Heil Sound PR 35
Dynamic Microphone
- Rubberized Coating
- Internal Sorbothane Shock Mount
- Large Dynamic Element
- Low Mass Voice Coil
- Mic Clip and Carrying Case Included
- 3-Position Rolloff Switch
- Linear Cardioid Pickup Pattern
REVIEWS
Showing 1 to 20 of 67 Reviews
perfect for some
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by FC on Musicians Friend
I was super excited about getting this mic based on the reviews. i ordered a telefunken m80 as well, with the intention to send back the one i liked less. i also own a sm58. are people still talking about the sm58? you must be losing your hearing or something if you think the 58 sounds even close to competitive. the 58 doesn't even make my top 10. my first reaction on a side by side comparison (after getting the levels even) was literally "laughter." ok, im done talking about the 58. it gets to much attention already. Always remember, there is a different mic that works better for every singer. The pr35 is an epic mic but i want to point out some thing about is that could be undesirable for some. im not going to shower down arrogance and say im a great singer but i will say i have a very deep and thick voice. the pr35 is very good at adding depth. however, for my voice it sounds very obnoxious and over the top. it was very hard to corral the tone for any of the sound tecs i work with. the off axis noise rejection is a very notable thing about it too. the problem for me though is i move my head around a little bit when i sing cause I look down at my guitar neck here and there and it caused a slight fading effect. (Bad habit, I know). so basically, i simply did not love it for my voice. on the flip side, it sounded great for all of the women singers and soft spoken men i sing with. This thing is powerful and loud! If i could define this mic in 1 sentence, i would say " it brings Authority!". i only bring up my problems with the mic to help people with their mic decision. The pr35 is truly the perfect mic for some people... But not me... at all I have used tones of different stage mics in my quest to find "THE MIC". sm58s, a lot of ATs (including their top shelf stage condenser), some middle of the road EVs, Blue 300 (condenser), audix 0m5, the Telefunken m80 and basically any mic i could briefly get my hands on. admittedly i did not get a chance to try the sennhieser e935 or 45. i hear great things though. I really wanted to make a stage condenser work since the sound quality and sensitivity is so great on them. the problem is that in most settings you cant get them to rise above the noise and all the great things about them get lost in the mix. To wrap all this up, i LOVE the telefunken m80. im not gonna go into great detail about it since this review is about the heil sound. i will just say that it is by far my favorite out of everything I've tied or sampled in a live setting (again, for my voice). i hope this review help someone somewhere. vocals are to important to save 150$ on a mic and then turn around and spend thousands on guitars and peddles. be smart, get a great sounding mic... for your crowd, if not for yourself. ... More
EXCELLENT! BUY IT!
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by John on Guitar Center
I purchased this microphone and liked it so much. A week later I purchased the PR35 wireless head to replaced my Shure 87A head on my wireless. I sold my Neumann KMS 105; which is a very good high qualify condenser microphone. This is what I now sing with. I'm a high tenor, I sing 3 full octaves. The PR 35 is the first microphone that allows me to clearly hear by whole voice when singing. Whether you're a singer or a screamer, if you enjoy singing this is the mic for you. I had a couple of questions, so I emailed Bob Heil at Heil Sound and he answered my questions personally. See if you can do that with the other Microphone manufacturers. BUY IT! The product and the company are first class you'll be glad you did. ... More
Good mic, but does NOT have rolloff
Heil Sound PR 35S Large-Diaphram Dynamic Handheld Microphone W/ On/Off Switch
Reviewed by JohnV on Musicians Friend
First Note, I confirmed with Heil Sound Tech Svc. that the MF website lists this item incorrectly. Model Number PR35S (SKU #H70335000000000) DOES NOT have the 3-position roll-off switch as it is described on the Musicians Friend web site. If you order this, the box will say it has a roll-off, the directions will say it has a roll-off, the stock tag will say it has a roll off and the MF website will say it does too. It doesn't. It does have an ON/OFF switch, but that does NOT affect roll-off and there is no small, push-button roll-off switch. Heil says this probably just has to do with MF's stock on hand. whew. All that having been said, the mic sounds great for live vocals. I prefer it to a Senneheiser e935 and prefer it a lot over a Beta58. It's got more definition in the mids and is open without that sibilant quality. You may need to roll off the lows at the mixer a bit because it can get plosive easily (pop filter is included but I've not used it). I sing and play live professionally and tour. Some shows I play with a full 7-piece rock band with two guitars, VERY hard-hitting drummer, horns and backup singers. Some tours I play as an acoustic act with guitar accompanist. Some shows are a stripped-down 4-piece rock format. This mic works great it each context. I take an e935, a Beta58 and this mic on the road but this is now my first choice mic. I've not tried it for recording yet, but if you're looking for a solid vocal mic this is a great one. One final note. About 20 years ago a friend gave my Bob Heil's book "Practical Guide for Concert Sound." I learned a lot form that book and have followed Bob for many years. His designs, like Rupert Neve's are so effective due mostly to their simplicity and consideration of the AUDIENCE. He definitely puts sound quality and personal attention above all else. When you call Heil Sound you get a real person answering the phone. They are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. You can not go wrong with their products. This mic is a great example. I'm glad I have it in my kit. ... More
Game-changer mic
Heil PR35 Handheld Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Frank M. on Reverb
The Heil PR 35 was a game changer for me, but I suspect there will be few middle of the road reviews for this mic. You will totally love it, or vehemently despise it. I have liked Shure Beta 58s and AKG D5s for my vocals, and have been using them for a while. A friend recommended the PR35, so I decided to give it a try. The mic has a 1.5 inch capsule, which is half-again the size of most of the mainstream, hand-held dynamics that I am familiar with. This gives this mic the sensitivity and presence that people typically associate with phantom powered condenser microphones. I had my signal chain set up and gain staged for an AKG D5, which is a pretty hot mic in its own right. When I plugged in the PR 35 and un-muted its mixer channel, I immediately had to yank down the fader. I just had not experienced a dynamic mic with that much signal. As with anything that pushes the envelope, there are pros, cons, and trade-offs. I will break tradition and start with the cons. Handling noise is an issue if you will be moving around a lot with this mic. The mic has a low frequency roll off switch that tames it some, but I feel like I sacrifice too much of the low end dynamics that this mic is entirely capable of faithfully reproducing. I EQ this mic to my taste, elsewhere in the chain. The business end of this mic, due to the larger capsule, is larger than other mics. The other end remains the same, though. With the length of the mic being comparable to "orthodox" mics, the more aggressive taper of the mic body gives it a sneaky tendency to slide out of most mic clips. I keep this mic in a stand, whenever applicable, and ensure that it is secure in the clip. It has a pretty wide cardioid pattern, so keeping the mic in a slightly tail-down aspect is usually not a problem. Gravity is your friend. Again, with an oversized capsule, `plosives are yet another concern. This mic is prone to pops and wind. The foam grill cover provided works great for this, and I certainly use it. Moving on to trade offs. With the issues mentioned above, this is NOT a forgiving mic. With a frequency response that starts around 50 hertz, this mic is capable of too much low end. You can`t eat this mic and expect to sound good. Don't even think about cupping it. The proximity effect on this mic is pronounced, in my opinion. So, taking all of these caveats into account, mic technique becomes paramount. Definately not a beginner mic. It has forced me to improve my mic skills. For me, the sweet spot is a few inches back. Ready for the pros? Having said all the above, I have never sang into a finer microphone. It picks up your true voice, and a lot of it, with little or no coloration. Presence, nuance, and articulation are simply amazing. I believe the frequency response goes up to 18k. Like most vocal mics, it has a slight presence peak that I find rather flattering on many voices. So smooth and clear, with wonderful sheen and zero harshness. There is no problem cutting through the mix. It is simply a superb lead vocal mic. I gladly put up with the foibles of this mic because it is an absolute joy to sing through. Put me firmly in the "love it" category. ... More
very nice
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by jim morrissey ... on Guitar Center
i have been singing in bands for over 30 years.was tierd of the sm 58 industy standard as it was refred to ...then last year someone had a akg790 ..so i tried that..yea lower priced mike but...with the gain turned up there was a chrispness and highend attck that seemed to help me find my voice i knew this was the path i should have followed ..then...it tooka dump on me...started cutting out.etc...i knew it was time to invest in something that would allow me to articulate my sound...bring my voice out...when after singing for 6 years as the voice for the offical Dream Theater Tribute band of the usa..i had developed a sense of the soft articulation labrie uses..i read reveiws...studied them..in fact...i saw the Heil p35...based on what was said here..keep me coming back..i dropped the cash on this one ..and its beena joy to use every chance i get now..the low end cut off switch is an intresting addition..the band i am in had been smiling as well i have clarity ....texturing..so when i soften the end characteristics of a lyrical line..intoa soft vibrato..it all is present not lost in the mix..the mike cuts thru...and ita true joy...look if your after...a sound..and singing is your thing...give this one a try..i would give it 6 stars... ... More
Ads
Something Different
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Jasacatu on Musicians Friend
The PR 35 is very unique mic. The low frequency and output level are greater than most mics. I would suggest that you may need a mixer or preamp that has an adjustable gain sensitivity to avoid overdriving the input. I initially planned to use the PR 35 for live vocal performances, but now that I have some experience with it, I may also find applications in the studio on specific instruments. The abundance of gain caused my small venue live mixer to distort, so for live performances I will use this mic when I also need to carry a mic preamp to send to the board. Congruently, louder venues is where this mic comes into its own. I usually use a vocal condenser in more intimate settings, but on larger stages I was switching to a dynamic (the popular one) to remedy feedback and HF bleed problems. In comparison, the PR 35 is an even better solution once you get the EQ correct. For me, even at its most attenuated position, the LF roll off switch needs assistance for further LF attenuation. The PR 35 LF is THAT huge. After the LF EQ is nailed down the responsiveness of the mic seems to be near perfection. This includes in my experience, minimal proximity problems, very comfortable distance response, and dymamic response, exceptional off-axis balance, as well as excellent feedback rejection. Lastly, there is something interesting about this mic in the mid-range that make it a unique choice for live vocals. ... More
Great Go-To Microphone, Detailed Sound
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by hoovie87 on Musicians Friend
I have been a professional audio engineer for about 8 years now (that option wasn't above). This Heil microphone is the most versatile, go-to microphone that I have ever used. The frequency response is smooth. The transient response and dynamics have a quality to it similar to a more expensive medium diaphragm condenser, and it has a consistent pickup pattern. The only down-side is that it does have a big bottom end if you are used to mics that cut off at 100Hz or more. Most other mics do. I use this microphone on vocals every week live. They also sound amazing on Bass guitar cabinets. It sounds exactly like the cabinet. I have also used these mics when I am not using them on vocals for snare, overheads, electric guitar cabinets, and more. They are always reliable and always sound great. You cannot beat this microphone for the price. I would say double the price to find a similar microphone to pick up the transient detail that this does. At the end of the day, one can EQ a microphone however it is needed to have the curve needed for a show, but what very few mics can do it capture the REAL sound and detail of a source, especially a vocal. If you want to hear the vocal cords, real texture, breath, dynamics, and even the saliva in their mouth, this is the microphone for you at this price point. This review is based on multiple sound systems, in particular Danley SH96 speakers and studio speakers for editing and recording. This is a well rounded mic on any system. ... More
Stevie Wonder uses it. What else is there be said??
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Kova on Guitar Center
As a full time professional singer sound is everything to me. I've tried just about every mic out there. Shure, Sennheiser, EV, Telefunken, Audix, Neumann and on and on... I won't be so egotistical to say everything else sucks because sound is subjective. What sounds average or mediocre to me sounds amazing to someone else. The Heil stands apart for two big reasons. It physically has a much larger diaphragm than just about any other hand held mic out there so from the simple laws of physics, it's louder and fuller. The other reason is that it's very flat and gives a true representation of your voice rather than a "version" of your voice. I'll be completely honest and say that I wish the PR35 sounded more like a "dynamic" mic with some "sizzle" on it, but it's nothing a little bit of EQing can't fix. It's a very flat mic which either you'll love or hate. Personally, I've come to really appreciate how "true" this mic sounds after using for 2 years and occasionally trying something else every couple of months only to say "God that sounds terrible" and wanting to plug my Heil back in right away. I'm trying to give a really objective review because sound is subjective but the bottom line is that the Heil makes everything else sound like a toy. If this mic is good enough for Stevie Wonder and Carrie Underwood, then it's definitely good enough for me. Those two people can use ANY mic on the planet and they choose the PR35. I think it's one of the industries best kept secrets and I'm surprised GC doesn't keep a few in stock at every location. It's a online order only. They gotta fix that! ... More
The best live vocal mic
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Jack on Musicians Friend
We always used Shure 58's for years. When my wife sat in at a friends gig the vocal mic was a Heil PR35. Her voice sounded so good! She came off the stage and said that she had to have that mic. We bought one the next day. What a difference! Don't believe me? Use the PR35 for a week and then during your gig unplug it and plug in a 58. Sorry to be brutal, but the 58 lacks so much tone-wise when compared to the PR35. So what if the 58's slightly AM radio-tone cuts through a loud band; the PR35 cuts through and sounds great, too. We've been taught to use 58's in most pro situations, but even I got a PR35 for myself because when singing with my wife her PR35 was making me and my trusty 58 sound bad compared to her. Our 58's are now in the garage. ... More
High-End Microphone Solution
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Profdave on Musicians Friend
The Heil PR35 microphone certainly lives up to its billing and excellent reviews. Like many, I own an SM58 classic microphone and was generally satisfied, but got swept up in the hype surrounding the Heil PR series. The question was whether or not there would be a noticeable improvement in my live sound, namely vocals. With a simple side-by-side test with the SM58, it was immediately clear that the PR 35 had superior articulation, in addition to a higher output. After the simple comparison, it was apparent that the PR 35 requires some additional work to hone and fine tune for tonal preferences. As stated in other reviews, this microphone is unforgiving. It amplifies bad technique. All I can say is, it forces you to be more mindful of your singing. In its precision, at least in live sound, it delivers very satisfying results. I have only limiting recording experience with the PR35. I've simply tried it next to a Rode NT1 condenser. While the PR35 certainly sounded adequate, I preferred the NT1. In my view, the PR35 is excellent for live sound vocals. Best I've used. It lives up to its hype. ... More
Hard Driving Bluegrass
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Bear Hill on Musicians Friend
Our typical microphone setup was with one or two Shure KSM27 studio condenser mics. These served our purpose for years until we plugged this new PR-35 into our system. The full, warm, strong vocals that came from this mic was unbelievable. The people in the audience commented that our voices had gotten clear and strong. Little did they know it was the new mic. You do not have to be right on top of this mic. It easily picks up local instruments like the acoustic guitar, mandolin, etc. It does the same job as the studio condensor mic without the feedback issues and unwanted noise.There are two small negative issues: The three position switch for the low cut is below the profile of the mic and hard to adjust. One must use a paper clip or similar object to move this switch. However, we found one click or center postion is perfect and it no longer needs to be moved. The other problem is the mic saddle. This mic is big with a rubber coating. It wants to slip out of the mic saddle. We found by wrapping a few turns of color coded electric tape on the small end, stops this problem.We just supplied the sound system for a four band festival and used this mic. Every band enjoyed the sound from this mic and the audience commented that it was the best sound they have ever heard at this festival.We will be ordering another PR-35. The condensors are out-the-door! ... More
Everything else sounds like a TOY
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Kova on Musicians Friend
As a full time professional singer sound is everything to me. I've tried just about every mic out there. Shure, Sennheiser, EV, Telefunken, Audix, Neumann and on and on... I won't be so egotistical to say everything else sucks because sound is subjective. What sounds average or mediocre to me sounds amazing to someone else. The Heil stands apart for two big reasons. It physically has a much larger diaphragm than just about any other hand held mic out there so from the simple laws of physics, it's louder and fuller. The other reason is that it's very flat and gives a true representation of your voice rather than a "version" of your voice. I'll be completely honest and say that I wish the PR35 sounded more like a "dynamic" mic with some "sizzle" on it, but it's nothing a little bit of EQing can't fix. It's a very flat mic which either you'll love or hate. Personally, I've come to really appreciate how amazing this mic sounds after using for 2 years and occasionally trying something else every couple of months only to say "God that sounds like junk" and wanting to plug my Heil back in right away. I'm trying to give a really objective review because sound is subjective but the bottom line is that the Heil makes everything else sound like a toy and not a serious piece of pro audio gear. If this mic is good enough for Stevie Wonder and Carrie Underwood, then it's definitely good enough for me. Those two people can you use ANY mic on the planet and they choose the PR35. ... More
Is it really a dynamic?
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by hoovie87 on Musicians Friend
It's crazy that I've been comparing this microphone with condensers. The transient response for a moving coil microphone is prestine. When I first heard it, my reaction was, wow, this mic sounds powerful. The low end is just unreal. It is so clear and robust. The high end also has such clear aticulation, that you might think it's a condenser. It has as much output as a condenser as well. Typically, for my taste, on this mic, I roll of bass, and put a 10kHz high shelf on it to get some air. There's enough response up there to get it, too. It has a slight presense rise and will cut through any mix because of it. I've found that on some vocals, it is a bit harsh around 4-5kHz. But, not every mix sounds right with the same EQ. I just hit it down a little there if need be. This mic is endorsed by many big named bands and is becomming an awesome hit in the vocal mic industry. GET THESE NOW and sell your SM58's and their 30+ year old technology like I did. I've used this mic in a group of vocalists using beta 58s (3 vocalists). The other guy was on the PR-35. It was so clear you could barely hear the darn betas in the background. You will be smiling when you hear this microphone. My musicians all have loved it and love the coating on it as well. It's some sort of rubber coating. ... More
This one makes a difference.
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Until Dawn on Musicians Friend
I have been a professional audio engineer for 40 + years. First time I worked with Heil mics was with Charlie Daniels many years ago. His FOH engineer just raved about them. Well years later I finally listened to what he told me so long ago and tried the PR 35. First off I flattened out all EQ on my channel (except for a little hi-pass), then I just listened. The difference from a 58 (beta or original), a Beyer M-88, and a Telefunken M 80 I had been trying kind of smacked me right in the face. Before I even addressed it in my live sound system, I listened to how it worked with my IEM's. I was floored. The clarity was astounding, I did not add or subtract any EQ in my ears (left it flat as well), and my voice cut through all the other info (guitar, leys, bass, my wifes voice and she is using the wireless capsule version of the PR35) with great ease. I was able to turn down my mix and that in it self created far less ear fatigue. The vocals going out to the audience now are cleaner, clearer, and warmer then ever. Audience members have mentioned this. The only drawback so far is P popping is a bit more pronounced than other mics, but is easy to fix.There is absolutely nothing wrong with any other mic I mentioned above, but if you are looking for something different, try this mic. You won't be disappointed... ... More
Excellent Sound. Sensitive.
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Mikncole on Guitar Center
Sounds FANTASTIC. Needs phantom power. Have been looking for mic for stage use. This is good enough to do both stage and studio. I own and did a sound shootout for stage use with Neumann KLM 105, Shure SM58, SM58 Beta, SM57, SM7B (not handheld), Alto DVM5, Sennheiser, and a host of others of all price ranges. I LOVE how the Heil sounds far and away. It needs a windscreen (thankfully included in the packaging) to prevent popping p's and has fairly high handling noise compared to the tried and true SM57. Definitely needs a pop scene in studio and sounds surprisingly clear, sensitive and powerful in studio compared to mics that cost five times as much. The Neumann KLM 105 has almost ZERO handling noise when moving around on stage or taking in and out of mic stand. Handling noise is the only flaw in this mic, otherwise it beats the sound quality of the Neumann exponentially. When coupled with a cloudlifter this thing is untouchable as to the sound quality of anything else I've heard. I play in a loud 5 piece band with two guitars, bass, drums, keyboards and my mid-range voice can get buried - even when I am doing solo stuff with just my acoustic guitar. Noticed the difference with this instantly. Hopefully the new version that is coming out this summer will be better insulated and reduce the handling noise, but that flaw is well worth the sound quality. Definitely recommend if you find yourself competing with mid-range muddiness. ... More
great mic
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by royd on Musicians Friend
this is a great sounding mic. It has the top end of a condensor with the added bottom end of a good dynamic. I produce a small concert series and we have one of these, a few other heils, an AKG 535, a few Shures, and a couple of other assorted mics. This is my go to mic for someone with a little thinness to their voice or anyone who wants a bit of added low end authority. Every performer who has used the PR35 has loved it. It sounds very similar to the AKG with a bit more bottom end. The down sides are that it is a bit more susceptible to handling noise and plosives than many of the better mics out there. For performers who hold the mic or who eat it I usually lean towards the AKG. ... More
This is an excellent mic!
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Panda Paws on Musicians Friend
Great mic! I bought this mic about six months ago. I had been having difficulty with several vocalists. One female in particular who sings well, but all the mics I tried, Shure beta 58a, and others produced a pinched slightly edgy quality which was not audible at all when she sang without a mic. I tried a Blue Encore 200 and the pinched-edgy quality was gone, but there was a slight tonal shift which i didn't want. The Heil PR35 was the solution. Tonal balance correct, smooth, clean, powerful and no feedback. I have also used the mic on acoustic guitar and harmonica with excellent results. ... More
Great step up from standard dynamic mics
Heil PR35 Handheld Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Sean J. on Reverb
I had been looking into getting a vocal mic that would be a step up from the industry standard dynamics. After listening to a bunch of sound samples, reading reviews etc I got a Beyerdynamic V70d. I had problems with plosives and felt like I almost had to sing over the top of the mic to avoid popping sounds. So, back to reading reviews, listening to sound samples etc. This time I decided on the PR35. Love this mic. Nice full warm sound that cuts through onstage without sounding harsh. Responds well to proximity and no problem with popping on p-sounds even when you get in close. This mic takes pretty much everything you throw at it and sounds excellent. Highly recommended as a nice improvement over your standard dynamics. It's expensive relative to your $100 range mics, but still much cheaper that dynamics from Telefunken, Neumann, higher level Beyerdynamics Shures Sennheisers, etc. In my opinion it is a great value for the quality of sound. Plus like most musicians I play live a lot more often than I record so I use this mic all the time. To me it is a good investment to spend a little more on a piece of gear that you use quite often. It surprises me sometimes that musicians will spend thousands on their guitar rig but then sing into whatever mic the venue has available. So, if you're looking for a step up in sound quality from your standard $100 level mics I would definitely check out the PR35. ... More
I wouldn't reccomend
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Milk on Musicians Friend
I bought the PR35 after reading all of the positive reviews so I did have very high expectations going into it. Set up for the first set and just couldn't get the singer to sit just above the mix as I normally do. EQ'd, and played with levels entire first set. Although the sound was clean, I just couldn't get it to cut and had bits of feedback through monitors but managed. Between sets I played with the LF switch on the mic to make sure we were on the right setting. Second set, same thing,, just couldn't get him to cut through the mix. Third set, switch out to a Sennheiser E935, BAM, there and done. Right where he needed to be. No feedback and up on top in the mix. The PR35 a beautifully built Mic! I dug the rubberized texture, accessories and the case it came in. It just didn't work for me. Sent it back and ordered another E935. I probably could have spent more time with it and experimented but I figured to go with what works best for our situation. ... More
Best I have used
Heil Sound PR 35 Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by MontanaDust on Musicians Friend
I have very seldom submitted a review on anything, but this mic deserves the best. I have a lower voice and sing alot of ballads. If the words don't make it to the crowd, it is no longer a ballad. I have used shure and peavey mics but never had the ablity to cut through the noise of the bar to do a low ballad. This mic changed my singing career! I have pulled countless songs back out of the drawer that I had givin up on ever singing in a crowded room ever again. It is great for the high tones as well. Very few feed back issues and very gig durable. GREAT MIC! ... More
