EV RE20 vs. Shure SM7, opinions on two fine dynamics?

[littledog]

Don't get me wrong, I love the SM7 it's a great mic. I just don't like it on vocals in the studio. I don't think I would use an RE20 as a first choice either. Most of the time i will start with a C-12 or U-67 for vocals.

I think anyone owning a C12 or a U67 would do the same thing. I suspect the people asking these questions are not buying either one in the immediate future. Or a Telefunken e-LAM or a U47 either.

 

[hungovermorning]

I think anyone owning a C12 or a U67 would do the same thing. I suspect the people asking these questions are not buying either one in the immediate future. Or a Telefunken e-LAM or a U47 either.

B-i-n-g-o and bingo was his name-o.
$300 vs. $3000. It's that extra zero that always kills me, or else I'd have some really great stuff.

 

[pohaku]

I think anyone owning a C12 or a U67 would do the same thing. I suspect the people asking these questions are not buying either one in the immediate future. Or a Telefunken e-LAM or a U47 either.

I dunno. While I don't own a C12 or U67, I expect that some of the people using the SM7, like Bruce Swedien, own or have access to a C12 or U67, and still chose to use the SM7 for certain projects. I guess it's whatever works best for the artist at hand.

 

[bigtoe]

I dunno. While I don't own a C12 or U67, I expect that some of the people using the SM7, like Bruce Swedien, own or have access to a C12 or U67, and still chose to use the SM7 for certain projects. I guess it's whatever works best for the artist at hand.

agreed. that's the the cool thing with the sm7 - or any great dynamic -is it can get you into the quality of the big guys without the $. great mics are great mics are great mics.

MIke

 

[littledog]

I dunno. While I don't own a C12 or U67, I expect that some of the people using the SM7, like Bruce Swedien, own or have access to a C12 or U67, and still chose to use the SM7 for certain projects. I guess it's whatever works best for the artist at hand.

Reread his post. He didn't say he wouldn't use an SM7. He merely said he would probably try the C12 or the U67 first.

I don't think that many engineers would disagree, unless they had prior experience mic'ing a particular singer and already knew what worked best. I, for one, have no idea how many mics Bruce Swedien tried before he got around to the SM7. I suppose someone could ask him - I think he's still guest moderating at Gearslutz.

 

[pohaku]

Reread his post. He didn't say he wouldn't use an SM7. He merely said he would probably try the C12 or the U67 first.

I don't think that many engineers would disagree, unless they had prior experience mic'ing a particular singer and already knew what worked best. I, for one, have no idea how many mics Bruce Swedien tried before he got around to the SM7. I suppose someone could ask him - I think he's still guest moderating at Gearslutz.

Agreed, although he is clearly not a fan of the SM7 for studio vocals. To each their own of course, which is why it's all good. Yeah, Bruce is still guest moderating. I don't recollect him discussing the process of why the SM7 as opposed to any other mic, but I haven't followed those postings particularly closely. I'll go take another look when I have time.

 

[pohaku]

OK. A quick look at GS. I thought the question had actually been asked early on and I was right . . . . but he didn't answer it:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve G
Hi Bruce, and thanks in advance. Just curious, it is well documented that Michael Jackson's vocals were recorded with an SM7, how was that decision made? Was it his request? Did you try different mics?

All the Best

Steve Genewick

Steve.....

I am lucky in that all those equipment choice decisions were left totally up to me. Quincy and I have worked together since 1959 so I think there is a high level of trust there... That is an almost sacred trust.

Bruce

 

[The LoveOsyter]

Well

I would use a SM7. the re 20 is great for stuff. but the SM7 is fuller then the re 20 for Vocals. I have used it on male and female, i feel i got great results from using it with a females voice and having the boost switch on.

I also feel its a super SM57 and it will rock on just about anything. USE IT.

the heil PR stuff looks promising though. I need to look into it and everyone should.

 

[mrhotapples]

SM7 all the way. They sound good on practically everything; vocals, kick, bass, guitar, even as a room mic!

Although I doubt you'll be unhappy with an RE-20. It's a win win really, they're both badass mics and they're a much better investment than any cheap condenser.

 

[darrin_h2000]

OK. A quick look at GS. I thought the question had actually been asked early on and I was right . . . . but he didn't answer it:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve G
Hi Bruce, and thanks in advance. Just curious, it is well documented that Michael Jackson's vocals were recorded with an SM7, how was that decision made? Was it his request? Did you try different mics?

All the Best

Steve Genewick

Steve.....

I am lucky in that all those equipment choice decisions were left totally up to me. Quincy and I have worked together since 1959 so I think there is a high level of trust there... That is an almost sacred trust.

Bruce

I have to wonder why when it comes to the SM7...Thriller seems to allways come up...other artists...better ones...used Shure Dynamics for vocals too.

Led Zeppelin
Bad Company
Bob Seger
Pearl Jam
...etc.

 

[Metatron13]

I have heard that Neil Finn used the SM7-b on the latest Crowded House CD "Time on Earth" - choosing it over the his usual Telefunken 251 - said to be an exceptional sounding example of this mic. I can't go out and buy that 251 - and I know he's got a great voice - but it is cool to realize you can do it with something affordable!

 

[hungovermorning]

Wow, this thread is back from the dead (2006). At some point I ended getting both and would get rid of neither. It's the old cliche, one's not better than the other just different. I can't even call the SM7 better on vocals, it certainly works great to thicken and tame a voice that needs it, but the RE-20 is a bit more open on certain voices.

 

[in a little row]

i actually prefer the re20 to the sm7 for most applications...not that its always an easy choice...

Stevie Wonder sold me on it, although i believe he uses Heils now...

 

[darrin_h2000]

The last footage Ive seen of Stevie Wonder singing there was a C12 in front of him.