I've been giving my OSP-branded Shure 55S copy that I bought a couple of months ago a workout on my Yaesu FT-2000 and I'm happy with the results.
The rig's built-in audio EQ is impressive; it allows you to tailor your audio for just about any microphone. Now the OSP mic isn't a Heil HC-5 … but it isn't designed to be. It has the typical audio response for broadcast and studio work.
I find the mic has gobs of output, much, much more than the real-deal Shure 55S that I used to have on the same boom. There wasn't enough range in the rig's EQ to give the Shure decent highs. I'm very pleased with the performance of the OSP mike. It works great on VOX, which is usually how I use it. Now I like my Heil headsets, but the OSP on the Heil boom works very very well for most purposes. When I call the KEN, I run it on VOX and wear headphones just so I don't miss weak stations trying to check in.
The finish of the OSP mic is first-rate, too. It doesn't look cheap, the chrome finish is high quality; the housing is metal and is essentially identical to the Shure 55S. The sole difference appears to be the placement of the logo: On the original Shure, the logo was in the middle of the grill facing the user. The OSP moved it a couple of spots up from center. I don't know who would notice it other than someone who is anal retentive about old microphones as I am!
Besides a mic fanatic, I'm also a mic spotter. I look to see what type of mic artists are using, in live performances and on TV. I would bet my family is tired of me pointing out every time I see a mic I either own or used to own.
HEIL AGAIN. With all my accolades about the OSP mic, it's just a tad ironic that I went online tonight and ordered a second Heil Classic microphone from AES. For $99.99 its a true bargain — classic looks and great performance. The price includes the base and a short cable.
Why a second one? Well, when the remaining stock is gone, that's it — and after seeing what the Classic brings on the used market (aka EBay), I thought it would be a fair investment. I've also order the 4-pin XLR connectors so I can wire the mic up to my rig. The mic audio only uses two of the four pins since it has an unbalanced audio output.
Eventually I'm going to put the Heil Classic on my mic boom. I know it'll sound good and look good; I still prefer the look of my off-brand Shure knockoff. Time will tell.
73 es CUL … de KY4Z … dit dit