Cheaper alternative to Shure SM7 / EV RE20 ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dickiefunk
  • Start date Start date
dickiefunk

dickiefunk

New member
Hi. What would you recommend as a good cheaper alternative dynamic mic for recording vocals to the Shure SM7 and EV RE20?
 
Sennheiser MD421 but it is little brighter than SM7.
In Europe Senny is cheaper, maybe not in the States.
 
Peavey 520i

dickiefunk,

I use a Peavey 520i. I've heard it called a poor man's SM7. I don't have an SM7 to compare it to so ... what do I know?

It's a good mic and it rocks on my vocals.

Also

Peavey 520i = 520tn
EV PL20 = RE20

Thanks,

Hairy Larry
 
If you have an extra SM58 (or maybe SM57), pull the transformer out of it, and wire the leads directly to the XLR pins - it won't sound like a SM7, but it'll be lower output and have a flatter response. Worth trying if you have an extra old one and some time and DIY energy, because it doesn't cost anything.
 
Heck, a 58 with the transformer should be alright too. I pretty much hate 58s for stage use... but for recording they can do quite well.
 
Yeah I got a Soundstar II as a result of reading Harvey and Pohaku's posts and I'm a believer too. I had an SM7b for a while and I can definitely hear the similarity.
 
Some of the older ElectroVoice mics have an amzing sound. I admit I was a Shure, AKG and Rode junkie since I discovered EV. MUCH BEtter then an SM57 IMO. My SM57's have stayed in the drawer since I discovered EV, even some second hand ones!! Some examples RE10, RE15, RE50, PL20 of course and even the high end of the 6xx series too. Make sure you know what you are buying if you go used and try them out for your application.
 
Daisy said:
A used Electrovoice RE-16 off ebay in good condition.

.
Click to expand...

Actually, any of the RE-10, RE-11, RE-15, RE-16 and RE-18 mics could be used in place of an RE-20. Of the lot, I prefer the RE-15 or RE-18 and use an external pop filter if necessary.
 
seems like every time someone asks about the SM7, you can count
on some of the people confusing it with an SM 57.
 
pohaku said:
Actually, any of the RE-10, RE-11, RE-15, RE-16 and RE-18 mics could be used in place of an RE-20. Of the lot, I prefer the RE-15 or RE-18 and use an external pop filter if necessary.
Click to expand...


Specifically on vocals, I think the RE-16 wins out.

But I agree with the rest of what you said.

:D
 
Yeah to the RE16....Think about how many times you've seen one being used on broadcast TV throughout the 60's and 70's on variety shows, Carson( guest performers), etc etc..

The Heil mics are really quite nice. The most expensive being the PR40 which streets at around 300. Dont get me wrong, I LOVE my RE20 and I always have had a soft spot for the SM7....I've owned two, the Heil does all they do and more.
 
Daisy said:
Specifically on vocals, I think the RE-16 wins out.

But I agree with the rest of what you said.

:D
Click to expand...

My understanding is that the RE-16 is essentially a 15 with a bigger wind screen for vocals. I'd rather have less built in screening, which does affect the sound, and just use an external pop filter when I need one.
 
Heil PR20 is kind of 'flat and low proximety' in the general ball park of the RE20.
 
Hi. Thanks for the replies. I've tried to check out all the mics suggested. One problem I've found is I can't most of these mics in the UK. Also, some of the eBay dealers don't ship to the UK.

I found some EV RE10's for $120.
Also found the Heil PR20 for $150
The SM57 Tabfunkenwerk mod costs $185

I've never heard of the Peavey 520i or Heil PR20.
Can't find a Beyer Soundstar mk2 anywhere.

What's the difference between the EV RE10 and the RE16?
 
pohaku said:
My understanding is that the RE-16 is essentially a 15 with a bigger wind screen for vocals. I'd rather have less built in screening, which does affect the sound, and just use an external pop filter when I need one.
Click to expand...


The RE-16 is more extended, and has a presence boost in the upper registers that gives it a little extra something on vocals. The RE-15 is almost completely flat and drops off like a cliff somewhere between 12-15K.

For general purposes and particularly guitar amp, the RE-15 is a workhorse, but if you're talking strictly vocals, the 16 is really something. The trick is getting these things in good condition. As durable as they are for the most part, it's still pretty easy to get one in pretty rough shape. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top