Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $280
High-end/Boutique
$75
$201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Heil PR 31 BW". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unveil a new dimension of sound with the Heil PR 31 BW, a compact powerhouse in the world of dynamic microphones. Born from the creative vision of Bob Workman, the renowned FOH engineer for Charlie Daniels, this microphone is a precision-engineered version of the Heil PR 30. Perfect for tight spaces, the PR 31 BW is tailor-made for those intricate setups where space is at a premium but performance cannot be compromised.
With its exceptional -40 dB of rear and side rejection, this mic is a favorite for capturing cymbals in complex drum kits without the unwanted noise from toms or nearby instruments. Whether you're placing it under cymbals or using it as a low-profile solution for toms, the PR 31 BW excels with its remarkable directional clarity. Its versatility extends beyond drums, making it ideal for guitar cabinets, brass, saxophones, and even acoustic pianos. This dynamic mic isn't just a piece of equipment; it's a gateway to capturing pure, undistorted sound in any studio or live performance setting.
Built with a durable design and accompanying microphone holder, the Heil PR 31 BW is your reliable companion for both studio recordings and live gigs. Its compact 4" frame doesn't just mimic the full-size PR 30's performance—it embodies it, ensuring that you never have to compromise on quality, no matter where your music takes you.
Key Features:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 40 - 18,000 Hz
- Max SPL: 146 dB
- Impedance: 370 Ohm
- Includes microphone holder
- Compact 4" design for easy placement
Product specs
| Available since | February 2016 |
FAQs
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What is the primary application of the Heil PR 31 BW microphone?
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The Heil PR 31 BW is primarily designed for capturing drum and cymbal sounds, offering a low-profile solution with superior rear and side rejection, making it ideal for live and studio settings.
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How does the Heil PR 31 BW handle off-axis sound?
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The Heil PR 31 BW provides -40 dB of rear and side rejection, effectively minimizing unwanted noise from other instruments or ambient sounds, ensuring clear and focused audio capture.
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Is the Heil PR 31 BW suitable for recording toms?
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Yes, the Heil PR 31 BW is well-suited for recording toms due to its compact size and ability to capture detailed sound without interference from surrounding drums.
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What type of diaphragm does the Heil PR 31 BW have?
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The Heil PR 31 BW features a large-diaphragm dynamic design, which is known for its robust sound reproduction and durability, especially in high-SPL environments like drum kits.
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Can the Heil PR 31 BW be used for live performances?
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Absolutely, the Heil PR 31 BW is designed for both studio and live performance applications, providing excellent sound isolation and clarity, making it a versatile choice for various live sound situations.
Videos
Kenny Sharretts
TOM TUNING TIPS COATED RESO HEAD VS CLEAR RESO HEAD FEAT THE HEIL PR 28 and PR 31BW
Reviews
PROS
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Precise and powerful sound reproduction
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Clearly defined in the mix
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Effective at reducing feedback with excellent directional properties
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Complements well with other mics like SM57
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Durable and adjustable mount
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Excellent at isolating sound, reducing background noise
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Performs well on loud stages for guitar amps and drums
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Comparable sound quality to condenser microphones
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Suitable for broadcasting in noisy environments
CONS
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Lacks a carrying case
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Mids may be overly emphasized, requiring EQ adjustment
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Can be overwhelmed in the mix compared to some mics
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Highs less pronounced, affecting clarity
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Some users report feedback issues on loud stages
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High price point, with cheaper alternatives available
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Heil PR 31 BW.
Use cases and applications
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The Heil PR 31 BW is highly favored for live shows, particularly on snare and guitar amps, as a versatile alternative to the SM57.
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At venues, the Heil PR 31 BW is frequently used in place of an SM57 for various instruments like horns, brass, guitar amps, and toms, showcasing its versatility.
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The PR 31 BW's design makes it suitable for high-SPL environments, making it a dependable choice for rock and metal gigs.
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The Heil PR 31 BW's rear rejection is valuable for micing choirs with bands in front, helping isolate desired vocals in reverberant spaces.
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In challenging acoustic environments, the Heil PR 31 BW's high SPL handling helps manage loud mixes including drums, organ, keys, and bass while focusing on vocal clarity.
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User experience
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Owners highlight the Heil PR 31 BW's reliability as a "workhorse" microphone, consistently delivering excellent results across different live performance settings.
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Owners report needing to notch out frequencies on graphic EQs when using the Heil PR 31 BW in live choir setups to manage feedback and achieve clarity.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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"Guitar rigs for Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman have the same treatment: dual Radio [sic] JDX DIs, two PR 40s and two PR 31s."
"Guitar rigs for Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman have the same treatment: dual Radio [sic] JDX DIs, two PR 40s and two PR 31s."
"For Slayer, Quinby notes that “kick drum is the main source for Slayer.” His approach is to outfit drummer Dave Lombardo’s kit with two Shure Beta 91As for the interior and two Heil PR 48s for the exterior of the kick drum. Heil PR 31s (top) and PR 22s (bottom) are the choice for snare, with dual Sennheiser e609s and PR 31s for toms"
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Heil PR 31 BW, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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