Heil PR40 Dynamic Microphone

Dynamic Vocal Microphone - Heil Sound PR40 Review

AudioTrove® Rating for the Heil PR40 Microphone

4.6/5 Stars From 70 Buyers

13 Reasons To Buy

1. Studio quality. All users mentioned that the Heil PR 40 is comparable to high priced broadcasting microphones. All reviewers spoke well of this microphone’s ability to produce low base, natural sounds.
2. Best of both worlds. Most reviewers find the duality of the Heil PR 40 remarkable. This microphone produces vibrant and rich sounds, similar to condenser microphones, but still being balanced and soft, like a dynamic microphone.
3. Warm and articulate sound quality. Well rounded, warm and clear - these are the three words that all reviewers mentioned for the Heil PR 40. All users complimented the rich quality of sound this microphone can bring.
4. Large, low mass diaphragm. The customized magnet and the 1.125 inch low mass diaphragm adds to the skillfully engineered Heil PR 40. All reviews said that this mixture of elements enables this microphone to have an almost perfect rear-rejection.
5. Wide range frequency. The Heil PR 40 enables its users to enjoy both low and high frequencies. All reviews cited that this microphone produced amazing low frequency sounds without distortion, pleasing mid-range, and high frequencies were soft, unhyped, and rich. Supremely this microphone can fit a wide range of vocals.
6. Brightens deep, low voice. Some users find this microphone fantastic as it can slightly brighten up deep and low voice making it a staple for every podcasting and radio studio. 
7. Withstands high SPL. Since the Heil PR 40 is a dynamic microphone, it can withstand higher SPLs. Users specified that compared to condensers, dynamic microphones are more durable. 
8. Amazing for podcasts. The Heil PR 40 exquisitely brings out the best in conversational vocals that results in clear and effective podcasts. Users praised the overall sound quality that this microphone produces.
9. Effectively rejects background noise. Since the design of this microphone is end-fire, all reviewers vouced to the ability of Heil PR 40 to pick up much less noise than other microphones. Users loved the fact that this microphone rejects off-axis noise.
10. Multifunctional microphone. Aside from being excellent as a vocal microphone, most users appreciated this microphone's versatility in terms of its application. Some users brought up that they have been using Heil PR 40 for their instruments such as, kick drum, bass cab, piano, and electric guitar speaker cabinets.
11. Worth its cost. At this price point, no other microphone can deliver the professional quality sound that most artists would want to have. One user said that the Heil PR 40’s features are so impressive especially within its price range. Users also cited that this microphone even exceeds the quality of more expensive ones.
12. Beautiful, flawless finish. The Heil PR 40 boasts an exquisite design that users find appealing. This microphone is aesthetically pleasing and users mentioned that it is truly impeccable.

4 Reasons NOT To Buy

1. One reviewer suggested using an expander/compressor/limiter/gate.
2. A user mentioned that a good preamp is best with this microphone.
3. Some reviewers find the stand a bit difficult to position.
4. A reviewer suggested pairing this microphone with Heil wind filter foam.
5. A user found it unappealing that this microphone lacks a jack for monitor headphones.

Heil PR40 Product Research Summary

Made by Heil Sound, Ltd founded by Bob Heil, Heil PR 40 boasts the features that made Bob Heil widely respected. Heil has won the admiration and confidence of the industry's top musicians and sound engineers. Bob Heil is an entrepreneur and innovator whose inventions and products turned the live concert experience into what it is today...to the point that he was the first and only manufacturer to be asked to have an exhibit in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Heil PR 40 prides itself with the widest frequency range (28 Hz - 18 kHz) among Heil PR series or in any dynamic microphones within this price point in the market. This translates to a remarkable and well-rounded microphone. Between the upper and lower rolloff stages, the sound is nominally smooth, with a slight presence bump starting at 35kHz. 

One of the quietest microphones, the Heil PR 40 has a very low self noise and has the ability to reject unnecessary noise. Radio DJs and broadcasters also enjoy the impressively natural, full and packed sounds that are pleasing audiences. This microphone also has extremely low susceptibility to unwanted pops. 

In addition, this microphone’s voice coil is made of aluminum, and the large-diameter dynamic capsule is decoupled from the heavy steel body by a Sorbothane shock absorber. An extra humbucking coil eliminates the influence of adjacent electronic equipment or transformers, and proximity bass boost has been reduced as far as a pressure gradient microphone can be. With this powerhouse of mechanism, it can withstand SPL of 148 dB. A workhorse, indeed.

Product Specifications

Element Type: Dynamic

Frequency Response: 28 Hz - 18 kHz

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Rear Rejection @ 180° off axis: -40 dB

Impedance: 600 ohms balanced

Output Connection: 3 pin XLR

Max SPL: 148 dB

Dimensions:

10.5 x 7 x 4 inches

Weight 13.5 oz

Application:

broadcast, podcast, voice over, live sound, and studio applications

Instrument:

Drums, trumpet, trombone, electric guitar, electric bass

Audio Output:

Output Level -53.9 dB @ 1 kHz

Design:

Body: Steel body with zinc die-cast bottom ring

Colour: Black and Black with Gold Grill, Gold or Chrome

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is phantom power needed for this microphone? I have a small mixer that can be used with an iPad via USB, but its phantom power is only 15 volts.

A: Since this is a dynamic microphone, it does not require phantom control.

Q: What output can I use with this mic?

A: It needs a professional XLR microphone plug (bottom) that can be connected to a professional recorder or mixer.

Q: Is this a good mic for professional voice overs?

A: This microphone is very flexible and can be used for any kind of voice work. Great value for money when it comes to vocals and even more. 

Q: Is a signal booster, such as a cloud lifter, something you would recommend? I used to have a Shure SM7b, and you almost always needed an inline signal boost.

A: I'm using a Behringer Xenyx X1222USB board to power two of these mics, and I don't need to raise the signal at all. These mics are fantastic—-they perform and sound great right out of the box.

Q: Hello there, So, I'm curious, and I own a Rode NT-1A, so please clarify why using a "Dynamic" Mic is preferable to using my Rode for podcasting.

A: Background noise is picked up heavily by condenser microphones. Stick with your Rode if that isn't a problem. That's also a fantastic microphone.

Q: Could you please tell me if this is a USB microphone? If not, what do I do if I'm a Mac user?

A: It's an XLR microphone. To link it to a Mac, you'll need an audio interface.

Q: What are the types of overhead booms used? Is it better to go all Heil or go for a less costly option?

A: I have a pair of cheap articulating arm boom stands on hand. On both, I use shock mounts.

Q: What's your go-to pop filter? I need one that can suit the microphone but does not have a flex collar.

A: BSW REPOP is what I use. With me, it's fine.

Q: Will this fit with the Focusrite Scarlett Solo if I'm a podcaster? I'm not familiar with ports and the like.

A: Yes, the Heil PR 40 is compatible with that unit.

Q: I have Godwave recording apps on my computer. Is anybody familiar with how well this microphone operates with this podcasting software?

A: In fact, any microphone that you can add to your device would work well with your apps. They're not the ones you're going to concentrate on. "What kind of sound are you looking for?" is the issue. This mic is an end-fire mic that produces a warm sound in the studio (as opposed to side fire). You won't need phantom power because it's not a condenser mic. For netcasts, I use two of them in my studio.

Famous artists, producers, musicians, & records that used this microphone:

• Leo Laporte
• Cliff Ravenscraft
• Seth Stevenson Program Director, WMTC
• Lippo and BigJD
• Art Bell