Electro-Voice: The Microphone Leader

Pioneering Audio Technology

For over fifty years, Electro-Voice (E-V) has been a leader in the audio industry, charting new paths in microphone development. E-V pioneered noise-cancelling microphones, cardioid unidirectional microphones free of proximity effect, and the durable Acoustalloy® diaphragm. Their commitment to advancing state-of-the-art microphone technology is evident in over seventy-three patents granted to their engineers. E-V products have been recognized by broadcast, government, military, aviation, and space authorities, and even received an Academy Award.

Electro-Voice emphasizes customer-oriented service, providing technical help through dealers and the factory, and offering a "Loan For Trial" policy for professional microphones. Their repair service is industry-leading, with an average turnaround time of less than ten days. E-V backs its professional microphones with an unconditional two-year warranty against any cause of malfunction, demonstrating confidence in their ruggedness and long-term stability.

How to Choose the Right Microphone

Selecting the appropriate microphone involves considering several factors:

1. Intended Use

Microphones are designed for specific applications such as broadcasting, recording, public address, or sound reinforcement. A chart (described textually) helps guide users based on their needs.

2. Microphone Pickup Patterns

Microphones capture sound from different directions:

• Omnidirectional: Picks up sound equally from all directions. Best for general use when environmental noise or feedback is not a concern. Offers widest, smoothest response and is less sensitive to breath, wind, or handling noise.
• Directional: Picks up sound primarily from one direction. Used to combat environmental noise, achieve maximum gain-before-feedback, or capture distant sound sources. Directional patterns include:
  • Cardioid: Picks up sound from the front, with rejection from the rear. Offers good gain-before-feedback.
  • Super-cardioid: More directional than cardioid, with narrower front pickup and increased rejection at the sides and rear.
  • Hyper-cardioid: Even more directional than super-cardioid, with a narrower front lobe and increased side rejection.
  • Cardiline™: A specialized directional pattern combining line and hyper-cardioid characteristics for extended reach and rejection.

The document includes diagrams illustrating these typical pickup patterns.

3. Range of Sounds (Frequency Response)

Microphones must have a frequency response wide enough to capture the full range of sounds from instruments and voices without altering their quality. The document provides a chart showing the frequency ranges of various instruments.

4. Bass Boosting Proximity Effect

Cardioid microphones have two main types:

• Single-D: Features one rear port, resulting in a significant bass frequency boost when used at close distances (proximity effect). This is often preferred by vocalists for an enriched bass sound.
• Variable-D™: An Electro-Voice patented design with multiple rear ports. It eliminates the proximity effect, maintaining consistent bass response regardless of working distance and providing a more natural sound. It also reduces breath and shock sensitivity.

5. Electrical Considerations

Electro-Voice professional microphones are typically low-impedance (150 ohms), which is essential for low noise and long cable runs. They should be used with low-impedance inputs. Output levels are specified relative to 1 milliwatt per 10 dynes/cm². Matching transformers can be used to adapt low-impedance microphones to high-impedance inputs.

6. Mechanical Requirements

E-V offers a full range of accessories, including mounting hardware, shock mounts, desk stands, and windscreens, to complement their microphones.

Featured Microphone Models

Electro-Voice offers a diverse range of microphones, each engineered for specific professional applications.

RE20: Variable-D™ Dynamic Cardioid

Designed for critical recording, broadcast, and sound reinforcement, the RE20 offers extended frequency response and handles high sound pressure levels (over 160 dB) without distortion. Its Variable-D design eliminates proximity effect, and an integral blast filter prevents vocal "P-pops." A bass roll-off switch is included.

RE18: Shock-Mounted Variable-D™ Dynamic Super-Cardioid

A descendant of the RE15 and RE16, the RE18 features an integral shock mount for reduced handling and cord noise. It offers a super-cardioid polar pattern for enhanced ambient noise rejection and Variable-D design for uniform frequency response regardless of working distance. A refined blast filter minimizes "P-pops," and a hum-buck coil rejects hum.

RE15: Variable-D™ Dynamic Super-Cardioid

A workhorse for broadcast and sound reinforcement, the RE15 offers two nulls at 150° off-axis for greater rear hemisphere rejection. Its frequency response is independent of the sound source's angular location, with a rolled response below 150 Hz to eliminate low-frequency noise. Features a Memraflex™ grille screen and hum-buck coil.

RE16: Variable-D™ Dynamic Super-Cardioid

Similar to the RE15 but with an integral blast filter for close hand-held use without "P-pops." It shares the RE15's rugged, mechanically nested design, uniform response, super-cardioid rejection, hum-buck coil, bass roll-off switch, and Memraflex™ grille screen.

RE10: Variable-D™ Dynamic Super-Cardioid

A moderate-cost microphone for sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and stage work. Similar to the RE15 but with slightly more unit-to-unit variability. Features effective directional control, minimal off-axis coloration, 150° rejection, and a bass roll-off switch.

RE11: Variable-D™ Dynamic Super-Cardioid

An excellent microphone for broadcast and quality sound reinforcement, the RE11 shares many features with the RE16 but is more moderately priced. It includes a built-in blast filter, Memraflex™ grille screen, high directional control, minimal off-axis coloration, 150° rejection, and a bass roll-off switch.

C015P: Phantom Powered Condenser Cardioid

A high-performance condenser microphone for recording, broadcast, and sound reinforcement, offering directional pickup and wideband frequency response. It features shaped distant response, handles high sound pressure levels (141 dB), and has a desirable proximity effect. The CS15P is rugged and part of the "System C" interchangeable element design.

C035: Single-D Dynamic Cardioid

Designed for professional entertainers, the C035 features a Single-D design that emphasizes low frequencies in close-up, hand-held applications. It boasts extremely linear, extended high-frequency response due to its unique diaphragm assembly. It offers high gain-before-feedback and includes an integral blast filter and internal shock mount.

RE55: Dynamic Omnidirectional

The RE55 offers the widest frequency response among E-V dynamic microphones (40-20,000 Hz). It is known for its flat on-axis response, long-term stability, and omnidirectional pattern, making it suitable for acoustic measurements and spaced-pair stereo recordings. It handles high sound pressure levels and features a long, slim styling.

D054: Dynamic Omnidirectional

Based on the RE55, the D054 is a moderately priced omnidirectional microphone with flat response from 50-18,000 Hz. It is favored by serious amateur recordists and features a slim, short styling.

D056: Shock-Mounted Dynamic Omnidirectional

A shock-mounted omnidirectional microphone for broadcast and sound reinforcement. It isolates handling noise and cord vibration from the element. Features response extending to 18,000 Hz, with a slow roll-off below 200 Hz and emphasis in the 2,000-12,000 Hz range for vocal quality. Includes a high-density Acoustifoam™ blast filter.

RE50: Shockproof Dynamic Omnidirectional

Designed for hand-held news gathering, the RE50 offers tailored frequency response and high output, similar to the 635A. Its "mike-within-a-mike" shock-mount design provides exceptional shock isolation. Features a built-in windscreen and a rugged extruded aluminum case.

635A: Dynamic Omnidirectional

The 635A is renowned for its ruggedness and durability. It has a moderately high output level suitable for studio and field use. Its response is shaped for up-close vocals, providing bright yet natural quality without excessive low-frequency noise pickup. It features a four-stage filter for "P-pop" protection.

CL42S: Cardiline™ Condenser Unidirectional

The CL42S is a highly directional shotgun microphone, combining line and hyper-cardioid patterns. It offers extended reach and ambient noise rejection. Features a line-bypass port for low-frequency response ideal for boom use and diffraction vanes for high-frequency directivity. Operates on phantom, A-B standard, or A-B reverse power.

DL42: Cardiline™ Dynamic Unidirectional

State-of-the-art in super-directional dynamics, the DL42 uses E-V's patented Cardiline™ design. It offers more uniform mid and high-frequency response and directivity than other shotguns. Diffraction vanes maintain high-frequency directivity, and it provides a tighter low-frequency pattern for extended reach. Ideal for booms, fishpoles, or hand-held use.

CH15S: Condenser Single-D Hyper-cardioid

Developed for TV and motion picture boom/fish pole use, the CH15S is lightweight and highly directional. It maintains a uniform hyper-cardioid pattern with extreme nulls at 120° off-axis. Features a contoured response below 200 Hz to eliminate sub-sonic noise and uses the same power as the CL42S. It is part of the "System C" interchangeable element design.

C090 and C090E: Miniature Condenser Omnidirectionals

Reliable and versatile condenser lavalier microphones for broadcasting and sound reinforcement. Frequency response is tailored for the lavalier chest position, matching the sound of high-quality handheld microphones. C090 includes a battery/transformer housing; C090E interfaces directly with wireless transmitters.

RE85: Shock-Mounted Miniature Dynamic Omnidirectional

A lavalier microphone offering excellent protection from mechanical noise via an internally shock-mounted capsule. Features response tailored for the lavalier chest position and a durable steel case. Includes neck cord, tie clasp, and cable belt clip.

C085: Condenser Omnidirectional

A small, discreet condenser microphone easily disguised as a tie tac or lapel pin. It can be used with battery power or powered by wireless transmitters/recorders. Response is shaped for wide-range performance in the lavalier chest position.

649B: Miniature Dynamic Omnidirectional

A popular, small, lightweight dynamic lavalier microphone for TV applications. Features traditional E-V ruggedness with a turned aluminum case. Frequency response is tailored for balanced performance in the lavalier chest position, ideal for concealment and hands-free movement.

667A: Programmable-Response Dynamic Variable-D™ Cardioid

Designed for boom-mounting in broadcast/recording, the 667A has an adjustable passive equalizer for 6 different response curves to adapt to acoustical problems or create special effects. Features high output, Variable-D design, and a special shock mount. Low sensitivity to hum allows use near lights and AC lines.

RE51: Headband Mount Miniature Dynamic Omnidirectional

For sportscasters, lecturers, or any situation requiring hands-free use. The RE51 provides constant level and high relative level over background noise. It can be used with the supplied headband or attached to eyeglasses. The preamp/equalizer box includes a cough button, on-off switch, and battery test.

Microphone Accessories

Electro-Voice offers a comprehensive range of accessories to enhance microphone performance and usability:

• Cables: Various lengths and connector types for connecting microphones to audio equipment.
• Shock Mounts: Isolate microphones from mechanical vibrations and handling noise.
• Stand Clamps and Mounts: Securely attach microphones to stands, booms, or other surfaces, some offering shock isolation.
• Desk Stands: Provide stable placement for microphones on flat surfaces, some with integrated switches.
• Electrical Accessories: Include phantom power supplies (AC24), battery power supplies (BS9), attenuators (380), and low-frequency cutoff filters (513A).
• Windscreens: Made from Acoustifoam™ to reduce wind noise, plosives ("P-pops"), and mechanical noise. Various models are available for specific microphones.

Sentry V Studio Monitor

The Sentry V studio monitor represents Electro-Voice's commitment to accurate sound reproduction in the studio. It features a uniform frequency response and symmetrical dispersion for objective judgment of input signals.

Key features include:

• Tweeter: ST350A radial horn design with a 120° coverage angle, rotatable for horizontal placement.
• Woofer: High-efficiency ten-inch woofer providing extended, boom-free bass response (3 dB down at 45 Hz).
• Enclosure Design: Optimized vented system based on Thiele principles for clean upper bass and midrange reproduction.
• Efficiency: High sensitivity (96 dB, 1 watt, 1 meter) suitable for use with lower-powered amplifiers.

Specifications:

The optional SEQ Equalizer extends the low-frequency response to 32 Hz.

Warranty Information

Electro-Voice provides robust warranties for its professional products:

• Professional Microphones: Guaranteed unconditionally against malfunction from any cause for two years from the date of original purchase. Additionally, there is a lifetime guarantee against acoustic system malfunction due to defects in workmanship and materials. Active electronics are guaranteed for three years.
• Sentry Monitor: Guaranteed for five years from the date of original purchase against malfunction due to defects in workmanship and materials.

Warranty service requires delivery of the product prepaid to an Electro-Voice service facility. The warranty does not cover finish, appearance items, cables, connectors, or switches, nor malfunction due to abuse or operation outside specified conditions.