512 Audio Limelight Dynamic Vocal XLR Microphone featuring a Hypercardioid Polar Pattern Designed for Podcasting, Broadcasting and Streaming

I've had and used RE-20's for decades. This is the first copy of that classic mic that I've tried that comes even close. And close it is. I did a mic test using an RE-20 and the Limelight. Spoken word only cuz, well this IS a classic announcer/voice over mic after all!! Careful critical listening on both JBL studio monitors and Sony MDR7506 pro headphones left me shaking my head....in a pleasant kind of way. I'm blown away at how accurately this mic reproduces the specific characteristics of a classic mic costing about four times as much.If you are doing voice over work or podcasting, this would be a tremendous addition to your mic locker. Same if you happen to be in the radio biz. Superb announcer mic.One other way the RE-20 has been used historically is as a kick drum mic. I have yet to test that as my drum kit is in another studio at the moment. Once it's back in my studio I'll do a few tests and update this review.

I purchased, before this, a cheapo pack that came with an entire set including boom and puffer thingy. I don't know why I got that, maybe for parts, which I did attempt to use.This mic, however, was something I investigated and it sounded exactly like a $3,200 dollar mic that I was tracing down for a few days. So, since this was the less expensive of the two, I chose this. I suspect that I dogged a bullet by not buying the $3,200 dollar one since I would still not be able to tell the difference and I think I have a pretty good ear.The condenser, which amounted to about a $10 purchase among the $25 I spent, sounded much better and I would have used it had I been able to condition my environment for a boom but I ended up not using either of the mics. This one was ok, but did not give me the flexibility I wanted, because of its type, but more importantly it did not sound even half as good as the cheapo condenser I got with a package deal.I'm not pleased with the purchase but it may come in handy one day, I won't call it a complete waste of money since I'm sure a regular user would be able to appreciate it somewhat, but I do not sit at a desk which give me a bit more grief, other than the lack of sound quality, than most people would go through.

The audio quality of this mic is good. Especially with some EQ you can get it sounding like the Rode Procaster or SM7b. However. It feels like cheap plastic to the touch and there’s a crazy amount of handling noise. If you even tap the desk that it’s mounted on you’ll hear it in your audio. 4 for sound quality. 1 for build quality.

Does it work for kick drums like an RE-20...? Yes, yes it does. I've used a D112 for years and wanted the RE-20-Style thump for a different flavor without the price tag. Is it a perfect clone? No, not really. Much lighter, a bit woofier than a real EV. Does it do the thing I wanted it for? Yes it does! The tone is pretty true to the drum, a little bump in the mids from what I can hear in the room, but easily rounded out with gentle EQ.

The microphone element may be quality, though I really wasn't impressed and in comparison to sm7b or re-20 it falls quite short. The main issue is the body. It's noisier than a trashcan filled with squirrels. Not usable in any serious application but for the price I know there are much better and usable options.

Can't recommend this mic at the MSRP, but it seems to go on sale fairly often for as low as $60-$40.At those prices it's an instant pickup. Plug and play the mic sounds great and is tuned for a podcast, full and somewhat bassy tone. Using a competent EQ, you can enhance everything about the mic to punch far above it's price range.Yes it looks like an RE-20 and it can sound like one if you EQ it too. But understand it's limitations. 1. It doesn't like to be handled, so get a sturdy mic stand or arm for it. 2. Plosives are prevalent, so watch your speaking pattern or throw on a foam windscreen.Other than that, enjoy!