An updated version of this video, with 20 microphones which are popular in radio and podcasting has just been published on my personal channel. You can watch it here: ruclips.net/video/DWlgiTNrKu0/видео.html Cheers, James Founder, Radio.co
Other mics that have become popular in radiostudios in Europe the last five years are the Neumann TLM 102 (smaller than the TLM 103), the Neumann KMS 105 and the Rode Broadcaster. The Shure Beta 87a at the other hand is often used for live outdoor or on location broadcasts. Then some - more talk-oriented radio's - make use of the AKG 535EB microphone in their studio's. It is remarkable however to notice how little experimentation takes place in relation to microphone choices for speech broadcasting / radio-dj announcements ...
a couple small superficial corrections, but ones that might help with some confusion nonetheless.. Michael Jackson used the SM7, which was released in 1976; replacing the SM5B. The SM7A revision improved the humbucking coil and the design of the yoke mount; it was introduced in 1999. The SM7B incorporated a larger windscreen; it was introduced in 2001.... long after Thriller was released. Retails typically for $400 USD online these days. ======= As for the RE20, the photo you put up seems to be the RE27 -- not the RE20. The RE20 also retails typically for $400 USD online these days. Both the RE20 and the SM7B struggle with getting a clean signal when using just a Scarlett 2i2 as a mic pre-amp; you need to speak up else perhaps face issues with gain and noise floors. Such hidden costs need to be considered in the purchase price as well. While I'd still suggest the Scarlett 2i2 to someone on a budget doing podcasts, or alternatively perhaps a Mackie Blackjack, investing in a noise-removal plugin for post-process cleanup is well worth it. I can recommend one if needed. If you are doing live commentary though, such as online gaming, just getting a great pre-amp from the get-go is recommended instead -- make your life easy. Or get a different mic. === Overall, a good video that is informative. Thank you.
Good to know! Our friends at Podcast.co actually compared it agains the Shure SM7B and Rode PodMic: www.podcast.co/create/dynamic-microphones-for-podcasts
That was not the re20, it was the newer re27n/d. Although you were right, it is currently the most used in radio stations. The re20 historically is by far the most popular radio microphone of all time until the 80s and 90s when radio station started buying up the 27 pictures in your video. The biggest difference how's the 27th is the neodymium Dynamic capsule with virtually no background. Probably the most complex Dynamic capsule ever created. Also one of the few Dynamic microphones used in music studios for voice. In the 27 is the only microphone I've ever used which sounded like a 3,000 condenser. the 27 also has more patterns. There are a couple of other Dynamics used in studios, mainly the 57 and 58 from sure. And radio we would call The Producer Mic. The sm7, you can see the interviews and they'll tell you it's big brother, essentially the 57 inside of a boom blimp made its way into a few Studios, and the experimented with the sm7, making a longer capsule and adding an acoustic Bell at the rear. But you could not drive that microphone without introducing too much noise. They essentially cancel it, only selling about 200 / yr. You also needed $100 chain to drive it. Somehow, this thing started making its way into gamer videos. Often confused how's the gamers were using the $80 sm57 ( the presidential mic) with the same pop filter you see the presidents using which looks like the sm57. That little bit of push has them and 2000 percent volume at its peak in 2020. Thank goodness, everybody is seeing they can get the re20 for the same price without having to spend money on an insane interface needed for the sm7b. For about 10 years there, every video sounded like nothing but white noise because of those things. Fun fact you can talk about, they will never discuss the 50 or so employees who worked for the company during the government contract years. The good news, you can get an exact replica capsule any word from 50 cents to a couple of bucks because they're patent expired in the 80s. Michael Jackson did not use it for lead vocals. He was known for laying down backups with a bare bone dynamic, and used the studios drum microphone, the sm7 which cannot be heard on any tracks as lead vocals. On the backup. He would lay down about 10 to 15 backup vocal tracks. Used about 10 mics per album
Hey guys, Quick question, I have a deep voice and I am at a local radio station and i don't like their mics. I am deciding between the sm7b and the re20. They have the most basic mixer board that doesn't allow any change, so i need a great sound mic without any preamping, besides me using a cloud-lifter. What would you recommend best for a deep voice? I also use a range of voices, and i can be loud at times. Think of a mix between a conversation level all the way to a game show voice. Thanks Mate
+Mark Shenouda The Electrovoice RE20 is great for a deep voice, plus it's well regarded as THE industry standard microphone in the USA. For a full run down on some other mics check out: radio.co/blog/best-microphones-for-online-radio/
Thanks for your reply. Would it still be good for me to get a cloud lifter for the RE20? And I am wondering what your thoughts are towards the sm7b? Just have people saying RE20 and some saying SM7b
+Mark Shenouda one of the best things you can probably do is try before you buy (or wherever you purchase, check their return policy if you're unhappy.)
Yeah, the problem is, I'm in Australia, and my mate is on holidays in LA for a few days, and the prices in Aus is stupidly high, so he is going to bring one back for me. I might do a call a round tomorrow to see if i can hire. I'm just asking based on if anyone has previous experience with deep voice presenters. I like that the RE20 is more forgiving, but didn't know if it was going to be flat with no EQ or adjustments with straight out of the box.
I think the SM7B is a price-feature favorite because it has a built-in windscreen and boom mount, but I've never been a fan of the flimsy cable that goes between the XLR and the capsule. That's easily sheered off. The windscreen is lackluster and the sound is "meh." I've used the Sennheiser MD421 for decades. It's another radio industry standard. Great proximity effect and 5-step EQ switch. Main drawback is the plastic housing and funky mic clip. The EV RE 20 is a tank and well-priced, but you'll pay extra for the shock mount and either a pop-filter or windscreen. (BTW, for close work, ALL Of these Mics require a windscreen). I just retired my MD421 for the Neumann BCM 705. It beats the pants off these other broadcast standard Mics. Supercardioid pattern rejects off-mic noise. Neumann's only dynamic Mic. The BCM 705's sister, the BCM 104, is a large diaphragm condenser with the same specs as the popular TLM 103, but with a few more controls. I have a Neumann U87, but its totally flat response doesn't give me any bass boost. It's also so sensitive it picks up paper rattles, wet lips, etc. It's better suited for a dead quiet vocal booth and music that can mask the noise sensitivity.
An updated version of this video, with 20 microphones which are popular in radio and podcasting has just been published on my personal channel. You can watch it here:
ruclips.net/video/DWlgiTNrKu0/видео.html
Cheers,
James
Founder, Radio.co
👏
4:01 the mic shown is the RE27
I have two of these Electrovoice RE-27 N/D with a wind screens. Great sounding voice overs.
Other mics that have become popular in radiostudios in Europe the last five years are the Neumann TLM 102 (smaller than the TLM 103), the Neumann KMS 105 and the Rode Broadcaster. The Shure Beta 87a at the other hand is often used for live outdoor or on location broadcasts. Then some - more talk-oriented radio's - make use of the AKG 535EB microphone in their studio's. It is remarkable however to notice how little experimentation takes place in relation to microphone choices for speech broadcasting / radio-dj announcements ...
4:14 That's a picture of an RE27
a couple small superficial corrections, but ones that might help with some confusion nonetheless..
Michael Jackson used the SM7, which was released in 1976; replacing the SM5B.
The SM7A revision improved the humbucking coil and the design of the yoke mount; it was introduced in 1999.
The SM7B incorporated a larger windscreen; it was introduced in 2001.... long after Thriller was released.
Retails typically for $400 USD online these days.
=======
As for the RE20, the photo you put up seems to be the RE27 -- not the RE20.
The RE20 also retails typically for $400 USD online these days.
Both the RE20 and the SM7B struggle with getting a clean signal when using just a Scarlett 2i2 as a mic pre-amp; you need to speak up else perhaps face issues with gain and noise floors. Such hidden costs need to be considered in the purchase price as well.
While I'd still suggest the Scarlett 2i2 to someone on a budget doing podcasts, or alternatively perhaps a Mackie Blackjack, investing in a noise-removal plugin for post-process cleanup is well worth it. I can recommend one if needed. If you are doing live commentary though, such as online gaming, just getting a great pre-amp from the get-go is recommended instead -- make your life easy. Or get a different mic.
===
Overall, a good video that is informative. Thank you.
Btw the reason the RE20 is not popular in Europe is because over here it cost $700.
Should mention that the SM7 was also utilised for the Bad album.
The Electrovoice RE20 were used by Signal Radio in Stoke On Trent.
Good to know! Our friends at Podcast.co actually compared it agains the Shure SM7B and Rode PodMic: www.podcast.co/create/dynamic-microphones-for-podcasts
Rode Podcaster over Broadcaster? A huge difference in sound quality.
Shure SM7b is NOT $700, retails for $399 and can be fond for $349 often.
That's brilliant! Can you provide a link for broadcasters to get the Shure SM7b for $399 / $349?
Thanks just look into it and sure is .thanks again
That was not the re20, it was the newer re27n/d. Although you were right, it is currently the most used in radio stations. The re20 historically is by far the most popular radio microphone of all time until the 80s and 90s when radio station started buying up the 27 pictures in your video. The biggest difference how's the 27th is the neodymium Dynamic capsule with virtually no background. Probably the most complex Dynamic capsule ever created. Also one of the few Dynamic microphones used in music studios for voice. In the 27 is the only microphone I've ever used which sounded like a 3,000 condenser. the 27 also has more patterns. There are a couple of other Dynamics used in studios, mainly the 57 and 58 from sure. And radio we would call The Producer Mic. The sm7, you can see the interviews and they'll tell you it's big brother, essentially the 57 inside of a boom blimp made its way into a few Studios, and the experimented with the sm7, making a longer capsule and adding an acoustic Bell at the rear. But you could not drive that microphone without introducing too much noise. They essentially cancel it, only selling about 200 / yr. You also needed $100 chain to drive it. Somehow, this thing started making its way into gamer videos. Often confused how's the gamers were using the $80 sm57 ( the presidential mic) with the same pop filter you see the presidents using which looks like the sm57. That little bit of push has them and 2000 percent volume at its peak in 2020. Thank goodness, everybody is seeing they can get the re20 for the same price without having to spend money on an insane interface needed for the sm7b. For about 10 years there, every video sounded like nothing but white noise because of those things. Fun fact you can talk about, they will never discuss the 50 or so employees who worked for the company during the government contract years. The good news, you can get an exact replica capsule any word from 50 cents to a couple of bucks because they're patent expired in the 80s. Michael Jackson did not use it for lead vocals. He was known for laying down backups with a bare bone dynamic, and used the studios drum microphone, the sm7 which cannot be heard on any tracks as lead vocals. On the backup. He would lay down about 10 to 15 backup vocal tracks. Used about 10 mics per album
Jake: You traded the Bluesmobile for this?
Elwood: No ... for a microphone.
Jake: A microphone?!? [Pause] Okay, I can see that.
What about the Heil PR40?
The best mic for broadcasting is the AT875R
Hey guys, Quick question, I have a deep voice and I am at a local radio station and i don't like their mics. I am deciding between the sm7b and the re20. They have the most basic mixer board that doesn't allow any change, so i need a great sound mic without any preamping, besides me using a cloud-lifter. What would you recommend best for a deep voice? I also use a range of voices, and i can be loud at times. Think of a mix between a conversation level all the way to a game show voice. Thanks Mate
+Mark Shenouda The Electrovoice RE20 is great for a deep voice, plus it's well regarded as THE industry standard microphone in the USA. For a full run down on some other mics check out: radio.co/blog/best-microphones-for-online-radio/
Thanks for your reply. Would it still be good for me to get a cloud lifter for the RE20? And I am wondering what your thoughts are towards the sm7b? Just have people saying RE20 and some saying SM7b
+Mark Shenouda one of the best things you can probably do is try before you buy (or wherever you purchase, check their return policy if you're unhappy.)
Yeah, the problem is, I'm in Australia, and my mate is on holidays in LA for a few days, and the prices in Aus is stupidly high, so he is going to bring one back for me. I might do a call a round tomorrow to see if i can hire. I'm just asking based on if anyone has previous experience with deep voice presenters. I like that the RE20 is more forgiving, but didn't know if it was going to be flat with no EQ or adjustments with straight out of the box.
I think the SM7B is a price-feature favorite because it has a built-in windscreen and boom mount, but I've never been a fan of the flimsy cable that goes between the XLR and the capsule. That's easily sheered off. The windscreen is lackluster and the sound is "meh." I've used the Sennheiser MD421 for decades. It's another radio industry standard. Great proximity effect and 5-step EQ switch. Main drawback is the plastic housing and funky mic clip. The EV RE 20 is a tank and well-priced, but you'll pay extra for the shock mount and either a pop-filter or windscreen. (BTW, for close work, ALL Of these Mics require a windscreen). I just retired my MD421 for the Neumann BCM 705. It beats the pants off these other broadcast standard Mics. Supercardioid pattern rejects off-mic noise. Neumann's only dynamic Mic. The BCM 705's sister, the BCM 104, is a large diaphragm condenser with the same specs as the popular TLM 103, but with a few more controls. I have a Neumann U87, but its totally flat response doesn't give me any bass boost. It's also so sensitive it picks up paper rattles, wet lips, etc. It's better suited for a dead quiet vocal booth and music that can mask the noise sensitivity.
What mics do LBC use? Thanks in advance.
Hi, which Mic been used in this video recording?
I believe it was the Neumann U87, but then again, the video was 4 years ago!
Don't want to be picky but i have never seen the RE20 for £300 i have the RODE Procaster that does a really good job but it needs a Cloudlifter
Prices will have changed since the video came out in 2016. Speaking of the Rode Procaster: radio.co/blog/rode-procaster-for-broadcasters
It is an RE 27 not an RE 20 in the picture
Nope, it's an RE20. But both look very similar don't they! Whilst you're here, worth checking out the Shure MV7 review: radio.co/blog/shure-mv7-review
Thanks 🐸
I am surprised that BBC radio 1 uses the u87.
With their shitty processing any 50 dollar mic would do.
It's RE27 not R20
Good spot, thanks! If you're into microphones and audio equipment, then check out: radio.co/radio-university/
"the sm7b is 700$"
excuse me
what
I believe at the time of the video it was. Things change. Check out our review of the Shure SM7B: radio.co/blog/shure-sm7b
❤🎉😊
I also saw the Electrovoice RE20 FOR $499 ON Amazon.
You can buy a good used Electro Voice RE20 pretty consistently for $350.00 including shipping on eBay.
Anyone else annoyed by all of the mouth noise/saliva swallowing noise?
Nobody else seems to mind Phil, but if it's bothering you too much then check out the article 👉 radio.co/blog/best-microphones-for-online-radio