Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $337
High-end/Boutique
$75
$201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Heil PR40". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Embark on a sonic journey with the Heil PR40, a masterpiece born from the genius of Bob Heil. This dynamic microphone stands out in its class, offering an unparalleled response to the rich lows of kick drums, the rumble of bass amps, and the intimate details of vocal performances. Its exceptional rear rejection capability ensures your recordings are insulated from ambient noise, delivering clarity and focus to your tracks. Whether you're laying down thunderous drum beats or seeking that commanding "Voice of God" vocal tone, the PR40 handles it all with grace, ensuring your performances are captured with precision and without distortion. Dive into the depth of your sound with the Heil PR40, where quality meets versatility.
Key Features:
- Large diaphragm dynamic microphone designed for professional studio recording.
- Extended frequency response tailored for kick drums, bass amps, and close vocal work.
- Superior rear rejection for isolating sound in noisy environments.
- Ideal for achieving deep bass boosts without the risk of popping or plosives.
- Crafted to withstand high sound pressure levels without distortion.
Product specs
| Available since | November 2013 |
| On/Off Switch | No |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
FAQs
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What is the primary application of the Heil PR40 microphone?
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The Heil PR40 is designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and podcasting, offering a full-frequency response and warm sound that excels in capturing vocals and instruments.
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Does the Heil PR40 require phantom power to operate?
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No, the Heil PR40 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power, making it easy to use with any standard XLR input.
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What is the polar pattern of the Heil PR40 and how does it affect recording?
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The Heil PR40 features a cardioid polar pattern, which focuses on sound directly in front of the microphone while minimizing background noise, making it ideal for isolated vocal and instrument recordings.
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How does the frequency response of the Heil PR40 affect its sound quality?
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The Heil PR40 has a frequency response from 28 Hz to 18 kHz, providing a rich low end and articulate mid-range, which enhances vocal clarity and instrument detail.
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Is the Heil PR40 suitable for live performances?
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While primarily designed for studio use, the Heil PR40 can be used for live performances, though its studio-focused design may be better suited for controlled environments.
Videos
Podcastage
Heil PR-40 Dynamic Mic Review / Test
Reviews
PROS
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Very well built and visually appealing
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Provides a very faithful and detailed sound
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Versatile across various applications (amps, kick drums, vocals, overheads)
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Requires minimal mixing for bass drum use
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Works well with weaker preamps, offering warmer sound without noise
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Lower gain requirement than some competitors, reducing noise
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Excellent for spoken word, akin to a condenser mic in quality
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Enhances voiceovers and jingles with professional sound quality
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Accurately captures the true character of instruments with tight low end and solid attack
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Adaptable in positioning (end and side address) for different sound qualities
CONS
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Shock mount addition significantly increases price
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Somewhat susceptible to pop sounds without a specific windscreen/filter
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Heil PR40.
Setup and maintenance
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Without a cloudlifter or high-gain audio interface, the PR40 may suffer from low input levels and increased floor noise when gain is cranked up.
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A minimal podcast setup with the PR40 can effectively utilize a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for multiple inputs and subsequent audio mastering, ensuring professional quality output.
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Features and functionality
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The PR40 requires careful setup; using a boom arm and positioning the mic about 4 inches from your mouth optimizes performance.
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The PR40's sensitivity is -53.9 dBV, meaning it isn't extremely gain-hungry, allowing flexibility with different interface generations.
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While sharing a PR40 between two people, maintaining proximity to the mic is crucial, as distance negatively impacts audio quality, as noted in podcast recordings.
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Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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The PR40 is often chosen by podcasters aiming for a professional broadcaster sound, but requires additional equipment for optimal performance.
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Placing the PR40 between two people can work with mic etiquette but requires discipline to maintain quality, as experienced in podcasts with multiple guests.
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User experience
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Owners note that the PR40 doesn't automatically enhance voice quality; mic technique and room treatment significantly influence the outcome.
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Software and compatibility
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USB to XLR cords are generally inadequate; a proper interface like Focusrite Scarlett Solo or M-Audio M-Track Solo is recommended for better performance with the PR40.
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Users have successfully used Garage Band with the Focusrite 2i2 interface to record and process audio from the PR40, enhancing sound quality with minimal post-processing.
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Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
According to Billy Gibbons's guitar tech several Heil PR-40 mics are used inside the Demeter Iso cab.
Screenshot from Kerry Kings Softube Plugin. The picture shows the micing of his live cabs.
"Guitar rigs for Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman have the same treatment: dual Radio [sic] JDX DIs, two PR 40s and two PR 31s."
Ariana Grande is confirmed to have used the Heil PR40 microphone during her visit to the SiriusXM Studio in New York City on March 14, 2016, as evidenced by a Getty Images photograph.
"Rjd2 keeps his literal mic setup close to his vest; but less is more is his message, typically employing a Heil PR40 for kick drum, with Beyer M160 and AKG C12 mics for the remaining set."
"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 and PR 40s for floor 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 PR40, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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