The Heil PR 30 represents completely new dynamic microphone technology designed for a wide range of professional applications such as sophisticated recording, live sound, and commercial broadcast. Its smooth, wide frequency range sounds like a ribbon but can withstand large amounts of SPL. Outperforming the tired, 30 year old technology of the industry, the large diameter of the PR 30's dynamic element produces an outstanding upper mid range that makes the PR 30 the absolute best guitar microphone in the industry today, while still an excellent choice for reproducing the human voice.

Since 1982, Heil Sound has been the leading manufacturer of communications microphones and has a paramount understanding of phasing. When properly applied, this knowledge creates outstanding cardioid patterns with unbelievable rear rejection that removes unwanted sounds that try to enter from the off axis rear. The pattern control of the Heil PR 30 is outstanding. This exceptional performance is achieved by using the ideal combination of materials for the large low mass diaphragm and a special mixture of neodymium, iron, and boron that gives the PR 30 the strongest magnet structure available. These features allow the microphone to achieve magnificent dynamic range. A unique screen system using two different diameter mesh screens and an internal breath blast filter allow the user to talk closely to the microphone with little worry of pops or excessive sibilance. The large diameter dynamic element is mounted in a unique Sorbothane © shock mount atop a non-resonant fixture, decoupling the element from the massive steel body. This body and the internal hum bucking coil removes any worry of using the PR 30 near monitor screens or noisy lighting fixtures and controls. The new technology of the Heil PR 30 has redefined the dynamic microphone with superior wide frequency response, the lowest presence of noise in the industry, flawless design, and elite quality expected by an innovator and leader in the field. Your ribbon microphones will now be jealous

When we first received the Heil PR30's we were a little confused about its design. It was our understanding that both the PR30 and PR35 have the same capsule. And to add to our confusion, the microphone looks like an omni condenser but it was clearly marked as having an "End Fire" element.

We brought both the PR30 and PR35 into the studio, hooked them up and began a simple voice test. The first thing we noticed was the PR30 had noticeably more low-end than the PR35, but the PR35 seemed more even in frequency response; something we definitely would expect from a hand held vocal mic. As the testing continued we found the PR30 responded better than the PR35 when the subject was standing between 10" - 18" from the microphone. So even though the PR30 and PR35 use the same capsule, there was a clear difference in they way they responded.

Since the design of the PR30 looked like an omni, we decided to test it as an overhead drum mic. We set two of the PR30's on mic booms; one centered over the toms, snare, and high-hat, and the other over the two floor toms and ride cymbals. Then we let our favorite drummer (Rich) have at it while we went into into the mixing room to listen. All I can say is WOW. The sound was totally unexpected. We honestly didn't think a couple directional dynamic microphones could ever sound this good as overheads on a drum kit. We also compared the PR30's to a couple of overhead condensers that had previously been used for the same kit that were set in the traditional X-Y position over the drum thrown. It wasn't even a close contest; the PR30's sounded warmer, cleaner, and smoother.

While there are still more tests we'd like to do with the PR30, this microphone appears to be a solid choice for crossover applications.

(Yes, we did record the drum session and we will be posting the sound clips as soon as they're ready.)

Here's a simple sound clip recorded with a single Heil PR30 and the Luna Oracle Eclipse acoustic guitar. This was recorded flat, no EQ, no effects.