| WA3VJB |
Rating:      |
2023-02-23 | |
| RE-27 better than the RE-20 |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
EDIT: UPDATED SOUND FILE
Review originally posted 2003-12-30
The RE-27 has been on the market for more than ten years, and was originally thought to be a possible replacement for the RE-20, which dates back to the 1960s. I have had both microphones as part of my HF station, and the money spent for either has been worthwhile.
The key improvement with the advent of the '27 is a different type of metal alloy in the magnet, which provides greater electrical output to your mixing console, audio leveller, or other external shaping device ahead of your rig. This allows less amplification by these devices, minimizing circuit "hiss" since the microphone is doing more of the work.
In my application the microphone is used with transmitters on AM on the shortwave ham bands. Here is an example:
https://youtu.be/SmugGEok5bU
As you can hear, there is no lump in the midrange that destroys the warm and inviting sound that AM is famous for. A smooth microphone frequency response curve gives the user the greatest flexibility to shape that curve with an EQ as conditions warrant.
The clarity of the RE-27 is a testimonial to the virtues of a gentle response curve, when properly received.
(Compare this to the ear-bleed contest style audio, and you'll grasp why AM has become so popular in the hobby.)
Best wishes
www.facebook.com/groups/amodgroup/
|
|
| W1SWL |
Rating:      |
2023-01-13 | |
| A True Winner for Audio Fans |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
| Let's just say that I constantly get compliments on my SSB audio quality. I know you should not strive for that aspect but this mic results in rag chew ease AND it busts through pileups as well. Go figure? Love it. And it works well with he Heil boom arm. Solid performer. Comes with case and boom arm shock mount EV suspension hardware. I added a pop filter. A beautiful mic to look at and more importantly use. 5 stars for sure. Thank You Elecrovoice! |
|
| K1XV |
Rating:      |
2021-04-12 | |
| No proximity effect. Great eye candy. |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I recently got my RE 27 for $100 used. Added the EV suspension mount for another $100. It is a great device to get audio into your W2IHY equipment for equalization. In my shack, I can switch my W2IHY output into any of 4 transceivers...Icom IC7700, IC7300, IC775DSP, or a Yaesu FT991A. Once I set up my equalization, I get great audio reports, especially from DX stations who always comment on the clarity of my audio.
The mike is designed to minimize the proximity effect when you get closer to the mike. Also, it is hyper-cardoid, rejecting extraneous sound from the shack. And on its boom arm, in its EV suspension mount, its a thing of beauty. A dynamic mike, it needs no source of phantom power. Uses a 3 pin XLR connector, so you need some means of getting this audio into your rig. |
|
| AB4D |
Rating:      |
2017-03-31 | |
| Great Professional Microphone |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
As noted by others, the Electrovoice RE27 is a great, but somewhat expensive microphone for voice work. However, it's not really necessary for amateur radio use. IMO, It provides more eye candy, than substantial performance over microphones costing less.
Over the years, I've used different microphones from the radio manufacturers, depending on the rig I was using. They all worked acceptable, and I never received a bad report.
A few years ago, I switched over to a studio microphone arrangement. At the time, many of the operators I knew, were using the EV RE27. So I followed suit, and also added a EQ Plus, so I could equalize the audio from the microphone. However, I always wondered, how the RE27 would stand up against other microphones.
I had available, a selection of various studio style microphones, so I decided to put them to the test. The following mics were tried, Shure SH55 (Elvis Mic), Heil PR-781G, Radio Shack 33-3001 (Grey line), Behringer XM8500 Ultravoice, and a "Ohuhu" branded condenser microphone.
What I found, most all of the microphones could provide acceptable, but varying levels of performance. However, there was one clear winner, and one clear loser. Surprisingly, the very inexpensive Behringer XM8500, earned the most accolades, and seemed to match my voice the best. Second place went to the Electrovoice RE27, but the Heil PR-781G was nearly indistinguishable at third place. Fourth place was earned by the Ohuhu condenser, fed through a Behringer single tube pre-amp. The RS 33-3001 provided acceptable results as well. Last place went to the Shure SH55. Known as an excellent stage microphone, but for SSB use, it had a mushy characteristic I could not resolve.
Ultimately, ham radio is not always based solely on performance. Appearance plays a part as well. In many cases, not only does the station have to perform well, it must also be appealing to the eye. That makes sense, considering the many hours people spend operating their station. The RE27 certainly fills both roles, a great performer with professional looks as well. |
|
| KQ6IG |
Rating:    |
2017-03-30 | |
| Good Voice-Over Mic |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| Using an RE-27 with a conventional SSB ham transceiver is like using a Buggati Veyron to pick-up groceries and drop the kids off at school each day. Yeah, it will do the job and look good doing it; but so will many other cars for a fraction of the price. The RE-27 is the best dynamic voice-over mic I am aware of. But, it was designed and tailored for broadcasting, where operating conditions require a higher degree of refinement and frequency response varies from 10kc (AM) to 20kc (FMHD). The best response you're likely to get with your SSB rig is about 4.9 kc. Yet, you're paying for a tailored 20kc response. Before buying an RE-27, try-out some of the many lower cost hi-fi dynamic mics like the Heil PR-20. You may find that the quality they deliver in ham service is comparable to the RE-27 for a fraction of the price. |
|
| WA3HDW |
Rating:      |
2016-07-11 | |
| Outstanding |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| I tried an RE-27 at the recommendation of a good friend. After installing the microphone to my Yaesu FT 5000 I get great audio reports. Many times I get comments of sounding like a broadcast station. |
|
| NA6D |
Rating:      |
2015-09-06 | |
| High End Audio! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Have a Heil PR 40 and it is a good mic. However, heard one of my ham buddies using the EV RE 27 ND and was blown away! He uses the same rig I do, a Ten Tec Orion 2. I immediately bought one and hooked it up. Wow! I get great audio reports all the time. I am running wide on TX, about 3.9 Khz, to take advantage of the wide frequency response of the mic. Running it without any adjustments available on the mic. I have a very low voice, but using the transmit EQ gives me the highs that are needed.
Unless you have a rig that has adjustable TX EQ, or an external unit, such as the W2IHY gear, this would be "overkill" and not worth the considerable expense. Nonetheless, this is a world class transducer. I will not part with this microphone period. I have had listeners accuse me of being a commercial radio announcer! LOL! Trust me when I say that if you have the right radio, you will derive the best audio possible. Highly recommend it, no reservations. |
|
| WA4FOM |
Rating:      |
2014-05-07 | |
| Works nicely for me but try before you buy |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Microphones, being transducers, are subject to
the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
(i.e., personal preference of the most volatile
sort). In another review, I hinted at the idea
that you should simply find the microphone that
gives your transmit audio the characteristics
you (and hopefully those who listen to you)
desired. Audio quality is not necessarily
tied to brand name, nor price tag.
For me, the RE27 makes me sound the way I like.
It is my Goldilocks mic. I do highly recommend
a pop filter, though.
My second choice is a Behringer XM8500 weighing
in at 20 Smackers, but that's based upon that
whole slings and arrows thing I mentioned before.
For me, the RE27 is golden; your results may
vary. Try before you buy! 73. |
|
| W2TCB |
Rating:      |
2014-03-17 | |
| Fantastic |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I have been using the RE-27 for a number of years now with both my TS-990 and Flex 5000. At any cost I would choose no other. The slightly rising top end provides a bit of articulation that enhances performance over the RE-20. This is an expensive mic but if you have a radio that can go wide you will find none better. |
|
| PA3HGT |
Rating:      |
2013-08-11 | |
| recommended |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I own a Kenwood TS990 and after using the Kenwood MC60,MC90 and the Heil PR781,i bought the Electrovoice RE27ND and is also directly connected on the TS990.I didn't got the audio-reports i used to with the previous microphones so a friend recommended this mike who owns the same transceiver.This microphone is a joy to use and i got finally a very good TX-audio after a few days testing and adjusting the TX-equalizer on the Kenwood TS990.The RE27ND is expensive but the extra $ is it worth and is a good investment.
73,Hans,PA3HGT
www.pa3hgt.nl |
|