Icom 7300: Heil PR781 Microphone Review & Settings

[@DrHWO]

Nice review Matt. For what its worth, Ive been through a similar process adding a Heil PR781 to my Icom IC-9700, but using the Rolls (Utah) MP13 mini-mic preamp which can be adjusted for a 1-60dB output gain. As expected, you no longer have to swallow the mic and I was able to crank the mic gain back to 20-30%. Added benefit is the use of balanced XLR cables, reducing the risk of common mode currents (especially if well screened cables are used). Thanks and 73, de Howard, M0YZT

[@K0LWC]

Glad you enjoyed it! I look forward to getting a pre-amp so I don’t have to be as close.

[@Bernard-John]

hi, great idea, i also use a pre amp, i find a mixer no necessary, 73 Rotterdam...

[@rickmckee6698]

I bought the same preamp but noticed that the red clipping indicator LED was staying on no matter where the gain was set and also had a slight hum in the transmitted audio when using it with my 7300. I had to do a modification in the preamp to eliminate this problem and it was due to the 8 volts on the 7300's mic line that is there to operate an electret element. What I did was to find which trace on the circuit board connected to the output line and cut that trace, then I scraped the solder mask off the trace on either side of the cut and tinned it with solder then added a small, 1uF disc cap across the cut to block the 8 volts from the radio. Now the clipping indicator works properly and the hum is gone. This 8 volts could eventually damage the preamp, better to be safe than sorry !

[@DrHWO]

@@rickmckee6698 Hi Rick and thank you for the information. I haven’t had the clipping indicator problem or the TX hum, however your modifications sound eminently sensible . I will dust off the soldering iron………………..

[@kipling1957]

Interesting and thanks for sharing. But how did you convert XLR to the 8-pin of the 7300?

[@radioaustralia5070]

I don't think people really know, but the standard icom hand mic on the 7300 and 7610 have heil electric elements in their standard mics.

[@rickmckee6698]

They have electret elements designed by Heil, not necessarily made by Heil !

[@mewcomm]

One of the most articulate well organized Mic/Xcvr videos I’ve seen of late. Nice piece of work! Most ham videos are poorly done.

[@K0LWC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rickmckee6698]

The fact that everyone is missing here is the fact that there is 8 volts DC on the mic line on the 7300 to power the electret condenser mic. Dynamic mics are not designed to run with voltage applied to them and could damage the dynamic element. Put your ear up close to the mic and listen when you plug it in and you will here a click. That is the 8 volts pinning the the coil and diaphragm. If you look at the the info on the Heil website, you will notice that they recommend putting a 1uF capacitor in the positive mic lead to block that DC and prevent damage to the radio and the microphone !

[@K0LWC]

The Heil mic cable blocks that voltage.

[@rickmckee6698]

It still needed mentioned so the folks that want to build their own cables know about it.@@K0LWC

[@jamesphilips4290]

Bob Heil himself recommended the PR781 to me at Dayton a couple years ago. It has gotten me many comments about my nice audio on my 7300. He told me to start at about 65-70 percent and 2 on the compression. I also use the PR781 on my 7610 and the 9700 also. On the 7610 I receive comments all the time about the great audio. Great video!

[@Aswaguespack]

I use a Marshall MXL990 with Phantom power into a W2IHY 8 Band EQ/Noise Gate into an IC-746 Pro and have consistently gotten excellent audio reports. The MXL990 is about a $100 bucks cheaper than the Heil mic. I picked up the EQ for less than a hundred long ago and I already had the cables and the phantom supply on hand. It’s a good alternative and works well with Icom. No gain issues whatsoever with my setup.

[@K0LWC]

Nice!

[@melming8751]

WIll love to see what pre-amp you select.

[@AD4C]

Once you had reduced down to minus 5 the TX bass, there is no need to switch the TX BW to Mid because doing that bass reduction, you have cut the first 300 Hz response on TX. This is what I did instead: Icom TX BW is very wrong since default settings. Inteligebility is contained in the highs so instead I configured the three TX BW this way: Wide...100 to 2900 Mid....200 to 2900 Nar....300 to 2900 As you see the three BW keep the three BW remain with same highs but I am cutting just the lows so if I want a high pitch punchy audio, I switch to NAR, If I want a normal ragchwwing I use MID and I am with a ESSB lover, I will use my fully wide audio. My bass and treble are all set to +5 all the time. This configuration works with any mic, an electret or a dynamic.

[@danringer8219]

I have been through the same process in adding my PR781 to my 7300. Along the way I pulled out my old Icom SM5. I get excellent reports with the 781, the SM5, and the HM219. It seems that my operating style is the most important factor in selecting a microphone.

[@K0LWC]

It’s REALLY hard to make the Icom 7300 sound bad.

[@jroosh]

It was nice to meet you on the radio recently. I like your videos, and I agree that the PR781 needs more gain from the 7610/7300 radios than you would normally expect but I have to say that the audio at 5:25 in the video is too compressed sounding and the 7300/7610 radios are capable of producing punchy, yet natural pileup-busting audio without sounding like a robot like that audio does. I have the 7610 and have a PR781 on a boom and I love the combo and get lots of positive feedback on my audio. I also talk right into it as you suggested. When I'm chasing DX and need a little extra punch, I simply keep the settings the same but go from "COMP ON WIDE" to "COMP ON MID" or "COMP ON NAR" I run the radio with the PR781 at 42% Drive Gain, Comp Level 6, Mic Gain 60% Tx Bass +4, and Tx Treble +4. Keep the videos coming. They are informative and good for the hobby. 73, NG0Z

[@tuckersimpson4442]

Phenomenal video Matt, 2 Years later and your videos are helping me out with setting up a Dynamic Mic. Thank you for going the extra mile and showing settings in your radio. Even if folks don't have a 7300, It still shows that you may need to tweak certain things to get the most out of a Dyna mic. 73 Brother. Keep up the good work. Always happy to see your posts on insta and videos here on the tube. Take care my friend. KJ7ZVK in WA CN85PV

[@MacsForever1]

Or you can add additional hardware before the PR781. At a minimum a cloudlifteer preamp that requires 48v phantom power that can power injector or the preferred option adding a mixer that has the 48v and parametric EQ controls to further tailor your audio. You'll also to get a couple of XLR patch cables for the interconnects. When going this route you'll need to back the mic gain down on the radio or you'll distort. Hope you find this info useful.

[@357Shakey]

I just want to say that I picked up a new IC-7300 less than a month ago. I have been going through a number of videos on this rig, but have been really enjoying your videos. I have a nice old Heil Gold Eilte that I want to use with the 7300. Between this video, your one on mic preamps and the feedback ideas in the comments section; I'm about set!

[@rickmckee6698]

Just bought a 781 to use with my Icom 7300 and found I do not need a preamp at all with it and the VOX works fine with it. Also, I am running the mic gain at 55% and compression on 1, anything more than that drives it out of the ALC range ! With my settings I'm hitting about 2/3 ALC range on peaks. My settings are -3 on the bass and +4 on treble and wide BW for ragchew and mid for DX.

[@K0LWC]

That’s an oddity for sure.

[@rickmckee6698]

@@K0LWC Not an oddity at all, I know several folks that use the 781 on 7300's and the 7610 with the same results.

[@K0LWC]

@@rickmckee6698 I guess I’ll chalk it up to voice differences.

[@gregoryburbage7906]

I found injecting the audio thru the accessory port in the rear of the radio directly into the balanced modulator gives you more options. Just set the accessory port output to 40 or 50% works great......its the way to go if you use external processing gear ( behringer or w2ihy) with or without line level audio using a iplus w2ihy matching output transformer

[@K0LWC]

I’m sure they makes life easier. Running through the mic port or USB adds another EQ to worry about in the radio. It’s not impossible, just more of a pain.

[@izatso]

Thanks for the video. What cable do I need to connect the PR781 to the Icom IC-7300 (no preamp)? Does that have the beefed up connector on the radio end, with the PTT connector also? Thats what Bob Heil said today on his live Zoom meeting. That was really cool! (Ham Radio Network set it up and will have Bob Heil on again in November), I would also like to do recordings for Podcasts and/or KZbin videos using that mic. What would I need for those? Thanks N0MD

[@KrypticPatriot]

And it helps when you have an excellent voice, as you do! Great Vid !

[@K0LWC]

Voice does indeed play a role.

[@jamiecook5066]

Hi Matt. I run the 781 with the 7300 and I use a 6 channel mixer. Works great and you can get broadcast quality audio. I get a lot of great audio reports with this setup. The mixer was just an eBay purchase for around 30 bucks!!!!

[@matthewlee2686]

What cables did you have to have to make this work?

[@pz2ytsuriname630]

I use a BM 800 mic (25usd) with my 7300 and I love it

[@K0LWC]

I’ve heard good things about that mic.

[@hamradiox]

Best video I've seen in a long . Outstanding! N5PZ

[@K0LWC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Bernard-John]

HI,good video, well explained, i find the HEIL PR 40, a better option for the ICOM IC 7300, many impressive radio reports, sometimes for that extra audio quality you have to pay a little more, also second hand not so expensive...thanks from Rotterdam 73 ps i began with the HEIL PR 781 but found way to quiet, and not wanting to overdrive the mic input stage 90 to 100% mic gain is not a good idea, now i have a match made in radio heaven, HEIL PR 40 and the ICOM IC 7300,

[@K0LWC]

Thanks, John. I just love the bump in the high frequencies from the PR781. 73

[@Bernard-John]

@@K0LWC HI, with respect the pr 40 is in another league,,also the price,,thanks from Rotterdam 73

[@Marco_IK2CHZ]

Hi Matt, great video. I use an Heil PR781 into an Italian made microphone processor Quasi Radio 2166+ into my IC-7851. This setup is the for ragchewing broadcasting style. When in angry DX I use a boom headset by Sennheiser (electret) into the same microphone processor. Thumb up (done) and subscription (done). 73 from Marco IK2CHZ - K2CHZ

[@Wm.Havens]

Thanks, I learned something today!

[@K0LWC]

Happy you enjoyed it!

[@user-su5sq5ib3i]

Excellent mics, I wouldn't run the bass that high as these passive pr dynamic mics really flub out especially if they arent being pushed like they should be, a preamp into the back of the radio is what you need and youll have cracking audio. That's the way I do it.

[@Aleziss]

why chose that one when heil makes the icm microphone specifically design for icom radios ?

[@donaldsmith3048]

I have a Heil PRO7 headset! I just got my IC7300 and not done much of the little things.

[@KB2AT]

Just came across this. Gonna try with my 7610 and heil PR781. How did u record your audio to hear settings to post on youtube? Looking to start streaming

[@GPSJayDog22]

Thanks for the information. I use the HEIL PR-781 with my ICOM IC-7300. I have added an ART Studio V3 Tube MP amp. On the amp I run with +20db Gain function on, the Vocal Warm setting, Input dial at 12:00 o'clock, and the Output dial at 12:00 o'clock. On the 7300, I have the Mic Gain at 18% and Comp off. My listeners relay I have great audio and just how am I set up? Most of the msay "Well, it works and sound awesome." So, did you install an amp and make another video. If so I can't find it. More information requested please. Cheers, Jay N6WIP

[@357Shakey]

I assume you are running XLR to XLR from the mic to the amp. What cable are you using from the amp to the radio? I owuld asume XLR out of the amp, though you could use the 1/4 inch. Just curious!

[@GPSJayDog22]

@@357Shakey I had a cable made by Les at Ham Made Parts that is XLR to ACC1 to plug into the rear of the IC-7300 so I don't have any wires plugged into the front of the radio for a cleaner look. See it on QRZ. I did the same for my ICOM IC-9700. I then purchased metal caps and painted them black to match to cover the mic connectors on the front of the radios. I have upgraded to an ICOM IC-7610 and had a new cable made for the ACC1 jack in the back as well. The IC-7300 in now used in the RV when we're on the road. I have upgraded the mic for the 7610 to an Electro Voice RE-20 and I had to add a Cloud Lifter. Did you ever get an amp for your mics? Cheers, N6WIP

[@donaldsmith3048]

What do I need do to use a carbon mic, or a transistor mic made to work like a carbon mic. I have a head set I used when flying and I like it. But it is made to work in airplanes. They use carbon mic and made to block out background noise. You could almost use it at a concert, and not worry about background noise. If you have ever been in a C172 you know there is a Lot of sound you don't want sent out over the radio!

[@JulyFPV]

Hello, how is the Scarlett connected to the ic 7300? Through the 13-pin connector or the front connector?

[@cliffbills2775]

This was very helpful! I have been wanting to use a PR-40 on my 7300 and 9700 but didn't think it was possible. I think I will investigate the mic pre-amp to help out as well. Thanks and 73 de AK9TX/8

[@K0LWC]

Great to hear!

[@the11metersd.x.channel.55]

Again very informative and useful tips. After experimenting with a few options . I really like the Rode N3 Condenser microphone. It is phantom powered via a internal 9v battery . And has a rich balanced sound through the IC 7300. 73s HS0ZOU

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Thanks.

[@patrickdeventer5055]

Nice review Matt, nice video, question, the Heil 781 dynamic microphone, don't need phantom power, but on pin one on the 7300 connector is de microphone pin, this give also 8 Volt, is that a problem?

[@joel6221]

What cable do you use to connect to the radio?

[@K0LWC]

Heil sells one specific for certain manufacturers. The one for Icom is the CC-1-XLR-I

[@daveduffy2292]

Can you run an amp and 500watts and still have no distortion

[@FjHenderson]

Little late but a EqPlus will benefit the sound quality 👌

[@RobDTom]

Thanks for the informative video. On a different note you look very familiar. Do you have another KZbin channel for a different hobby? Cars maybe?

[@BlackHamRadioUniversity]

Question, will my radio get damaged if I use my Shure SM7B going into a Cloudlifter CL-1 into a DBX 286 mic preamp into a Focusrite 2i2 into my IC-7300. I just want to make sure the Cloudlifter CL-1 , the DBX286 and the Focusrite 2i2 wont damage the radio using the Heil CC-1-XLR-I adaptor cable.

[@chrisday3102]

Nice job Matt. Are there any concerns about bias voltage from the radio potentially damaging the mic

[@K0LWC]

Not if you’re using the Heil cable. It’s blocked.

[@jaywardjulian6163]

Nice video and what kind of rig software is that you were demonstrated? Thank you and 73

[@K0LWC]

Thanks, Jay. Win4Icom is the software.

[@jaywardjulian6163]

@@K0LWC awesome I had that exact same software downloaded and just haven't give it a Go, can you share me with some connections and settings I would greatly appreciate it. 73

[@user-vi6lw8dx5f]

K0LWC, I am currently studying for my amateur radio license. I live in Minnesota, However I stay in an HOA.Unfortunately the rules are no external antennas that can be installed. I currently listen on SSB, with an indoor antenna with very little TX. Can you assist me with any ideas regarding an antenna for TX? Ty WR0546

[@K0LWC]

There are many options even if you’re restricted by an HOA. The “flag pole” antenna is a popular one. You use a metal flag pole and install that in your front yard, but it’s really a vertical antenna. No one would ever know. Lots of work involved with that. You could run wire in your attic space or along the eave of your roof outside. Getting the wire outside of the attic is always preferred, if possible. You could get a Wolf River Coil vertical and set it up each time you want to use HF. Kind of a hassle - but an option. Putting a vertical antenna inside a PVC pipe and mount it alongside the house is another popular option. Lastly, you could devise a way to quickly put up a wire antenna, like make a pulley in a tree and hoist up a nice wire only at night when no one can see it. Lots of options, just a bit more hassle depending on the choice.

[@user-vi6lw8dx5f]

Thank you K0LWC, It is difficult because this is a newer townhouse community and the trees are very small. I can do the roof with some wire and possibly camouflage something on my balcony. Your information is something to consider. 73’s Marc

[@CarlosDXsman]

Matthew, Thanks 73s

[@ronangsr]

Would the Heil IC element sound similar to 781 with the same settings ?

[@chriswr8813]

Great Audio!!!!!

[@9Z4Y]

Hi Matt Thanks for this video, I MUST compliment you on your recorded audio in the video, this is the well rounded audio that sounds great on the air, just enough of everything highs, lows etc, listening on a SKULL CANDY headphones 🎧 , the audio is smooth and VERY nice.. congrats, maybe I can replicate what I'm hearing for my HF settings for my back up rig the FT991A and PR781, 73 GL de 9Z4Y

[@WA2SVM]

Hi Matt, what type of cable/interface do you use with the Heil mic to the radio? 73, Dave WA2SVM

[@K0LWC]

The Heil cable. The mic feeds right into the mic port.

[@kipling1957]

The Heil appears to be a 3-pin XLR connector. Is there an adapter to convert to an 8 pin as well as isolating from the 8V DC current from the iCOM? Thanks!

[@K0LWC]

I’m running the Heil Sound CC-1-XLR-I

[@kipling1957]

@@K0LWC Thanks! I was blissfully ignorant of any such device.

[@RobinP556]

I’ve been using either my Heil headset for contesting or just the handheld microphone on my 7300, but I’d like to go to a book mile as my shack evolves. The PR781 was what I was looking at until Friday when Gigaparta said that it won’t work with the 7300, and since then I’ve found a bunch of people using this combination. But my question is this, why not use the Heil iCM microphone that seems to be made just for radios like the 7300? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[@K0LWC]

First off, saying it won’t work is just wrong on GigaParts. Heil iCM is a great mic, and sounds phenomenal on the IC-7300, it should as it was designed for this type of Icom radio. My reason for running the PR781, a dynamic carotid, is that my acoustics are awful in my shack. Dynamic mics need you to be right up on the element and are less prone to hearing reverb, fan noise, etc. Electret condensers mics are great, but do tend to pick up more background noise. In my specific case that’s not ideal given my acoustics. If I had a super quiet area for my shack and good acoustics, an electret condenser like an iCM would be the choice.

[@RobinP556]

@@K0LWC WOW, that was quick, thanks! In my shack background noise is pretty much non-existent. Except for 2 dogs that are mostly quiet I live by myself, I don’t have an amp or anything else that’s making noise except maybe the air conditioning. I had an amp at one point in my life and I just felt like I was cheating…I’d try to get a station a few times in a pile up, couldn’t get them so I’d turn on the amp and tune (off frequency) then get them in 1 or 2 tries. I sold the amp and bought a KX-3. Now I’m in the process of tearing apart my entire shack and setting everything up as I’d like it to stay…mostly. Ham shacks seem to never be really finished.

[@Chris14AT276]

Tnx Matt for this video, i've a PR781 but just buy an Electro Voice RE-320. Do you think I can keep the same settings? 73's de Chris, F4HDM

[@K0LWC]

Likely, yes. You’ll almost surely fall between 75%-95% mic gain and 1-5 on compression.

[@Chris14AT276]

@@K0LWC Tnx a lot, i will try with some friends in local contact and i'll tell you what they think about it.

[@hammered807]

For me, listening - your compression is to high. But, that being said - run it like YOU like it :)

[@TheAntelas]

The problem with this kind of mikes is that pick up all the rfi and results in audio distortion

[@K0LWC]

That’s what ferrite beads are for. 😎

[@DAVE_WHITE]

the Heil ICM mic is what was designed for the 7300, if you need to use a 781 which is dynamic you have to use a EQplus (W2IHY) to get more audio into the radio.. The Heil icm is only $105 on HRO www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-015350

[@K0LWC]

W2IHY isn’t the only option, any external pre-amp would work fine and for less money. The Heil ICM doesn’t look as cool though. 😎

[@DAVE_WHITE]

@@K0LWC an external with the 2.5 k for mid tones sure not just any audio mixing board they are not designed for radio..

[@jorgezuni2818]

…Well not all radios are created equal with icom straight out the box 📦.. for example icom-7000 Hm-103& hm-151

[@straightpride451]

Like a lot of hams, for some reason, they like to sound nasally on the air.

[@Organplayer1947]

hm...You are pushing the ALC to the max. And the Comp is far more than really needed (what does that mean). IF...I F ...you are seeking 'natural' voice (not some robot chasing dx voice), the comp s/b no more than 3db (this based on audio phile studies and tests of ham radio gear). Fact: compression reduces natural voice dynamics..the more you run the less 'natural'. Also the ALC s/b less than 60% peaks. This implies mic gain about 20% (given about 2 on the rig compression). Anyhoo..these advisories produce NATURAL sounding audio...which works for myself.

[@nativetexan9776]

"Today I am talking to the rich hams out there. If you are poor, please skip this video. That is all."

[@K0LWC]

I don't think so. :)

[@nordland2235]

Your voice sounds like a robot.🤖

[@nordland2235]

Looks like a copy of a RE-20.

[@jcritch42]

Your pile up busting audio is very harsh and difficult to understand.

[@K0LWC]

But it busts. 😊