ElectroVoice RE20 Classic Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

Feature:
A roll-off switch. Do you need more? No. Bummer that the shock mount isn't included, but to reach the price point, understandable.

Quality:
Simplistic and elegant design, built like a rock. Could probably be used to hammer nails between sessions.

Value:
To get a mic of this quality and flexibility for the "street" price they're asking is almost obscene.

Desirability:
The new "trend" towards "condenser microphones" being synonymous with "vocal recording" completely overlooks some of the best vocal microphones made such as the RE20 and Shure's SM7. It's sad, as a lot of people will, by choice, never experience the RE20 because it's not a condenser mic. Those who are closed-minded enough to think that way deserve the scratchy and "overly-strident" vocal tracks they're going to cut anyway. The RE20 should be part of every single mic collection. It's one of few microphones that I've ever said that about. It has it all - Amazing sound, excellent performance, unbelievable flexibility, even up to and including the "wow" factor from the client. Even the design screams "Authority" - It looks pro, it sounds pro, because it is without a doubt, manufactured with professional use in mind.

Sound:
When paired with a decent preamp, one of the greatest vocal mics ever designed. The detail of a condenser (without the irritating "edge" on most "budget-friendly" condensers) with the inherent advantages of a dynamic. Much more flattering to the human voice than most condensers, and much more flexible. Excellent on guitar and bass cabs, brass, drums also. Not a "go-to" mic for strings and very soft, breathy vocals. Known in many circles as the quintessential broadcast mic for good reason - But definitely not limited to broadcast applications by a long shot.

Ease of Use:
(1) Plug in. (2) Make noise. (3) Smile.

Support:
N/A - Never had one fail. That being said, I'm a user, not an owner. But with the amount of obviously well-used RE (and PL) 20's that I use and see at other facilities regularly, it doesn't seem to be prone to breaking down.

Overall:
If you're in the huge collection of novice engineers, or just suffering from CCCS (Cheesy Chinese Condenser Syndrome), do yourself a favor and audition the RE20. It may turn into your "go to" vocal mic (among many other things).

Feature:
It is a simple mic with few features aside from the roll-off switch. Plug it in and you're in business.

Quality:
The RE20 is built solid as a rock for years of dependable use. It feels that way when you hold it in your hand, too. Weighty and solid.

Value:
The RE20 represents a great value for the price in a pro mic.

Desirability:
This is a large mic, looks and feels all business. It's not dainty or particularly sexy, but it doesn't need to be -- it does exactly what it is supposed to.

Sound:
I have been using the RE20 for more than 15 years, for broadcast and recording studio applications. The sound quality is always warm and smooth, and the flexibility of this mic is amazing -- from vocals, voice-overs, to guitar cabinets, bass drums, floor toms and much more.

Ease of Use:
With a little adjustment (as with any professional mic), you'll get great results from this mic in many different situations with minimal effort. Couple it with a good preamp and you're all set.

Support:
I've never heard of anyone having a problem with an RE20 so I can't say anything negative about the company. EV is well known for quality products for many years.

Overall:
I'll keep using this mic until I retire from music recording. That's a long way off.