K6JRF's Page
formerly W6FZC
Microphone Comparison Page

(New: Dec 3, 2008)

This Mic Comparison Page summarizes the test results of two popular dynamic microphones; ElectroVoice RE27 and Heil PR781. The original data was recorded by Joe, W0WD and this was plotted in SpectraPLus Pro in order to compare their response.

Mic Specs Compared

SPECS COMPARISON PR781 RE27ND
Picture: Heil PR781 Microphone EV RE27ND Microphone
Street Price: $180 + $30 radio cable $450
Type: Heil PR Dynamic Dynamic N/DYM Magnet Structure
Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 16,000 Hz 45 Hz to 20 kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid Cardioid
Bass Cut Switch: N/A 2-positions for bass rolloff
Sensitivity: no specs 3.1mv open ckt
Power Level: -55 dB -51 dB
Hum/Noise Pickup: no specs -103 dBm
Impedance: Balanced 600 Ohms Output, 3 pin 50 ohms, low-Z balanced
Max SPL for 0.5%THD: no specs no specs
Size: 195mm x 55mm 217mm × 54mm
Weight: 14 oz 25.1 oz
Connector Type: 3-pin 3-pin XLR
Metal Finish: Black Satin Epoxy Satin Nickel
Shock Mount: None Internal Shock Mount


Voice Test
Joe, W0WD preformed a point to point test locally on 15 mtrs comparing the EV RE27 & the Heil PR781. The recording was done via an ICOM Pro3 set to receive wide (3.5Khz) and no rig EQ used on the ICOM although the filters are set to sharp mode. The sound was captured on a standard Apple Mac sound card. Joe's transmitter was a Kenwood TS-950SDX.

He used the same "spoken" material to produce about 30 secs of audio. Each mic was NOT equalized. Yours truly translated the MP3 file into a WAV file, plotted it using SpectraPlus Pro (SPP) and did the "analysis" based on the sprectral charts and audio. Note that only 20hz to 5Khz info is displayed.

Spectrum Sweep of Both Mics

The PN sweeps are shown in red and blue. Note the results!
1) The RE27ND mic is much flatter from 1Khz through 3.5Khz.
2) The PR781 is 'heavier' from 30hz to 150hz.

The spectral patterns are similar but at the same time different! The RE27 has a cleaner bottom end, reduced mid frequency area, and brighter highs. The PR781 appears to have a peaked low bass response b/c it reponds by peaking at certain low bass frequencies. It has a response at the muddy-mids and that makes it appear to be warm! It's NOT flat through the upper frequencies; note the apx 8dB step response between 2 to 3Khz.

Summary:
As you see, the RE-27 'rejects' the muddy frequencies and has a cleaner and flatter upper frequency response.. There's not that much difference in the low bass response when you critically compare them except that the PR781 responds to low rumble more than the EV. That could be since the RE27 has an internal shock mount which the PR781 doesn't have.

When you compare the street prices of each mic, the RE27 is apx twice as expensive as the PR781 but IMO, it does have a cleaner sound. So is the sound difference worth the $$$ difference?? That's something that you must decide for yourself. For me, I would purchase the RE-27. The reason? It's a leading mic for the radio broadcast industry. It wouldn't be if it wasn't a quality product.

Personally, having to "get-a-new-mic-because-of-a-new-radio" is ridiculous. If you buy a 'good' mic, it can be used on all radios that you may purchase. Buying a new mic per radio does nothing but add to the pocket of the mic maker. And, to boot, the new mic isn't that different (on the inside) than the older version. You know what PT Barnum said . . . .

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