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Reviews For: Heil BM-17 EMCOM Headset w/Microphone (Icom electret or dynamic

Category: Headphones & Boom-microphone Headsets

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Review Summary For : Heil BM-17 EMCOM Headset w/Microphone (Icom electret or dynamic
Reviews: 8MSRP: 107. to $150. 4 Models Single or
Description:
The BM-17 is a lightweight headset designed for emergency
communications. It is available as either a single-side or
dual-side model. In addition, to accommodate different
radio setups, the BM-17 is available with either a BM-17-
Dynamic element or a BM-17-iC electret element.

The speakers used in the BM-17 are very sensitive and
don’t require much AF drive from the transceiver. The
frequency response is 200 Hz – 5 kHz with very low
distortion. The ear pads are replaceable acoustic foam.

The BM-17-Dynamic headset uses the BM-D dynamic element
designed specifically for communications use. This 500 ohm
dynamic element will work on most amateur radio rigs
requiring a Low-Z input impedance (usually between 150
ohms and 4k ohms). Radios requiring a high impedance input
of 10k to 30k ohms will require the use of an XT-1
impedance matching transformer. The BM-17-Dynamic has an
operating frequency response of 120Hz – 10 kHz.

The BM-17-iC headset, using our iC electret element, was
created for use with Icom radios. Working with Icom
America, this element has been made to eliminate the low
gain audio on some older and non-pro series radios. This
element must be paired with the AD-1-iC (included) or AD-
1- iCM adapter. The iC adapters have no internal DC
blocking capacitor so bias voltage can be passed allowing
the iC electret element to operate. The iC element has an
operating frequency response of 35Hz – 12kHz.

The microphone audio for the BM-17 series terminates into
a 1/8” mono plug while the headphone terminates into a
1/8“ stereo plug (1/8” to 1/4” adapter included).

The boom is designed to be extremely flexible and is
swivel mounted to the headphone speaker for optimal
positioning in any situation.
Product is in production
More Info: http://https://heilsound.com/products/bm-17/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
1483.6
KA4KOE Rating: 2023-02-03
Works Good but Appears Fragile Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just received my BM-17 and put it on the air. The receive and transmit audio were good, but my transmit audio was termed "communications grade but punchy" by my brother on the air, who knows how I sound as we kinda lived together whilst we were kids. As I will be using the headset for POTA and ARES, the transmit quality is just fine with me. My only concern is the headset is very light duty. I'm not just going to throw the widget in my go bag as it appears fragile: this is why I am only rating this headset a 4. Seems a little pricey for what you get.
N8VZ Rating: 2021-10-27
Really Good for POTA with my KX3 Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had this headset for several years -- two ear version. Recently, I've been using it with my Elecraft KX3 for POTA activations. Using VOX it gives me hands-free operation, which is helpful since I'm keeping a paper log. Never had a bad audio report. It plugs right into the Phone and Mic jacks on the KX3, no adapter needed. I'm thinking of ordering a second one to use in the shack. Really great, compact, portable headset!
N6MED Rating: 2019-04-20
Noise cancelling mic? Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
With all the headsets "out there" designed for amateur radio use, I have not seen one that offers >microphone< noise cancellation. The focus seems to be reducing noise coming into one's audio signal receivers (i.e., one's ears). There appears to be no consideration to operating in environments with high ambient noise (field day stations being operated in close proximity to one another, station operated in a public venue where there is a lot of "people" noise, etc.).

Heil seems to be no exception to neglecting noise cancellation in the mic.
K7TAA Rating: 2019-02-28
BM-17 OK with Elecraft KX3 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
My previous review regarding the single-side BM-17 and KX3 was due to a default setting on the KX3 and not due to the BM-17. The KX3 defaults to audio effects (menu setting AFX) on, which is intended to produce a stereo-like effect, and this was the cause of the hollow buzz that was always present.

I haven't had an opportunity to test the BM-17 yet as far as other characteristics, but there is no problem with receiving. An Elecraft K3 will produce the same hollow buzz with a single-side headset if AFX is on and set for delay.

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Earlier 1-star review posted by K7TAA on 2019-02-16

Heil BM-17 headset
I recently bought a single side, dynamic microphone, BM-17 to use with a KX3 for portable operations. I can't use the headset for that reason, because there is a buzz in the earpiece when plugged into the KX3. And a second KX3. I tried studio monitor headphones, other expensive stereo headphones, and a Heil Proset 2/Elecraft headset and none of the three have any buzz that I can hear from the KX3. The buzz is present on every band, goes up with the audio gain control, and is present when no other cables are plugged into the KX3. Noise reduction reduces the buzz to inaudible at a setting of 10, but that also distorts other sound. Elecraft tech support said they had not heard of this problem before, and Heil Sound did not answer my request for help with this problem. The BM-17 does not have any audible buzz when plugged into an Icom IC-7100.
KJ5GT Rating: 2019-02-03
Disappointing Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Purchased the dynamic mic version, with the intention of replacing a BM-10 headset.It looked it would be more rugged/durable than the BM-10.The BM-10 is known for easily breaking the the mic boom clip.It did look like it would meet the requirement for ruggedness, but the mic audio, in the one I was sent, was very flat and bassy. Not communications audio at all.Only near acceptable with the transmit equalizer set at maximum high boost.The BM-10 had better transmit audio, so the BM-17 was returned.
KC5LVW Rating: 2018-07-27
A good choice Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After reading the other reviews, I agree mostly. Be aware, the speaker audio is "tight" so if you like to listen to your new rig at a filter setting of 100-3000Hz, you may be disappointed. This is "communication" quality audio. Roll off is high but that also reduces listening fatigue as the actual relevant audio comes thru bright without much effort. I thought the ear pad could have been a little thicker but I have used worse. I use the IC element & with a very wide range, pretty much flat audio response, great TX audio is available if you rig supports adjustment. If you want robust, wide range, music quality RX audio, better choose one of Bob's other headsets but if you want EMCOMM ready, get the critical info across & being able to wear for long periods of time, this could be the one for you. I only gave it a 4 because the non-cushion-ee ear pad & a little higher roll off on the speaker (100HZ or so) than I like.
WA7ZBO Rating: 2018-05-19
About time Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I'm sitting in my motel room playing with the new addition to the Heil line I picked up at Hamvention today. I love them. They are just what I need for Ecomm work that I do and the color yellow says it all. I got the double muff version because a lot of my work is done in a room full of radios and distract is a problem.
The quality is good and the very full sized wind screen is really needed in the field. Receive audio is about right for communications. To many other brands just grab what's being sold for music and tag a mic boom on it. I find them them more comfortable than my Pro7s and I'm sure they will be able to be worn longer. I'm so glad Bob put this distinctive head phones out and look forward to putting them to use.
I got the ICOM models with the electolete mic (BM-17-iC). It came with the AD-1-ICM modular plug to fit my IC-208.
W3EME Rating: 2018-05-13
Good audio and light weight winner! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just got my hands on this headset from HRO. I purchased the single ear speaker dynamic mic element model and couldn't be happier. My install is mobile with my Kenwood V71A Dual Band FM mobile transceiver. Note that this headset requires an additional adapter cable (Heil AD-1 series) and also requires additional PTT switch wired to 1/4" male plug. I drive a 6-speed manual vehicle and need this setup especially in stop and go traffic. I set the Kenwood mic setting on high sensitivity and get excellent audio reports, clear and natural. The headset is light and comfortable and only available in bright EMCOM yellow but that doesn't bother me. The headset speaker is very sensitive and the in-ear audio is good. Be aware the earpad is not very breathable so in hot weather your ear may sweat but the spring adjustment is perfect and since the set is lightweight it's pretty comfortable. I'm going to get another one of these for my other manual transmission vehicle as well, it's a keeper!