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EV RE-20 mic vs Rode


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I'm working with a local church that wants to record their solo vocalist (mostly female). They have an Electro Voice RE-20 they want to use for recording. I suggested they would be better served with a Rode NT1, NT2, NTK or NT1000. The RE-20 sounds good but thin and it just doesn't have the frequency response of a good large condenser. The RE-20 is used mostly for a bass drum mic isn't it? Any suggestions or experience with the RE-20?

Mark G.

"A man may fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame others" -- John Burroughs

 

"I consider ethics, as well as religion, as supplements to law in the government of man." -- Thomas Jefferson

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The RE20 is a dynamic mic that was originally developed for voiceover/broadcast work. It does have a wider frequency range than most dynamics, but you are right that it doesn't have the range of a LD condenser. They have been a staple in most studios I've worked in, and have been used for kick drum, bass guitar, electric guitar, voiceover work, and yes, sometimes vocals. You might think something like an NTK would be better for female vox, and it may well be, but that doesn't mean the RE20 might not sound really good. I have often favored a dynamic or ribbon mic on a female voice, even in the analog days, because a condenser may be too "airy" or bright. It depends on what's needed for the song and the type of voice. Some female singers also like the bass proximity effect of a dynamic mic, because they're used to using something like an SM58 on stage and have come to rely on that bass boost for some bottom end on their voice. So, I would give it a try, you might be surprised. I've always been very fond of the RE20 - in the right applications, of course. --Lee
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As usual, I'm not going to disagree with my friend Lee. :) In the end, it really comes down to what you're after and what the sound source (vocalist) sounds like. The RE20 IS a very useful mic, and can work great on some vocal applicatins. Stevie Wonder used it on a lot of things. Stevie Nicks has used a Sennheiser MD441 on her vocals for years (another dynamic mic). Michael Jackson has also used dynamics a lot, as did John Lennon (post Beatles). As far as frequency response, the RE20 goes all the way out to 18 KHz, which is pretty high up for a dynamic (and is actually better than a Neumann U47, which really tops out at 16 KHz). IMO, where a condenser beats a dynamic like the RE20 isn't necessarily in frequency response, but in transient response - which may - or may not - be an advantage, depending, again, on what you're after. A suggestion? Throw them both up and see what you prefer. [img]http://www.freakygamers.com/smilies/s2/contrib/navigator/usa.gif[/img] Phil O'Keefe Sound Sanctuary Recording Riverside CA http://www.ssrstudio.com pokeefe777@ssrstudio.com
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[quote]Originally posted by Lee Flier: The RE20 is a dynamic mic that was originally developed for voiceover/broadcast work. It does have a wider frequency range than most dynamics, but you are right that it doesn't have the range of a LD condenser. They have been a staple in most studios I've worked in, and have been used for kick drum, bass guitar, electric guitar, voiceover work, and yes, sometimes vocals. You might think something like an NTK would be better for female vox, and it may well be, but that doesn't mean the RE20 might not sound really good. I have often favored a dynamic or ribbon mic on a female voice, even in the analog days, because a condenser may be too "airy" or bright. It depends on what's needed for the song and the type of voice. [b]Some female singers also like the bass proximity effect of a dynamic mic, because they're used to using something like an SM58 on stage and have come to rely on that bass boost for some bottom end on their voice.[/b] So, I would give it a try, you might be surprised. I've always been very fond of the RE20 - in the right applications, of course. --Lee[/quote] I agree with your opinion, Lee, the RE20 is effective for many situations, including vocals. We should clarify that the beauty of the EV RE20 is virtual immunity to proximity effect. It was designed with that in mind. I love using my RE20 as a percussion mic, on stage. It can handle the SPL and the musician can position it for the instrument they're playing. I don't have to worry about proximity bass boost, only level change. ;) The 58 will certainly add oomph to the low end with close proximity! :D

It's easiest to find me on Facebook. Neil Bergman

 

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I just added an RE-27 (same as an RE-20, but hotter output due to the N/Dym magnet), specifically for VO work. But I was curirous as to what kind of vocal sound I might get. I have yet to try it on another singer, but can report that on my voice, it falls mighty flat compared to a medium- to large-diaphragm condenser (I sound good in a Shure KSM-32, for example). Like anything else, a given voice fits a given mic and a given desired result. I wonder, too, if a female vocal might not sound better in the RE-20.

Jim Bordner

Gravity Music

"Tunes so heavy, there

oughta be a law."

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Thanks for the input. I'm going to take a couple of mics to the church and we will A/B them with the vocalist using the RE-20 and my other mics. I know when I heard her sing at a memorial service Friday, the mic was about three feet away from her and she sounded really thin. I'll let you know what we learn.

Mark G.

"A man may fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame others" -- John Burroughs

 

"I consider ethics, as well as religion, as supplements to law in the government of man." -- Thomas Jefferson

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[quote]Originally posted by GZsound@hotmail.com: [b]...I know when I heard her sing at a memorial service Friday, the mic was about three feet away from her and she sounded really thin...[/b][/quote] I'll bet! From 3ft away, in a [i]church[/i], I'd expect you didn't hear much at all! ;) In a room as live as most churches are, you'll need her much closer if you want to hear her out front of the room reflections.

It's easiest to find me on Facebook. Neil Bergman

 

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