Head-to-head comparison
Electro-Voice RE20 vs Tascam DR-40X
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)
Tascam DR-40X
Pros
- Adjustable built-in mic angle
- Doubles as 2-in/2-out USB interface
- Long battery life on AA cells
Watch-outs
- Preamps noisier than Zoom H-series
- No 32-bit float (gain still matters)
- Menus feel dated; DR-40XP succeeds it
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 Tascam DR-40X if
You’re building around . The Tascam DR-40X is the legacy four-track field recorder, around $230-$300 depending on retailer. Adjustable built-in mic angle, doubles as a USB audio interface, long battery life.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Electro-Voice RE20 do better than Tascam DR-40X?
Electro-Voice RE20's standout is "Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)". Tascam DR-40X doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Adjustable built-in mic angle" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Electro-Voice RE20; if the second does, pick Tascam DR-40X.
What are the trade-offs?
Electro-Voice RE20: $399-$499 puts it out of starter range. Tascam DR-40X: preamps noisier than zoom h-series. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Electro-Voice RE20 and Tascam DR-40X 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 Tascam DR-40X for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.