Electro-Voice RE320 Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone vs Shure PG ALTA 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit for

Overview of the Electro-Voice RE320 and Shure PG ALTA 7-Piece Kit

The Electro-Voice RE320 is a single dynamic microphone, while the Shure PG ALTA is a complete seven-piece drum microphone kit. With a price difference of $344.00, the Shure kit is positioned as a more comprehensive solution for drummers. Each product serves distinct purposes, with the RE320 focusing on versatility for various instruments and the PG ALTA tailored specifically for full drum kit performance.

Design and Build Quality

The Electro-Voice RE320 boasts a durable design, which is essential for both studio and live settings. Its integrated humbucking coil helps minimize unwanted noise, ensuring a clean sound. On the other hand, the Shure PG ALTA kit includes multiple microphones designed for specific drum components, all packaged with drum mounts and cables in a sturdy carrying case. While the RE320 is a single unit, the build quality of each microphone in the Shure kit is also robust, catering to various performance scenarios.

Sound Quality

The Electro-Voice RE320 is known for its "Dual Personality" frequency response switch, allowing users to switch between a flat response and a tailored kick drum EQ. This feature enhances its versatility, making it suitable for vocals, instruments, and particularly for bass drums. In contrast, the Shure PG ALTA kit includes a specialized PGA52 microphone for kick drums, along with other microphones designed for snare, toms, and cymbals. The PG ALTA microphones are engineered to deliver excellent sound quality across the full drum kit, making it a solid choice for drummers looking for a comprehensive audio solution.

Price Point Comparison

The Electro-Voice RE320 is priced at $315.00, while the Shure PG ALTA kit retails for $659.00. This makes the RE320 about 52% cheaper than the Shure kit. For those on a budget or those who require a single versatile microphone, the RE320 presents an attractive option. However, for drummers needing a complete setup, the investment in the Shure kit may be justified by its broader capabilities and included components.

Target Audience

The Electro-Voice RE320 is ideal for musicians and engineers who need a reliable microphone for various applications, including vocals and instruments beyond just drums. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among audio professionals. Conversely, the Shure PG ALTA kit targets drummers specifically, offering a complete package for live performances and studio recordings. Musicians who require multiple microphones to cover all aspects of their drum kit will find the Shure kit particularly appealing.

Versatility and Use Cases

The RE320 excels in versatility, functioning effectively for vocals, guitars, and various instruments, thanks to its adjustable EQ settings. This makes it a valuable tool for musicians who perform across multiple genres. The Shure PG ALTA kit, however, is tailored for full drum kit applications, including kick, snare, and toms, making it less versatile but highly effective within its niche. Drummers will benefit from its focused design, while others may find the RE320's adaptability more useful.

Sales and Popularity

The Electro-Voice RE320 has a sales rank of 76,619, indicating a moderate level of popularity among consumers. In contrast, the Shure PG ALTA kit enjoys a significantly better sales rank of 22,556, reflecting its appeal and reliability in the drummer community. This difference in popularity may suggest that more users favor the comprehensive nature of the Shure kit for its intended audience.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Electro-Voice RE320 and the Shure PG ALTA 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit largely depends on your specific needs. If you are a multi-instrumentalist or need a high-quality microphone for varied applications, the RE320 offers a great balance of quality and versatility at a lower price point. However, if you are a drummer looking for a complete solution to mic your entire kit, the Shure kit provides everything you need to achieve professional sound quality. Ultimately, choose based on your primary use case: general versatility or specialized drum performance.