Electro-Voice RE20 Cardioid Microphone: Buying Guide

The Electro-Voice RE20 (also written RE-20 or RE 20) is a dynamic cardioid microphone with an XLR output. It is closely associated with broadcast and spoken-word work and is also used on instruments. This guide helps you check whether it fits your setup before you buy, without relying on rankings or claims you cannot verify.

Start with the intended use

Write down what you will record and where. A microphone that suits a radio-style voice in a fixed booth may be a poor match for someone who needs a compact, plug-in solution for occasional video calls. Answer these questions first:

• What is the main source: spoken voice for podcasts, streaming, voice-over or calls, or an instrument such as a kick drum, bass cabinet or guitar amp?
• What will the microphone connect to: an audio interface, a mixer, or only a computer with no XLR inputs?
• Is the room treated, or will background noise from fans, traffic or other people be present?
• Will the microphone stay on a boom arm or stand, or does it need to be portable?
• What result do you need: a finished broadcast sound, clean voice for meetings, or raw tracks for later editing?

A cardioid pattern is most sensitive at the front and less sensitive at the rear, which helps when you can point the back of the microphone toward a noise source. It does not remove room noise or echo on its own. Placement, distance and the room itself still decide much of the result.

Features that matter

End-address design: you speak into the top end of the RE20, not into its side. This matters when choosing a mount and boom position, because the microphone needs to point toward your mouth along its length.

Variable-D design: Electro-Voice describes this as an approach intended to reduce proximity effect, the bass build-up that usually happens as you move closer to a directional microphone. Treat it as a design aim rather than a guarantee, and judge the tonal change at your own working distance.

Bass roll-off switch and internal pop filtering: the microphone has a switch to reduce low frequencies and a built-in filter to help with plosives. Mic technique still matters, and some users add an external pop filter or windscreen for very close speech.

Output level: like many dynamic microphones, the RE20 has a relatively low output and needs a fair amount of preamp gain. Compare the sensitivity figure on the official specification sheet with the gain your interface or mixer provides. If you must push the input level close to maximum, preamp hiss can become audible. Common solutions are a preamp with more clean gain or an inline microphone booster; check that any booster suits a dynamic microphone and your power setup.

Size and weight: the RE20 is a large, heavy microphone compared with many desktop models. Plan for a sturdy boom arm or stand. Check what the package includes, because a shock mount may be sold separately depending on the bundle and seller.

Specifications such as frequency response and sensitivity describe how the microphone was designed and tested by the manufacturer. They are not a quality score and do not predict how it will sound with your voice, room and preamp.

Check compatibility

Connector: the RE20 is an analog microphone with an XLR connector. It has no USB output, so it cannot plug directly into a computer, phone or tablet. You need an audio interface, a USB mixer or another device with an XLR microphone input. After connecting, select the interface as the input device in your operating system and in each app, and choose your headphones or speakers as the output device so you can monitor correctly.

Power: as a passive dynamic microphone, it does not need phantom power. Phantom power is generally not a problem for a balanced dynamic microphone with correct cabling, but if your channel does not need it, leave it off and confirm the guidance in the official manual.

Sample rate and file format: these are set by your interface and recording software, not by the microphone. Pick a sample rate your interface supports and use the same setting in system sound settings and your recording or calling app to avoid resampling or device errors.

Video call and streaming apps: many apply their own noise suppression and automatic gain, which can change how any microphone sounds. Use the app's microphone test to check your input level and adjust processing if the app allows it. Where recordings are saved and how the app handles them depends on that app, so verify its privacy and storage settings yourself.

Build a shortlist

Use this checklist to decide whether the RE20 belongs on your shortlist. Each item should be a clear yes for your setup:

• I have, or will buy, an interface or mixer with an XLR input.
• My preamp provides enough clean gain for a low-output dynamic microphone, or I plan to add a booster or external preamp.
• I can mount a large, heavy end-address microphone on a sturdy boom arm or stand.
• I know whether a shock mount is included in the package I am considering.
• My main use is voice or an instrument source that suits a dynamic cardioid microphone.
• I can position the microphone so its rear faces the main noise source.
• I have checked the official specification sheet and manual for the details that matter to me.
• I have confirmed the seller's warranty and return terms.

If several answers are no, compare alternatives with the same checklist, such as a USB dynamic microphone for a simpler computer setup or a smaller XLR dynamic model if mounting space or gain is limited. Where possible, listen to recordings made in rooms similar to yours, and decide based on how the microphone works with your own equipment rather than on reputation alone.