[marsx]

I hear great things about it for vocals, despite its low price.  Some even compare it to the AKG 414.  Anyone have experiece with it and an opinion regarding its use in the studio for vocals?

thanks

[Jeffrey Hedback]

I would simply offer that is is an apples and oranges comparison.  The 414 is a large diaphragm condenser (well 1" I believe) and has multiple polar patterns, a studio classic for 30+ years.  And the Heil is a dynamic mic designed more for live performance and spoken word.

I've used the 414 many times in many ways and in my opinion: it always works but is not always "magic".  Love it on piano though.

I've not used the Heil, but have used other highly engineered dynamic vocal mics (Neunamn, Audix for example) and with right preamp can be more pleased than 414.

[marsx]

I know the Heil is a dynamic and the 414 is a nice condenser, but I only used the comparison because I have read people claim that the sound quality of the Heil PR20 for vocals not just live but in the studio, is as good or better than a 414.  Even  if two mics are very different in design, its the end product on tape that I'm interested in.  I guess I should have been clearer in my post.  My main question is, has anyone had any experience recording vocals with the Heil PR20 and what do they think of its response and sound. 

Thanks for your response, though.

[Jeffrey Hedback]

No...I apologize, didn't mean to go into mic design.

I could have been more specific.

I haven't used or heard the Heil...seems solid.  I have used the Neuman hand held, Audix and even Sure Beta 58 in studio for recording vocals and liked better than 414.  That's with nice pre's like Universal Audio and API.  With an average pre, I would personally chose 414.

If anecdotal helps...Tom Petty has recorded many hits with SM57.

[marsx]

I know I love the SM57 it's amazing, but you should check out Bob Heil's site (he designed the Heil PR20) mic.  He has a lot of experience and asserts that $99, so it may be worth it just to check it out.  The PR20 is actually $150 but he put out a version that has less frills (the more expensive one comes with three different color covers and some other external stuff, but the cheaper microphone is exactly the same and comes with a mic clip and wind screen; who needs the other crap.  I just thought before I spend $100, I'd see if anyone has tried one.  Bob Heil has been inducted in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame for his work, and he is a very nice guy.  I talked to him and he is very proud that his mics are put together totally in the U.S. even though he gets some parts from overseas.  He assembles and tests them all here in the U.S.  Check out www.heilsound.com. 

Thanks for writing back.

marsx