The Heil PR-40 is a studio grade pro series microphone that offers a wide frequency response. It is typically mounted in a shock mount in the shack using an external trigger switch for PTT. It includes a built pop or breathe filter in the mic eliminating and external screens. Bob really thought this one out.
It uses a dynamic cartridge offering a very smooth response with some peaks at 100hz and around 5Khz
This microphone as such would not need any EQ settings but experimenting with it there can be some adjustment to start from. I suggest trying a -4 for Bass and +4 for Treble and adjust from there.
The compressor if used should be set to wide.
This is not really a DXer mic but a rag chewers mic based on the response pattern. I would look at the Pro Series 7 boom sets with the legendary dream machine HC-4 cartridge that is peaked for speech that will cut through the noise and pile ups. You can also swap out cartridges to change the frequency response.
The other mic for Icom is the iCM which is an electric mic cartridge to provide some more gain into the radio.
I am looking forward to trying the Heil HMM mic but it seems to be a mess of cables as it needs an adapter cable. It would be nice for them to make a rig specific model to keep the cabling neat and tidy. Bob has engineered some improvements that offer better sound over the OK Icom mics included in the box.
I also recommend a Heil over any Icom desk mic.
Field day is a few months away so there is lots of time to throw all your spare change into the Heil Fund jar but it will need lots of loonies and toonies. Remember you are making an investment not just for an ergonomically better mic design bit also in sound quality.
