At the end of it all the purchase of a new Heil Proset with the HC6 element came out reasonably well. The story follows. I’d like to hear from those of you who use the Heil HC7 element what you think.

 

I’ve owned and used many Heil microphones over the last thirty years and did not expect the new Proset with the HC6 element to sound horrible. But it did. As I wrote Bob Heil, “It isn't a personal preference kind of thing. The audio is almost unintelligible because it is so muffled, bassy and lacking in high frequency content.“ Even after following the advice on his web page to use the Transmit Equalizer on my TS590G in the HB2 (High Boost 2) position it didn’t sound very good. I had to push the high frequency sliders on my outboard W2IHY equalizer to maximum and also reduce the bass before the audio sounded good for contesting. I wouldn’t use the HC6 without that additional outboard equalization. Looking at the situation I thought maybe I had a bad element. No, apparently I don’t. That is how it is supposed to be. Some, like me, need plenty of equalization to make the HC6 work for contest audio. I did not know that or would not have bought the HC6.

 

Don’t get me wrong. I truly like the sound of the HC6 once I was able to apply enough equalization. But I won’t be able to use it if I take the headset to the field for ARES work, or to our hospital or county emergency control centers. No outboard equalizers there. Nor am I likely to be able to provide enough equalization when I go to another’s shack or a Field Day site either. So, my new Proset with the HC6 will be for fixed station use at home.

 

Bob wrote back saying “Yes, [Kevan], it is a new direction.  It answers the many requests to take advantage of the great audio systems in the new direction of transceivers…” He had previously discussed how he had been approached by transceiver manufacturers to help design TX EQ’s for use in their rigs and had also implied many Hams had asked for an HC6 type element to go in those radios. The HC6 meets their need so definitely has its place in his product line.

 

Bob suggested I look at the HC7 which he said is an improved HC5. I listened to an audio clip he sent of audio straight from the microphone and it sounds like it might do pretty good for a DX or contest operation. I’m interested in the opinions of those who have been using or listening to it. Do you think it is comparable to the old HC4 and 5 elements? Would you buy another HC7 equipped microphone?

 

Thought I’d share my experience with the group so others aren’t caught as unprepared as I was for the sound. Thanks to Bob Heil's personal customer support, after what started as a bad purchase I am still a Heil customer.

 

Kevan

N4XL