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Reviews For: Heil PR-22 UT Microphone

Category: Microphones for ham radio

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Review Summary For : Heil PR-22 UT Microphone
Reviews: 4MSRP: 101
Description:
The Heil PR-22 microphone has exceptional mids and highs, but not at the expense of sacrificing any of its frequency range. Bob Heil recommended this microphone and I am very glad he did. The PR-22 works great on my FT-2000, TS-590S and 756 Pro II, I enjoy all the great audio reports!
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.heilsound.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0045
K6BRN Rating: 2024-01-14
Heil PR22 - Excellent for SSB/DX Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The Heil PR-22 is a classic professional dynamic stage mic that can be mounted on a desk, boom or performers stand via a mic clip or it can be hand held. It's designed to emphasize the mid to high vocal range and hence provides outstanding clarity with little "mud".

Equipped with a 3-pin XLR output connector, built-in pop filter and sturdy build, it adapts well to amateur radio use, particularly SSB, but requires a 3-pin XLR to (specific) radio adapter cable and external PTT switch. Luckily, Heil Amateur Radio has connectivity and PTT solutions readily available to fit most needs.

The PR-22 has enough output (-55dBV) to directly drive most rigs that accept dynamic microphones, requiring NO external pre-amp, "phantom" or "bias" power.

While this a professional vocals microphone and is not not designed specifically for ham radio, its native frequency emphasis from 1-3 KHz (+) - is exactly where hams need to add "punch" to their SSB signal. This emphasis rises gently from 1 KHz to a flat plateau at 2 KHz to 3 (+) KHz. There is also a rise at the low end from 100-200 Hz - but most radios can be set to simply filter out tones that low.

The Heil PR-22 is considered a "hot" mic in pro audio circles - fairly high output with emphasized highs and reduced proximity effect. Professional vocalists tend to love it or hate it, depending on their natural vocal tones and style.

This is VERY different from the industry "standard" and ubiquitous stage vocals mic, the Shure SM58. Unlike the much "flatter" responding SM58, which sounded "muddy" on my Yaesu radios and had an exaggerated proximity effect, the PR-22 worked GREAT, with outstanding clarity - equalized or not.

You want a "DX mic"? This is the tool for you. Nowhere near as "mellow" as the Heil PR10 or PR781 mic "heads", with enhanced highs over even the the HM-12 and Behringer XM8500 mics, it's not shrill, nonetheless. You WON'T sound like "Mickey Mouse in a Can".

If you can't get the Yaesu MD100A8X desk mic anymore and LIKED it - get this puppy - it'll do the job. One niggle is that the "SUT" version with the mute switch can be annoying. Unlike the Shure SM58S mute switch, which sticks out, has a distinct detent but interferes with some mic mounts, the PR22 SUT mute switch is feathered into the mic barrel. But it has no detent and I found myself continually having to switch the mic ON after accidentally switching it OFF. No problem, though - just get the unswitched version and save $20 - or put tape over the switch.

Overall a good choice for an amateur radio mic!

Brian - K6BRN
KD8QNC Rating: 2014-10-31
Clear, bright, articulate with great reports Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have used a number of great mics in my search to find a mic that is clear, crisp, and bright, with loads of "presence". I found it in the HEIL PR-22 UT. This mic will give you great audio reports whether you have EQ or not. Its mid range and upper audio response is brilliant. Your audio will be much stronger and articulate than your signal strength would indicate. A fantastic mic for the price that really makes my TS-590s sound great.
NC3Z Rating: 2014-10-20
Always gets great reports Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Using on my FTDX5000MP and always get great reports from both locals and DX.
KC8PCK Rating: 2012-12-08
Awesome Audio Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
The Heil PR-22 UT has exceptional low noise handling response and impeccable reproduction of whatever source it takes in. This is an excellent
amateur radio microphone, I have used it on my FT-2000, TS-590S and 756 Pro 2 with great success. Great microphone, great company! Like all good microphones it will require adjustment of your DSP equalizer settings. You can get some great information regarding DSP TX EQ settings at: http://www.heilsound.com/amateur/dspsettings/