Head-to-head comparison
Electro-Voice RE20 vs Sennheiser MD 421-II
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)
Sennheiser MD 421-II
Pros
- Five-position low-cut filter built in
- Broadcast-grade build and tone
- Flattering on deep voices
Watch-outs
- Stand clamp is famously fragile
- $275-$449 puts it in premium tier
- Needs clean preamp gain
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 Sennheiser MD 421-II if
You’re building around . The Sennheiser MD 421-II is a broadcast-grade dynamic mic with a five-position low-cut filter built in. Starting around $275-$449 depending on retailer.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Electro-Voice RE20 do better than Sennheiser MD 421-II?
Electro-Voice RE20's standout is "Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)". Sennheiser MD 421-II doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Five-position low-cut filter built in" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Electro-Voice RE20; if the second does, pick Sennheiser MD 421-II.
What are the trade-offs?
Electro-Voice RE20: $399-$499 puts it out of starter range. Sennheiser MD 421-II: stand clamp is famously fragile. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Electro-Voice RE20 and Sennheiser MD 421-II 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 Sennheiser MD 421-II for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.