First of all, it's not the same thing, or else it would have the same model number. :) Looking up the specs, they both have the same frequency response, output level, and polar response pattern.
The RE-10 is a much lighter weight (6 ounces vs. 18.5 ounces for the 664). It has a switch actuator on the side near the bottom of the barrel that controls a manual filter to flatten out the response, the 664a does not. The 664a is Hi-Z and Lo-Z depending on how you want to use it. The RE-10 is Low-Z only. To use it through a Hi-Z amp requires an impedance matching transformer.
Personally, I think the EV 664a is too heavy for harp use, and the shell is chrome over steel. Plus it has the base on it (to be used with a mic stand) with an on-off switch. I had an EV 660, my first mic, that has similar specs as both of these mics, and was 10.5 ounces. THAT mic was quite heavy, and I since have sold it. I can't imagine playing through an eighteen and one-half ounce mic. That's two times more weight than an RE-10. That's simply crazy. It's an awkward, heavy mic.
If I may ask, for how much is he selling the EV 664a? They sell on eBay for $50 to $150. They are plentiful. On the other hand, RE-10's, even in crappy condition, cannot be had for less than $150 most of the time, and are getting more rare.
I own 2 RE-10's. One is in Good to Very Good condition that I paid $160 for over 5 years ago and is going strong. The other is in Mint-Near Mint condition that I picked up on eBay for $30 from a seller who didn't know what he had. I would not sell that one for less than $350. I love the mic. It is my go-to mic along with an EV 606 and an EV 635a. I love everything about it, especially the ability to cup the mic while playing as well as the tone.
I would take a pass on the 664a. If it means anything, no one uses them for harp, while the RE-1O was formerly used by Jason Ricci, and is currently used by Howard Levy and Carlos Del Junco. Billy Branch occasionally uses one too (I gave him one). That fact alone tells you that the mics are NOT the same.
One more thing - I found the ad on eBay you are referring to, where the seller says that it's 'same as the RE-10". He states that if you take the base off, that makes it a EV 660. Well, then it's a EV 660 with a base and on-off switch. It's NOT an RE-10. The sound of a 660 is decent, but RE-10's have more bottom IMHO.
Hope this helps.
Last Edited by atty1chgo on Jun 18, 2017 11:21 AM
I would love to get my hands on an re10... increasingly rare indeed. I got a really nice 664 on the cheap- gorgeous looking mic. And imho, they do sound excellent for harp- but really impractical. Huge. Heavy... and I'm not squeamish with a bit of weight. I played a 545 pistol grip for quite a while... the 664 makes that thing seem like a feather. Years ago, Ron Sunshine sold a bunch of 664's chopped, and called them "the hog". They sound great but now you would be adding some significant $$ to get that done. I gave it serious thought but decided to pass. Enjoying using the 664 as a great sounding and looking vocal mic. Adds some nice color and punch, while also buttery with nice bottom and mids.
Last Edited by Chaz on Jun 18, 2017 3:28 PM
Chaz - The mic that bluzmn is talking about is a 664A, not a 664. The EV 664 is that long, heavy rock-a-billy vintage 50's mic. The 664A is a 660 with a base and on-off switch. I put the websites for the spec sheets of each mic below, which also shows a photograph.
