In case anyone cares; "The 320 is the exact same case parts as the 20 with 'Asian' manufactured components inside. The RE20 is still entirely made in America. A neodymium magnet structure and a thinner diaphragm make for hotter output with the 320 and brighter top end more like the 27." (this was from another post) I've been to EV's website and read a bunch of technical jargon. Both the 20 and 27 are made in the US with a different design and "better" parts than the 320. If you know anything about condensers, this seems like it's almost like the true condenser vs electret scenario. Electret can be sound just as good (if not better) than true condensers, but if you read some stats, it appears that electrets sound can start to change after some years. Supposedly a true condenser will never change it's sound. Some RE20's have been in use for like 20-30 years. Will that be said for the 320? Does anyone care if a mic still sounds good in 20 years? Do you care if your mic is Made in USA? Just an FYI. There's a reason the RE320 is $150 cheaper than a RE20 or RE27. It's not just an "updated mic" with newer, less expensive to manufacture parts. It's less expensive, because the parts are cheaper and it's manufactured in another country with lower tolerances and labor costs. But all that's out the window if you like the sound of the 320 better.
Used the RE20 exclusively on lead vocals for our first album. We had access to all the best mics but the RE20 took EQ and compression so well, it won all the shootouts on rock/pop tunes. Having that big, full sound available makes post production a breeze.
@@DiamondWoodStudios I would try both to find which one better suits your particular voice. Both are excellent mics, But they do have their differences.
The RE20 is definitely my favorite, far and away sounds the best. As for second place, while I do think the 320 does sound a bit better they're similar enough to my ears that I would probably choose the 27N/D purely for the additional high pass/cut filters.
I use the 320. I tried the 20 and the 27 bit the 320 was perfect the mids and highs are cleaner richer and since i have a deep voice, i need to highlight my mids and highs. I suppose if you're a girl with a high pitch voice i can see how the 20 or 27 can be right for you. The 320 is for deep voiced people. That's my review
@VolticPlays You dont need a cloudlifter since your interface has a gain dial on it. Clopudlifter does make you louder tho before needing to move the gain dial but once you turn the dial you never have to do it again.
I agree the RE-20 Sounded best- I have been Drooling over it after being in a radio station - It's currently $50 off - I went with the classic grey color - though the new Black version is quite nice looking.
yeah mate your voice suits the sm7 I love your reviews they are honest. the RE27 isn't done justice here but it's def not your fault. vocal tones suit different voices which you know much better than I! thank you for showing these!
I've been looking forward to this since you hinted at it since I just picked up the 320 a month or so ago. While I do think the 20 sounds just a bit better, it's not enough to make me regret the 320. If anything I love it more knowing it's that close to it's big brother. Thanks so much for doing this one Bandrew!
tbh If I didn't know better, I would have thought the 320 was a cheap mic. Sounds rough to my ears. RE320 - Rough on voice and shrill on electric guitar... I don't like it. RE20 - Amazing on voice but terrible on instruments. RE27 - Sounds cool on voice and works well on instruments too. I'd give it to the RE20, since these are mics meant for voice, and it does the best at that. But the RE27 is pretty damn nice... it has like a stylized tone to it, but it's a nice style. Brings out the lower tones in your voice.
I come back to this video whenever I think of getting the re20. I have the re320, and then recently got the re27nd. Both mics are great. I have multiple uses. Mainly, podcasting and gaming. My main podcast mic is the Shure SM7B. However, I have used the 320 and it sounded great! With me getting the 27nd used, it sounds pretty dang good. However, when it comes to streaming, I feel the 320 performs better. The main reason is it has a bit more high end. For me, I want my mic to have that so the low end doesn't get crowded with the gameplay. Yes you can use EQ, but for now the winner for me is: RE320
I like the 320 because I feel like it's the best quick and easy podcast option. It's designed to not need much post processing and is pretty much a plug and go solution. It's also cost effective for people who don't need the flattest possible tone to make mixing and post processing easier and you also get the variable D benefits. It also sounds better than the more expensive RE27 in my opinion. For vocalists, established broadcasters or experienced sound engineers though, I definitely understand why the RE20 is an industry standard workhorse.
I feel like the re27 would be best for a studio use where you want really bold sounding recordings while the re20 is just perfect for VO. I personally own and use the re320 because it fits my voice and processing the best. BUT the re20 is basically what the others are built around so yea that should say it all.
I love the Electro Voice mics a whole heap but as an Aussie it makes more sense for me to support Rode mics, they're just as good and half the price. I have the Rode Broadcaster which I like a lot and is similar probably to the RE20. I'm thinking of getting the Procaster as my second mic (for guests and co-hosts of my podcast). I would've gone Electro Voice RE27.
A friend of mine wanted to get a better mic for RU-vid presentations and I recommended the Podcaster without any hesitation. Rode makes damn good products; I can't wait to get my hands on the NT1, that little sucker sounds like velvet feels.
I had an NT1A for about 4 months, sold it, and have avoided Rode ever since. They're comparable to MUCH cheaper mics made by MXL, Samson, etc... but they're somehow priced up near far superior mics by AT, Shure, AKG, Blue, etc. Bad value.
I have to agree with you. The RE20 takes it out of the three. As for me, I use the Rode Broadcaster. I just love the sound and with some compression, it just has a great tone. I have a very deep voice and I take advantage of the proximity effect when getting that close and personal feeling. 🤓 Anyway, great job as always. Keep up the good work. 👽
RE320 sounded the best to me... but as I have a lower, smoother voice I generally lean away from mics that have a lower, smoother sound because they make me sound muffled.
Same with me but thats the bad part... It sounds too good before it's actually mixed. The re20 and the 320 are dramaticly different I was actually surprised.. But the 20 doesn't have the Hyped high end giving that sense of clarity. might be ok for some narations but promise when music start playing your them frequencies start competeing you will wish you had the 20
@@43audio89 since making this comment, I’ve been using the 320 for radio daily. In my opinion, the 320 is superior to the 20 for voice… and superior to the 27 for my voice in particular. I think for many people the 27 is a better choice, but for me the 320 is the most balanced.
@@JustinMansfieldWho The majority of people would agree with you. Engineers are going to lean towards the warmer mic more times then not. You should check out the Sony C8000 that thing can cut diamonds
@@DiamondWoodStudios Do you know how to mix and enjoy doing so? or do you want something you can get a vocal track on and lay it directly in the beat with little to no processing? If you want a more natural true tone that you can shape and put in a mix get the RE20. If you want something with less options mix wise but more of a easy button do 320. I like to think of stuff like the 320 streamer mics. They are made for people not wanting to mix so they are usually brighter to cut through the mix. But with the RE20 you get a wider spectrum so you can carve what is needed in relation to the other instruments... Shure SM7B is a tad cheaper although you do need a Cloud Lifter or Klark Teknik CM-1 (cheaper same quality) along with it. I have found I like it better then the RE20 for musical purposes. Voice over work Ill go for a RE20 .. Music the sm7b even though its a dynamic mic just sounds better.. I'd say more flat.. Not as pronounced in the bass region.
For the money, and as far as my poor hearing can appreciate from this video, the RE320 was a hands down winner. I personally like the look better and since I use one everyday, I am undoubtedly partial. I get great audio reports all the time and questions about what I am using. For my radio station, it's the EV320. W5ATK
It’s not hi-pass switch in RE-320 case, I believe it’s a kick drum mode switch that boosts some frequencies for better sound. Look at the shape of this curve, it’s different.
If I’m spending my money, I’m going with the 320. Clear vocals, sounded best on the guitars, and can still use as a kick or bass cab mic (not that the others can’t be).
I got an RE320 and a Rode Procaster for way less than the cost of a single RE20 so I'm happy with that variety since I like the RE320 and the Procaster sounds a little RE20-like. Good solution for people on a budget.
I was between the sm7b, re20 and 27. All came down to what I can find a deal on. So, bought me an re20 for $280! Gonna be delivered tomorrow. Super excited
old video, but i just wanted to say, i appreciate your content. i'm struggling on picking up an RE20 and keep coming back to your videos to help with my decision.
Honestly loved the RE20, for my application - I want to mic the low end strings of a baby grand and I believe the RE20 best suites it. Gave me a smooth, warm sound.
Besides sounding the best, the RE20 has that antique-yet-modern design and finish. It looks like something I would have seen on the bridge of a tired ship when I was a jarhead. I might buy it just to display it.
Robert Linthicum Thank you for your service. And also that is very very true. Haha....and I just woke up so I read it “I might buy it just to DEPLOY it.”
RE20 sounded to more flat and then easier to to put in a music mix. The RE320 sounded to me the best for people who don't really know how to EQ a sound. It's almost good to go. That would be my choice for podcasts. The RE27 is the fancier more versatile mic if you want to design sound at the take. To me Studio use only with a high en close to some static microphones. Thank you for this comparaison and your channel ! Very good job.
I've never used the RE27, but have used the RE20 and RE320, which is why I bought an RE320. The sound of my voice is just better with the 320. I even prefer it over the SM7B, which I really don't bother with anymore since buying the ElectroVoice. Great comparison video, tho.
I'm proud of myself. I had roughly the same impressions that you had in comparing these mics. Overall, I thought they were very close. I thought the RE20 was more sibilant, and I did feel that the plosives were just a bit worse, which seems kind of odd since the mic has less gain..? In any case, I just ordered the RE320. It's $150 cheaper, not quite as flat as the RE20, and I think I'll be able to get away without a Cloudlifter, which is another $150 savings. Finally, there is a deal out there at $329 that comes with a boom arm, XLR cable, and shock mount. Altogether, It was a no brainer.
Art Johnson so I have a re20 but this video is so well done that I'm second guessing myself, and they have a similar package deal with re27 and shockmount and it's kimda hard to pass up.. you will love the 320, I regret selling mine.. def shouldn't need a cloud lifter with that either..
Re320 is by far the best bang for buck. Plus, I think it looks better. I like the black finished over the silver or dull grey. Re27 sounds good... But not 200+ more dollars good. The re20 is just a muddy mess, requiring a ton of post processing to get good. It's a lot flatter than both other ones but is probably better for shaping in post production. Re320 FTW for me. (I own both the re27 and the Re320).
To me, the only think the RE20 came close to either mic on was spoken word. Both guitars and singing were much better with the 320 and 27 and sounded better in mid an upper frequencies to me. That was a great comparison.
Thanks for the test! Now I understand why many singers prefer the RE20. The high frequency is tamed in a musical way. It sounds warmer. The RE27 sounds clearer and more hi-fi but doesn't have that musical mojo the RE20 has.
Gotta agree with your choice of the RE20. It is a workhorse mic in studio, podcast, and stage. Less off-axis coloration. Good backside rejection. Low handling noise. Flat curve. It's my favorite dynamic mic in my mic locker!
I appreciate your comparison between these three mics. I recently went through the process of trying to decide which to purchase, the RE 20 or the RE 320. I’ve just posted a video of that process on my channel. Check it out for another perspective.
The RE 27 is a dramatically different sounding mic, much brighter, really tailored for spoken voice in broadcasting and just perfect right out of the box with no EQ at all. The RE 20 remains my mic of choice though because it is much easier to use in far more situations and takes presence boost EQ very well if needed. Also because I own several and they have served me perfectly for 40 years. Anything that just works that long, you gotta love. I honestly don’t know what EV was thinking when they made the 320.
Hi guys, thanks for the video, i always appreciate your channel. I’m really in the Middle between sm7b and re27nd for one reason. My voice is very low baritonal and even if i like more the sound of the Shure i feel that with my voice the sound come out too much dark. The brightness of the EV give some light to the darkness that come out of my mounth. I do podcast in Italian language and i m not technical at all. Does my thinking and feeling make sense for some of you? Thanks again, CIAO
Think you need to re-asses your "180 degree" angle lol. Other than that, great tests and great mics. I can thoroughly recommend the RE20 for Kick drum and the RE320 for guitar.
I agree with your assessment, I have a RE-20 and use it for voiceover and occasional acoustic guitar. I am very happy with the RE-20. The RE-27 did sound a bit richer with the acoustic guitar in your test. All three mics are so similar that for voice work at 0 degrees, and that is what is important to me, any of these mics would perform well and after processing you can achieve great results regardless. For me, the RE-20's ability to not pick up ambient room noise made it my choice of mic, but from your test I believe any of these mics would be a good choice and it comes down to personal preference and budget. I would consider choosing a RE-27 as a second mic for guitar. Thanks for doing this comparison.
The 320 sounds the most natural and seems the most versatile forsure. The 327 or whatever the silver one has lotsa filter options but overall I didnt like the sound of the mic as much. Id gladly take an Re-20 but if I had a choice Id get a 320 forsure! I like how it has a pre eq'd kick setting too! Have you used it on kick with the kick setting?
All of these mics (and damn near everything else EV makes) are great products. For my money, the RE20 just sounds unfailingly pleasant irrespective of the source; not the best on instruments, but certainly for spoken word it's an absolute delight. The RE320 has a somewhat brighter characteristic, more "accurate", I want to say; and certainly that meshes well with contemporary spoken-word recording techniques, but I don't like it as much. (This is like saying "I don't like silver as much as I like gold", though; RE320 is still a great mic and I'd happily use one for any spoken word or narration job.) The RE27, though...? God, I just think it sounds so shrill. It's clean, it's articulate, but it's so CLINICAL. I suppose that's good for intelligibility in a mix, but the texture of the sound is unpleasant. RE20 > RE320 > RE27N/D
I had the Re-20 for years and it didn't help my non singer voice trying to sing voice at all. I might consider the 320 now that I can hear the difference(more brighter). It sounded way different on the electric in this video. Plus I'd like to have a mic again without that dreaded proximity effect. Great Video BTW
The "scoops" in the RE20 frequency chart look like they're less than 2.5 dB. Essentially it has a fairly flat frequency response compared to the other two mics. It leans in the direction of accuracy over personality.
for elec. guit., I like 320- all 3 are phat but the 320 has a some grinding mids. the 27 was best on acous. picking up wood tones and articulate strings. for your singing, toss up, the 27 more articulate highs but second 320 for lively. to me the 20 is too dead for music, but the best for spoken word due to pleasing balance. I do music so my fave is 320. 27 w/ 20KH too sizzling and the 20 seems to have more mid- cut than 320 and is missing some spice for music. Ü ♫
Excellent comparison Thanks. I use the RE20 for voiceover work and as a mobile DJ. I love it overall. My choice was due to my use of the mic in radio broadcasting. It's the standard for radio broadcasting. It's also affordable.
A long long time ago, I wanted to wait until you did ==this== versus series to decide which one of them to buy, after watching your individual reviews (mainly because similarities in the tone/range of voice :$) Impatient me, went and bought the RE20. Confirmed good choice, no regrets here :+). Will say, your Scarlet seems to have a better noise floor than mine, I'll have to go check my grounds >_
I own both RE20 and RE320 and love them both. I exclusively use the RE320 on kickdrum as the switch it has cuts the 'mid' frequency specifically to make kickdrum sound more pleasing. (Its not a low cut switch like the RE20 has). I use the RE20 on guitars and/or bass cabs. no pints for Re27.
Unless I am mistaking it the re20 is a flatter mic so it lends its self for being better mic if u want the best eq control where the other are better mics for out of the box while the 27 seems like it enhances background vocals as shown in the test doing the same test the re27 made your voice sound like it was for front on the mic
I switch between the RE20 and an SM7B, I prefer the sound of the RE20 while the SM7B i feel like is better put together (very simple mic. with no internal foam that could go bad) The SM7B does not sound bad, just a bit "flatter" or dull. Many people are into that sound, that's fine. Very gain-hungry mics. A fet-head or some other "activator" is highly recomended to minimize noise.
I agree with you on each test. I really wanted to buy an RE20 as it is the best broadcaster mic. Buuuut! The RE27 seems a little sharper and detailed in it's envelope, but too expensive for my situation. So, the RE320 is the best pick for me! If I want it to sound like an RE20, I can EQ it down. If I want it to sound like an RE 27, I can EQ up certain frequencies and heat up the amp a little. But for the price the RE320 does a real good job recording guitars and other instruments. It took a long time and was hard for me to pick the right mic, the RE320. But, I love all 3 mics and would have them all if I were a bit more wealthier. I vote 10 on all three!!! They are and will be industry standard! =KL=
I wish you had done something with a low end kick drum, but I enjoyed this. To me the 27nd was cleaner and ore distinct, but the 20 was more full sounding. Flat is great for me. I liked the 20 and I think it would do a better job in the kick range
I personally still really love my shure sm7b more but these seem like fantastic mic and I'll consider adding them to my collection the re20 seems like the best bet for its price
Which one would you choose between the RE320 and the RE20 to be placed on the back of a tombak (an Iranian hand drum) to record the low end? I use a AKG C414 XLII for high mids placed on in front of the skin. so i would need the Electro Voice only for the low end as i know they have a good reputation form that type of recording on drums. Great review as always btw!
For broadcast voice-over, I always preferred the RE-27 first, the 320 second and the 20 not at all. The 20 to my ears lacks detail and sounds muddy. I think it was a good choice 35 years ago. But, its performance has been passed-up. The 320 and 27 have more output because they use neodymium magnets. The capsules in the 320 and 27 are the same with the exception of the diaphragm material.
The only noticeable differences I can detect is that the RE27 has a brighter sound and the RE20 is slightly flatter than the RE320. As a practical matter, I don't believe there's enough noticeable difference in sound quality from the RE320 through to the RE27 to justify paying anywhere from an additional $150 to $200 more for either the RE20 or the RE27, respectively. (Guess that's why I own and use the EV RE320 for my podcasts.) Thanks for the great comparison.
I've seen several reviews of these, but this one puts it all together better. The RE20 sounds so much warmer than the others. I guess I'm not a fan of a "crispy" precise high-end. Makes an overdriven guitar sound like you put a pillow over it, though.
I like and use the RE320, on occasions when I want a brighter sound than I get from the SM7B, which is still my go-to. But I have to say, listening to this great shoot-out, that the RE20 does sound better in voice -- maybe because it is more similar to the SM7B, i.e. less bright. And the RE20 is way better for rejecting sounds away from the mic, in this case the guitar while you were singing -- the difference is really noticeable. As you say, the RE20 needs more of a boost, but maybe that's a good thing where a noisy environment is an issue.
If you like the brighter tone of the re320, then go for it. If you’re doing professional voice overs, a dynamic may not be the best option due to the limited frequency range. However, if you don’t have a well treated room, or a vocal booth, it may be difficult to do professional vo’s
RE20 wins for sure, especially on acoustic. But the RE320 pre-eq'd sounding curve is actually really nice, would make for a good option if you wan to capture something very bright without doing too much to it later.
Unfortunately you didn´t mention that the proximity effect of these mics was successfully minimized by EV with these odd looking mic body. So you should have tried it with distances of several inches.
When you speak really up close (or far away) to all the mics, they sound very much the same. The 320 and 27 were more brighter on the amp than the 20. The 320 and 27 seemed more forgiving in off-axis sound pickup than the 20.
For me, I would have chosen the RE320 or RE27, as they sounded a lot brighter and punchier, but I come from a radio background so my ear is more tunned to that style of sound.
WRONG: The interface makes a difference! Hence, for example, I have the babyface pro so that results will vary. In addition, I am listening through CALIBRATED KEF50W Speakers calibrated using DIRAC LIVE software. To my ears the RE20 sounds muffled. I actually liked the re27 and Re320 best.
Just saw this now because I am in the "single one for all mic" market, and a prefer NOT to use condenser mics (at least the ones I can afford) as I have never been able to like my recorded voice with one of these, including those I own now and a Neumann U87.. My price range is about $500.00 sol these three and some others (SM7B, MD421), My "old days" recording had my best three mics as the RE20, the MD441 and the MD421 (all sold years ago). I tended to use the RE20 for my voice. I need to add to my Blue Bluebird, Quantity 3 SM57s, and my 2 MXLs (990 and 770). I personally liked the 320 from this video based on my voice (I think) and its performance on the guitars. If anybody has some suggestions I am open to listen to ideas. Happy recording.
4:33 Thats not the RE320, thats the RE27N/D. You dont mention the switches on the 27, either...I dont think. It LOOKS like youve engaged the high pass filter. 1:54 . Maybe its broken but it looks like its in the down position on YOUR left side of the three indivudal switches. I cant tell. The 27 is a very bright mic. I love it. Just bought a 20 today. I've used the 27 for guitar and really like it, especially if its a really knarly high end crunch...engaging that high end filter.
I can definitely agree with the RE20 being a little heavy sibilance-wise. I make radio commercials with VO from them and it can be really hard to process depending on the voice.
