Setting up a home studio can be an exciting project, especially when you choose the right equipment. The Electro-Voice RE20 is a popular microphone among podcasters, broadcasters, and musicians for its durability and excellent sound quality. This article provides a complete walkthrough to help you create a professional home studio using the RE20.

Choosing the Right Space

Before selecting your equipment, identify a suitable space in your home. Look for an area with minimal background noise and natural sound dampening, such as carpets, curtains, and bookshelves. Avoid rooms with large windows or hard surfaces that can cause echo and reverb.

Essential Equipment

  • Electro-Voice RE20 Microphone
  • Audio Interface (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)
  • Microphone Boom Arm or Stand
  • Pop Filter
  • Headphones (Studio Quality)
  • Acoustic Treatment Materials

Setting Up the Microphone

Begin by attaching the RE20 to a sturdy boom arm or microphone stand. Position the microphone approximately 6 to 12 inches from your mouth, slightly off-axis to reduce plosive sounds. Attach a pop filter in front of the microphone to minimize unwanted noise from consonants like 'p' and 'b'.

Connecting and Configuring

Connect the RE20 to your audio interface using an XLR cable. Power on your audio interface and connect it to your computer via USB. Install any necessary drivers or software provided by the interface manufacturer. In your recording software, select the audio interface as your input device.

Adjusting Levels

Speak into the microphone at your normal volume and adjust the gain on your audio interface so that the input levels peak around -6 dB to -12 dB. Avoid clipping or distortion by keeping levels within this range.

Acoustic Treatment

Enhance your recording environment by adding acoustic panels, bass traps, and diffusers. These materials help absorb unwanted reflections and echoes, resulting in clearer audio. Position panels at first reflection points and behind your microphone for optimal results.

Testing and Optimization

Record test audio and listen critically. Adjust microphone position, gain settings, and acoustic treatments as needed. Use headphones to monitor your sound in real-time and ensure clarity and absence of background noise.

Additional Tips for a Professional Sound

  • Maintain consistent distance from the microphone during recordings.
  • Use a reflection filter if your space is particularly echo-prone.
  • Regularly update your recording software and drivers.
  • Experiment with microphone placement to find the most natural sound.

Conclusion

Creating a home studio with the Electro-Voice RE20 is a manageable and rewarding process. By choosing the right space, equipment, and acoustic treatments, you can achieve professional-quality recordings suitable for podcasts, music, or voice-over work. Happy recording!