What do you guys think about the EV RE20 vs. the Heil PR40?

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Maverick87

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The reason Im asking is because people speak highly of the RE20, but I see it mostly associated with micing drums rather than vocals, though Ive heard/seen examples of what it sounds lik with vocals. I like the fact that it has the high pass/low cut switch.

Ive also heard a lot of people speak highly of the Heil PR40, so Im wondering which you guys think is better?

When I say better, I mean better at capturing clean, clear vocals, in my case, rap/hip hop. Im looking to get the Studio Projects C1 for the home studio I record in now, but I plan on putting my own together too. Mine isnt acoustically treated to handle a very detailed condensor in my opinion, so Im lookin to get a few dynamics first. Ive heard some great recordings with dynamics so I dont look at them as a stepping stone at all, especially in my situation. Im getting the Shure Beta 58 first.

I suppose what Im looking for is a dynamic mic, that can emulate the sound of a condensor, the detail and crisp qualities, without picking up the unwanted background noise and room, which WILL be treated. Im also purchasing a FocusRite ISA One preamp to make sure I get a better sound with these mics. Im sure the Beta 58 will give me a sound that I like, but I dont see anything wrong with slowly building a collection, especially if Ill be recording other people at some point.
 
The EV RE320 hands down will be your best shot at what your looking for.
It has a switch on it for between vocals and drums. google it up.
 
I own and use the Shure SM7B for vocals (voiceovers) and have been extremely pleased with it. I have been told by highly competent authority that there is no practical difference between it and the RE-20 though the RE-20 is more expensive. I wish I could give you some practical feedback on the Heil but I can't.

Note that the SM7B is extremely gain hungry. Your pres may or may not be able to drive it.
 
I've no heil experience but between re20 and sm7b I'd reach for the re20 since you say you want "the detail and crisp qualities".


I find the re20 to be just a bit clearer and brighter, whereas the sm7b seems to be so much rounder and deeper, for close voice at least.

You can also get much closer to it for two reasons.
The capsule is physically closer to the grille than it is in the sm7b, and the re20 controls proximity effect.

Since your room is a problem, that'd sell the re20 to me.
 
I hear that a lot about the sm7b, even though ill have a good preamp, I think the beta 58 will be closer to the tone and results I'm lookin for. I'm pretty sure the RE20 with the bass cut switch will get me great results too, but I like to cover all bases first, and maybe the heil pr40 has the tone I'm lookin for without the switch needed? Who knows. I can always use the pre or software to roll off low frequencies too so the switch isn't make or break.
 
The Heil and the EV are both rated highly. You need to try them out to see what works best for you. Based on the many reviews of the Heil I have read, it may be "the one" as it has more of that condensor mic sound you are looking for. Try before you buy, nonetheless. Check out the heil website to see if they have any audio clips.
 
...while the Heil mics are very unique and work great on many sources, I found the PR40 not to be very versatile or flattering as a vocal mic (the PR30, which has a larger capsule, actually sounded better on vocals, IMHO)...as others have recommended, I would definately choose the SM7B or the RE20 (or the newer RE320) if vocals will be your prime application...
 
Dude, get the re320. Just do it :) You won't be sorry. I love mine!
 
Maverick87 said:
I suppose what Im looking for is a dynamic mic, that can emulate the sound of a condensor, the detail and crisp qualities, without picking up the unwanted background noise and room
Click to expand...

THAT is a description of a Heil PR40 or PR30.

If you compare enough mics side by side, you will find the the EV mics all have a very characteristic "EV sound" and the RE20 has that EV sound in spades. You might like it, until you start comparing it to other mics and to real condensors. I had 10 vocal tracks recorded with 10 different mics, and people could pick out the EV RE20 track every time. That's when I sold it and replaced it with an SM7b. If I still had an RE20, I would try it on anything except vocals.

The Heil is the most condensor-like dynamic mic I've ever heard. (for the money)
 
Maverick87 said:
I suppose what Im looking for is a dynamic mic, that can emulate the sound of a condensor, the detail and crisp qualities, without picking up the unwanted background noise and room, which WILL be treated.
Click to expand...

...you may want to re-consider and reverse your criteria (especially with a treated room)...a condenser that emulates the sound of a dynamic:

HM-2D - Kel Audio Microphones
 
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