Electro-Voice RE420 Handheld Condenser Microphone
Best handheld condenser for vocalists seeking studio-quality sound on stage.
Elevate your live performances with the Electro-Voice RE420, a handheld condenser microphone designed for studio-quality sound on stage. Engineered for vocalists and musicians, it delivers exceptional detail and clarity, capturing a rich, full-bodied sound with a clear low end and crisp highs. Its cardioid pattern ensures excellent feedback resistance, while the integrated multi-stage pop filter and switchable high-pass filter manage plosives and rumble for pristine audio. This versatile microphone is perfect for both vocals and instruments in demanding live environments.
$468.42
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
193
/ 1735
#193 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-8%
Below average
Microphone Type
Handheld Condenser
/ Handheld Condenser
Who it's for
- Singers wanting clean vocal tracks without bulky external windscreens
- Vocalists seeking studio-quality detail in live performances
- Active performers needing minimal handling noise during movement
Who should skip it
- Artists performing on loud stages with significant ambient bleed
- Users relying on basic mixers lacking phantom power
- Performers working in high-volume, feedback-prone stage environments
Performance breakdown
Vocal Clarity
Captures nuanced vocal textures with impressive studio-grade precision.
Feedback Rejection
Maintains a stable signal even in challenging, high-volume stage environments.
Plosive Control
Integrated filtering effectively tames harsh consonants without sacrificing high-end detail.
Build Durability
Rugged construction stands up to the rigors of frequent touring.
Low-End Management
Switchable high-pass filter keeps stage rumble from muddying the mix.
Versatility
Performs equally well on acoustic instruments as it does for vocals.
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Handheld Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
50Hz to 20kHz
Power Requirement
Phantom-powered
Connectivity
XLR
Mounting Type
Handheld
Included Accessories
Pop Filter
Features
- Studio-grade condenser sound for live use
- Exceptional detail and clarity
- Rich, full-bodied vocal tone
- Superior feedback rejection
- Built-in pop filter reduces plosives
- Switchable high-pass filter for rumble control
- Versatile for vocals and instruments
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Electro-Voice RE420 for its exceptional sonic quality and robust build, positioning it as a premium live microphone. Reviewers consistently highlight its pristine, airy vocal capture, which rivals much more expensive studio condensers. The tight cardioid pattern offers excellent feedback rejection, making it highly reliable for demanding stage use. Its durable, all-metal construction reinforces its road-worthiness. While it requires phantom power, users feel the professional articulation and presence justify this condenser characteristic. The RE420 is viewed as a superior, dependable tool that delivers professional-grade performance, validating its value in the handheld market.
Know before you buy
Yes, as a condenser microphone, the RE420 requires 48V phantom power from your mixer or audio interface to function.
The cardioid pattern is specifically designed to focus on the sound source directly in front of the mic while rejecting noise from the sides and rear, which helps significantly with feedback control on stage.
While it is optimized for vocalists, the RE420 is versatile enough to capture instruments like acoustic guitars or percussion, thanks to its wide frequency response and detailed condenser capsule.
The high-pass filter helps clean up your audio by reducing low-frequency rumble, stage vibrations, or excessive proximity effect, resulting in a tighter and more professional sound.
The RE420 features an integrated multi-stage pop filter designed to manage plosives internally, so an external windscreen is generally not required for standard vocal performances.
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$468