Today I have finally completed the Electro Voice expansion of Pokemon: Mic Edition. We're looking at the last mic in their RE-series of mics, which just so happens to be the most expensive of the three; the RE27 N/D.
For this review, I have the mic connected directly to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen, with the gain set at 12:30. I have done no post processing on the audio, it is all raw, but the audio was slightly boosted in final cut pro X to simply make the audio easier to listen to.
If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $150.00 on Amazon
What's In the Box
Hardshell Storage Box
Microphone
Microphone Mount (Includes: 5/8" & 3/8" adapter)
Documentation
Specifications
Frequency Response: 45Hz - 20kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Sensitivity: ~-52dB
Impedance: 150-ohms
Performance / Features
The build quality of this mic is on par with all of EV's other mics that I've tested; excellent. It has a steel body and a nice metal mesh grill. Along the side there are vents that allow for the Variable D technology that helps keep the proximity effect in check. It weighs in at 1 pound 9 oz, so it is a pretty heavy microphone as well. Near the bottom of the mic it has 3 switches that cut portions of the frequency response. 1st is a 6dB cut at 250Hz, 2nd is a 12dB cut at 1000Hz, and 3rd is a 3dB cut of the presence and treble boost. Lastly there is an XLR port on the back of the microphone.
The frequency response is listed as 45Hz - 20kHz. In the neutral mode this microphone has a relatively flat frequency response from 1khz and below, but above that there is a drastic boost that peaks at +7dB above the mids. There are two peaks at 4kHz and 6kHz and then it rolls off the remainder of the treble and air after that. I found the only really usable setting for spoken word was to enable the high cut, and leave the other switches alone.
The overall performance of this mic was a bit of a shock initially. When I pulled it out of the box a month ago and plugged it in, I almost sent it right back. With the neutral settings it is very harsh, shrill, and forward in the higher frequency range. Once I enabled the high cut though the tone become MUCH better and actually enjoyable to listen to. It also does a great job at off axis rejection and rear rejection, but it should be noted that the off axis coloration is very honky, and terrible sounding.
Pros
Slightly higher output than other dynamics due to Neodymium magnet
Handles processing well
Great job at off axis and rear rejection
Great build quality
Cons
In neutral mode, the mic sounds bad
The low cuts are a bit too drastic
Off axis coloration is bad
Conclusion
For electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and singing I did not enjoy this microphone much at all. It simply is not a tone that I would look to use in those applications. For spoke word however, I found it rather enjoyable when you have the high cut enabled and get relatively close to the microphone. If you're looking for a bright & smooth microphone for podcasting and radio broadcasting, I think this will be a great option, but just make sure to cut those highs and use proper microphone technique.
If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP.
Buy the Electro Voice RE27 ND
US: https://amzn.to/2lQoZaz
UK: N/A
CA: N/A
DE: https://amzn.to/2MHkqdN
Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen)
US: http://amzn.to/2vDFbzK
UK: http://amzn.to/2w8O2f6
CA: http://amzn.to/2wKGKfG
DE: http://amzn.to/2hbtxsV