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A review of a pre-production Heil PR 30 dynamic
microphone
by radio amateur Don Snodgrass “K4QKY”
Greater demand for superior microphones
You know the old saying, “Great mic… great sounding
audio”. Well, it’s no longer quite that simple. Today’s
hams often employ sophisticated internal and external
audio processing techniques. However, the right
microphone can make a significant difference. For most
hams, the microphone remains the most critical piece of
gear to accurately capture vocal sound. Start with a
proper microphone and you have more than an excellent
chance of coming up with a quality sounding amateur radio
station.
Heil steps it up a notch
Bob
Heil has established a
reputation for innovation over the years. He
continues to produce superior quality microphones for
amateur radio applications. Now, with the advent of
the PR30, Heil Sound is looking beyond amateur radio to
new markets including commercial radio, live sound and
studio recording.
The PR30, although outwardly looking like many studio
condenser microphones, is a true dynamic microphone
designed to meet the demanding needs of amateur radio
operations on all levels, straight into the radio or
though external audio procession equipment. There are
currently four models in the PR series, the PR20, PR30,
PR40 and PR780. The PR40 is expected to be the top of the
line. The
 PR780, although
similar to the PR30, has been specifically designed for
use with the ICOM 7800 transceiver. The PR20 is
essentially a Goldline Pro with a new look.
Initial impressions
I was favorably impressed by the PR30 as soon as I saw it.
The fit and finish is exceptional. This microphone is
built with Heil’s characteristic sturdiness. The PR30 has
that same solid construction as previous Heil microphones.
However, don’t expect the usual black finish. The PR30’s
exterior is finished in a light metallic grey color.
Several shock mount alternatives
PR series microphones are designed to accept the model
309A suspension shock-mount shown at left. This fairly
expensive mount is typically used with the Eletro Voice
RE20 and RE 27 microphones. Although it wasn’t
available for this review, Bob Heil indicates that a
companion Model SM-3 will be packaged with the PR30, 40
and 780 microphones which most hams will prefer. The
SM-2 shock mount will also work.
How well it works
Of course, the real point of this review is to evaluate
how well the PR30 sounds on the air. For this review,
I evaluated the PR30’s performance in two separate
configurations:
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Configuration A
(no external audio processing) |
Configuration B
(external audio processing) |
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Microphone output straight into microphone input of
a Kenwood TS870. Kenwood TS870 settings as follows:
ü
TX offset 100
ü
TX width 3000
ü
TX EQ “high boost” |
Microphone output into a Presonus tube microphone
preamp; then into a Behringer DEQ2496 processor;
through the W2IHY iBox interface into the microphone
input of a Kenwood TS870. Kenwood TS870 settings as
follows:
ü
TX offset 100
ü
TX width 3000
ü
TX EQ “off” |
Most
hams contacted were impressed with the overall sound of
the PR30. All confirmed that the PR30 benefited from
external processing as described in Configuration B
although the microphone sounded excellent even without
processing.
The received audio trace above was recorded and analyzed
10/30/04 on 17 meters courtesy of VE6CQ “Rick”, a
professional radio broadcaster. Rick was extremely
impressed with the gently falling yet nearly flat audio
trace from about 80Hz to about 3.6KHz. He believes that
the PR30 will be great success for Heil Sound.
Which
PR series to buy?
Since these mics are generally
similar and serve the same set of applications, I’d say go
for the highest in the series you feel you can afford.
The PR30 will suit the needs of most Amateurs. The PR40
with its expected 20Hz – 19KHz frequency response may be a
better choice for the more discerning operator. Any of
the PR series microphones can easily hold a coveted place
in the ham shacks of radio amateurs or any pro audio
application whether on stage or in the studio.
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