mic for vocals, kick drum, and even for double bass!!

[HakerzTM]

Wow the audio for the intro is amazing, what mic what used for that?

[halltownrecords]

I can't get past the mouth noise and swallowing sounds. the sm7 is far better due to the further distance of the diaphragm from the mouth

[imperialpod]

Stevie Wonder's main mic.

[thedocumentarian]

Hey Mark, I just purchased an RE20. I bought one of those XLR to USB cables. Is the RE20 a very quiet mic because I hardly get audio in my computer or am I missing equipment to get the full potential of the microphone from say with...preamps and all that stuff.

[RileyBurgess]

@thedocumentarian preamps usually help boost the mic's signal to the computer. Gotta love the Purple audio ones!!

[Smubii]

you need a pre amp

[OregonCoastGhost]

Thanks for posting the signal chain specs, and for showing off the RE mics. The side rejection of the RE-20 must be decent, I didn't hear the "squeek" from the boom that you mentioned in this video. I should probably listen again with some good headphones anyways, since we are demo-ing mics. Funny, I think I'm sold on the RE-20, for spoken word and for kick drum. It's gotten high marks in all the reviews I've seen recently.

Thanks for posting!

[NewMediaGear]

@OregonCoastGhost

The RE-20 is great for speech and (from what I hear) kick drums as well. The RE-27ND is much brighter and slightly higher output.

Because the RE-20 rolls off high freqs more than the 27, I find the 20 better for taming sibilance.

It's hard to go wrong with either.

[FormationOfficial]

@NewMediaGear It can also work well on snare drums to give another depth of sound.

[MendotaTech]

@NewMediaGear Can you record a sample of the re20 without processing? My RE20 does not have alot of punch or presence... I have to drive alot on the EQ

[13CT157]

Nice Youb.....!

[OwensDrumming]

The RE-27 is too bright and artificial. The RE-20 sounds much more natural.

Owen

[rampagetv]

Just a question, I get that on-air it sounds a bit grainy due to FM, but why do your videos really have that radio sound? It's not just the RE-20, what effects do you use besides compression?

[gvntan]

Awesome MUSIC BED. How do I get this ? Let me know

[gvntan]

Cool dude.. awesome

[sheradio1055]

RE-20's Great Mics.. We Never Much Cared For Them Since '2000.

RE's Lack Dynamic Range..

Please Try a "RHODE" NT-1. The're Dynamic Range Will Change Your Mind..

We See Your KNOW Your Mic Approach.. RE's Do-Not Need Pop Filters.

Thank You

[NewMediaGear]

Hello -

We get a lot of questions about the audio chain. I think that would make a good show...

1st stage compression: Aphex 230, fixed 4:1 single band - gentle logic assisted gating.

Line level to an R55e console.

2nd/last stage is an Aphex 2020MkIII side-chained with an Aphex 204 exciter. The 2020 is a 4 band compressor with leveling, limiting and digital voice gating.

All cable is Gotham with Neutrik TRS and XLR's.

Final A/D is a FirePod.

The broadcast studio is about 40% Auralex

[VogVoggy]

Id love to know the compression your using, what ratio? Are you using a gate to remove any remove any room noise

[atheisticgolem]

what a gorgeous sound! could you tell us what interfaces the re-20 is going through, on the way to the computer [i.e pre-amp/compressor etc]? i would love to get that signal to noise ratio, lovely warm compression too. any tips on getting such clear recordings?

[ccnea]

you have a fantastic voice :) from one voice actor to another. i also use the electro voice for quick voice over recordings and a neumann at the studio

[reebokblokey]

Sounded nice but I am a real lover of Neumann either TLM 103 or the U87i... enjoy your videos....

[danceofthedruids]

Great demo, thanks! Was considering the Heil PL40 but the EV RE20 blew it away as far as fidelity and pickup capabilities. The review I saw for the Heil showed the reviewer literally mouth in mic to get any pickup and any off axis was virtually eliminated. Any comments on the older PL20? Thanks!

[TheDriveMaster]

Great review!!! Superb!

[clayphish]

Can't say I like the RE27 very much. It sounds too grainy and scooped going through your rig. The RE-20 is however natural, not overly exaggerated and pleasing to listen to.

[NewMediaGear]

That 'gritty' sound is actually requested by some clients. It's also more effective with an electret, like the MKH-416 and some even-order harmonics ; )

Some jobs require a transparent sound and others pay me to push the limit. I still like to push the limit if it's up to me.

The technical reason - the 27 element is more sensitive and up to 6db higher output (comp drive increases) along with a bump in the response curve starting around 2kHz.

Thank you for the comment, and for listening!

[yungquane]

You should try the Shure SM7B. It is also a very popular mic.

[NewMediaGear]

Yes - the SM7B is a studio proven mic. We have featured it in audio, but maybe it's time to have a video roundup.

As well, the Sennheiser MD-421II and a few others I'll remember right after having the morning coffee.

Thanks for watching!

Best,

Mark

[lovelightboy]

RE27 do sound louder in highs and louder...what's in fact today way in production....but, still love that dynamic on RE20!

[mogwix]

Great videos! Thanks a lot!

I wanted to ask, have you tried the Rode Procaster? I'm curious to see how it compares to the RE20 and the Broadcaster.

[NewMediaGear]

I have used the Procaster. It's a nice sounding dynamic.

For my voice, the RE-27 sounds a little brighter. As I remember, the 27 is also a little hotter with gain. Definitely hotter than the RE-20.

[dansyn]

I'm gonna post a vid soon with the procaster and how it sounds on air on my station! :)

[radiojunkie12]

How far is "too far" away to be talking into this mic?

Also, how would you compare it to the Neumann BCM104?

We use a combination of both the Neumann and EV at my station.

[NewMediaGear]

Talking distance on the 20/27 depends on processing and your studios 'noise floor'. About 6" works great for me.

The RE-20/27 mics are dynamics, while the BCM-104 is a condenser (although designed for broadcasting) costing about double the price of the RE's.

If the studio is well isolated (acoustically) and budget isn't an issue, I could probably warm up to the 104 quickly ; )

Have to admit that I prefer the 309 shock mount on the RE's.

Just my opinion.

[jrsencio70]

Sweet! The RE27 does actually sound a lot brighter and louder, and cost like around a hundred bucks more than the RE20 if I'm not mistaken.

Worked with an RE27 for 5 years, used it for on air and production, but now I have an RE20... hearing the difference made me miss it.

[NewMediaGear]

Yeah, the prices on the RE-20 seem to go up and down more than the RE-27.

I generally like the extra 'punch' on the 27, but the 20 is great for that classic, silky smooth dynamic sound.

Best,

Mark

[Rockinnsk8inallday]

Oh so the RE27 has a punch to it?

I guess I could use this for a bass drum to get that punchy sound.

[dansyn]

dude loves the vids!

[NewMediaGear]

Thanks Dansyn!

[dansyn]

you've made me wanna go out and add an RE27 to the collection... Im gonna start doing some reviews of mics i have here!

[gunnarasgeir]

Nice video...

What voice processor are you using in this test´s?

I have Electro Voice RE20 with Aphex 230 Voice Prosessor and the sound is so great. I love it.

I have work on radiostation that use RE27 and another station use RE20 and i like RE20 more.

I would love to know what voice prosessor you are using.

[NewMediaGear]

I've got the same here! The studio booms feed Aphex 230's, which come back to an R-55e radio console (mic-pres bypassed).

The muxed output goes into an Aphex 2020MkIII broadcast processor to catch overshoots or spikes. Side-chained to the 2020 is an Aphex 204 aural exciter.

The 2020 output is fed to a Presonus FirePod.

Hope you enjoy the vids!

Best,

Mark