Heil PR-30/40 or Kel HM-2d?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dickiefunk
  • Start date Start date

Which mic?

  • Heil PR-30

    Votes: 2 16.7%

  • Heil PR-40

    Votes: 6 50.0%

  • Kel Hm-2d

    Votes: 4 33.3%
  • Total voters
    12
dickiefunk

dickiefunk

New member
Hi.

I'm in the market for a new vocal mic and am torn between getting a Heil PR-30/40 or Kel HM-2d?

I already own a Rode NT-1a, MXL v67g, Studio Projects B1 ad T.Bone RM700 ribbon mic.

I would like something to record vocals through my M-Audio Tampa that sounds smooth and warm.

Bob Heil recommends the PR-35 and PR-30 more for vocals.

I don't have a properly treated vocal room. I normally hang duvets behind the vocalist and also use a T.Bone Mic Shield (reflexion filter type device).
Maybe a dynamic would be a better option in my not great room?

What would you recommend out of these two?
 
Neither.

The Bluebird by Blue is very nice and warm...
 
It looks like you already have a few condensers. Why not go with the Heil and add a dynamic to the mix,

Juan
 
juan162 said:
It looks like you already have a few condensers. Why not go with the Heil and add a dynamic to the mix,

Juan
Click to expand...

I agree. The dynamic mic would also reduce the ill effects of your untreated room.
 
Thanks for the replies!

I've decided to go with getting one of the Heil dynamic mics.

Just can't decide between PR-30 or PR-40?
 
Go to www.cheapham.com and get the PR40 for $280, best price anywhere.

The PR40 will mop the floor with that cheap Kel, no contest, not even close.

The PR30 and PR40 are the most condensor-like dynamic mics I've ever used. Just make sure you notice that the PR is end address, not side address, despite the shape and appearance.
 
...I record vocal tracks regularly in an untreated room with only a reflexion filter type isolator, and the PR 40 and Shure SM7B have become my "go to" mics...the dynamics mics are much less vulnerable to ambient noise, and the PR40 manages to impart a more condenser-like sheen to the tracks...great mic for the money!...highly recommended ;)
 
I'm new to Heil Mics. How does the PR40 compare to the SM7? Is the PR40 designed to be a similar sounding mic to the SM7? Where do they make their mics?
 
This is the vocalist I need the mic for:-

http://www.richnley.co.uk/audio_clips.html

I made that recording using a VTB1 (I think, long time ago) and a Studio Projects B1. I had no room treatment at all.

Since then I bought an M-Audio Tampa, DMP3, MXL v67g and a T.Bone Mic Screen.

I haven't had a chance to try these out yet so I may find these are already an improvement?

I found the original recording I did the vocals sounded very harsh and almost distorted?
 
valverec said:
I'm new to Heil Mics. How does the PR40 compare to the SM7? Is the PR40 designed to be a similar sounding mic to the SM7? Where do they make their mics?
Click to expand...

...the PR40 is a dynamic (like the SM7) that is "voiced" to sound more like a condenser mic (more defined clarity and cleaner bass response)...it actually delivers the goods...more "open" and "airy" than the SM7, but still resistant to ambient noise unlike true condenser mics...

...Bob Heil is a legend in the speaker/microphone/broadcast design industry...he invented the "talk box" for guitar (as used by Jeff Beck, Peter Frampton and Joe Walsh, among others)...I believe the mics are American made...serious quality for reasonable dollars...read more here:
http://www.heilsound.com/pro/

...BTW, that's a PR40 on David Letterman's desk...not actually being used, but the sound engineer on Letterman's staff is a big Heil fan...
 
kidvybes said:
...the PR40 is a dynamic (like the SM7) that is "voiced" to sound more like a condenser mic (more defined clarity and cleaner bass response)...it actually delivers the goods...more "open" and "airy" than the SM7, but still resistant to ambient noise unlike true condenser mics...
Click to expand...

I couldn't have said it any better myself! :)

And I would add that it is much smoother and pleasing than the almost brash, almost shrill sound you might get from some of the budget condensors. If I were forced to choose between the PR30/PR40 and any condensor mic under $300 bucks, I would choose the Heil EVERY TIME!
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

I've ended up going with the Heil PR-35. I thought it was about time I got a decent dynamic mic in my collection. Bob Heil recommended the PR-35 as the best option for recording vocals!

Will be trying it out this week along with my MXL v67g!
 
dickiefunk said:
Thanks for the replies guys.

I've ended up going with the Heil PR-35. I thought it was about time I got a decent dynamic mic in my collection. Bob Heil recommended the PR-35 as the best option for recording vocals!

Will be trying it out this week along with my MXL v67g!
Click to expand...

Don't forget to post reviews/sample recording. I primarily record vocals too and would like to know what the PR-35 sounds like,

juan162
 
kidvybes said:
...the PR40 is a dynamic (like the SM7) that is "voiced" to sound more like a condenser mic (more defined clarity and cleaner bass response)...it actually delivers the goods...more "open" and "airy" than the SM7, but still resistant to ambient noise unlike true condenser mics...

...Bob Heil is a legend in the speaker/microphone/broadcast design industry...he invented the "talk box" for guitar (as used by Jeff Beck, Peter Frampton and Joe Walsh, among others)...I believe the mics are American made...serious quality for reasonable dollars...read more here:
http://www.heilsound.com/pro/

...BTW, that's a PR40 on David Letterman's desk...not actually being used, but the sound engineer on Letterman's staff is a big Heil fan...
Click to expand...

Very cool, thanks for the info. I'm going to have to give a PR40 a try. Thanks.
 
Well I just tried the Heil PR-35 and MXL v67g

Firstly the MXL v67g appears to be faulty!!!

My first impressions of the Heil - I didn't like it on the source I recorded

I tracked a female vocalist tonight with the Heil PR-35, Rode NT-1a and Studio Projects B1.

I ended up using the Studio Projects B1 on the final takes followed by the Rode NT-1a in close second!?

I much preferred the sound of the B1 and NT-1a through the Tampa and the T.Bone Mic Screen to my old VTB-1 setup.

I am thinking of sending the Heil back and get on Oktava MK-319 or KEL-HM2d.
 
Hi.

I'm thinking I will probably send the Heil PR-35 back and get another condenser mic.

I've just seen the Rode NT-2a for a good price. What are your thoughts on this mic?

I'm also keen on the Oktava MK-319, KEL HM-2D and the AT4040 (secondhand).
 
i have a PR30, which is great...but i've heard the PR40 is very good for vocals. i think the killers use a PR40 for lead vocals, if you want to get an idea of the sound. seems good for rock stuff, like a RE20 or SM7.
 
dickiefunk said:
Hi.

I'm thinking I will probably send the Heil PR-35 back and get another condenser mic.

I've just seen the Rode NT-2a for a good price. What are your thoughts on this mic?

I'm also keen on the Oktava MK-319, KEL HM-2D and the AT4040 (secondhand).
Click to expand...

Never tried a Heil mic. I have an Oktava 319, (modded by Michael Joly) and I am very pleased with it. It was already my favorite vocal mic before the mods, but after mods I would put it up against anything.

Also, FWIW I use a Reflexion filter in an untreated room, and it has eliminated all room issues with the Oktava for vocals.

I've never used the AT4040, but all of the AT mics that I have used have been very useful, a good value, and work well on a varitey of sources. If the price is good on the 4040, you might want to grab it. If it doesn't knock your socks off for vocals, chances are it will be useful for something else.
 
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