RE20 vs RE27ND

The EV Mic Guy explains and demonstrates the differences between the Electro-Voice RE20 and RE27N/D mics.

[@msytpsyt]

I love listening to specialists talking about something they know about

[@TokyoXtreme]

Anyone still watching in 2020?

[@2musiclover534]

Yes. May 2020

[@Superflagman]

yes，me！

[@IntheDAW]

Yep

[@thecodingworldpython]

Nov 2020, but still confused

[@djcuda]

Yes just did a review on all 3 even the black Re20

[@worldgonewrong2049]

I bought the RE20 based on this great video and have never looked back. I have many mics, and have tried even more than I can remember, and this mic is a perfect coupling with my voice for most of what i record musically. cheers, and thanks!

[@GarthHaslem]

Just what I needed. Thank you. For me the RE27 wins clearly because I want to accent my deep voice. Standing ovation on the video. That was fabulous

[@tubetone74]

The best comparison I've seen of these two iconic mics. Thanks Rick.

[@IamCROOkEdTV]

Re 20 owner but ordered the 27 because I'm in love. Really love the brightness and the beautiful finish.

[@mrbean0181]

I have an re20 too, just ordered my 27

[@IntheDAW]

Man this guy is just the best. I love these videos even tho they are so old

[@mrautomatech2115]

Great breakdown of both mics. You sir, are the man! This really helped

[@TheEVMicGuy]

Hi Shravan. The 309A shock mount will eliminate any mechanical noise (vibrations, bumps and thumps) from your mounting surface (desktop or tabletop) or mic stand. You'll be OK without one, but depending on the type and quality of the stand you're using, you may hear a little of those noises if you bump your desktop or mic stand. The 309A is really handy for broadcast DJ's (boom swingers) who frequently adjust the mic position while live and on the air. Thanks for your question.

[@firstivuslastivus3349]

The comparison was REALLY helpful, Rick. It was exactly what I wanted to hear!

[@danielpaulson8838]

Just ordered the RE20 in black. It'll be here in a week. Stoked.

[@djcuda]

Just did a review on one loved it!

[@danielpaulson8838]

@@djcuda I'm going to watch your review later. Thanks.

[@richardegan1385]

the RE27 sounds much better (I think) Ive owned the RE20, and have now purchased the RE27. for my purpases the RE27 is much better. I specifically like to run it totally flat. but, please do your own viewing and testing to make up your own mind. the EV mic guy does a fabulous job explaining the differences. happy mic-hunting. from richard

[@artysanmobile]

The RE27 sounds spectacular with voice, but its enhancements have made it a far less useful microphone for musical instrument recording. The 20 remains a top pick for me in recording and live pickup of a long list of different instruments, drums, brass, winds, guitars, bass - the list is pretty amazing. Most of my favorite microphones - the ones I go to most often - share a flatter response. I like that I can print this for more careful post-processing. Tailored frequency response can actually take more time to undo later even though it is useful live. There is room for both.

[@KristianDowling]

No comparisom", especially getting closer to the mic. The RE20 is legendary but the RE27 is the perfect evolution of the classic and in terms of dynamic range and clarity, it's clearly the better microphone on voice. Thanks so much for helping me confirm my purchase choice of the RE27

[@simonsmith2642]

Great side by side comparison I like the crispness of the 27 but I do have high freq hearing loss so it may be too much for others

[@PJSOFT]

I want to combine the look of 27 and the voice of 20, and that would be the perfect mic for me.

[@chickenmuffin]

Right?

[@chickenmuffin]

@@tigeraudio There's this entire medium called video. HELLO.

[@PJSOFT]

@@tigeraudio I bought RE20, that's my decision, the audio is the most important thing as we all know, but if you can choose the appearance of it then wouldn't you do so or at least talk about it? Actually I get you but the world doesn't work that way, people are happy to pay extra for better looking mics such as chrome SE V7 or Telefunken M80.

[@Gajeman]

There's a sweet-looking black RE20, now. Not as sparkly as the silver but better than that anemic, pea-soup color.

[@hepphepps8356]

But the 27 look terrible and cheap compared to the RE20, which is the epitomy of cool!

[@fing6966]

Well done, Rick! Thank you very much..

[@VJFranzK]

9:30 This is perhaps the most important part! The 27 with 3rd switch sounds best, returning to the 20, it sounds less clear

[@NancyTyler]

Thank you for such a clear comparison and explanations!

[@_Trakman]

you can't talk about these mics without talking about preamps - these are savage with a consumer amp / audio interface

[@RobbiesVideoArchives]

A wonderful demo, very helpful, thanks!

[@rshriver6587]

Really enjoying this channel, Rick. Keep up the good work!

[@walterwilliams1323]

Very detailed explanation Ev Mic guy, IMHO the original is still the best.

[@WallStreet749]

Great review but I couldn't help wonder why you did not include the 320 in the review. Is it not a worthy mention?

[@IntheDAW]

Man that re20 just sounds go good

[@shravankulkarniarchive]

I'm going to buy an electro voice re 27 nd for my podcasting. I noticed that you were'nt using a shock mount. If i dont use a shock mount, will the mic do ok ?

[@Floreypottery]

Always wondered the difference I have a re 27 from when the original buchanan mi location closed a friend got for me love it don't use it often though

[@VierImageStudios]

I'll take it off of your hands. 😉

[@thomassicard3733]

Interesting. At 'flat' settings, the RE20 delivers a slightly brighter tone color as distance increases, whereas the RE27ND delivers a slightly darker tone color as distance increases. Don't get me wrong. the 'Variable D' design is very good. But, there are those noticeable differences. VERY interesting effects with distance using the switches on the RE27ND. I own an EV RE 20. I am very pleased with the mic. It yields beautiful recordings of varying voices and instruments. Finally, I must say that Rick gets it spot-on: "The RE27ND will be brighter and more powerful. The RE20 will be smoother and warmer."

[@JeremyLeech]

I had the 27nd but it never sounded good with my voice. Planning on picking up the re20. Already love my re320.

[@andyt7410]

thank you, mommy. thank you, jeans.

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

I've listened to this clip several times and while I have and like the RE20 and demo'ed tested the Re320, I think I now like the RE27.

[@Decenium]

Cybrupt, back to school with you, you are making stupid remarks and Im sure you dont want to.

[@ugotbawlz]

thank you for making the video!

[@JukeBox360]

So in the end? Which is the better buy? RE-20 or 27? Strait cut and dry answer. I just want a mic that's going to pic my voice the best. With less background noise. I use it for live streaming. Basically pod casting.

[@stephendevore]

Pretty good comparison, but I was disappointed that the 3rd RE27 switch wasn't compared with the raw RE20 since it sounded fairly similar. Can you do a comparison with that turned on with the RE20?

[@kaminsound1707]

sadsongsishere Exactly what I was thinking...

[@Decenium]

well not to make it sound like, the 3rd switch just makes it flat, just like the re20 happens to be.

[@coffeehigh420]

@@Decenium great so basically if you purchase an RE 27 N/D you are getting 2 mics in one (assuming you take advantage of the 3rd switch) ?

[@VJFranzK]

@@coffeehigh420 I also had that thought! less brightness makes them sound more similar.

[@thefalliblebeliever3470]

@@VJFranzKso what do you think if I’ve purchased the RE20 should I return it for the RE27ND?

[@michaelgamble296]

When I bought my pair of PL20's I was told they were identical to RE20's. Is this so? Michael

[@praxis-living]

I just bought a brand new Re-20 mic and it has an indented windscreen. Is this normal? It looks like it might be a defective mic that I need to replace?

[@waiterwhite198]

Hi I'm curious though... are you using any sort of compression or effects on the mic??? or is this how it will sound if I literally just plug it directly into a mixer and record the output? I just don't want to be disappointed when my voice doesn't have that nice warm tone to it when I buy one. The RE27 being brighter seems to make it feel more commanding and better for radio show hosts but the RE20 seems more like a warm tone like a sports announcer where your voice is like silk.

[@AlbaCOR3]

I am the one who RECORDS

[@jameshulst993]

Real people doing real work. You have my money.

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

Hi Rick 😎 What happens when BOTH bass roll-off switches are angaged at the same time? I'd expect even more bass roll-off, but that's not the case. So I'm curious! 🤓

[@StefanGenov7]

I recently bought RE 20, which was made in Burnsville, Minnesota. Than I watched some reviews and found out that on the most of the microphone it is written Variable-D and dynamic cardioid and on my microphone there is nothing. I would like to know if there is any difference between the microphones with the writing and without. Is my microphone old or new made? I am not sure if there are going to be any difference with the sound quality of the microphone. Thank you very much for your time.

[@canalrodrigobetim]

Fantastic video... thank you!!!! 🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@hankdendrijver]

Great Background. When was this recorded? !989?

[@KarlozAlcala]

i have an mbox 3 pro, and the re27 n/d but mic sound is very low. do i need a cloudlifter? please advice

[@IAmTheRealKen]

Hey Rick, I bought some RE-20's from a third-party seller and afterwards I watched a video warning of counterfeit mics. The video stated that some of the most commonly counterfeited mics are Rode and Sennheiser and Shure, but no mention of Electro-Voice. So, I am wondering - how do I know if I have an authentic RE-20? Is there a way I can look up a serial number, or are there some signs of a fake RE-20 that I can look out for, or do people simply not counterfeit RE-20s? Thanks!

[@thomassicard3733]

Does it feel like a 50 caliber shell about to be shot from an F18? Does it have an amazingly unique "Fawn beige" paint job? Does it totally dig any sound source you throw at it, right on the mic - even at 'fry the paint off the walls' volume? Does it have that silky-smooth, balanced, rich and delicious tonal colr result when recording? IF NOT, you are either totally messing up somewhere, or... IT'S A FAKE!!!!!! :-)

[@IAmTheRealKen]

@@thomassicard3733 It's pretty damn heavy and it's held up well to this day. It doesn't have a proxmity effect so it seems like Variable-D works, so either it was a flawless fake or it's the real thing. Still though, it'd be nice if there were some way to check serial numbers or something to verify if it's real or not.

[@TALKCalgary]

Whenever I think of the RE27 I can't help but think of New Coke.

[@TrevorTownsendOfficial]

Thanks EVMicGuy - that's helpful. I'm considering the investment into an RE20. Can you suggest a price for a used on in very good/excellent condition?

[@bernardking775]

Trevor Townsend a price for a used mic would between $300-$350 for a used one.

[@TankWoodard1776]

Dumb question... but does it matter which way the mic is rotated when attached to the stand clamp? In other words, does it matter if the "vents" and switch are pointing up (like it is in your video), or can they (vents/switch) be pointing to either side or down too? I assume it doesn't matter, but I want to be sure.

[@TankWoodard1776]

I was asking the expert, not you. I prefaced the neophyte question by admitting it was dumb... I know very little about cardioid mics right now, and I couldn't find the answer online... now go ask your mom if she'll bring some milk to your room while you record your video games... I understand that you feel bad about being a skinny, balding little virgin "man" (put a shirt on for God's sake-you look like Benjamin Button's weird brother). I feel bad for you... it must feel terrible to know that you'll never know the touch of a beautiful woman... but at least you have your mommy (and your fellow short bus comrades) to tell you you're special.

[@TankWoodard1776]

I'm only an idiot on days that end with "y."

[@huss03]

The vents are on both sides of the mic

[@helichuck1]

Which would be the best mike for my madnolin at our live performances??

[@stephendevore]

Google for what works best for mandolins LIVE. These mics may not be your best choice, because these EV mics are Dynamic-type mics (more below), but if you had to pick one of these two, I'd guess the 27 for its brightness and versatility. BASICS: Dynamic mics generally sound okay up close but lose a lot of their high-end and low-end pickup when several inches away vs. Condenser mics which pick up sound better from a distance. Condenser mics usually require +48V Phantom Power to work. Dynamics, of course, do not require Phantom Power to work. Condenser mics are also usually brighter than Dynamics. If you think a Dynamic mic will work LIVE, or if you need one for logistics reasons, then a Shure SM57 Dynamic microphone is one of the most versatile and cheapest Dynamic mics one can buy. If you want a brighter sound, try a studio- or live-standard Condenser mic. If you move around a lot, you'd want a mic with a cardioid (heart-shaped) pickup pattern; if you don't, a hypercardioid (narrower pickup) may help avoid other instruments being picked up. But what the mic is pointing at, other than the instrument itself, must also be considered. Every live situation differs. Also: If mics must be feet away - sometimes/often not recommended when live, depending on the setup and other instruments - specialty mics may be needed, such as a "shotgun" mic, which may have a supercaridoid or hypercardioid pickup. Hope this helps.

[@GlitchComputer]

I guess I need to think about which one is more musical ?!

[@annekedebruyn7797]

When your station uses anything similar to an optimod the RE20 wins as the optimod prefers less hyped mics. I think the RE27ND would be the mic for most home radiostations as it has that broadcasting type of sound already. It only needs a compressor.

[@avantgardenovelist]

Is there a no-brainer mixer and audio interface that go best with the RE27 for broadcasting/pod-casting purposes?

[@ice788]

Cloud Lifter

[@avantgardenovelist]

thnx

[@ice788]

It's not truly a mixer of any kind. Just a very easy plug and play way to get the most quality out of your mic. I thought I needed a mixer as well, but the cloud lifter did exactly what I needed. If you truly want a mixer for broad mixes and depth, cloud lifter Z is viable, but a good mixer would be better suited for that application.

[@avantgardenovelist]

Sounds great, appreciate it.

[@StarWarsJay]

I actually prefer the sound of the RE20 which is good as it’s a cheaper option.

[@wewreweweweee]

HI I BAUGHT A USED RE 27 ND BUT I NEED THE CAPSULE CONFIRMED PLEASE AS I THINK IT HAS BEEN SWAPPED OUT FOR A 320 INSERT MY QUESTION IS DOES THE RE 27 HAVE THE DOME WITH GOLD OUTERCOIL ?? OR DOES THE THE RE 320 HAVE RED COIL WITH NO DOME ONTOP ?? THIS IS NOT MADE CLEAR ENOUGH IN THIS VIDEO PLEASE HELP

[@GlitchComputer]

Very helpful

[@DarkPa1adin]

which has better noise rejection in an untreated room?

[@chickenmuffin]

Yes.

[@joseluisruiz3789]

Hmmmm. Sounds like the RE20 is still the best mic for Livestreaming when it comes to speaking and singing into a mic as well as recording guitar and bass cabinets.

[@GastoNet]

Chapeau!

[@saadi703]

I love the sound of RE20 and much better for sibilant voice. This is why I went for RE20 and also it sounds more clear and less muffled. RE27 has little bit characteristics of Heil PR40 because of those N/D magnets. I am glad that I made the right decision for my voice. The audio is also relative and different voices sounds better on different Mics and also it depends on your taste.

[@axelkaschner7340]

Great!

[@lukimraz]

Does RE 20 require phantom power

[@Decenium]

nope, its a dynamic microphone, dynamics never need phantom power, condenser microphones do.

[@greghilt539]

No, it's a dynamic mic. Usually only condenser mics require 48v.

[@wewreweweweee]

sorry it was not for this video it was the other video he is testing the RE 20 AND RE 320 AT 1MIN50SECONDS he will show you another mic capsule with a gold /copper coluored outer coil and a dome on the top but its not made clear watt capsule is watt can anyone help ???/ thankyou

[@ungabunga115]

"Viewer Mail" That's new.

[@MrSeeker42]

Since Bosch’s purchase of Electro-Voice, the RE20’s guts were changed in 2011, the consequences of which were an increase in noise and rattling issues ever since. There are several videos I’ve watched which testify to this problem. Why did Bosch try to ‘fix something that ain’t broken? ‘ Why couldn’t they just leave the RE20 alone?

[@alexkelbacher7540]

Wow some really important stuff here , thanks - mommy

[@johngulliver6151]

Flat comparison 20/27 the 27 is brighter in the mids and highs and not as much low end.

[@chickenmuffin]

Why can’t they make the 20 in the 27 body I love that look but not the sound :(

[@garanhierro8249]

great video!

[@AiMR]

Can the Variable D be defeated? Some people like to use proximity effect.

[@tubetone74]

Just get a SM 7-B

[@alphabeets]

Excellent video

[@yasemintopal9336]

grey/green is cool

[@plusestudiocuenca]

INDISCUTIBLEMENTE EL RE20 ES EL MEJOR

[@Godzillah]

RE20 is the classic I say go for it. The Re27ND is a spin off version or the Re320 is also a cheap version. This guy explain it well but he doesn't give a straight answered so I will I say go for the re20. Unless u prefer the shiny look and a different magnet.

[@davidhall3822]

I made what I began to think was the mistake of allowing the studio users at our station to trial a number of different mics over a period of time and tell me what they liked best. They all went for the RE27, so we bought four of them. In hindsight I think they went for these mics because they made them sound great in their headphones, but on air I used to cringe at the unnatural sound quality. In the end I replaced them with 4 RE20s. There are plenty of options available these days but the RE20 is just such a classic sound for the radio studio, and it has the advantage of not requiring phantom power (some broadcast mixers, particularly older ones may need external phantom power supplies).

[@plitovkin7366]

Can you film video about EV RE-20 fakes? Are they?

[@carloscolmenares3969]

Quiero comprar solo la membrana de electro voice 27

[@FrostS1de]

2022

[@Randomguy-ep7zl]

I own the 20. A black one. I would have a 27 if it was black.

[@TheMadMusicMan]

These mics serve a purpose, but I do not agree that they're "the best announcer mics money can buy." Even with the low-cuts active, these mics are very bassy. Many radio guys love them for that reason. But, to me, they're extremely muddy and dull. I'd use them only on bass guitar cabinets or the lower rotor of a Leslie speaker. If you're looking for a dynamic mic for similar applications, check out the SM7b.

[@bigtastyben5119]

TheMadMusicMan you probs have a higher pitch voice cuz the only times I can recall the RE20 being "muddy" is on males who have a higher pitch voice or most females. yeah go with the sm7b

[@davidhall3822]

The RE27N/D as an all round studio voice mic is too bright in my opinion. It sounds unnatural and unappealing on some voices. It seems to be designed to create that big authoritative male radio voice and if that is the kind of voice you have the RE27N/D is likely to make you sound very good but if you don't have that kind of voice in the first place, it may not suit you.

[@Decenium]

yeah I think most people call the RE27 bad purely because it does not make them sound deep in voice which they think makes them less of a man or something....

[@torugonza]

Suena feo como un mp3 de la mas baja calidad. No vale la pena usar tan buenos microfonos si después falla la transferencia del audio al video

[@mayangmayumruhidanesha6387]

L9

[@arconeagain]

20 is richer.

[@officialWWM]

Wow, way to make microphones boring!