Electro-Voice RE20 Review in 2025: The Broadcast Legend Still Standing Strong

In an era of rapidly evolving audio technology and a market flooded with new microphone options, some classics manage to maintain their reputation and relevance decade after decade. The Electro-Voice RE20 is one such legend. First introduced in the 1960s, this dynamic microphone has been a staple in radio broadcasting, podcasting, and recording studios for over half a century. But how does it hold up in 2025? Is this vintage design still worth its premium price tag in today’s competitive landscape? Let’s dive deep into what makes the RE20 special, where it excels, where it falls short, and whether it remains a worthy investment for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The Heritage and Design

The RE20 isn’t just another microphone; it’s an institution in broadcasting. Its distinctive, substantial cylindrical body with that iconic beige/champagne finish (though now available in black as well) is instantly recognizable to professionals. What began as a solution for radio broadcasters has expanded its reach into music production, podcasting, and live-streaming.

The robust all-metal construction speaks to its durability—many RE20s from the 1970s and 1980s are still in active use today with little degradation in performance. It has a reassuring heft at approximately 1.5 pounds (680g) that communicates professional-grade equipment. The large-diaphragm dynamic design features Electro-Voice’s patented Variable-D technology, which reduces the proximity effect—that bass boost that occurs when you get close to most directional microphones.

In 2025, the physical design remains largely unchanged from its original incarnation—a testament to getting things right the first time. The internal shock mounting system continues to minimize handling noise without requiring an external shock mount, though many users still opt for one for additional isolation.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Large-diaphragm dynamic microphone
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 45 Hz to 18 kHz
• Sensitivity: 1.5 mV/Pascal
• Impedance: 150 ohms
• Output Connector: 3-pin XLR
• Weight: 1.5 lbs (680g)
• Features: Variable-D technology, internal pop filter, internal shock mount, bass roll-off switch

Sound Quality in 2025’s Context

The RE20’s sound signature has always been characterized by its smooth, balanced frequency response, controlled bottom end, and natural upper midrange. In 2025’s audio landscape, where digital processing can reshape any sound, the question becomes: does starting with a neutral, uncolored source still matter?

The answer is a resounding yes. While software can enhance and modify, beginning with a clean, well-balanced signal continues to provide the best foundation for any production. The RE20 delivers precisely that—a faithful representation with just enough character to sound pleasing without being overly colored.

The microphone shines particularly in capturing male voices, lending a radio-ready quality that has made it the go-to for countless broadcasters, podcasters, and vocalists. Female voices also benefit from its smooth midrange, though some users may find they need slight EQ adjustments to bring out the clarity in higher frequencies.

For instruments, the RE20 remains exceptional on kick drums, guitar cabinets, and brass instruments. Its ability to handle high SPLs (Sound Pressure Levels) without distortion, combined with its controlled proximity effect, makes it versatile for close-miking applications where many condensers would struggle.

Variable-D Technology: Still Relevant?

When introduced, the RE20’s Variable-D technology was revolutionary, creating multiple sound entry paths at different distances from the diaphragm to minimize proximity effect. In 2025, with sophisticated digital EQ and dynamics processing readily available, one might question the relevance of this feature.

However, the reality is that capturing a naturally balanced sound at the source still saves significant time in post-production and provides greater flexibility. The RE20’s ability to maintain consistent tonality regardless of speaking distance continues to make it invaluable for hosts or performers who move while speaking or singing.

Additionally, the reduced proximity effect means less compression is needed to tame volume fluctuations, resulting in a more natural sound even after processing. In an age where content creators are expected to produce more material faster than ever, these time-saving benefits remain significant.

The RE20 in Today’s Workflow

The modern audio workflow has evolved significantly since the RE20’s introduction. USB interfaces have replaced mixing consoles in many home studios, and digital audio workstations handle processing that once required racks of hardware. How does the RE20 fit into this ecosystem?

Despite being an analog XLR microphone requiring a preamp or interface with sufficient gain (the RE20 needs about 55-60dB of clean gain), the RE20 integrates seamlessly with modern setups. Most mid-range interfaces in 2025 now provide ample, clean gain for dynamic microphones, removing what was previously a barrier to entry.

For livestreamers and content creators working in real-time, the RE20’s excellent off-axis rejection helps minimize room noise and background sounds—an advantage that remains relevant despite advances in noise-reduction software. While not eliminating the need for an external windscreen for all users, the internal pop filter reduces plosives effectively in controlled environments.

Competitors in 2025

The microphone market has expanded dramatically, with numerous options targeting the professional and prosumer segments. How does the RE20 compare to its modern competitors?

The Shure SM7B remains its closest traditional rival, offering a similarly smooth sound profile at a comparable price point. The SM7B has gained tremendous popularity among podcasters and streamers, partly due to its sleeker profile and slightly warmer sound, though it typically requires more gain than the RE20.

Newer entrants like the Earthworks Audio ETHOS, introduced in 2023, have combined dynamic capsule technology with built-in analog processing and USB connectivity, targeting content creators wanting simplified setups. These hybrid microphones offer convenience but typically can’t match the RE20’s pure sound quality and durability.

The podcast-focused Røde PodMic and PreSonus PD-70 provide budget alternatives that have narrowed the gap in sound quality, offering “broadcast-like” performance at significantly lower price points. While these microphones deliver impressive performance for their cost, critical listeners can still discern the superior detail and smoother frequency response of the RE20.

Dynamic broadcast microphones with active electronics, like the Sennheiser MD 435 STUDIO (a 2023 release), have also emerged as interesting alternatives, offering higher sensitivity that addresses the gain requirements while maintaining dynamic microphone benefits.

Value Proposition in 2025

At approximately $450 USD in 2025 (a modest increase from its 2023 pricing), the RE20 remains a significant investment. The question of value must consider not just initial cost but longevity and performance.

When evaluated through this lens, the RE20 continues to offer excellent value. While newer, cheaper alternatives have narrowed the gap, the RE20’s combination of durability, consistent performance, and timeless sound quality justifies its premium positioning for professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Many users report using their RE20s for 15+ years without issues, amortizing the cost to around $30 per year—less than many subscription services. This reliability factor shouldn’t be underestimated in an era where many electronic products are designed with planned obsolescence.

Who Should Buy the RE20 in 2025?

Ideal for:

1. Professional Broadcasters and Podcasters: Those who need consistent, broadcast-quality audio day in and day out
2. Recording Studios: Particularly for vocals, kick drums, and guitar amplifiers
3. Content Creators with Challenging Acoustic Environments: The cardioid pattern and off-axis rejection help in untreated spaces
4. Long-Term Investors: Those who value buying quality equipment once rather than upgrading frequently

Perhaps Look Elsewhere if:

1. Budget-Conscious Beginners: Several more affordable options can get you 80% of the way there
2. USB Convenience Seekers: Those who prioritize plug-and-play simplicity over ultimate sound quality
3. Extremely Bright or Thin Voices: Some users with very bright voices might prefer something with more bass enhancement
4. Travelers and Field Recordists: The weight and size make it less portable than many alternatives

Living with the RE20: Practical Considerations

Beyond sound quality, several practical factors affect the daily experience of using the RE20:

Mounting and Positioning: The substantial weight requires a sturdy boom arm or stand. Many users in 2025 pair it with models like the Røde PSA1+ or Blue Compass Premium, which have been designed with heavier microphones in mind.

Pop Filters and Windscreens: While the internal pop filter works well, many users still benefit from an external pop filter for consistent results, especially when recording vocals or narration.

Required Accessories: Most users will want a good-quality preamp or interface (providing at least 60dB of gain), a sturdy microphone stand or boom arm, and potentially an external pop filter. These additional costs should be factored into the investment.

Maintenance: One advantage of the RE20 is its minimal maintenance requirements. The all-metal construction resists wear, and there are no pads or foams that degrade over time as with some other broadcast microphones.

Conclusion: Still Relevant After All These Years

In an industry where gear seemingly becomes outdated overnight, the Electro-Voice RE20 is a remarkable exception. Its continued relevance in 2025 speaks to its design’s fundamental soundness and engineering quality.

While newer microphones have emerged with innovative features, connectivity options, and lower price points, none have fully replicated the RE20’s particular combination of sound quality, durability, and performance characteristics.

For professionals and serious enthusiasts who value these qualities, the RE20 remains a justifiable investment despite its premium price. Those seeking the definitive broadcast sound will continue to find the RE20 delivers exactly that, just as it has for generations of broadcasters, musicians, and content creators before them.

The RE20 is not just a microphone; it’s a piece of audio history that continues to shape the sound of communication in 2025. In a world of rapidly changing technology, there’s something reassuring about tools that stand the test of time—the Electro-Voice RE20 is undoubtedly one of them.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and durability
• Smooth, balanced sound with a controlled proximity effect
• Excellent off-axis rejection
• Handles high SPLs with ease
• Timeless design that integrates with any setup

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Requires substantial gain from preamp/interface
• Heavy weight requires sturdy mounting solutions
• Limited color options (only champagne and black)

The RE20 isn’t for everyone, but for those who appreciate its qualities, few microphones deliver such consistent, professional results decade after decade. In 2025, it remains a standard against which new microphones are judged—the highest compliment any piece of audio equipment can receive.