# Sculley and Heil

> A deep dive into the engineering breakthroughs that saved Apple and the accidental innovations that defined the sound of rock and roll.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 737
- **Published:** 2015-07-09
- **Length:** 2h 10m
- **Topics:** ARM processor, Heil Talk Box, [Grateful Dead](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grateful-dead.md), Obi Worldphone, Microphone phasing, [Smart Cities](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smart-cities.md), Paul Klipsch
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil

## About this episode

John Sculley and Bob Heil join John C. Dvorak to detail the technological shifts defining the modern era of consumer electronics and professional audio. Sculley outlines his transition from Apple CEO to moonshot entrepreneur, revealing how the ARM processor originally developed for the Newton saved Apple from financial ruin. He provides an insider perspective on the rise of Uber, the decline of Samsung's smartphone dominance, and the emergence of vertical health platforms.

Bob Heil recounts the accidental founding of his sound company after providing a massive PA system for the Grateful Dead at the Fox Theater. He details the invention of the Talk Box for Joe Walsh and Peter Frampton, alongside his mentorship under audio pioneer Paul Klipsch. The discussion covers the technical evolution of large diaphragm dynamic microphones like the PR 40, the physics of pipe organ tuning, and the application of ham radio antenna theory to modern microphone phasing.

John Sculley reflects on the 'zooming' technique he learned from Steve Jobs to connect disparate ideas like calligraphy and computing. Bob Heil shares the story of the PR 40 microphone on David Letterman's desk, which serves as a permanent prop after a vintage RCA 77 was stolen. The episode concludes with a look at the technical community in Maine where Sculley and Ethernet inventor Bob Metcalf collaborate on new ventures.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/transcript.md.

### 1. John C. Dvorak Solo Episode, Adam Curry Vacation (0:00–1:19)

John C. Dvorak hosts a special filler episode of No Agenda while Adam Curry is on vacation. Dvorak introduces two pre-recorded interviews featuring former Apple CEO John Sculley and microphone designer Bob Heil. Listeners are encouraged to support the show at dvorak.org/na despite the pre-recorded format.

Keywords: [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), podcast filler, [john sculley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-sculley.md), [bob heil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bob-heil.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/1.md)

### 2. John Sculley, Moonshot Entrepreneurship and Customer Power (1:20–5:04)

John Sculley discusses his book Moonshot and the shifting power dynamics in modern markets. He argues that technologies like cloud computing and data analytics have empowered customers, making traditional marketing less effective than technology-enabled word-of-mouth. Sculley emphasizes that transparency and customer experience now dictate the success of products over large advertising budgets.

Keywords: [john sculley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-sculley.md), [moonshot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moonshot.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [cloud computing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cloud-computing.md), [data analytics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-analytics.md), [internet of things](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-of-things.md), [word of mouth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/word-of-mouth.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Search Engine Limitations, Uber and Infrastructure Innovation (5:04–8:50)

John Sculley and the host discuss the difficulty of finding objective product reviews on search engines like Google due to exploitative ad sites. Sculley highlights Uber as a successful example of an infrastructure company rather than a pure technology company. He notes that Uber expanded the transportation market in San Francisco by providing supply where the traditional taxi industry failed to meet demand.

Keywords: [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [crowdsourcing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crowdsourcing.md), trustpilot, [uber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uber.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [taxi industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxi-industry.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Special Interests, Napster and Music Industry Evolution (8:51–12:45)

The discussion shifts to how special interests and legislation often target disruptive companies like Uber. An analogy is drawn to Napster, where the host argues that file-sharing actually boosted CD sales by helping consumers discover new music, despite the industry's perception of it as theft. Sculley uses this to illustrate how customers are assuming a larger role in market decisions.

Keywords: [uber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uber.md), [napster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/napster.md), [music industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/music-industry.md), cd sales, [special interests](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-interests.md), [entrepreneurship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/entrepreneurship.md), [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Steve Jobs, Zooming and Connecting the Dots (12:47–15:53)

John Sculley reflects on lessons learned from Steve Jobs, specifically the concept of "zooming" to connect disparate ideas. He recounts how Jobs combined his interest in calligraphy from Reed College with technical innovations from Xerox PARC to create the Macintosh. Sculley notes that while big companies like Intel and Microsoft missed the mobile revolution, entrepreneurs succeed by taking risks and simplifying complex experiences.

Keywords: [steve jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-jobs.md), [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [intel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intel.md), [microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md), [xerox parc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xerox-parc.md), reed college, [calligraphy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/calligraphy.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Apple Strategy, eWorld and the Information Utility Era (15:54–18:35)

The host questions Sculley about Apple's missed opportunity to corner the internet market in the early 1990s. They discuss the era of "information utilities" like AOL, MSN, and Apple's eWorld, which preceded the open web. The host suggests these services were a regressive model compared to the browser-based internet that eventually emerged with Mosaic and Netscape.

Keywords: [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), mosaic browser, [eworld](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eworld.md), [aol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aol.md), [msn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msn.md), [compuserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/compuserve.md), [netscape](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netscape.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/6.md)

### 7. HyperCard, Knowledge Navigator and the Origins of Netscape (18:35–22:46)

John Sculley clarifies the timeline of internet development at Apple, mentioning Bill Atkinson's HyperCard and its connection to Mark Andreessen at the University of Illinois. He describes the Knowledge Navigator, a conceptual video project developed with Alan Kay and George Lucas. Sculley explains how former Apple designers eventually moved to Netscape to create the Navigator browser.

Keywords: hypercard, bill atkinson, [mark andreessen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-andreessen.md), knowledge navigator, [netscape](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netscape.md), alan kay, [george lucas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-lucas.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/7.md)

### 8. ARM Processor, Newton and Apple's Financial Survival (22:46–27:18)

John Sculley details the creation of the ARM processor, which was originally developed for the Apple Newton in partnership with Acorn Computer's Herman Hauser. Although the Newton was not a commercial success, Apple's 43% stake in ARM was later sold for $800 million. Sculley credits this windfall, orchestrated by Gil Amelio, with keeping Apple afloat long enough to acquire NeXT and bring back Steve Jobs.

Keywords: arm, advanced research machine, [newton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newton.md), gil amelio, [steve jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-jobs.md), acorn computer, herman hauser

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Obi Worldphone, Emerging Markets and Smartphone Commoditization (27:18–31:47)

John Sculley describes his venture into the smartphone market with Obi Worldphone, targeting emerging markets in Asia and Africa. By leveraging commoditized technology and a frugal supply chain model, the company produces high-quality, well-designed phones for $100 to $200. Sculley explains that the business focuses on regions like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and East Africa rather than the saturated US or European markets.

Keywords: obi worldphone, inflection point, southeast asia, [africa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/africa.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [supply chain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supply-chain.md), [android](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/android.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Smartphone Manufacturing, BlackBerry Acquisition Attempt (31:48–35:59)

Sculley discusses the economics of smartphone production, noting that the bill of materials is typically half the retail price. He reveals that his team considered acquiring BlackBerry but decided against it after realizing they could run a similar handset business with 50 to 100 people instead of BlackBerry's 7,000. He emphasizes that his background in the soft drink industry made him comfortable with low-margin commodity businesses.

Keywords: bill of materials, [blackberry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackberry.md), lenovo, [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [supply chain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supply-chain.md), [profit margins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/profit-margins.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Microsoft Nokia Acquisition, US Contract Model Challenges (35:59–40:22)

John Sculley analyzes Microsoft's struggling acquisition of Nokia and the difficulty of entering the US smartphone market. He cites his experience with Metro PCS to explain why the US contract-based carrier model is a barrier to entry for new brands. Sculley notes that even successful companies like Xiaomi and Lenovo's Motorola division prioritize emerging markets over the complex US distribution landscape.

Keywords: [microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md), [nokia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nokia.md), metro pcs, lenovo, [motorola](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/motorola.md), [xiaomi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xiaomi.md), distribution channels

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Apple iPhone, Vertical Platforms and Samsung's Decline (40:23–45:08)

Sculley predicts the future of the iPhone, suggesting Apple is moving toward vertical platforms like HealthKit and HomeKit to maintain high margins. He contrasts Apple's strategy with Samsung, which he believes is being "killed" by high overhead and competition from cheaper Chinese brands like Xiaomi. Sculley anticipates Samsung will eventually retreat from high-performance smartphones back into component manufacturing.

Keywords: [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [iphone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iphone.md), healthkit, homekit, [samsung](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/samsung.md), [xiaomi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xiaomi.md), [ios](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ios.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Tizen OS, Internet of Things and Battery Life (45:09–49:13)

The conversation covers alternative operating systems like Samsung's Tizen and Ubuntu's mobile Linux efforts. Sculley expresses skepticism about new phone OSs but sees a need for specialized software for the Internet of Things (IoT). He mentions his involvement with Misfit, a company focused on low-power sensors and extending battery life for wearable technology.

Keywords: tizen, [samsung](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/samsung.md), [ubuntu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ubuntu.md), [linux](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linux.md), [internet of things](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-of-things.md), misfit, [battery life](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/battery-life.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Industrial IoT, Smart Cities and GE Innovation (49:12–55:03)

John Sculley argues that the true value of the Internet of Things lies in industrial and commercial applications rather than consumer gadgets. He cites GE's use of sensors in jet engines to monitor fuel consumption and safety in real-time as a primary example. He also discusses "Smart Cities" initiatives by IBM and Cisco aimed at optimizing traffic patterns and energy use in commercial buildings.

Keywords: [ge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ge.md), [cisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cisco.md), [intel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intel.md), [mckinsey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mckinsey.md), [smart cities](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smart-cities.md), [ibm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ibm.md), jet engines

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Consumerization of Healthcare, MDLive and VA Crisis (55:03–59:52)

Sculley discusses his deep involvement in healthcare technology through companies like MDLive and Rally Health. He compares the current shift in healthcare to the rise of electronic banking, predicting that consumers will take more responsibility for their own wellness. He also touches on the 2014 Veterans Affairs (VA) crisis, noting that the backlog of care was predictable to those within the industry.

Keywords: [healthcare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare.md), [telemedicine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/telemedicine.md), mdlive, rally health, [veterans affairs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/veterans-affairs.md), [sleep apnea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sleep-apnea.md), [fitbit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fitbit.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Personal Life, Bob Metcalf and Maine Technical Community (59:52–1:02:15)

John Sculley shares details about his personal life and his friendship with Ethernet inventor Bob Metcalf. He describes a technical community in Maine where they co-founded HopTech to demystify technology for non-technical people. Sculley notes that he now resides in Florida and New York but frequently travels to California for his various business interests.

Keywords: bob metcalf, [woodside](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/woodside.md), [maine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/maine.md), [florida](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/florida.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), hoptech

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Bob Heil, Early Life and the Fox Theater Organ (1:02:16–1:06:38)

Bob Heil recounts his early introduction to audio through ham radio and the organ. He describes becoming the protege of Stan Cann at the Fox Theater in St. Louis at age 15. Heil explains how voicing and tuning thousands of pipes in a Wurlitzer organ taught him how to "listen" and harmonically dissect sound, a skill that would later define his career in microphone design.

Keywords: [bob heil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bob-heil.md), [ham radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ham-radio.md), accordion, hammond organ, fox theater, stan cann, wurlitzer

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Pipe Organ Tuning, Harmonic Content and Concerts (1:06:38–1:11:46)

Heil explains the technical process of tuning pipe organs, emphasizing the difference between pitch and harmonic balance. He describes the physical structure of clarinet and trumpet pipes and the time-consuming nature of voicing an instrument. Heil mentions that he still performs theatrical organ concerts across the Midwest, including recent shows in Oklahoma and Missouri.

Keywords: pipe organ, harmonic content, middle c, reed pipes, miami coleman theater, sooner chapter

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/18.md)

### 19. Music Store Beginnings, Fixing Fender Amplifiers (1:11:46–1:15:15)

After a career as a professional organist, Bob Heil opened a Hammond Organ franchise in Marissa, Illinois. He describes how his ham radio background allowed him to easily repair broken Fender guitar amplifiers for local musicians. This reputation for technical skill quickly spread, leading him to service equipment for touring bands and promoters in the St. Louis area.

Keywords: marissa illinois, hammond organ, fender, 6l6 tubes, soldering iron, music store

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Grateful Dead, Fox Theater and the Birth of Rock Sound (1:15:15–1:18:24)

Bob Heil details the accidental birth of his professional sound company when the Grateful Dead's PA system was confiscated by federal agents before a show at the Fox Theater. Heil provided a massive system built from discarded Altec A4 speakers and Macintosh amplifiers. The success of that night led to a touring contract with the Dead and a front-page story in Billboard magazine.

Keywords: [grateful dead](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grateful-dead.md), jerry garcia, altec a4, macintosh amps, fox theater, billboard magazine

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton and the Heil Talk Box (1:18:24–1:22:23)

Heil discusses his long-standing friendship with Joe Walsh, rooted in their shared hobby of ham radio. He recounts inventing the Talk Box to help Walsh perform "Rocky Mountain Way" live, using a high-powered JBL driver. Heil also describes sending a Talk Box to Peter Frampton as a Christmas gift, which became a defining element of Frampton's musical career.

Keywords: [joe walsh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-walsh.md), james gang, rocky mountain way, talk box, peter frampton, humble pie, paul klipsch

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Paul Klipsch, Acoustic Weapons and Subharmonic Frequencies (1:22:24–1:26:57)

The conversation turns to Paul Klipsch and his experimental work with massive horns for the US government during World War II. Heil describes a 40-foot horn designed as a potential weapon that could produce inaudible subharmonic frequencies to disorient people. He reflects on Klipsch's mentorship and the legacy of his prototypes stored in Hope, Arkansas.

Keywords: paul klipsch, [hope arkansas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hope-arkansas.md), acoustic weapon, [world war ii](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-war-ii.md), subharmonics, folded horns

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Hi-Fi History, George Wright and Wurlitzer Recordings (1:26:57–1:29:25)

Heil credits George Wright and Paul Klipsch as the fathers of high-fidelity audio. He discusses Wright's influential Wurlitzer organ recordings from the 1950s, which featured deep 16-cycle bass notes that became a benchmark for testing hi-fi equipment. Heil explains that these early acoustic innovations laid the groundwork for the modern audio industry.

Keywords: george wright, hi-fi, quiet village, wurlitzer, klipsch horns, martin denny

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/23.md)

### 24. Ham Radio Audio, Articulation and the First Equalizer (1:29:25–1:34:20)

After leaving the touring sound business in the early 1980s, Bob Heil returned to ham radio and found the audio quality of modern Japanese rigs lacking. He developed a small equalizer to improve speech articulation, which won a cover award from QST magazine in 1982. This success led to the founding of Heil Sound's microphone division, which now dominates the global ham radio market.

Keywords: [ham radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ham-radio.md), articulation, equalizer, qst magazine, [arrl](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arrl.md), navassa island, headsets

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/24.md)

### 25. Large Diaphragm Dynamics, PR 35 and Artist Endorsements (1:34:21–1:38:43)

Bob Heil explains how Joe Walsh prompted him to improve upon the standard SM58 microphone, leading to the development of the PR 35 large diaphragm dynamic microphone. He demonstrates the superior articulation and presence of his design compared to older models. Heil lists several high-profile artists, including Carrie Underwood and Idina Menzel, who use the PR 35 as their primary performance instrument.

Keywords: sm58, pr 35, [joe walsh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-walsh.md), idina menzel, carrie underdog, [stevie wonder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stevie-wonder.md), charlie daniels

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Antenna Theory, Phasing and the PR 40 Microphone (1:38:44–1:44:12)

Heil describes applying ham radio antenna theory and phasing to microphone design to achieve unprecedented rear rejection. He notes that the PR 40 has become a standard in the broadcast and podcasting industries, used by figures like Leo Laporte. Heil explains that by treating the microphone like a phased array antenna, he can eliminate unwanted stage wash and background noise.

Keywords: pr 40, [leo laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), re20, al khan, phasing, antenna theory, rear rejection

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/26.md)

### 27. Condenser Microphones, Phantom Power and Lavalier Scourge (1:44:13–1:47:42)

Bob Heil expresses his dislike for condenser microphones, citing their over-sensitivity and "raspy" top end. He argues that his large diaphragm dynamics, like the PR 30, can replace condensers without the need for phantom power. Heil also identifies the poor quality of modern lavalier microphones as a "scourge" and suggests he may focus on improving them in the future.

Keywords: condenser microphones, phantom power, pr 30, lavalier, transient response, canon 5d

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/27.md)

### 28. Podcast Audio, Skype and Harmonic Richness (1:47:42–1:50:30)

The host and Heil discuss the best microphones for podcasters, specifically recommending the PR 40. Heil explains that even when audio is compressed through services like Skype, the harmonic richness of a high-quality microphone provides a superior signal. He emphasizes that the wide frequency response of the PR 40 benefits the listener through these underlying harmonics.

Keywords: pr 40, pr 35, [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), harmonics, frequency response

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/28.md)

### 29. Component Sourcing, Quality Control and Listening Tests (1:50:31–1:56:37)

Heil describes his manufacturing process, which involves sourcing components globally and assembling them in Illinois. He emphasizes a rigorous three-stage testing process that culminates in a human listening test using JBL studio monitors. Heil warns against buying microphones on the used market, noting instances where counterfeit or damaged elements are sold in genuine-looking cases.

Keywords: [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [quality control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quality-control.md), jbl monitors, boron, iron, [magnets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/magnets.md), [ebay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ebay.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/29.md)

### 30. Microphone Care, Cupping and Detuning Prevention (1:56:38–1:59:58)

Bob Heil provides advice on microphone maintenance, warning against blowing into the diaphragm or dropping the equipment. He demonstrates a unique feature of the PR 35 that prevents "detuning" when an artist cups the microphone with their hand. This design choice makes the microphone particularly popular with modern vocalists and rap artists who use that specific technique.

Keywords: microphone maintenance, [cupping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cupping.md), pr 35, diaphragm, voice coil, rap artists

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/30.md)

### 31. Ribbon Microphones, Boron Magnets and Performance Logo (1:59:58–2:04:06)

Heil discusses the fragility of ribbon microphones compared to his dynamic designs, which use boron and iron mixtures to create magnets ten times stronger than standard versions. He critiques large audio companies for removing the word "performance" from their branding, asserting that Heil Sound remains focused on the needs of the performing artist.

Keywords: ribbon microphones, rca, boron, iron, transient response, [performance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/performance.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/31.md)

### 32. David Letterman Desk Mic, Bob Workman and Custom Designs (2:04:08–2:09:35)

Bob Heil explains his philosophy of listening to artists to create custom solutions, such as the PR 31BW designed for Charlie Daniels' sound man, Bob Workman. He also reveals the story behind the PR 40 appearing on David Letterman's desk, noting it was originally placed there as a replacement for a stolen RCA 77 and remains largely as a prop.

Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), rca 77, pr 40, bob workman, charlie daniels, pr 31bw

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/32.md)

### 33. Show Outro, Thursday Live Stream and Donor Credits (2:09:35–2:10:49)

John C. Dvorak concludes the filler episode, thanking listeners and reminding them of the upcoming live show on Thursday. He notes that executive producers and donors will be credited during the next regular broadcast. The episode ends with a montage of "amazing" clips and a final sign-off.

Keywords: [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [dvorak.org/na](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dvorak-org-na.md), [executive producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producers.md), [live stream](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/live-stream.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/33.md)

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