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An introduction to Heil Sound PR 40, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Renowned for its warm, articulate, studio-quality sound, the PR 40 effortlessly captures a wide range of voices and instruments without requiring external preamps or complex signal processing.
— Heil Sound official site
What is PR 40?
The Heil Sound PR 40 is a dynamic microphone positioned for podcasting, broadcast, studio and home recording and live sound. It is a standalone XLR mic, and the official page says it does not require an external preamp or processing.
It uses a 1.125-inch low-mass diaphragm with a dual-driven phasing plug for extended low-frequency response. The frequency response is 28 Hz to 18 kHz, the pattern is cardioid, and rear rejection is listed as -40 dB at 180 degrees.
Max SPL is 148 dB, and the official page recommends it for loud sources such as kick drums, bass cabinets and floor toms. For voice, its comparison table describes it as aimed at deep male voices and broadcast voiceover.
It comes with a mic clip and a padded zipper case. Impedance is 600 ohms balanced and output is -53.9 dB at 1 kHz, and it connects to an audio interface or mixer.
The official page presents it as a dynamic mic for podcasting, broadcast, studio and home recording and live sound, and says it needs no external preamp or processing. It lists -40 dB rejection at 180 degrees off axis.
A comparison table on the page points to the PR 40 for deep male voices and low-end warmth, and the PR 30 (supercardioid) for female voices and spoken word. The PR 30 is listed at 40 Hz to 18 kHz, 146 dB max SPL and 370 ohms.
Dual-driven phasing plug
The official page describes a dual-driven phasing plug for extended low-end. The response is 28 Hz-18 kHz, which may suit low voices and low-frequency instruments.
Cardioid with rear rejection
The pattern is cardioid with -40 dB at 180 degrees. Speaking toward it may reduce room sound in untreated rooms.
Large low-mass diaphragm
It uses a 1.125-inch low-mass diaphragm, which the official page says handles a wide range of voices and instruments.
148 dB max SPL
This figure indicates tolerance for loud sources. The official page recommends it for kick drums, bass cabinets and floor toms.
Designed to work without extra processing
The official page says no external preamp or complex processing is needed. An XLR input is still required.
Broadcast and podcast use
The official page says it is used in broadcast and satellite radio. It may suit voiceover and talk recording.
Construction
A retailer page describes a neodymium-iron-boron magnet and a large aluminum voice coil, with the element isolated from the steel body by a Sorbothane mount.
Hum and pop control
An internal hum-bucking coil, two mesh screens of different diameters and an internal breath filter are listed to limit interference and plosives.
Four rear ports
Four rear ports are cited for rear rejection with minimal proximity effect.
Loud sources
With 148 dB max SPL, the maker gives kick drum, bass cabinet, floor tom and guitar cabinet as examples.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic microphone |
| Diaphragm | 1.125-inch low-mass |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency response | 28 Hz-18 kHz |
| Rear rejection | -40 dB (180 degrees) |
| Max SPL | 148 dB |
| Impedance | 600 ohms balanced |
| Output level | -53.9 dB (1 kHz) |
| Weight | 13.5 oz (about 380 g) |
| Connection | XLR |
| Weight (official spec table) | 13.5 oz |
| Body | Steel with a zinc die-cast bottom ring (retailer page) |
| Finishes | Black, black/gold, champagne |
What is included and system requirements
- Microphone
- Mic clip
- Padded zipper carrying case
- Finishes: black, black/gold, champagne
How to use it
- Attach the microphone to a stand or boom arm with the clip.
- Connect it to an audio interface or mixer with an XLR cable.
- Raise the input gain gradually from minimum.
- Face the front of the microphone and speak close to it.
- Adjust your distance, since getting closer increases the bass (proximity effect).
- Check the level in your recording software.
- If plosives are a problem, consider a separately sold pop filter.
- Keep a steady distance while recording.
- To reduce plosives, the FAQ advises speaking across the grill at about 45 degrees rather than directly into the end, or adding a windscreen.
Podcasts and radio
The official page lists broadcast and podcast use. It may suit close-up speech.
Voiceover and post-production
The 28 Hz-18 kHz response and cardioid pattern may suit solo voiceover recording.
Drums and bass amps
With 148 dB max SPL, the official page recommends it for kick drums and bass cabinets.
Streaming
A dynamic cardioid mic may work well in streaming rooms with background noise.
Recording in an untreated room
Its rear rejection may be relevant for rooms without acoustic treatment.
Bass and kick drum
The high SPL handling may interest those miking loud low-frequency instruments.
Who it may suit
- People who want a dynamic mic in an XLR setup
- People who record deep or low voices
- People who want one mic for loud instruments too
- People looking for a broadcast or podcast mic
Good to know before you buy
- It is XLR-only with no USB, so an audio interface or mixer is needed.
- Output is -53.9 dB, so you need enough preamp gain on the connected device.
- The official comparison table points to the PR 30 (supercardioid) for female voices and spoken word.
- Shock mount (PRSM) and boom arms are sold separately.
- The official site shows a sale, so the price may change.
- The US list price is $379 and was shown at $329 during a sale. A carrying case and mic clip are included; the WSPR40 windscreen and PRSM shock mount are sold separately.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Heil PR 30
The PR 40 lists 28 Hz-18 kHz, cardioid, 148 dB and a 1.125-inch diaphragm. The PR 30 lists 40 Hz-18 kHz, supercardioid, 146 dB and a 1.5-inch diaphragm (official comparison table).
Price
$329 (Heil Sound official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
Sources: heilsound.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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