Heil Sound BM-17 Dual-Sided Dynamic Headset for Amateur Radio and Emergency Communications

The Heil Sound BM-17 dual-sided dynamic headset delivers professional-grade communications audio in a lightweight, portable package built for amateur radio operators and emergency communications use. Featuring the BM-D dynamic element with a 120 Hz – 10 kHz frequency response and 500-ohm impedance, the BM-17 works reliably with most Low-Z amateur radio transceivers right out of the box — no external power required.

For operators searching for the best headset for amateur radio portable operations or field EMCOM deployments, the BM-17D delivers in both comfort and performance. The newly redesigned swivel-mounted boom arm positions the microphone on either the left or right side, adapting to any operating style. The dual-sided configuration provides superior audio isolation in noisy field environments, making it easier to copy weak signals during contests, emergency nets, and DXpeditions. Operators connecting to Kenwood or Yaesu transceivers with standard Low-Z inputs will find the BM-17D a natural, hassle-free fit.

The BM-17D interfaces with the full Heil AD-1 series adapter cable lineup, enabling straightforward PTT integration with popular transceiver front-panel jacks. The headphone terminates in a 1/8" stereo plug — a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter is included — while the microphone uses a red 1/8" mono plug for easy identification. A stainless steel band inside the padded top band allows custom fit adjustments by bending to the operator's preferred tension. Radios requiring high impedance input (10k – 30k ohms) can be paired with the Heil XT-1 impedance matching transformer, sold separately.

Key Features of the Heil BM-17 Dynamic Ham Radio Headset

• BM-D Dynamic Element: Purpose-built communications element with a cardioid polar pattern delivers focused, intelligible voice audio with a 120 Hz – 10 kHz frequency response — optimized for speech clarity across transceiver audio chains.
• Dual-Sided Headphone Design: Provides enhanced audio isolation in noisy field and contest environments, reducing listener fatigue and improving weak-signal copy during extended operating sessions.
• Swivel-Mounted Flexible Boom Arm: Fully repositionable to either side for right- or left-handed operators, with an extremely flexible boom that holds any position for consistent mic placement.
• Broad Transceiver Compatibility: The 500-ohm Low-Z dynamic element works with most amateur radio rigs — including Kenwood and Yaesu — requiring inputs between 150 ohms and 4k ohms, with no additional adapters needed for standard setups.
• AD-1 Series Adapter Ready: Pairs with the full Heil AD-1 adapter family for seamless PTT integration, connecting the headset mic input and a foot switch or hand switch through one cable to the transceiver.
• Replaceable Acoustic Foam Ear Pads: Sensitive speakers require minimal AF drive from the transceiver and deliver 200 Hz – 5 kHz headphone response with very low distortion; foam pads are user-replaceable for long-term serviceability.
• Custom-Fit Stainless Steel Headband: The internal steel band inside the padded top band allows operators to bend and shape the headset to a secure, comfortable fit — essential for long contest or EMCOM sessions.

Technical Specifications

• Model: BM-17D-DBK (Dual-Sided, Dynamic Element, Black)
• Generating Element: Dynamic (BM-D)
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Microphone Frequency Response: 120 Hz – 10 kHz
• Microphone Impedance: 500 ohms
• Output Level: -60 dB at 1 kHz
• Headphone Frequency Response: 200 Hz – 5 kHz
• Configuration: Dual-sided
• Microphone Connector: 1/8" mono plug (red)
• Headphone Connector: 1/8" stereo plug (black)
• Recommended Adapter: AD-1 Series (sold separately)
• High-Impedance Compatibility: Requires Heil XT-1 transformer for rigs with 10k – 30k ohm input (sold separately)
• Weight: 7.3 oz (dual-sided)
• Color: Black

What's in the Box

• Heil Sound BM-17D Dynamic Dual-Sided Headset (Black)
• 1/8" to 1/4" headphone adapter