Good mic? Heil PR-35

[micmike]

In another thread I had user KeithMoonwannabe recommend (amongst many) the Heil PR-35.

I'd like to know everyones thoughts on it as a live vocal mic. I'm a fairly dynamic singer so I want something that it can handle the highs, the lows, the softs and the louds.

Plus, this review states that it's a fairly bulky mic, is it a bit big and cumbersome? Or is it a good comfortable size?







Cheers

[surflounge]

some thoughts here What's your favorite dynamic mic for vocals(besides SM7b)

[badmark]

Recorded some vocals with one last night. It's a very good mic, but compared to an SM58 I did find I needed to take more care with mic positioning to avoid sibilance issues.

[mixedupsteve]

A few months ago I did a live show for Claire Lynch. She had her own PR35. It sounded really good. Neutral sounding but full and needed little EQ. I didn't notice any proximity effect up close but it did fall off when she turned her head some. The monitors were very low so feedback was no issue at all and I can't comment on that.

[micmike]

Originally Posted by badmark

Recorded some vocals with one last night. It's a very good mic, but compared to an SM58 I did find I needed to take more care with mic positioning to avoid sibilance issues.

I was pretty much set on this mic until I read about the popping and sibilance issues. I'm fairly abusive with my mics so maybe this aint the one for me.

I want something I can really growl into at times.

[badmark]

Originally Posted by micmike

I was pretty much set on this mic until I read about the popping and sibilance issues. I'm fairly abusive with my mics so maybe this aint the one for me.

I want something I can really growl into at times.

Well, it's not like you can't do that, lol ... I think it's maybe just because the magnet thing in the mic is chunkier than your average so it doesn't totally behave like your typical dynamic mic. So it takes a time to familiarize yourself. But it's worth it. I really like mine. And it seems pretty robust!

[jasonraboin]

I have a lot of experience with the PR35, as I have been using them live since they were in beta. The plosives can be an issue, depending on the singer. There is a "trick" to fit some more foam inside the screen that helps, and if you use a windscreen this also becomes a non-issue.

There is a presence boost in the upper mids that can cause sibilance issues, but I just cut a tiny bit at 4k and it is not a problem.

I have gone through many different mics with Joan Baez, and this is by far the best solution for her. The Neumann KMS 105 was worse in both the plosive and sibilance department, and the pickup pattern coupled with her low output led to gain before feedback issues, even at low volumes. We used the Sennheiser E935 when there was a "rock" drummer, and it helped with isolation, but did not sound very good to me no matter how we eq'd it. I also bought some NOS Beyer M700, which sounded great, almost as good as the Heil, but having to scour the internet for them was not ideal. Of course, we started on an SM58, which just sounds dull, boring, and lifeless to me.

I have not tried the Telefunken M80 or the Shure KSM9.

If you want, you can check out the PBS American Masters series DVD or CD. The modern live shots are just my stereo mix, using a PR35.

[micmike]

Originally Posted by jasonraboin

I have a lot of experience with the PR35, as I have been using them live since they were in beta. The plosives can be an issue, depending on the singer. There is a "trick" to fit some more foam inside the screen that helps, and if you use a windscreen this also becomes a non-issue.

So this 'trick' you speak of... I've experimented with cutting up bits of foam, but the effect is too extreme. Could I buy a quality wind shield, cut out a small piece and superglue it to the inside of the grille?? Or can you share some secrets??

Thanks for your detailed reply man. Sometimes you gotta take the dive, but I want to make the most educated decision.