EV RE-20 vs. Senn MD-421

[Mike Douaire]

Hey guys, this is my first post. Just want to say thanks for all the great posts. I've learned a lot from everyone. Anyways, I believe its time for my next investment in the recording world, which happens to be another microphone. I currently have a 57 and an AKG Perception 200 for my cheap, but productive, condenser mic. I'm running them into my little mbox 2. So now I'm torn between the EV RE-20 and the Sennheiser MD-421. Like I said, i already have a 57, but both are just great microphones that its so hard for me to choose. Any input and thoughts on which one I should pick? For those that ask, I mainly do rock music, mainly do my own and mainly mic up acoustic, electric gutiars and vox everyonce in a while. I plan on investing in a drum kit and a new thing of pre's within a couple of years, but this is a cheaper and overall better investment in my mind. Thanks guys.

-ps-any difference between the older 421's (silver) and the 2nd gen 421's (black)?

[brian_delizza]

Get them both. Slutttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttyyyyyyyyyyyy....

[nathanvacha]

I don't have an re-20 (yet ) but I do have a 421 and I'm in orlando. PM me if you want and possibly I could help you at least test that one out. FWIW, I like it a lot on female vocals, but I think the ev's been used on more male vocals through the years. But like I said, I don't have one to compare first-hand.

[ersheff]

I love the RE-20 on bass cabs, but not so much on guitar cabs. Never used an MD-421 before. I wonder if they are more versatile.

[Scinx]

Both are very nice mics. Both sounds very different. To me, and in my applications, I reach for the 421 when I want something more present, and the RE20 when I want something more warm. The SM57, to me, is closer towards the 421 side of things, then the RE20. So, it depends what you want to add to your collection? Depends what kind of sounds you are looking to capture. I use both the RE20 and 421 on vocals (depending on the desired outcome), I use them both on drums (albeit the RE20 on kick, and 421 on toms and sometimes snare), I use them both on guitar cabs (but once again, as to which one, it depends what I need in the track Im recording for). Depending on the amp and guitar, the 421 may be too bright or it may be just right, and the RE20 may be too wooly, or it may fit the bill perfect.

My first suggestion is to get both of them and see which you can use more. If thats not feasible due to whatever reasons, I would get the RE20, as, to me, it is less similar to the SM57. If you don't find the liking for it, sell it and pick up the 421. You might find that you are looking for an SM7, or something totally different still. Its just too hard without knowing your needs and sounds, to recommend one or the other.

[slowdive]

i own and use both almost daily. it really depends on your source, your preamps, your room...but to just evaluate the mics on their own, i would say i use my RE20 more on bass drum, bass cab, and the odd vocal, and the MD421 is strictly toms and guitar cab. if i had to pick one, i would buy the RE20.

but buy both. they are affordable, especially used.

[Scinx]

Originally Posted by slowdive

but buy both. they are affordable, especially used.

And if you buy used - you dont take a bath if you decide to sell one or the other. So outside of cash flow issues (and used gear issues), it would be a prime situation.

[warhead]

Originally Posted by Mike Douaire

-ps-any difference between the older 421's (silver) and the 2nd gen 421's (black)?

Yes. Talking stricly model #'s here and not colors...the older 421 is a smoother sounding mic top to bottom. The newer 421 "MKII" model has a bit of a spike in the upper mids, around 3k, and has more of its own sound. Given the choice, I would rather own the older original 421.

I own neither though.

I agree with slowdive in his assessment of each. However, you may consider the Audix i5 as a nice alternative that delivers sort of the best of both the RE20 and the 421. The i5 has a smoother response than an SM57 which you already own, and a more full bottom / low mid sound that is very nice on...well...tons of stuff. For voice, cabs, drums, I just dig it.

Between the Audix i5 and the E/V ND468 I find most dynamic mic duties covered quite well...

My $.02

War

[Beauarts]

Both of course. Though the 421 will be $100 cheaper, around $200. The re20 around $300. When you get a better mic pre you can get a shure sm7 and sennheiser 441. At that point you'll have almost all the dynamic mics you'll need for the rest of your recording career.

[Ricey]

i like to mic guitar amps w/ the 57+RE20 or 421. i think the RE20 does more, works on some vox, i like it on trombone.... if you're not recording drums, maybe the 421 won't get as much play?

[slowdive]

Originally Posted by Beauarts

Both of course. Though the 421 will be $100 cheaper, around $200. The re20 around $300. When you get a better mic pre you can get a shure sm7 and sennheiser 441. At that point you'll have almost all the dynamic mics you'll need for the rest of your recording career.

I'm glad you brought the 441 up. The 441 was the first really nice dynamic I bought. IMO, outshines the 421 and RE20. Just a beautiful microphone. My favorite dynamic.

[Mike Douaire]

Thanks for all the responses so far guys, keep em comin! And I agree with what everyone has been saying, as far as mic applications go. Haha I really would love both, but the money issue is just that...an issue. I like the 441 too, but I really have no need for a hyper at this point, plus im concerned about the reflections off the walls comin back to the back end of the polarity pattern (that little knob on the back). I really do love both mic's and will eventually have em both, especially when i start investing in better pre's, more pre's, and a bass rig and drum kit. However, I think I'm going to lean more towards the RE20 just to see if I can get a different guitar tone and see how it stacks up on vocals. Maybe I'll just start selling myself on the corner for money to buy gear and become the sluttiest gear slut ever...

[frans]

"Maybe I'll just start selling myself on the corner for money to buy gear and become the sluttiest gear slut ever..."

It's not unusual to...errr... earn a few bucks on the side, that is...
But after all I'd vote for the RE20 (different voice than the SM57 and the 421)...or the MD441 which is a bit like the RE20...and why not try the i5? Warren has a point there.
I got all of them and in case of anything 421 - I strongly recommend the old grey ones...because they look good.

[stevep]

RE 20 is my go to mic for Kick drum ,

Also good on , Floor toms , Bass/Guitar cabs, Vocals and voice over work


The 421 is my go to mic for Toms

also works fine on guitars, horns, acoustic guitar and some vocals




If you don't have a good Kick drum mic i have to recommend the RE20



Then of corse ,,,..... Get both .




steve