RANKING
37
Rank 37 out of 50 Summarized in this category
Rankings based on:
• Pros-to-cons ratio
• Number of reviews
• Category average
Heil Sound
PR 40
around $339
i
All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.
Image source:
92 Pros
72%
11 reviews (1h 32m)
35 Cons
Discover the microphone trusted by professional podcasters and broadcasters worldwide. The Heil Sound PR 40 has earned its legendary status by delivering a classic, ready-for-radio sound with a distinct presence boost and crisp clarity. Built like an absolute tank with an all-metal body, this mic is designed for a lifetime of use. Its tight cardioi...
89%
17 vs 2
Features
55%
6 vs 5
Ease of Use
89%
17 vs 2
Build Quality
61%
27 vs 17
Sound Quality
57%
4 vs 3
Value for Money
Reviewer verdict
Across 11 YouTube reviews, the Heil Sound PR 40 earns a Summa score of 3.9/5, ranking #37 among Microphones. Reviewers most often praise its sound quality, build quality, features, while the most common criticisms concern sound quality, ease of use.
The Heil PR 40 is repeatedly praised across 11 YouTube reviews for its big, broadcast-style sound and strong low end, with 27 mentions highlighting rich body, clarity, and suitability for podcasting, vocals, and instruments like kick drum and bass. Reviewers commonly note solid build and accessories (17 mentions) and versatile features for broadcast and studio use (17 mentions), including good rear rejection and a wide frequency response. Many reviewers also emphasize effective background-noise rejection and practicality for noisy or untreated rooms (10 mentions), and that it works well with common gain-boosting hardware and mixers to deliver a professional, radio-like tone. Overall, consensus is that the PR 40 sounds excellent for spoken-word and many studio applications and is well built and feature-complete for broadcasters and podcasters.
Criticisms, raised across the reviews, center on the PR 40’s tonal character and usability: reviewers (17 cons) report a non-flat frequency response with boosted highs and a top-end roll-off that can sound bright or harsh on some sources and may not suit everyone. Multiple reviewers note the mic is relatively low-sensitivity/gain-hungry and often needs a solid preamp or inline booster and careful EQ or processing (mentioned across sound and ease-of-use cons), and that plosives/sibilance can still be an issue despite the windscreen. Additional complaints include higher cost compared with alternatives and the requirement for XLR gear and a sturdy boom arm due to weight, making it less convenient for beginners or USB-only setups.
Analysis based on 11 YouTube reviews (1h 32m of video) with 92 pros and 35 cons extracted.
Pros (92)
Sound Quality (27)
- The microphone can produce a great sound and is suitable for certain voices and instruments. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 10:30
- It is especially solid on kick drum and bass guitar. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 10:50
- The microphone is good for podcasters who want a presence boost and a certain podcast sound without heavy EQ. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 9:54
- Sound is a little more bright compared to similar microphones like the RE20 ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 1:05
- Sounds really crisp without any processing ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 3:29
- Volume and decibel levels are easily adjustable on mixing boards ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 3:44
- With processing, it produces a deep, broadcast-style sound ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 4:06
- Overall, it has a really great sound no matter how you use it ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 5:40
- Bright sound quality makes it feel like a professional radio station microphone ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 6:14
- Has a nice broadcast tone suitable for spoken word ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 3:31
- Capable of withstanding very high SPLs ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 2:05
- Natural sound with solid bass response, suitable for kick drums, toms, bass guitar cabs, electric guitar cabs, radio, voice over, and vocals ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 2:09
- Ribbon-like smoothness on the top end with condenser-like clarity ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 2:29
- Excellent on percussion and vocals ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 4:08
- Sounds superb with many benefits for home studio work ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 8:01
- Heil PR 40 sounds good when processed properly with hardware like the dbx 286s and EQ adjustments on a sound board. ▶ EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 @ 2:43
- The microphone can be made to sound good with proper post-processing and tuning. ▶ EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 @ 3:13
- Good sound quality with embodied, butter and darker sound ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 3:26
- Powerful performance suitable for broadcast and professional use. ▶ Heil PR40 Mic Review @ 1:19
- Clear and natural sound quality. ▶ Heil PR40 Mic Review @ 2:23
- Heil Sound PR40 has a great sound quality and is very quiet even at high dB levels. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 5:29
- It sounds great without needing heavy gain, especially when paired with a good recorder like the RODECaster Pro 2. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 5:40
- The PR40 has a radio broadcast type of sound that some users prefer for its tonal qualities. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 4:17
- It picks up less proximity effect (less 'closest' sound) when using the included windscreen. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 7:47
- Heil Sound PR40 is their most premium broadcast mic for podcasts and sounds really good with clear low end and top end. ▶ TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review @ 1:32
- The PR40 has a bright high-end sparkle that is especially good for vocals, including female vocals. ▶ TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review @ 4:09
- The PR40 provides more body and a bigger sound compared to a Shure SM57, making it flexible for mixing and various applications. ▶ TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review @ 8:09
Build Quality (17)
- Brilliantly designed and manufactured product ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 7:54
- It has a solid build and a classy look with multiple color and finish options. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 3:27
- The mic mount has a tightening feature that holds the bottom of the mic securely. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 3:13
- Built like an absolute tank with an all-metal body and metal grille ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 0:54
- The microphone is well built and the accessories are very nicely made. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 10:02
- High build quality with attention to detail from Heil ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 3:36
- Beautiful looking microphone with a premium champagne finish and solid build quality ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 0:05
- Excellent build quality, feels solid and built to last ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 1:15
- Minimalistic packaging with no fancy plastics, good for sustainability ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 0:32
- Comes with a cushioned soft case to protect the microphone ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 1:16
- Solid metallic build quality ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 5:14
- The packaging is cleverly designed to reduce wastage and is easy to open. ▶ Heil Sound PR-40 Black Unboxing, Kiwi SDR Overview & Yaesu C @ 3:38
- The microphone comes with a nice leather pouch for protection and portability. ▶ Heil Sound PR-40 Black Unboxing, Kiwi SDR Overview & Yaesu C @ 3:19
- The microphone comes with a fantastic, solid metal shock mount that performs like those found on much more expensive mics. ▶ TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review @ 2:48
- The build quality of the PR40 and its boom arm is solid and professional, suitable for podcasting, studio, and live use. ▶ TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review @ 11:54
- The Heil PR 40 microphone is solid and well-made, feeling heavy and rock-solid. ▶ Heil PR 40 Unboxing, Test, and Review @ 1:26
- Comes with a carrying case that protects the microphone and makes it portable. ▶ Heil PR 40 Unboxing, Test, and Review @ 0:58
Features (17)
- The microphone is meant for broadcast and studio applications, popular with podcast and radio world. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 0:04
- Comes with high quality accessories including a black leather carrying bag with molded foam, microphone mount, stand adapter, and documentation. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 2:23
- The microphone has a cardioid polar pattern and good rear rejection of -40 dB at 180 degrees off-axis. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 4:33
- Great broadcast or podcast microphone, widely used by podcasters depending on sound preference ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 0:37
- Supports various presets for broadcasters and podcasters to customize sound ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 4:19
- Includes a padded pleather carrying case, microphone mount with adapter, documentation, and sticker ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 0:38
- Has a cardioid polar pattern and good frequency response (28 Hz to 18 kHz) ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 1:35
- Versatile microphone recommended for podcasting, broadcasting, studio applications, and live work ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 1:48
- Popular choice for narrators, voiceover artists, podcasters, and YouTubers ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 5:54
- Heil PR 40 is a good mic used by many professional podcasters like Leo Laporte. ▶ EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 @ 0:18
- Heil PR 40 supports the podcasting community and is well-regarded among podcasters. ▶ EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 @ 1:03
- Includes adapter to boom arm and can be assembled directly to shock mount ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 1:49
- The PR40 is now available in an all black version, offering a new aesthetic option. ▶ Heil Sound PR-40 Black Unboxing, Kiwi SDR Overview & Yaesu C @ 3:00
- It is a dynamic microphone, so it does not require phantom power, making it perfect for amateur radios that don't provide 48 volts phantom power. ▶ Heil Sound PR-40 Black Unboxing, Kiwi SDR Overview & Yaesu C @ 4:07
- The microphone is suitable for radio use, broadcasting, and podcasting. ▶ Heil Sound PR-40 Black Unboxing, Kiwi SDR Overview & Yaesu C @ 4:20
- Available with premium support and accessories like USB connectors. ▶ Heil PR40 Mic Review @ 5:40
- The PR40 is versatile enough to be used for podcasting, music recording, percussion, overheads, hi-hats, and other instruments. ▶ TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review @ 7:23
Noise Cancellation (10)
- Good background noise rejection demonstrated with clicky keyboards. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 7:06
- Wind screens on the side help with sound quality, but microphone is end-fire only ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 5:51
- Good background noise rejection ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 3:27
- Official Heil windscreen dampens higher frequencies nicely ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 1:53
- Great rejection of off-axis sound, minimizing spill when recording vocals and guitar simultaneously ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 4:39
- Filters plosives pretty well ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 3:44
- Dynamic microphone that rejects unwanted background noise effectively ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 5:27
- Good rejection of desk vibrations and keyboard/mouse clicks when used with shock mount ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 6:04
- The PR40 is a dynamic microphone, good for noisy backgrounds as it concentrates on vocals and reduces ambient noise. ▶ TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review @ 3:14
- The microphone reduces echo and background noise much better than the Blue Snowball, capturing only the voice. ▶ Heil PR 40 Unboxing, Test, and Review @ 4:32
Recording Quality (9)
- Mic activators like SE Dynamite and Cloudlifter help lower noise floor and improve gain handling. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 7:46
- Works well with a Cloudlifter to reduce gain needed from preamp ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 2:37
- Full low-end down to 28 Hz and bright high-end starting around 1.5 kHz for clarity in spoken word ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 4:12
- Wide frequency range from 28 Hz to 18 kHz ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 2:00
- Dynamic mic benefits for home studio use, reducing room noise and ambient sound pickup compared to condenser mics ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 2:37
- Heil PR 40 is the most forgiving microphone in many different environments, especially in rooms with lots of reverb or poor sound treatment. ▶ EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 @ 1:19
- Efficient and suitable for professional audio recording. ▶ Heil PR40 Mic Review @ 3:58
- Frequency range of PR40 is 28 Hz to 18 kHz, providing a wide range with a slight top-end roll-off to reduce excessive sparkle. ▶ TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review @ 5:11
- It significantly improves voice quality, multiplying the quality of videos by 10 compared to the Blue Snowball. ▶ Heil PR 40 Unboxing, Test, and Review @ 3:57
Ease of Use (6)
- Comes with a mount that is adjustable to angle the microphone ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 2:20
- Simple and easy to connect to mic stand adapter ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 1:32
- Clear instruction on correct microphone orientation for optimal sound capture ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 2:20
- Simplified usage with no need for switches or adjustments out of the box ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 4:48
- The microphone is ready to go with a shock mount and windscreen included, making it convenient for users. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 7:06
- The microphone setup is simple and easy to use, suitable for podcasting and voice work. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 11:08
Value for Money (4)
- Confidence in purchasing from Heil Sound company with a legacy of quality ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 8:08
- The reviewer personally likes the Heil PR 40 and uses it. ▶ EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 @ 3:25
- Recommended as a premium broadcast microphone option. ▶ Heil PR40 Mic Review @ 0:38
- Recommended for podcasters, online teachers, and content creators who want to invest in quality audio equipment. ▶ Heil PR 40 Unboxing, Test, and Review @ 5:34
Compatibility (2)
- Standard three-pin XLR connector and a fairly standard mount make it compatible with many setups. ▶ Heil Sound PR-40 Black Unboxing, Kiwi SDR Overview & Yaesu C @ 4:25
- Good for use with smartphones and other devices. ▶ Heil PR40 Mic Review @ 3:09
Cons (35)
Sound Quality (17)
- The microphone has a serious boost in the high end, making it not a flat microphone. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 5:11
- Some people hate the microphone due to its frequency response and boosted highs. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 1:11
- It is not suitable for acoustic guitar as it sounds too bright and harsh. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 10:54
- It is not a flat microphone, so it may not be versatile for all recording needs. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 10:44
- Processing might muddy up the crisp sound if overused ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 3:38
- Low sensitivity requiring a decent preamp or Cloudlifter to drive it ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 3:52
- Broadcast tone limits versatility; not good for electric, acoustic, or singing applications ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 3:57
- Personal dislike of the extended low end and overly bright high end tone ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 4:40
- Some people find the Heil PR 40 disappointing, as noted by Postbox calling it a 'legendary disappointment'. ▶ EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 @ 0:03
- Microphones sound different based on personal preference and voice characteristics, so Heil PR 40 may not suit everyone. ▶ EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 @ 0:28
- Without proper post-processing, the Heil PR 40 can sound compressed and bass-heavy. ▶ EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 @ 2:09
- Proximity effect is not very noticeable ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 4:40
- Recommended to speak close to the microphone for best sound, otherwise sound loss occurs ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 5:45
- The PR40 is gain hungry and may require higher gain settings compared to other microphones like the RODECaster Pro or Shure SM7B. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 2:41
- It can peak more easily and may require careful gain adjustment to avoid distortion. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 3:24
- Some users initially find the sound tinty with emphasized 't' and 's' sounds, requiring EQ adjustments. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 4:33
- The PR40 has a slight roll-off on the top end frequency, so it does not reach the full 20 kHz range some microphones offer, which might reduce sparkle for some users. ▶ TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review @ 5:20
Ease of Use (5)
- Beginners who don't know how to EQ may find it challenging despite the sculpted sound. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 9:31
- It requires some post-processing and EQ in most situations. ▶ HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test @ 9:14
- The microphone requires additional hardware and EQ tuning to sound its best, which may not be ideal for all users. ▶ EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 @ 2:43
- The Heil PR 40 is an XLR condenser mic requiring a mixer or audio interface to connect to a computer, which adds complexity. ▶ Heil PR 40 Unboxing, Test, and Review @ 1:35
- You have to speak very close to the microphone, which can be challenging for video recording compared to a lavalier mic. ▶ Heil PR 40 Unboxing, Test, and Review @ 3:13
Noise Cancellation (3)
- Still experiences some issues with plosives despite internal foam and windscreen ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 1:07
- Needs a pop filter to reduce plosives and sibilance, as the windscreen alone is not sufficient for that. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 10:07
- The microphone picks up a lot of plosive sounds (pops), so a pop filter is necessary. ▶ Heil PR 40 Unboxing, Test, and Review @ 5:08
Value for Money (3)
- Expensive, costing between $350 and $400 ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 3:49
- The microphone setup (microphone alone) is expensive, and when adding shock mount and pop filter, the total cost is comparable to other high-end microphones. ▶ Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test @ 0:55
- The PR40 is more expensive than the PR30, costing about $80 more, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. ▶ TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review @ 6:55
Build Quality (2)
- Mount included is not an appropriate shock mount, just a basic mount ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 1:27
- Heavy microphone (13.5 oz) which may require a sturdy boom arm ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 2:52
Features (2)
- Cannot speak into the side of the microphone, only the end ▶ Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in so @ 6:02
- No features on the microphone itself besides XLR port ▶ Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test @ 1:14
Other (1)
- Price is relatively high at around £400, more expensive than most other dynamic microphones for home studios ▶ HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo @ 7:40
Connectivity (1)
- Cannot connect directly to computer, requires XLR interface ▶ Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash @ 1:04
Recording Quality (1)
- Currently, the user does not have professional sound dampening in the recording space, which could affect sound quality. ▶ Heil PR 40 Unboxing, Test, and Review @ 4:39
Review sources
- HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review / Test 11 pros, 6 cons
- HEiL Sound PR40 Microphone Review & Demo 15 pros, 1 cons
- Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test by Podcastage — 9 pros, 6 cons
- Heil Sound PR 40 B Microphone Unboxing and Try Out - Unleash Studio-Quality Sound! 10 pros, 4 cons
- Heil Sound PR40 Studio Microphone Review, super bright in sound Great for podcasting! 10 pros, 3 cons
- Heil PR40 or Shure SM7B Sound Test by Dante Gaymon — 6 pros, 5 cons
- EposVox Microphone Review Response - "Legendary" Heil PR 40 by Mike Russell — 6 pros, 4 cons
- TAMT - HEIL PR30 - PR40 Review 8 pros, 2 cons
- Heil PR 40 Unboxing, Test, and Review 5 pros, 4 cons
- Heil Sound PR-40 Black Unboxing, Kiwi SDR Overview & Yaesu Cashback! 6 pros, 0 cons
- Heil PR40 Mic Review 6 pros, 0 cons
Frequently asked questions
Is the Heil Sound PR 40 worth buying?
Based on 11 independent YouTube reviews, the Heil Sound PR 40 scores 3.9/5 with 92 positive and 35 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #37 in the Microphones category.
What do reviewers like most about the Heil Sound PR 40?
The most praised aspects are sound quality, build quality, features — Sound Quality (27 mentions), Build Quality (17 mentions), Features (17 mentions).
What are the most common complaints about the Heil Sound PR 40?
Reviewers most frequently criticize sound quality, ease of use — Sound Quality (17 mentions), Ease of Use (5 mentions).
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