Electro-Voice RE20 vs Electro-Voice RE320
A side-by-side look at Electro-Voice RE20 and Electro-Voice RE320 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Electro-Voice RE20
The radio broadcaster's mic that has been in studios since 1968
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Electro-Voice RE320
Variable-D dynamic that killed proximity effect before it was cool
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Electro-Voice RE20 | Electro-Voice RE320 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Broadcast professionals and serious podcasters who want proximity-effect-free dynamics and radio-quality vocal tone | Podcasters and broadcasters who move around while recording and need consistent tonal response from varying distances |
Key features
Electro-Voice RE20
- Dynamic cardioid, XLR only
- 45 Hz - 18 kHz frequency response
- Variable-D technology for proximity effect elimination
- Integral humbucking coil for line-noise rejection
- Bass tilt-down switch on body
- Large-diaphragm element for low self-noise
Electro-Voice RE320
- Cardioid dynamic XLR with Variable-D proximity effect control
- Dual-curve frequency switch: general (45 Hz to 18 kHz) and kick (30 Hz to 18 kHz)
- Output impedance 150 ohms balanced
- Humbucking coil for electromagnetic interference rejection
- Neodymium capsule for high sensitivity
- No phantom power required
Pros and cons
Electro-Voice RE20
Pros
- Variable-D technology: minimal proximity effect regardless of distance
- Exceptionally consistent tone across different mic positions
- Humbucking coil eliminates interference from studio equipment
- Industry-standard reference quality for voice
Cons
- Expensive for a dynamic - significantly pricier than Rode or Shure alternatives
- Heavy - needs a quality stand or heavy-duty boom arm
- Standard beige finish looks dated (black version is a separate ASIN)
Electro-Voice RE320
Pros
- Variable-D technology provides consistent tone across mic distances
- Dual-curve switch doubles as a broadcast and instrument mic
- Humbucking coil rejects interference from studio equipment
- Trusted by broadcast engineers and podcast veterans alike
Cons
- Requires a preamp with solid clean gain like most dynamic mics
- Heavier form factor than handheld-style dynamics
- Less brand recognition than Shure or RODE for new buyers
The verdict
Choose Electro-Voice RE20 if
Broadcast professionals and serious podcasters who want proximity-effect-free dynamics and radio-quality vocal tone.
Variable-D is the defining spec here - you can move around the RE20, speak off-center, or position it slightly differently from session to session and the tone stays remarkably consistent. That consistency is why radio stations still have racks of…
Choose Electro-Voice RE320 if
Podcasters and broadcasters who move around while recording and need consistent tonal response from varying distances.
The RE320 solves the proximity effect problem in a way most podcasters do not appreciate until they have lived with a mic that does not. Variable-D means your voice sounds consistent whether you are 4 inches or 10 inches from…