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Heil Sound PR-20

Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

The PR-20 is a large-diaphragm dynamic mic with the high SPL capabilities typical of dynamic mics, yet it employs new technologies developed by Bob Heil that provide wider frequency response, better rear rejection, and reduced proximity effect than is typical of dynamic mics.

Bob Heil

The gorgeous upper mid range makes the PR 20 the absolute best live vocal microphone, while its outstanding frequency response and superb dynamic range suit it perfectly for use with a snare drum.

The pattern control of the Heil PR 20 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 20 the strongest magnet structure available.

In addition to the special magnet structure, the PR 20 achieves its exceptional performance by using a large 1 1/8'' low mass voice coil assembly. Special attention has been paid to the phasing plug assembly with equally placed ports that sense audio from behind, entering them out of phase. Thus, the PR 20 produces a very linear cardioid pattern and reduces the proximity effect while achieving perfect articulation. This new Heil element is usable at extremely high sound pressure levels and is immune to overload conditions, making it perfect for vocal and live sound applications.

A side-effect of the mic’s extended frequency response is that it suffers from handling noise. This is not an issue for stand-mounted mics, but performers have noted that removing the mic from the stand, or handling it onstage, produces unwanted levels of noise. This problem is mitigated by most dynamic-mic makers by attenuating the frequency response of their mics below 125 Hz, essentially throwing away 1.5 octaves of musical content along with the handling noise.

See the PR 22 for Heil’s solution to the handling-noise problem.

Included are a leatherette carrying bag, a mic clip and three metal wind screens (silver, gold, and black).

The PR-20 is available in 3 alternative finishes:

• White Pearl
• Red Pearl
• Pink Pearl

The latter is unique in that Heil Sound donated 10% of the retail sales of the Pink Pearl PR20 from January to April 2007 to “Susan G. Komen for the Cure,” a breast cancer fund.

When introduced in 2003, this mic was called the Goldline Pro — a Pro Audio version of the company’s popular Goldline microphone for amateur radio. The main sonic difference between the Goldline (radio mic) and Goldline Pro appears to have been the frequency response: the amateur radio mic had a 4dB peak at 2000 Hz; the Pro model moved the peak out to about 3250 Hz.

The PR-20 is made in the USA.

The Heil Sound PR-20 is also known as: PR20, Goldline Pro.

The mic was released in 2003.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (50 - 18,000 Hz)

Coil Diameter	Impedance	SPL/Noise
n/a	600 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 145 dB

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
255g (8.99oz)	184mm (7.24'')	42mm (1.65'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications

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