It's with sadness I write this review of the PR-40, because I'm really sad I have to share my new "secret weapon mic" with the world.
All joking aside, the Heil PR-40 is the first microphone I've used in a while that I would classify as a "secret weapon" of my live sound or recording arsenal. I also feel equally bad for all money I've spent on similar microphones, only to hear the PR-40 easily blow them away.
With exceptional low-end response, as well as an articulate midrange and a detailed high-end, the PR-40 is a microphone that shines on anything you put it in front of.
All joking aside, the Heil PR-40 is the first microphone I've used in a while that I would classify as a "secret weapon" of my live sound or recording arsenal. I also feel equally bad for all money I've spent on similar microphones, only to hear the PR-40 easily blow them away.
With exceptional low-end response, as well as an articulate midrange and a detailed high-end, the PR-40 is a microphone that shines on anything you put it in front of.
The secret's out...
The PR-40 is a beautifully crafted, front-address, large-diaphragm dynamic microphone. While it offers many of the qualities of a fine condenser microphone -- wide frequency response and superior articulation -- it also offers the high SPL handling capability and natural reproduction of a dynamic microphone.
My first time out with the PR-40, I was immediately sold. Articulate yet powerful low end, paired with a lush, accurate midrange and an extended high end response that's accurate and pleasing without being overpowering.
The PR-40 is built with pride in Fairview Heights, IL by the Heil Sound crew; they're really proud of their products, and rightfully so -- backed by the live sound expertise of veteran engineer Bob Heil, the Heil team is producing exceptional products, and the PR-40 is a fitting example of their new thinking towards dynamic microphone technology.
My first time out with the PR-40, I was immediately sold. Articulate yet powerful low end, paired with a lush, accurate midrange and an extended high end response that's accurate and pleasing without being overpowering.
The PR-40 is built with pride in Fairview Heights, IL by the Heil Sound crew; they're really proud of their products, and rightfully so -- backed by the live sound expertise of veteran engineer Bob Heil, the Heil team is producing exceptional products, and the PR-40 is a fitting example of their new thinking towards dynamic microphone technology.
Hear it in action...
One of the best ways to test out a mic is to hear it for yourself. Here's some clips of the PR-40 in action! These recordings were made directly off the soundboard during live performances, direct to computer.
PR-30 on guitar amp, with the handheld version, PR-35, on lead vocals, live, very light EQ and compression.
PR-40 on bass cab, live mix, no compression, light EQ.
One night while using my review unit, I had a stand break -- a rare occurrence -- dropping the PR-40 into a kick drum via the front port. A couple scratches resulted from the fall, but overall, it held it's own, more so than other microphones who've found themselves in such positions (take a look at any AKG D112 that's been around the block, and you'll see what I'm talking about).
The PR-40 comes in a fantastic quality carrying case. An optional shock mount is available for critical applications, and is highly recommended for studio vocals, as well as Podcasting.
PR-30 on guitar amp, with the handheld version, PR-35, on lead vocals, live, very light EQ and compression.
PR-40 on bass cab, live mix, no compression, light EQ.
Build Quality
One of my favorite things about the PR-40 is the build quality. It's very obvious you're holding a high-quality product. Built in a high-quality metal shell with the only plastic part being the stand mount, the PR-40 is obviously made with lots of pride, by hand. The strong build should easily handle years of abuse, with some exception.One night while using my review unit, I had a stand break -- a rare occurrence -- dropping the PR-40 into a kick drum via the front port. A couple scratches resulted from the fall, but overall, it held it's own, more so than other microphones who've found themselves in such positions (take a look at any AKG D112 that's been around the block, and you'll see what I'm talking about).
The PR-40 comes in a fantastic quality carrying case. An optional shock mount is available for critical applications, and is highly recommended for studio vocals, as well as Podcasting.
It's all about sound...
The PR-40 is a dynamic microphone with a frequency response of 28hz-18kHz, and it shines on just about everything I tried it on.
My first show mixing with the PR-40, I put it on kick drum -- with the microphone about an inch inside the hole, pointed towards the beater -- and I was absolutely floored. The sound was tremendous!
Previously, my preferred microphone setup for kick was an inside mic to accurately capture the "click", and a traditional kick drum microphone outside the shell to capture the "air" and low-end.
With the PR-40, I heard almost everything I wanted -- and this was before even touching the EQ on the channel strip.
The low end on the PR-40 is incredibly impressive, and is much deeper, thicker, and more accurate than any of the competition I've tried in the price range. This accuracy and quality means a low end without any compromises -- I can pump the low end where I need it, while carefully carving out the mid-range "click", and with a little tasteful compression, I've got the best kick drum sound I've heard from a single microphone.
The PR-40 equally shines on bass amp. I've used the PR-40 with both traditional players (both jazz & rock) as well as funk players with lots of slapping, and the difference in tonal quality is stunning. I can easily capture the tonality of the bass, the tone of the cabinet, and a satisfying low-end with a single microphone. If the source sounds good, the PR-40 shines.
In tests on studio vocals, the PR-40 easily outpaced many available options, especially in the price range. It's also ideal for broadcast and Podcasting.
My first show mixing with the PR-40, I put it on kick drum -- with the microphone about an inch inside the hole, pointed towards the beater -- and I was absolutely floored. The sound was tremendous!
Previously, my preferred microphone setup for kick was an inside mic to accurately capture the "click", and a traditional kick drum microphone outside the shell to capture the "air" and low-end.
With the PR-40, I heard almost everything I wanted -- and this was before even touching the EQ on the channel strip.
The low end on the PR-40 is incredibly impressive, and is much deeper, thicker, and more accurate than any of the competition I've tried in the price range. This accuracy and quality means a low end without any compromises -- I can pump the low end where I need it, while carefully carving out the mid-range "click", and with a little tasteful compression, I've got the best kick drum sound I've heard from a single microphone.
The PR-40 equally shines on bass amp. I've used the PR-40 with both traditional players (both jazz & rock) as well as funk players with lots of slapping, and the difference in tonal quality is stunning. I can easily capture the tonality of the bass, the tone of the cabinet, and a satisfying low-end with a single microphone. If the source sounds good, the PR-40 shines.
In tests on studio vocals, the PR-40 easily outpaced many available options, especially in the price range. It's also ideal for broadcast and Podcasting.
Overall impressions
As I said before, the Heil PR-40 is my new "secret weapon" mic; no matter what I throw at it, it performs exceptionally well. It's the best kick drum microphone I've used, and it gives me unlimited flexibility with the wide dynamic range and extremely articulate sound signature.
The PR-40 completely changes the game for dynamic microphones -- in comparison, the competition sounds muffled and muddy.
The PR-40 is also rare in that it responds to EQ very well; it keeps things sounding the way they should, and it limits the amount of EQ I need to use to get a sound I like -- and as any good engineer will tell you, the more EQ you use, the worse your signal quality -- and gain before feedback -- will become.
For vocals and Podcasting, the PR-40 shines; it gives professional quality in a small, affordable package, and buying something made with pride, by hand, is a no-brainer. In fact, many professional users -- well-known tech blogger, web/podcaster, and radio host Leo Laporte being one that comes to mind -- have chosen the PR-40 over the more well-known, and comparatively expensive, competition. That's not surprising: I'm now a convert myself.
The PR-40 is available for around $329 from most retailers, and directly from Heil Sound.
The PR-40 completely changes the game for dynamic microphones -- in comparison, the competition sounds muffled and muddy.
The PR-40 is also rare in that it responds to EQ very well; it keeps things sounding the way they should, and it limits the amount of EQ I need to use to get a sound I like -- and as any good engineer will tell you, the more EQ you use, the worse your signal quality -- and gain before feedback -- will become.
For vocals and Podcasting, the PR-40 shines; it gives professional quality in a small, affordable package, and buying something made with pride, by hand, is a no-brainer. In fact, many professional users -- well-known tech blogger, web/podcaster, and radio host Leo Laporte being one that comes to mind -- have chosen the PR-40 over the more well-known, and comparatively expensive, competition. That's not surprising: I'm now a convert myself.
The PR-40 is available for around $329 from most retailers, and directly from Heil Sound.