Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$269.00
Amazon
3.7 (12)
$249.00
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$210.99 New
$249.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (3)
$269.00
B&H
4.7 (3)
$269.00 $249.00 $20.00 · All time low

Average Price: $247

High-end/Boutique

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Heil PR 48". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Heil PR 48, a dynamic kick drum microphone that has been designed with the musician in mind. This mic is the product of over 2 years of collaboration with leading drummers who contributed their ideas and needs to Heil, resulting in this exceptional piece of studio gear.

The PR 48 is equipped with a 1.5" large diaphragm dynamic element, securely housed in a vulcanized shock mount. It features a specially designed low-pass filter that delivers a compelling 10dB rise from 60Hz to 100Hz - precisely where the kick drum resonates. To ensure optimal sound quality, it stays out to 7.5 kHz and drastically drops off to eliminate any undesirable internal sounds.

The microphone's robust metal housing has a uniquely slanted entrance for the 3-pin XLR, making cable connection easier. The PR 48 provides a balanced 600 ohm output, making it compatible with a wide range of audio equipment.

This mic is part of the Heil HDK drum kit series, a culmination of Heil's dedication to providing accurate sound reproduction. The PR 48, designed and tested by professional drummers, is built to deliver more than just level, it is designed for accuracy. It is more than just a microphone; it's a tool that brings out the best in your drum kit, capturing every beat with precise clarity.

Key Features:

  • 1.5" large diaphragm dynamic element
  • Specially designed low-pass filter with a 10dB rise from 60Hz to 100Hz
  • Total frequency response of 30Hz - 8.5kHz (4dB rise @ 4500Hz)
  • Rear rejection of -40dB @ 180 off-axis
  • Can handle +148dB SPL
  • Metal housing with a slanted entrance for the 3-pin XLR
  • Provides a 600 ohm balanced output
  • Part of the Heil HDK drum kit series

Product specs

Brand Heil
Model PR48 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Finish Black / Red
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What is the primary application of the Heil PR 48 microphone?

The Heil PR 48 is specifically designed for kick drum miking, providing excellent low-frequency capture and articulation, making it ideal for live performances and studio recordings.

What is the frequency response of the Heil PR 48?

The Heil PR 48 features a tailored frequency response with peaks at 70Hz and 4kHz, optimized for capturing the punch and clarity of kick drums.

How does the Heil PR 48 handle low frequencies?

The PR 48 utilizes a low-pass filter with a 3dB hinge point at 30Hz, ensuring robust low-frequency performance while maintaining clarity and detail in the kick drum sound.

Is the Heil PR 48 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Heil PR 48 is built with a durable metal housing and designed to handle the demands of live performances, providing reliable and consistent sound quality for kick drums.

What type of connector does the Heil PR 48 use?

The Heil PR 48 features a standard 3-pin XLR male connector, compatible with most professional audio equipment and setups.

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Heil PR-48 Kick Drum Mic @ FrontEndAudio.com

Video thumbnail for Heil PR-48 Kick Drum Mic @ FrontEndAudio.com by Front End Audio

Heil PR-48 Kick Drum Mic @ FrontEndAudio.com

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Video thumbnail for Heil PR-48 Review by Waters and Stanton

Heil PR-48 Review

Waters and Stanton

Waters and Stanton

Video thumbnail for Heil PR48 // Wincent drumsticks by Morgan Ågren

Heil PR48 // Wincent drumsticks

Morgan Ågren

Morgan Ågren

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers exceptional kick drum sound with powerful punch and clarity

  • Sturdily built for durability and reliability in various settings

  • Large diaphragm captures huge, full-bodied sound

  • Highly effective both standalone or paired with an internal mic

  • Consistently impressive across different sound systems and kick drums

  • Attractive design with a vibrant red finish

  • Excellent for both live performances and studio recordings

  • Highly recommended by users for its superior sound quality

  • Great value for the quality provided

CONS

  • Limited angle adjustment between stand mount and cable connection

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Heil PR 48.

Use cases and applications

  • The PR48 is often used on the outside of kick drums, delivering a "big and bassy" sound with pronounced boom when paired with a D112 inside.

    Source
  • In a venue setting, the PR48 has been used in conjunction with a D4 on the beater for enhanced kick drum performance.

    Source
  • The PR48 is favored for its durability and sound when paired with a Beta 91, though hardware can be cumbersome.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Noted for excellent rear noise rejection, the PR48 is particularly effective as a rock kick mic, providing a distinct heavy thump.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The PR22 is reported to sound similar to an SM57 on snare but is described as having a more refined sound.

    Source
  • Users find the PR48 more robust than the D6, which can be damaged by high SPL if placed too close to the drum port.

    Source

User experience

  • The PR48 lacks a pronounced click, making it beneficial to pair with a mic like the Beta 91 to capture that aspect.

    Source

Build quality

  • The PR48 is described as a "tank," highlighting its robust construction, though some find its hardware challenging to manage.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Massive Kick Drum Mic Review | recording hacks

recordinghacks.com

The Heil PR 48 is described as having a boomy but not dull sound with a nice full low-end extension, making it suitable for club environments. However, its awkward XLR location presents a positioning challenge. While it delivers a robust low-end, the practical difficulties in setup might deter some users. Overall, the sentiment towards the PR 48 is balanced, highlighting both its sonic strengths and ergonomic drawbacks.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jacob Collier uses Heil PR 48

Jacob Collier

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Starting around 22:05, the Heil PR 48 is shown on the Surdu.

See how Dave Lombardo uses Heil PR 48

Dave Lombardo

Drummer

Slayer

...
Verified via ProSoundWeb

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.

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 48, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
Neumann KM 184
Neumann KM 184 Condenser Microphones
1

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