Head-to-head comparison
Electro-Voice RE20 vs MOTU M2
Two of the equipment tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Electro-Voice RE20
Pros
- Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)
- Broadcast-grade tone, used at major stations
- Built to last decades
Watch-outs
- $399-$499 puts it out of starter range
- 309A shock mount sold separately
- Needs ~60dB clean gain (Cloudlifter often helps)
MOTU M2
Pros
- Full-color LCD metering for all I/O
- ESS Sabre32 DAC, 120dB dynamic range
- 2.5ms latency, audiophile-grade converters
Watch-outs
- 60dB gain still tight for SM7B
- Software bundle thinner than Scarlett
- Two inputs only
Which one should you pick?
Pick Electro-Voice RE20 if
You’re building around . The RE20 is the broadcast-industry standard for a reason — Variable-D pattern means proximity effect stays minimal even when you move close. Currently around $399-$499 at major retailers.
Pick MOTU M2 if
You’re building around . The MOTU M2 is the audiophile pick at the $200 entry-level price point — same ESS Sabre32 DAC found in interfaces costing thousands, 120dB dynamic range, ultra-low 2.5ms latency.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Electro-Voice RE20 do better than MOTU M2?
Electro-Voice RE20's standout is "Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)". MOTU M2 doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Full-color LCD metering for all I/O" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Electro-Voice RE20; if the second does, pick MOTU M2.
What are the trade-offs?
Electro-Voice RE20: $399-$499 puts it out of starter range. MOTU M2: 60db gain still tight for sm7b. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Electro-Voice RE20 and MOTU M2 together?
Both are equipment tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Electro-Voice RE20 for one show or episode type and MOTU M2 for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.