The Electro-Voice RE-20 is a versatile dynamic large-diaphragm microphone which implements the cardioid polar pattern typical for dynamic mics and has a pleasingly natural, authentic sound. For a microphone of this type, its responsivity and resolution are well above average thanks to its particularly lightweight coil-diaphragm unit (combining an aluminium coil and EV's proprietary "Acoustalloy" diaphragm). However, the real special feature of the RE-20 is its almost non-existent proximity effect – which means there is no noticeable bass boost when close-miking, in addition to which it also has a switchable bass cut for even more flexibility. A padded storage bag and matching stand mount round out this appealing package.
Unlike other dynamic microphones, this mic's proximity effect is negligible: Electro-Voice has developed a technology especially for this very purpose, called "Continuously Variable-D". Sometimes, singers and musicians will actively seek out the proximity effect for a targeted bass boost; conversely, it can sometimes have an undesirable, potentially unpleasant effect. For example, even small changes in the position of close-mic recordings can lead to major changes in the output. In addition, an otherwise balanced instrument's sound can be irretrievably and negatively altered by the overemphasised bass range, so that the musician has no choice but to set up further away from the mic, which then results in more unwanted room presence on the recording.
The Electro-Voice RE-20 is a true all-rounder, offering outstanding performance with its natural sound characteristics, which imitate a condenser microphone with surprising fidelity. It has found many fans at radio stations for use as a voice mic, but it is also an excellent choice for woodwind and brass instruments, not to mention guitar amps. Drummers should also note that its transmission in the bass range only drops off very slowly below 70Hz, which means it will also produces excellent results in front of a bass drum: Despite the suppression of the proximity effect, the RE-20 certainly doesn't lack for bass reproduction.
Electro-Voice was founded in 1927 and has been dedicated to building sound reinforcement systems and microphones since the 1930s. The firm, originally based in Indiana, USA, is considered one of the industry pioneers and has developed many new technologies still in use today. For example, their hum-cancelling coil was not only a milestone for microphone construction, but also was at the origin of the humbucker pickups still used in many guitars. In the long history of the company, Electro-Voice has constantly expanded its offer and today sells a wide range of products for sound reinforcement tasks from entry to professional levels.
As mentioned above, the Electro-Voice RE-20 can be used with great flexibility in a whole host of different applications. However, the RE-20 is particularly popular as a speech microphone: Thanks to its broad sweet spot and the lack of proximity effect, the person speaking has considerable freedom of movement, allowing them to move around in front of the mic without having to worry about how this might affect the colour of their voice. In this way, the unique character of a person's performance remains largely independent of their speaking position. Finally, the resilient RE-20 is also less sensitive to pop sounds, interference (for instance, from an additional humbucker coil), and wind noise.