Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $84

Standard/Professional

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing a classic workhorse for your audio needs, the Electro Voice 664 is an iconic dynamic microphone, revered for its rugged durability and versatile performance. This microphone is a staple in both studio recording and live sound environments, providing reliable sound capture with a distinctive character. Designed in the mid-20th century, the Electro Voice 664 has maintained its place in the world of audio for its ability to deliver clear, crisp sound across a variety of settings.

The 664’s cardioid pickup pattern ensures excellent off-axis rejection, minimizing unwanted background noise and feedback. Its robust construction makes it ideal for handling the rigors of live performances, yet it remains a favorite in studios for capturing vocals and instruments with warmth and precision. The microphone’s frequency response is tailored to enhance the natural qualities of sound, making it suitable for a wide array of applications, from podcasting to performance.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, the Electro Voice 664 is a reliable choice that combines vintage charm with modern functionality. This microphone is celebrated not just for its sound but also for being a piece of audio history that continues to inspire musicians and audio engineers alike.

Key Features:

  • Cardioid polar pattern for superior off-axis noise rejection
  • Durable all-metal construction for longevity and reliability
  • Tailored frequency response for natural vocal and instrument reproduction
  • Versatile application in studio recording and live performances
  • Iconic design with vintage appeal

Product specs

Brand Electro-Voice
Model 664 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Finish Satin Chrome
Year 1950s
Made In United States
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Passive
Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary application of the Electro Voice 664 microphone?

The Electro Voice 664 is ideal for home and semi-professional recording, as well as for quality sound reinforcement systems, especially in environments with challenging acoustics.

What is the polar pattern of the Electro Voice 664 microphone?

The Electro Voice 664 features a cardioid polar pattern, which helps in minimizing background noise and focusing on the sound source directly in front of the microphone.

How does the Electro Voice 664 handle proximity effect?

The Electro Voice 664 incorporates the "Variable-D Principle," which minimizes proximity effect, allowing for consistent tonal quality regardless of the distance from the sound source.

Is the Electro Voice 664 suitable for vocal recording?

Yes, the Electro Voice 664 is well-suited for vocal recording due to its cardioid pattern and minimal proximity effect, providing clear and focused vocal capture.

Cole Picks Vintage

Cole Picks Vintage

Electro Voice Vintage Dynamic Microphone Shootout (666, 664, RE-15, 635A)

Video thumbnail for Electro Voice Vintage Dynamic Microphone Shootout (666, 664, RE-15, 635A) by Cole Picks Vintage

Electro Voice Vintage Dynamic Microphone Shootout (666, 664, RE-15, 635A)

Cole Picks Vintage

Cole Picks Vintage

Video thumbnail for Gear Talk Tuesday - Electro Voice 664 review by What If Elephants

Gear Talk Tuesday - Electro Voice 664 review

What If Elephants

What If Elephants

Video thumbnail for Electro-Voice 664 by MEI Studio

Electro-Voice 664

MEI Studio

MEI Studio

Video thumbnail for 1960s ElectroVoice EV 664 Dual Impedance Dynamic mic with Cable by GoldenBug

1960s ElectroVoice EV 664 Dual Impedance Dynamic mic with Cable

GoldenBug

GoldenBug

Video thumbnail for I Tested This 70 Year Old Microphone/EV 664: Mic Review/Demo by The Ranger Mike Show

I Tested This 70 Year Old Microphone/EV 664: Mic Review/Demo

The Ranger Mike Show

The Ranger Mike Show

Reviews

PROS

  • Retro aesthetic adds vintage charm

  • Solid build enhances durability

  • Low noise despite high gain requirement

  • Richer lower mids and defined lows compared to SM57

  • Versatile for snare, vocals, and blending with ribbon mics

  • Unique sound provides a good alternative to classic microphones

  • Can be used inside kick drums for a distinct sound

CONS

  • Requires a lot of gain, which might be challenging for some setups

  • Potential ground issues causing hum

  • Adapter or modification needed for older versions with screw-on cable

  • Doesn’t capture sources as faithfully as some other EV models

  • May be considered overpriced by some users

Critic Reviews

Electro-Voice: 664 Microphone | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Electro-Voice 664 microphone offers a unique sound profile with its Variable-D design, minimizing proximity effects and emphasizing low-mids. While its distinct frequency characteristics can add depth to vocals or instruments, they may not suit every application. The mic's de-emphasized high frequencies and inaccurate transient response might be a mismatch for some, but at around $75 used, it presents an intriguing, budget-friendly option for specific uses.

2.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

Has its uses.

This is a 50s cardioid dynamic with an on/off switch meant for public address and dictaphone uses (at one time it was marketed as "the executive"). It doesn't capture a source faithfully like ckassic EV reporter and broadcast dynamics. You see these in music videos because of the retro styling. There was a screw on cable on older versions that need an adapter or modification. The swivel base mounts on a standard thread mic stand.

This mic is extremely useful inside kick drums due to its slow spl handling and thumpy overload character (I'm told that the thump is the diaphragm cartridge smacking into the back of the capsule assembly) and its a very different flavor of bad than an sm57 on anything you would point a 57 at like guitar amps or snares. $100 is too much for one of these but 50 to 80 is fair. They made plenty of them so every should have one.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Astrud Gilberto uses Electro-Voice 664

Astrud Gilberto

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

She uses this microphone in the scene from the movie "Get Yourself a College Girl", where she sings her biggest hit "The Girl from Ipanema". Actually, she doesn't really use it, because she steps away from the microphone and sings too.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Electro-Voice Dynamic Microphones

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jeromy
    jeromy

    Gear IQ 238