Introduction
The Heil PL-2T is a microphone boom arm designed for those who demand top performance and versatility in their recording setup. Let’s dive into the details of this audio accessory and see if it lives up to the hype.
Ease of Installation
Setting up the Heil PL-2T is a breeze. With a simple installation process, everyone will find it easy.
- Simple Clamp System: The clamp system securely attaches to your desk without complicated steps.
- Adjustable Arm Length: Tailor the length to your preference, providing a customizable experience.
Build Quality and Durability
In the world of microphone boom arms, durability is key. The Heil PL-2T boasts a robust construction that ensures longevity.
- Sturdy Construction: Crafted from the best materials, this boom arm can be used every day.
- Smooth Rotation: The smooth swivel ensures durability without compromising flexibility.
Flexibility in Positioning
A good boom arm should allow for easy adjustments, and the Heil PL-2T excels in giving optimal flexibility.
- 360˚ Rotation: Achieve the perfect angle with the boom arm’s full rotation capabilities.
- Vertical and Horizontal Adjustments: Easily position your microphone for the best recording angle.
Cable Management
Messy cables can be a headache, but the Heil PL-2T includes features to keep your setup neat and organized.
- Integrated Cable Clips: Keep your cables in check with built-in clips for a tidy space.
- Concealed Wiring: The arm design hides cables, keeping a clean aesthetic.
Pros
- Effortless Installation: Quick and easy setup for users of all experience levels.
- Durable Construction: Built to last with the best materials.
- Versatile Positioning: Achieve the perfect microphone angle with 360˚ rotation.
Cons
- Limited Weight Capacity: Not suitable for heavier microphones.
- Tightening Mechanism Challenges: Some users report issues with it.
Conclusion
The Heil PL-2T microphone boom arm is great for content creators and podcasters. It’s easy to set up, sturdy, and can be adjusted easily. It’s a good choice for recording, but keep in mind its weight limits and occasional issues with tightening.
In summary, the Heil PL-2T strikes a balance between functionality and simplicity, making it a worthy investment for those seeking an efficient and durable microphone boom arm.
Ken Wallace –
Wow. I made the mistake of buying this one and a couple of the el cheapo $20 booms. I say “mistake” because while the $20 was perfectly fine, it was no comparison to this Heil boom. ABSOLUTELY NO COMPARISON.
Let’s talk about those cheaper ones, shall we? The cheaper ones are mostly copies of each other. The cheaper ones all have external springs, two 15″ boom arm segments, and a cheap table bracket. Some come with the mic holder, some even come with an XLR cable threaded through. The ones that have no cable threaded through, a few offer cable ties for cord management (because you have to run your cord somewhere), and of those that offer cable ties, a few offer a nice hook and loop tape cable management solution.
This Heil boom has INTERNAL CABLE MANAGEMENT with an easy-to-remove track cover, stress relief covers over the corners so your cable doesn’t pinch, INTERNAL SPRINGS, and amazing 20″ boom arm segments! That extra 10″ (5″ extra per segment compared to the cheaper products) makes a HUGE difference in reach and mic placement.
This is perfect for heavy mics like the AT2020USB (which is what I use, plus a windscreen and shockmount) and the Blue Yeti (my backup mic, the AT2020USB is so much better for my voice). This Heil boom is much heavier duty, and can support much heavier mics with ease. The cheaper ones you really have to torque down the nuts at the joints to handle heavy mics and in the process you can damage the screws and handles. You’ll have none of that issue with this boom.
So, back to my earlier statement. I bought this one and a cheapie one just to compare, but having them side by side, I ended up sending the cheaper one back. If I had been smart, I would’ve only bought the cheap one then I wouldn’t have known what I was missing. If you’re just starting out, the cheaper one is perfectly fine. Just don’t make the same mistake I made, because once you try this one out, you’ll be in love.
TL:DR; This boom is perfect for getting my mic off the desk so I can concentrate on my podcast and voiceover work.
Hope this helps!
Amazon Customer –
Holds my YETI Pro without pulling a sweat
thedrub –
This mic stand is solid. It’s very well built and once clamps into place, it does not slip at all. The boom arm mechanism stays in place with an SM7B in place (which is not a light mic) even when swiveling.
The one issue I have is SM7B specific. As I do standard audio work and video work, I have two setups. I need to the mic to swivel 180 degrees and with the way the knob is that locks the mic attachment into place, it is right in the way of the cord when I try to rotate the mic. This is a minor inconvenience, but it is annoying to have to disconnect the mic cord to rotate the microphone because of this knob placement. As mentioned, this is SM7B specific as it has the mic cord feed on top as a feature of that mic.
I did have a small issue with running the mic cord (Mogami gold) into the track and having the plastic covering staying clipped into place, but I remedied this by simply using some wrap-around velcro strips.
Other than this, it is built like a tank.
Cliente Amazon –
Awesome mic arm!! I couldn’t be happier with it! I was worried that it would not hold my Yeti Pro and shock mount because they have some heft to them. But this thing holds them up like a champ! When I move my mic into place it stays there. It doesn’t sink, or wobble, it just stays. Like it’s being glued in place every time!
If I had to say something negative about it, it would probably be the logo. It’s kind of ugly and I wish they had only put it on the base, not on the top joint of the arm as well. But seriously, if my largest complaint about this product is the logo, then that really show’s you what kind of product you are buying!
twoolworth –
Got a Blue Microphones Compass Premium Tube-Style Microphone Broadcast Boom Arm and it broke, this one survived on the same harsh angles. Good buy.
BillyBigPotatoes –
El producto parece de calidad si, por eso le doy dos estrellas, en cuanto al envio, totalmente vergonzoso, viene en su caja original, sin nada que lo proteja, sin ni siquiera cinta transparente o celo que selle la caja, asi que cualquiera podria haber sacado alguna pieza. Y al venir sin embalaje solo con la caja original viene con varios golpes y echa una pena la caja, y en una de las esquinas rota y una parte del brazo arañada la pintura del golpe. Lo dicho vergonzoso el envio y mas teniendo enc uenta lo que cuesta el producto en si.
Spencer Ward –
Awesome!
One_C0ld_K1ll3r –
I have been trying a few cheaper options – but their build quality – stability and cable management have all fallen short. This arm – that I have secured using the DT1 desk adaptor is rock solid – and cables are almost invisible.
Ken Wallace –
Using this with a Blue Yeti. Also using a sound damping device. The plastic one, not the Blue Yeti damping product. The plastic product was approx $20 so seemed like a prudent purchase and seems to satisfy the need. No problems and no one comments on keyboard noise.
This arm is sooooo much better than the arm that arrived in the “kit” with the Blue Yeti. No comparison. This arm is well made, sturdy, and stays in the position where placed. It does not “drift” after letting go, like the old arm. Also, the 2 segments of the arm are a fair bit longer than the cheap arm. I read somewhere that each segment is 19″. For my setting, this brought the mic closer to my mouth. It has a significantly longer “reach” than the old arm. The clamp on base is secure and easy to use. The screw has a comfortable “ear” to tighten the screw and secures to the work surface nicely.
The only shortcoming is a very, very minor one. The USB cord fits in the “U” shape of the arms, and a plastic piece clips inside the U to hide the usb wire. For my setup, the plastic piece doesn’t secure very well. The wire inside causes the plastic piece to release at the end. Super easy fix with a short segment of double sided velcro wrapped around that part of the arm. Perhaps a thinner USB wire that is more supple would solve the issue? Such a minor issue, I just haven’t bothered experimenting.
Very pleased with this product. Worthy of all stars.
Nick –
The overall construction is completely solid metal, with only the accessory covers being made of plastic. I am using a Blue Spark microphone with it, which isn’t the lightest microphone, and I haven’t had any sagging at all. The accessory covers work well and cover the XLR cord with zero issue, and they fit super snug. I was able to also connect the blue pop filter to the arm as well with ease. Overall this boom arm is fantastic and the fact that it has permanent mount accessories (sold seperately) for a reasonable price was awesome. I am using the desk mount which I haven’t regretted at all.