Heil Sound PR35
our rating
4.5
(out of 5)
Specs
- Frequency Response – 40 Hz to 18 kHz
- Polar Patterns – Cardioid
- Sensitivity – 2.51 mV/Pa
- Self-noise – n/a
- Max SPL– 140 dB
- Impedance – 370 ohms
- Weight – 255 g
- Attenuation Pad – none
- Onboard Filter – Adjustable High-pass filter -6dB per octave @80Hz
Pros
- Delivers Vocals Front and Center: High output with a lift at 2 kHz and a presence peak around 5–6 kHz ensures vocals stand out in a mix.
- Rugged Build: Durable construction with a matte finish.
- Large Diaphragm: The 1.5-inch aluminum diaphragm offers detail comparable to condenser microphones.
- Excellent Feedback Rejection: Supercardioid pattern effectively isolates the sound source and reduces feedback.
- Low Handling Noise: Internal suspension system minimizes noise during handheld use.
- Versatile Instrument Applications: Performs well in the studio with acoustic guitar, electric guitar amps, and toms.
Cons
- Tricky High-Pass Filter Access: Recessed HPF switch requires a small tool to adjust, and the lack of tactile feedback makes it less user-friendly.
- Hot Output Sensitivity: High output demands careful mic technique to avoid clipping and excessive plosives.
Bottom Line:
An elite dynamic mic for live vocals. Its huge diaphragm and high output bring vocals to the front and center of any mix.
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Introducing the Heil Sound PR35
As manufacturing processes and competition have lowered costs in recent years, it has now become possible to get something special for your live vocal mic without breaking the bank.
The Heil PR35 falls into the ‘something special’ category. Its marketing promises condenser-like detail and great feedback rejection. We got our hands on one and tested it to see how it holds up to the competition.
Who is this mic for?
The Heil Sound PR 35 is ideal for vocalists, musicians, and audio professionals seeking a durable, versatile microphone that delivers condenser-like clarity, and good off-axis rejection for both live performances and studio applications.
Recommended Applications
The Heil Sound PR35 is recommended for the following applications:
- Live Vocals and Spoken Word
- Close-miked Studio Applications
Alternatives to the Heil Sound PR35
Beyerdynamic M88
One of the best handheld dynamic mics out there. With quick transients, detail, and thicker lower-mids, the result is silky and full.
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Shure Nexadyne
A serious upgrade for any SM58 user. Delivers detailed, clear vocals with a controlled proximity effect.
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Neumann KMS 105
A handheld condenser rugged enough for the stage. A gem for live vocals.
Check Price:
Who is this mic NOT for?
The Heil Sound PR 35 may not be the best choice for users who require a microphone forgiving of poor technique. It is a very hot mic with a tight supercardioid pattern that demands precise placement for optimal results.
Check out our gear category page for more on live vocal microphones and audio gear.
What’s in the box?
The Heil Sound PR35 box arrived with the following:
- Heil PR 35 Microphone
- Microphone Clip
- Windscreen
- Padded Leatherette Carrying Case
- 3 Interchangeable Colored Trim Rings
Build / Design
In the hand, the PR35 has a nice heavy, rugged feel not unlike an SM58. Its matte finish not only feels comfortable in the hand but also collects smudges and fingerprints quite easily.
The microphone includes a grille lined with foam to protect the capsule and reduce unwanted noise. The high-pass filter switch is located on the shaft of the mic.
Capsule and Innards
At the heart of the PR 35 is its large 1.5-inch aluminium diaphragm—unusually large for a dynamic microphone. (see image below with the grille removed)
This huge diaphragm does a good job of getting the wide dynamic range and detail similar to that of a condenser mic while still having the no-nonsense, rugged vibe of a dynamic mic.
For better off-axis rejection, the magnet in the dynamic element uses a mix of neodymium, iron, and boron.The internal suspension system minimizes handling noise, making it suitable for both handheld and mounted applications.
Adjustable High-pass Filter
The Heil Sound PR 35 features a recessed three-position high-pass filter (HPF) switch for taming the proximity effect in close-miked vocals and minimizing interference in live environments.
The recessed switch ensures adjustments are deliberate, but frankly, it’s a little tricky to access and adjust. You need to use a tiny screwdriver or paper clip and the settings don’t click into place to make the change feel obvious.
The settings include a flat response for capturing full low-end detail, a -3 dB roll-off for reducing subtle bass buildup, and a -6 dB roll-off for managing pronounced low-end noise like handling vibrations or stage rumble.
Off-Axis Rejection and SPL Handling
The PR 35 does well at rejecting sound from the sides and rear, reducing feedback and isolating the source. This makes it ideal for loud stage environments where bleed from other instruments can be an issue.
Like most dynamic mics, the PR35 can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion, accommodating everything from quiet vocals to powerful instruments.
Heil Sound PR35 Tests – Audio Clips
We used a Universal Audio Apollo Solo Interface recorded with Logic Pro X. There is no EQ or compression applied to any of the audio clips here. We adjusted the gain from the audio interface to taste. As a reminder, we test everything on this site ourselves.
We include the results from spoken word tests, sung vocals, and acoustic instruments here as they reveal the subtleties of the mics most clearly.
We acknowledge that there is not one way to use a microphone. Mic placement, how you play or sing, not to mention EQ, compression, Impedance, and preamp settings can all have dramatic effects on the final result.
Spoken Vocals Tests
Heil Sound PR35
Sung Vocals Test
Heil Sound PR35
Acoustic Guitar Test
Heil Sound PR35
Conclusions about the sound: Heil Sound PR35
The Heil Sound PR35 is definitely a different kind of dynamic mic. The higher output makes it simply louder than most stage mics. This volume, along with the lift at 2 kHz and presence peak around 5-6 kHz, means vocals really sit front and center.
During a sound check, you will notice this forward placement immediately on your stage monitors.
Hot Output
The mic really suits strong singers with lots of core in their sound, those with a rich midrange, rap vocalists, or any podcaster/broadcaster.
The PR35 might not be best for you if you don’t like this hot output. It requires careful mic technique to avoid clipping with plosives.
I couldn’t hear it on my monitors in the test, but now I hear the danger of that 5-6 kHz presence peak. The sibilance (’s’ sounds) are definitely on the edge of being too present.
Good for Close-miking in the Studio
I liked the Heil Sound PR35 when used for vocal recording at close range and other close-miked applications. For example, on acoustic guitar (hear our example above), it delivers nice detail and has its own rosy color. It sounds a little bit like a handheld SM7B.
The mic handles the high sound pressure levels of my guitar amp effortlessly, capturing the punch and clarity of the amp without any distortion. The tone was well-rounded, with enough detail in the high frequencies to keep the sound lively, while the low end stayed tight and controlled.
Testing this mic on a drum kit, I thought it was great on the toms where it had a full-bodied resonance that felt natural but didn’t overpower the rest of the kit.
Heil Sound PR35 Frequency Response Diagram
Final Thoughts: Is the Heil Sound PR35 Worth It?
With its distinct sound signature, serious output, and excellent detail, the PR35 is a unique elite dynamic stage mic. Paired with the right voice, this mic is a treasure.
The Heil Sound PR35 should be on the shortlist for anyone looking for an elite live vocal mic. Try it. If it fits your voice, you won’t regret giving it a whirl.
Other competitive options in the elite live vocal mic category would be the Beyerdynamic M88, the Shure Nexadyne 8/S (see our full review of the Shure Nexadyne), or the Telefunken M80. Or if you really want condenser like quality, consider a quality condenser built for the stage like the Sennheiser e965 or the Neumann KMS 105.
Heil Sound PR35
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Questions or Comments?
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FAQ
Can I use the PR 35 for recording podcasts or voiceovers?
Yes. The mic suits spoken word applications very well. As you can hear in our spoken word tests here, it delivers a rich and articulate vocal presence. As a dynamic mic, you will need an interface that can give you a good amount of gain.
Is the PR 35 sensitive to handling noise?
Handling noise with the Heil Sound PR 35 was minimal in our tests. The internal suspension system works well.
How Do dynamic Microphones Work?
Dynamic microphones operate through a process called magnetic induction.
Inside a dynamic mic’s capsule, there are three key components: a thin metal diaphragm, a coil, and a magnet. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it begins to vibrate, causing the coil to move as well. This movement of the coil within the magnetic field converts the sound waves into electrical signals.
For a deeper dive on how dynamic microphones work, see our guide 3 Types of Microphones and How They Work.
