Item: Heil PR35, Live Dynamic Microphone
Price: £286 (UK), $269 (US)
Quick Singer Assessment:
This is an impressive mic that makes vocals sound rich and full. Good resistance to feedback, though not the first choice for a very high-volume rock environment.
At a Glance
Heil’s PR35 is a handheld cardioid dynamic vocal microphone that uses a large 1.5″ element to produce a wider frequency response than many live dynamic mics, as well as provide natural vocal articulation and good sound rejection from the sides and rear. It is designed as a vocal mic to work well for commercial broadcast, recording, and live sound reinforcement applications. It is supplied with a microphone clip that mounts to any 5/8″ 27-thread mic stand – it also comes with a leatherette carrying case and wind screen.
High Notes
The PR35’s wide frequency response (40 Hz – 18 kHz) offers a condenser-like sound quality without the need for phantom power. It produces a very rich vocal sound that works partially well on making softer vocals sound larger than life. As well as being available in handheld form, it is also available as a wireless capsule that works with wireless systems from Shure and Line6. The body of the microphone has a rubbery finish, making it easy to hold on stage as well as helping to reduce handling noise. There is also a recessed three-position switchable low-cut filter with 3dB or 6dB roll-off to help with any other unwanted rumbles.
Off Pitch
The PR35 has a slightly differently tailored frequency response than some other common live vocal mics, such as Shure’s Beta 58. This means that it can require a little more EQ processing to get the best sound out of it in some live situations for some singers. Also, the microphone is fairly fussy about mic technique and it can be a little prone to plosives if you are a singer who likes to get very close to the microphone grille.
Audio-Savvy Reviewer Says…
The PR35 has a solid and well-articulated sound that makes vocals sound rich and full. It offers a reasonable resistance to feedback, however it is probably not the best choice for a loud rock band where vocal level is more important than vocal tone. Overall the Heil PR35 is an impressive mic that competes well in terms of sound quality against offerings from more established brands such as Shure and Sennheiser; that said, it is not necessarily the perfect mic for all settings and can require a little extra work to get the best sound from it. – Chris Kennedy
Manufacturer’s Website: http://www.heilsound.com/pro/
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Chris Kennedy is a songwriter, producer multi-instrumentalist and freelance journalist from the UK. He has performed extensively over Europe and written and produced over a dozen albums. Chris also has a passion for music technology and was the principal product reviewer and tech expert of the original Voice Council magazine.
