How Does it Sound?

Microphone manufacturers and audiophiles often boast about technical specifications. What's hidden inside the metal chassis, frequency range, and high-pass filters might mean something to audio professionals, but they don't tell you how the microphone actually sounds and if it's any good for your setup. Be the judge for yourself...

Without post-production editing, audio is clear, punchy, and offers brilliant low-end bass you often hear in traditional radio station condenser microphones, all without sounding muddy.

In our opinion, the Electro-Voice RE320 sounds really, really good. Because of the microphone's form factor, it's kind of a funny shape. Consider the amount of movement in your studio and how often you manoeuvre the mic. Long, heavy mics like this need a good shock mount and stand to work properly. Paired with the Electro-Voice 309A and Rode PSA1, you can't go wrong.

Electro-Voice RE320 in Noisy Environments

Some podcasters like recording in busy environments. The ambience can add an extra layer to your show. Without sounding too overwhelming, the Electro-Voice RE320 weaves background noises underneath your voice. In our experience, this adds character and depth you wouldn't normally get in professional podcast studios (if that's what you're after).

True to its design, dynamic microphones like this tend to lower noises from far away. Instead, focusing on what's front and centre. Don't be fooled into thinking the RE320 can stop everything from being picked up. Loud noises like car doors slamming outside or even coughing in another room will be captured.

If total silence is what you're after, either edit in post-production or minimise reverbs in a sound-treated environment like a podcast studio. 

Recording in a Professional Podcast Studio

Every microphone sounds 10x better in a professional recording environment. Podcast studios are the ideal space for sounding your best. They're nice and quiet, without the need to wrestle with noisy neighbours or unwanted disturbances.

In the studio, the Electro-Voice RE320 performed head and shoulders with the most powerful microphones out there. Although, not as versatile in terms of range (capturing highs and the low sounds), its one to consider purely for how good it sounds in sound-treated rooms.

Electro-Voice RE320: Final Thoughts

Right from the getgo, you'll notice the Electro-Voice RE320 is something special. Audio is clear, punchy, and offers brilliant low-end bass you often hear in traditional radio station microphones, all without sounding muddy.

In comparison to similar mics like the Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B, the RE320 offers much more bass on the low-end. Deep, booming voices really steal the show, lending an extra layer to your voice.

One of the biggest drawbacks is the absence of additional features. Audio adjustment settings like different polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure 8) and frequency responses (flat response, bass rolloff, and presne boost) would have been an added bonus to an otherwise brilliant microphone.

Although the RE320 is never going to win the award for best microphone, it comes rather damn close. The good news is this microphone has recently come down in price, so now is the best time to pick one up.

Pros

• Performance: With a built-in pop filter and superb diaphragm, the RE320 provides clean noise-free sound found in high-end microphones.
• Dual Voice Design: Tailors the response to work with both vocals and instruments.
• Price: $299 / £289 is an affordable price for such a good microphone.

Cons

• Lack of Features: What you see is what you get. There's no different polar patterns or frequency response changes here.
• Official Shock Mount Recommended: The RE320 is designed for the 309A, without one you'll notice a huge difference in terms of manoeuvrability and performance.