Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $119
Standard/Professional
$75
$201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Electro-Voice PL80". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Electro-Voice PL80 is your go-to dynamic microphone for capturing exceptional vocal clarity in live performances and studio sessions alike. Tailored for musicians who demand precision and depth, this microphone stands out with its supercardioid polar pattern, ensuring tight directionality and high gain before feedback. Its robust metal body construction and shock-mounted capsule minimize handling noise, making it road-ready and reliable.
The PL80's frequency response from 80 Hz to 16 kHz, with a gentle presence boost around 5 kHz, gives vocals a natural warmth and presence, while the neodymium magnet ensures high output and operational stability without the need for external power. This makes it an excellent choice for various applications, from concerts to public speaking engagements. The microphone's XLR 3-pin output offers broad compatibility with most microphone preamps, mixers, and portable PA systems, ensuring seamless integration into your existing setup.
Whether you're belting out high notes on stage or delivering a heartfelt speech, the Electro-Voice PL80 delivers consistent performance with impeccable sound quality. Complete with a stand adapter and a soft zippered gig bag for easy transport, this microphone is engineered to meet the demands of both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians.
Key Features:
- Supercardioid polar pattern for tight directionality and high immunity to feedback
- Shock-mounted capsule to reduce handling noise
- Frequency range: 80 Hz to 16 kHz with a presence boost around 5 kHz
- Neodymium magnet for high output and low noise
- Sturdy metal body construction
- Includes stand adapter and soft zippered gig bag
Product specs
| Brand | Electro-Voice |
| Model | PL80 Handheld Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone |
| Finish | Grey |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Microphones |
FAQs
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What is the polar pattern of the Electro-Voice PL80 microphone?
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The Electro-Voice PL80 features a supercardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent off-axis rejection, making it ideal for live vocal performances and reducing background noise.
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What is the frequency response of the Electro-Voice PL80?
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The Electro-Voice PL80 has a frequency response of 80 Hz to 16,000 Hz, offering a tailored vocal presence with a gentle boost around 5 kHz for clarity and articulation.
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Is the Electro-Voice PL80 suitable for live vocal performances?
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Yes, the Electro-Voice PL80 is designed for live vocal performances, with its supercardioid pattern and tailored frequency response providing clear and focused vocal reproduction.
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Does the Electro-Voice PL80 require phantom power?
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No, the Electro-Voice PL80 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power, making it easy to use with various sound systems and mixers.
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What type of connector does the Electro-Voice PL80 use?
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The Electro-Voice PL80 uses a standard 3-pin XLR connector, ensuring compatibility with most professional audio equipment.
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What accessories come with the Electro-Voice PL80 microphone?
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The Electro-Voice PL80 includes a stand adapter with a Euro-thread adapter and a soft zippered gig bag for easy transport and setup.
Videos
ANDREW EIFERT
Sennheiser e845 & e838 , EV PL80 , Shure SM57 Microphone review
Sennheiser e845 & e838 , EV PL80 , Shure SM57 Microphone review
ANDREW EIFERT
Dynamic Shootout: Shure SM58 vs EV PL80 vs EV PL95 vs Sennheiser MD431
Benno Kaiser
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound response with warm lows and clear highs
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Accurate vocal reproduction, great for impersonating singers
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Clear and bright, well-balanced sound with less coloration
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Excellent off-axis rejection due to supercardioid pattern
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Handles EQ and compression well, minimal need for processing
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Sturdy construction, durable for live performances
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Great feedback rejection even near amplifiers
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Offers great value compared to higher-priced alternatives
CONS
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Low output, not ideal for field recording without additional gear
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Heavier and awkward shape for handheld use
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Comparable sound to older models, might not justify an upgrade
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Voice PL80.
Comparisons
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The Electro-Voice PL80 is mentioned alongside the AKG D5, Audix OM2/OM3, and Rode M1 as popular dynamic microphones for live professional use.
Source
Features and functionality
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The PL80 is noted for its cardioid pattern, making it suitable for environments with background noise, like untreated rooms with computers and cooling fans.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The PL80 is highlighted as a solid option for streaming and live vocal applications, particularly where sound isolation is important.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
629
Why is this microphone not popular?
I bought myself the re-issue in black finish called the PL80a. Comparing it to my current microphones I am genuinely surprised why this microphone isn't popular.
It's a supercardioid microphone and it has excellent off axis rejection. Tone wise, it's basically a poor man's Sennheiser BF521. I compared them in a mix and to be honest they sound more or less indistinguishable. Of course by BF521 I mean the first generation non-neodymium BF 521, not the bright neodymium BF 521 II.
Now the bad part. It uses a neodymium magnet but its output is no better than microphones that use ferrite magnet. To be honest its output is more or less same as my BF 521. It's kinda weirdly shaped for a handheld microphone and is uncomfortable to hold compared to a SM58, but if you use it as an instrument microphone or if you use it in a stand then it won't be a problem.
If you're a guitarist and you want a cheap alternative to the old BF 521 or the old MD 421-U then this microphone is your best bet. As for vocalists, well if you prefer use your vocal microphones mounted on a stand then go for this microphone, for folks who like to hold their microphone, it isn't the most comfortable microphone to hold on to.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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