Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $109

Standard/Professional

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Heil PR20". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 3, 2026.

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Description

Experience the perfect blend of versatility and precision with the Heil PR20 dynamic microphone, a staple in studio recording and live performances. Crafted with a neodymium, boron, and iron magnet, this microphone delivers unparalleled sensitivity, ensuring that even the most subtle nuances of your sound are captured with clarity. Whether you're belting out your latest anthem or capturing the intricate tones of a snare drum, the PR20's contoured frequency response is designed to accentuate the mid to high frequencies, making vocals and instruments sound full and vibrant.

The PR20 features a cardioid polar pattern, a testament to Heil Sound's commitment to phase research, effectively minimizing noise and off-axis feedback. This makes it an exceptional choice for capturing vocals, speech, instruments, amplifier cabinets, and percussion, without compromising tonal quality. Engineered with heavy steel construction, this microphone is built to withstand the rigors of both studio and stage, ensuring durability without sacrificing performance.

Proudly assembled and tested in Illinois, the Heil PR20 is a reliable companion for musicians and sound engineers looking to elevate their audio experience. It comes with a complete package including a vinyl carrying bag, metal windscreen, and microphone stand clip, backed by a limited 3-year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.

Key Features:

  • Neodymium, boron, and iron magnet for exceptional sensitivity
  • Cardioid polar pattern minimizes noise and feedback
  • Contoured frequency response for mid to high frequencies
  • Heavy steel construction for durability
  • Assembled and tested in Illinois
  • Includes vinyl carrying bag, metal windscreen, and stand clip
  • Limited 3-year manufacturer warranty

Product specs

Brand Heil
Model PR20 Dynamic Microphone
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What applications is the Heil PR20 dynamic microphone best suited for?

The Heil PR20 is ideal for vocals and live sound reinforcement, excelling in capturing snare drums, hi-hats, and various utility applications due to its wide frequency response and clarity.

What is the frequency response range of the Heil PR20 microphone?

The Heil PR20 offers a frequency response range from 50 Hz to 18 kHz, providing a balanced and clear sound suitable for various audio applications.

What is the polar pattern of the Heil PR20 and how does it affect recording?

The Heil PR20 features a cardioid polar pattern, which effectively isolates the intended sound source while minimizing background noise, making it ideal for live performances and studio recordings.

How does the Heil PR20 handle noise from handling or movement?

The Heil PR20 is designed with low handling noise, allowing for smooth performance without unwanted sound interference from mic handling or movement.

What distinguishes the Heil PR20 from other dynamic microphones?

The Heil PR20 is distinguished by its large 1-1/8" aluminum diaphragm, which contributes to its natural articulation and wide frequency response, enhancing vocal clarity and instrument detail.

MattismPL

MattismPL

Heil PR20 vs. Shure SM57

Video thumbnail for Heil PR20 vs. Shure SM57 by MattismPL

Heil PR20 vs. Shure SM57

MattismPL

MattismPL

Video thumbnail for Heil PR20, Shure SM57. Royer R121 - Rock guitar shoot-out by MattismPL

Heil PR20, Shure SM57. Royer R121 - Rock guitar shoot-out

MattismPL

MattismPL

Video thumbnail for Peavey 5150 - DL212FS-PS-PRO [Shure sm57,Heil PR20,Heil PR30] [SinMix Test] by sinquestsound

Peavey 5150 - DL212FS-PS-PRO [Shure sm57,Heil PR20,Heil PR30] [SinMix Test]

sinquestsound

sinquestsound

Video thumbnail for Heil PR20 + Audix i5 - Mesa Dual Rectifier by Riffs, Beards & Gear

Heil PR20 + Audix i5 - Mesa Dual Rectifier

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Video thumbnail for Shure SM57, Heil PR20, Beyerdynamic M200 - HD METAL TEST by MattismPL

Shure SM57, Heil PR20, Beyerdynamic M200 - HD METAL TEST

MattismPL

MattismPL

Video thumbnail for HEIL PR20 Dynamic Microphone Test / Review by Obscure Mics

HEIL PR20 Dynamic Microphone Test / Review

Obscure Mics

Obscure Mics

Reviews

PROS

  • Clear, natural sound with superior clarity over competitors like SM57 and SM58

  • Excellent for both vocals and instrumental recordings, particularly electric guitar

  • Built like a vault; highly durable and reliable over time

  • Rich low end with a smooth, airy high end for balanced sound

  • Less pronounced proximity effect allows close-up vocal performance

  • Large diaphragm provides more bottom end, ideal for snare and guitar cabinets

  • Tailored frequency response enhances human vocal clarity

  • Solid construction with quality components and attractive finish

  • Offers good clarity and articulation for both singing and speaking

  • Works well with a wide array of modern audio equipment

CONS

  • Prone to handling noise, best used on a stand

  • Susceptible to midrange feedback, problematic for live settings

  • Low sensitivity makes recording quiet instruments challenging

  • False advertising regarding included accessories in some cases

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Heil PR20.

Build quality

  • The Heil PR20 has significant handling noise, which may be problematic if the mic is picked up or moved frequently during use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Heil PR22 was developed to address the handling noise issue found in the PR20, making it a better alternative for vocal applications.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the PR20 for its ability to provide vocals with more cut and presence, along with better off-axis rejection and lower proximity effect compared to other dynamic mics.

    Source
  • Some users describe the PR20 as having a "muddy" sound, which may not be ideal for all vocal styles or preferences.

    Source
  • Owners suggest reducing amp distortion to 2/3 of usual settings to prevent compression and maintain clarity when using the PR20 for recording.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Heil PR20's frequency response has a notable boost from 2k-12k, intensifying harsh tones like pick scrapes in high-gain guitar recordings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • For better results with the PR20, position the mic at a 45-degree angle off-axis from the speaker cone center to manage treble energy and high frequencies.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Placing the guitar cabinet on a chair rather than the floor can reduce unwanted floor reflections and muddiness in recordings with the PR20.

    Source
  • Experimenting with mic placement is crucial; using a loop pedal or DAW loop to adjust mic position while monitoring through headphones is recommended for optimal PR20 performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Heil Sound: PR-20 Microphone | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Heil PR20 microphone impresses as a dynamic mic that approaches the frequency and transient response of a condenser, while offering robust SPL-handling. Built in the USA by live-sound pioneer Bob Heil, it's a durable alternative to the ubiquitous SM57, with a heavy-duty windscreen that shrugs off drumstick abuse. Though it’s not heavily marketed to the pro audio community, its performance in broadcast settings has garnered rave comparisons to industry standards like the SM57 and SM7. At a street price of around $130, it offers an affordable option for those looking to explore beyond the typical imported condensers.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aaron Turner uses Heil PR20

Aaron Turner

Singer, Guitarist

Neurosis

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see that microphone on 12:40, also Aaron say, that this is a pr20 model, not a instrumental pr22

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Heil PR20, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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