Electro-Voice has revived the PL series of pro audio microphones, and brought forth a promising crop of both vocal and instrument microphones that are value priced, but professional in performance. The PL Series is currently on the road with STAIND, Finger Eleven and ZZ Top (on drums). The mics have also proved roadworthy on this summer's Vans Warped Tour. With three-year warranties, EV is making a promise that the quality is worthy for road usage. I received one of each model for this road test review.
PL24
With a full retail price of $129, the PL24 vocal microphone has complete professional microphone details. This mic is flat in response from 200 Hz to 15 kHz in far field frequency response, with a modest proximity effect close up. In my critical listening tests, the super-cardioid response was confirmed, with a full and even sounding performance brought out by using the Neodymium dynamic capsule. My only complaint was a touch more handling noise than its more expensive siblings in the PL series.
PL44
The PL44 vocal microphone takes the flat response from the PL24 and flavors in a boosted presence response that many vocalists favor. A slight flattened windscreen top gives it a bit of style and maintains the super-cardioid pattern with the Neodymium capsule. In critical listening tests, the handling noise was very good, with a nice sounding response with a tight pattern at most frequency bands. I felt this was a nice mid-range model with a $165 retail price, and every bit as good as the popular tight-pattern dynamic mics.
PL80a
The EV PL80a is a re-issue body style mic that comes in two finishes, the “a” finish in a modern dark gray (EV describes the finish as “black satin”) handle, and the “c” finish with the classic tan look. But PL80 received the modern Neodymium capsule and shock mounts like its other PL series mics for a super-cardioid pattern response. In critical listening tests, I found the presence frequency response pleasing with reasonably low handling noise. The pattern was tight over most audio frequency bands, and the $249 retail price is not outrageous for the quality.
PL84
As expected, the PL84 was my favorite sounding microphone with the condenser element and tighter-than-usual cardioid pattern. While a touch hotter in output than the dynamic vocal mics in the PL series, the 141 dB max SPL rating is ideal for screamer vocals. In critical listening tests, I considered the PL84 having the best detail in the presence band, while still looking and handling like a normal dynamic microphone. At a $230 retail price, the PL84 is your “diva” microphone without the diva price tag.
PL33 Kick Drum Mic
Moving on to my favorite category of mics, the specialty instrument mics, the PL33 mic looks almost identical to the ND868, but with a more favorable retail price of $199. The large dynamic capsule provides a flat 50 Hz to 100 Hz frequency response with a natural scoop in the low mids and a nice “click” peak at 4 kHz so you can have both a modern hi-fi bottom and that fashionable heavy metal click without having to tax your console equalization resources. In critical listening tests, the PL33 was extremely tight in pattern, which is the perfect cure in loud stage environments.
PL35 Tom Mic
One look at the PL35 tom mic, and you will shake your head with the “why didn’t they do this a long ago?” thought in your mind. The full-size dynamic capsule provides a full range sound in listening tests, and its super-cardioid pattern is ideal for getting all the tom sound and minimal cymbal bleed. The PL35 has that beautiful angle rear XLR connection that removes the need for right angle patch cables on the drum mics. The included universal drum rim clamp is a necessary accessory. With the $165 retail price, the PL35 will be a hot seller.
PL37 Condenser Mic
This is the mic I wished Electro-Voice would have introduced years ago. The PL37 is a small element pencil condenser mic perfect for drum overheads, hi-hat, acoustic instruments and choirs. It is not your perfectly flat response mic, but if high frequency detail is needed over low frequencies, you have found your mic. In testing, the high sensitivity was evident, and the cardioid pattern was tight enough for cymbal work, while keeping off-axis stage wash from leaking in. I do recommend a windscreen for this mic, as any air movement is picked easily. With a retail price of $165, picking up a couple for percussion work will not hurt your budget compared to similar pencil condensers.
I found the Electro-Voice PL Series mics useful for live sound applications, and the pricing is affordable in comparison to competitive offerings from reputable brands. At the gigs, the vocal mics cut through the mix nicely, and the musicians had little difficulty settling in to the tone of the mics.
The PL33 kick mic is notable in that you get two mics in one design, so you do not need a boundary mic for the click and a large diaphragm mic for the boom. The PL37 makes a great “Poor Man’s C451” pencil condenser mic for when great cymbal sounds are really what you are after. All in all, the EV PL Series shows novel design ideas and fills needs for working sound people in real-world gigs.
Electro-Voice PL Series Mics
What It Is: Vocal and instrument microphones.
Pros: Affordable, quality sounds, nice cosmetics.
Cons: No major issues for the money.
How much: See product descriptions.
Web site: www.electro-voice.com
