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Reviews For: Heil HM-10 (-4, -5, XD dual element)

Category: Microphones for ham radio

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Review Summary For : Heil HM-10 (-4, -5, XD dual element)
Reviews: 26MSRP: 139 XD
Description:
HM-10 XD model has been redesigned with new HC-5x and HC-4x elements mounted on an acoustically tuned chamber to reproduce the popular narrow HC-4 response for DX work and a full smooth response of the HC-5 elements.
  • Output Connection: 4 pin XLR with Push-to-Talk
  • Frequency Response HC-5X wide: 300 Hz – 8 kHz @ -72 dB
  • Frequency Response HC-4X narrow: 600 Hz – 6 kHz @-76 dB Impedance 600 ohms
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Generating Element: dynamic and dynamic
  • Finish: High gloss black lacquer
  • Net Weight: 8.8 oz
Product is in production
More Info: https://heilhamradio.com/products/hm-10xd/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15264.5
W5DHE Rating: 2008-08-13
Keep your solder gun warm Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Since day one I have had to solder the wires back to both elms. Heil makes great mic’s but someone was sleeping when they put this mic’s together. I was lucky that when I first received the mic I wrote the color code down to the two elms. It seems like the #4 elm wire is always falling off.
TNK for you time
73's DE N5EPI Tim.
WY4J Rating: 2007-11-23
Great Microphone Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Except for the fact that the mike had an unsoldered connection and had to go back two months after I purchased it. I am VERY happy I've made this purchased. Every time I get on the air all I hear is how GREAT the audio sounds. This mike is a great little match for my Icom 746PRO.

I wish that you did not have to call Heil on your dime since they do not have an 800 number or that they cover the shipping charges on warranty work but like the Rolling Stones song goes, you can't always have what you want, but you can have what you need.

Again, GREAT microphone and BOB was gracious enough to personally call me after receiving the mike and letter in regards to the shipping policy.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!!!!!!!!!
ZL3NB Rating: 2006-10-12
No complaints here Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have had the Heil HM10 with the HC5 element since December 2004. Also purchased the appropriate cord etc. It is used with the Kenwood TS2000. I set the Filter Bandwidth to the full 3KHZ with no added TX EQ and just amazed at the reports that come back. For DX with poor propagation or pileup though will shift to 2.2/2.4 khz and sometimes kick the TX EQ/High Boost in which makes it sounds like a HC4 especially if you design your own audio via the ARCP2000 software.
It's crazy how one microphone has made me start enjoying SSB again after many years going without it considering this op was 98% cw till 2 years ago. A good microphone in conjunction a with a good transceiver and a good antenna of course equals "this ham being content". Thanks Bob Heil!

73 de Bill ZL3NB
AA6A Rating: 2006-10-12
A very durable performer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've got one of the original dual cartridge versions and it still works great!! It's a very nice match for the kenwood TS-480, and the dual cartridge capability is outstanding. I'd still be using it, had I not upgraded to the GM-5 Mic (Dual cartrige version) which, with my rig, offers a richer full bodied TX audio quality when the mic is set to the Wide setting and the rig TX EQ is set to HB-1 (High Boost 1).
G0UAA Rating: 2006-10-12
Excellant Buy Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just a bit about my settings on the FT920AF

U-51=MIC-EQ=4
U-62=TUSBCAR= 0.300
U-63=PROUSB= -0.200
U-59=TLSBCAR= 0.300
U-60=PROLSB= -0.200

I use with the Processor ON and what a Boost to the Audio it gives, Around 2 inch from the mouth talking straight at it. With no Strain to get the Drive out of the Radio to the AL-811.
Ian G0UAA

----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by G0UAA on 2006-10-12

Just installed a Heil HM-10 Dual HC-4/HC-5 on my FT920AF Running 25/50Watts into a AL-811 and its giving Excellant audio results with the DX & local rag chewing. One problem i had with the setup was RF on my transmitted audio, After checking all my connections the problem was my foot switch thats plugged into the rear of the 920 picking up stray RF in the shack even though all my kit is grounded to a earth spike. After unpluging the foot switch all is now Crystal clear & its now being keyed using the PTT fly lead provided on the Heil lead. Hope this may help others. 73's Ian G0UAA CQ DX.

Ps. The Heil is an Excellant,Quality bit of Kit.
KC2CT Rating: 2006-08-31
Outstanding! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've just upgraded my 10 year old HM-10/5 to a dual with the addition of the HC-4 element. All that I can say is, "Wow!" The HC-5/HC-4 combo kicks a**!

I had a question on the mounting of both elements within the microphone and sent an email to Heil Sound. Much to my surprise within hours I received a reply from Bob Heil himself. That is service!

I currently use my HM-10/Dual on an FT-1000MP MkV and a bit of tweaking of the transmit carrier points was all that was required to make the microphone brilliant. No eDSP, no outboard EQ, and close talking the microphone has me receiving many unsolicited audio quality reports. That's good enough for me.

As I said, I have had the HM-10/5 for 10 years now and look forward to at least another 10 years of service from it.

Well done Heil Sound!
K3GI Rating: 2006-06-14
Great piece of equipment Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had my HM-10 with the HC-5 element for 10 years. Originally purchased for use with a Kenwood TS-440S, I've been real pleased with it. It works well with my Kenwood TS-850S and Icom IC-746. I've also used it on a TS-870S. Signal reports on all radios were good, and the audio quality often got positive comments. (Still do.) Just wish I had put out the extra bucks and got the dual element. Never had a problem or complaint with the microphone. I would definitely buy it again.
VE3TMT Rating: 2005-04-28
Owned many Heil Products Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've owned many Heil mics including the HM-10 dual, Goldine Pro and others and always received comments on the wonderful audio. I once e-mailed Bob and received a fast and courteous response to my questions. I believe Bob would stand behind any of his products anytime.
KF3EG Rating: 2005-04-28
worthless Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Had a problem with the mic right from the start. I emailed Heil and even emailed Bob Heil thru his personal web page, never got an answer.
Audio was real bad, tried it on a TS 570d also on a Ten Tec and a Yaesu ft 920, didn't work on any of the radio's, same reports, cracking and unreadable audio.
Finally after not hearing anything back about this product, I pitched it in the trash after all a year is enough time to wait for a responce, I could have walked it there in less time.
I will stick with OEM mic's, atleast if you have a problem it might take some time to get fixed, but it does get fixed. Took $100.00 to learn this lesson.

73
Jim
AC7VX Rating: 2004-09-29
Good, not great Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I use the HM-10 Dual with my Icom 746 Pro. I have had a lot of comments on the quality of my audio on HF and two meter repeaters. I use both element settings and think the DX element is a plus for getting heard through a pile up. The only problem I have is the mic needs to be "pushed" a bit on the gain setting to be heard well. Good price though, well worth it for a new ham or if your on a budget.