Could a good kick drum only feature low-end reproduction? Apparently not, as Bob Heil would put it. An essential amplification option onstage, mic'ing up the kick drum is tricky and mics that favor low-end reproduction doesn't necessarily give you good results. Seeing the need for an appropriate mic and after feedback from a lot of pros, Bob Heil and his team developed the Heil Sound PR 48.

Once a part of the Heil Sound HDK series of microphones, the PR 48 is now being offered standalone. This large diaphragm dynamic microphone has a 1.5-inch diameter element and is mounted on a double-vulcanized shock mount. The rugged cast metal housing has a slanted entrance to the three-pin XLR port for easier cable connection. The PR 48 has a 600-ohm balanced output and is capable of handling 150 dB SPL. It is also equipped with a low pass filter that sets -3-dB hinge points at 30 Hz and 8 kHz with a dB peak from 50 Hz to 80 Hz. Based on those numbers, unwanted high-end frequencies are controlled and critical frequencies within the kick drum (such as that coming from the beater getting into contact with the drum head) are kept.

Today's mic'ing practice, especially for the kick drum, demands accurate reproduction of instrument frequencies as well as keeping a degree of warmth therefore making the Heil Sound PR 48 that ideal kick drum mic. Pricing for the PR 48 standalone kick drum mic is TBA.