In this article, we’ll walk you through setting up the Electro-Voice RE20 dynamic microphone and the Mackie ProFX10v3. The Electro-Voice RE20 is our favorite dynamic microphone, and the Mackie ProFX10v3 is a highly underrated audio mixing console, so we think they make a great pair. 

Quick Answer: Reset the Mackie ProFX10v3 controls, connect the Electro-Voice RE20, then set your levels and gain to give the desired output level. Activate the low cut and adjust EQ and compression to suit your requirements.

How To Set Up The Electro-Voice RE20 & Mackie ProFX10v3

This tutorial focuses on setting up the RE20 with the ProFX10v3, so it starts with the mixer plugged in and connected to a computer. To learn more about doing this, check out our Mackie ProFX10v3 guide.

How To Set Up Electro-Voice RE20 & Mackie ProFX10v3

Total Time: 5 minutes

Reset The Mackie ProFX10v3 Audio Mixer

Ensure that:
– All levels, FX, compression, and gain knobs are turned down.
– EQ and Pan knobs are centered in the 12 o’clock position.
– All channels are muted.

Connect the RE20 to the ProFX10v3

Using a XLR cable

Set the main level knob & activate the level meter

– Turn the level knob to the 12 o’clock (u/zero/unity) position
– Press the “To Phones/CR” button down

Adjust the microphone gain

– Talk into the RE20 and turn up the gain until it peaks between -18dB and -12dB
– For live streams, a peak level of -6 dB can work as well

Activate the low cut

Press down the low cut button on the RE20’s channel strip. We prefer to do this on the mixer rather than use the RE20’s low cut feature as we like to see all of our adjustments in one place on the audio mixer.

Set The EQ

Keep it simple.
Hi – A small boost can make your voice more crisp. A small reduction can prevent some audio feedback.
Mid – A slight boost can help your voice stand out among gain noise.
Low – A small reduction can reinforce the low cut

Set the compressor

We like to set the compressor knob to around 1/3. This is enough to reduce the most dynamic moments while still allowing the emotion of your recording to come through.

Does The Electro-Voice RE20 Need A Cloudlifter Or Inline Preamp With The Mackie ProFX10v3?

Cloudlifter CL-1 Inline Preamp

We don’t think that you need to use a Cloudlifter or inline preamp when using the RE20 with the ProFX10v3; we can achieve the level we need in our recording software and on the mixer without one.

The mixer’s preamp isn’t turned up so high that it creates any noticeable noise, static, or hiss, and we’re happy with how things sound.

If you decide to use a Cloudlifter, you will need to activate 48v phantom power on the mixer. Rest assured that this won’t harm the RE20 or introduce any buzzing or noise to your vocal audio. 

Mackie ProFX10v3 & Electro-Voice RE20 Pricing & Specs

Mackie ProFX10v3 & Electro-Voice RE20 Topics

  • 0:00 – Introduction
  • 1:20 – Connect RE20 To ProFX10v3
  • 2:04 – Gain Setup 
  • 3:35 – Headphone Setup
  • 3:50 – Cloudlifter? Inline Preamp?
  • 4:13 – Low Cut & EQ
  • 5:33 – Compressor
  • 6:25 – Pan & Effects
  • 6:58 – Final Thoughts