Heil PR40 - MXL990 Microphone Comparison

This is a detailed comparison between the world famous Heil PR40 and a budget condenser mike, the MXL 990.
How condenser and dynamic mics work:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnTbpqN9hN1ki7c

[@groovediggers2761]

I've been thinking of getting the MXL990 for about a week and have been having the feeling that it is probably the one to get. This video has proven to me that the MXL990 will be the mic I will purchase. Thanks Craig! This video has been a great help!

[@Macakiux]

When I was looking for a condensor mic about a year ago, I stumbled across the MXL990 and couldn't believe how flipping cheap it was. 'Something has to be wrong about it' I thought. So I searched KZbin and found your review. Half an hour later I was at the store buying it. In my channel I sing covers every now and then. I recorded the first one with a SM58. It has a great sound, warm and gives the live performance vibe. But now I am in love with my MXL990, I like my voice a lot more now. Feels like it picks up all the frecuencies evenly and imitates better the reality when recording. Now I saw this video comparison and like it even more. Great channel, came to it for the audio and stayed for the beer.

[@EdEditz]

Do you still use the MXL990 8 years on?

[@Macakiux]

@@EdEditz yep, still kicking 👍

[@EdEditz]

@@Macakiux Awesome!

[@MeTuLHeD]

I much prefer the sound of the MXL 990. Much cleaner and more neutral.

[@djtakinitback9717]

Craig you are the man. You do such a great job with your videos. Thanks for giving so much of your time for people you don't even know. Be blessed Craig.

[@normkirk65]

Hi Craig. Very well done ! Very informative. I've been a ham for 40 years and am now starting to learn of how important microphones are. It was always speakers, antennas, power supplies, etc. I'm looking at purchasing an MXL-990 but not sure what mixer/pre-amp/ phantom power console I should use to interface with my Kenwood 890 and my Icom IC-7300 and future transceivers.

[@TheSlackster32]

Very cool Craig! Really enjoyed the objective comparison. Nice to hear them both side by side, very interesting.

[@WlisesR]

Good comparation. That's corrects, the MXL990 can be used to record both (Vocals and Instruments), the other one (Heil PR40) sounds like a Radio.

[@ravholly]

Absolutely amazing video. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out which of these two mics to buy. Per your review they are both amazing. I think the Heil really has that distinct radio broadcasting sound. I think for the price I am just gonna go with the MX990. Thank You, Craig for a great video review!! *Subscribed*

[@jasper1012]

Good technical video Craig, enjoyed it cheers.

[@KarenMichelleLane]

Thank you for the comparison. This video helped me decide on my new mic for my office/internet radio station.

[@KyoshoBallard]

It's funny, the Heil actually sounds like it's an FM broadcast over the radio. You know, that distinct way FM radio sounds, regardless of microphone or audio source. So I can see why modern podcasters like it. Makes them sound like oldschool radio shows.

[@rkaag99]

Thanks for this! I recently purchased the MXL 550/551 set which seem very similar to the 990. I'm quite happy with them and can use the mixer to balance some of the differences (I don't view them as weaknesses). For the dollar investment I spread my coin across the MXL's and also picked up a mixer (Behringer X1204USB). I have a lot to learn yet and your videos are helping in that. Thank you again! Rob

[@radiotech181]

Nice comparison video! Thanks for making. I do like how the PR40 sounds but MXL990 is great with just less highs and probably an EQ can help. Again thanks!

[@hansolzy]

Great video! Thanks for it :) I purchased the MLX 990 (USB version) after watching your previous videos a long time ago. I've had it for almost 2 years now and still works like a charm. Although, I was wondering if getting a mixer would be a good upgrade? I have the money, but I just don't know too much about them. Once again, I'm using a USB version of the mic if that makes any difference. Keep up the good work!

[@baxterhoop]

This is great! Thanks so much for making this!

[@Tom_Roberts]

Great test and solid comments and advice.

[@BlakeaTube]

MX does sound more like your voice but the Heil does make the sound more crisp. All said and done... I'm fine with the normal video audio that you use. I always look forward to your videos!

[@OptomodMix]

Oh darn, now I need two more mics...they sound real good "together"

[@juhakuitunen]

Vety nice comparison. I just bought Heil PR-40 for hamradio operation and I think I picked the right one.

[@arthur.monticelli]

Amazing vid. Thanks Craig. I think if you mess a little bit with the EQ in the mixer/DAW, you could make the MXL sound closer to the PR40 (even though I don't think they would ever sound equal, as the PR40 tends to capture more details - for example, Everytime you breathe , it's a loud breath on the PR40 , whereas it's not on the MXL). Great review

[@JimHoward]

The PR-40 sound kind reflects its roots in amateur ssb radio. Good review, thanks.

[@Frank_K4FMH]

Actually, Bob says that the PR40 was developed for broadcast and the 781 was amateur directed. But, at the price point, the PR40 became the standard in amateur radio.

[@NormSpupsEntertainment]

I actually prefer the sound of the MXL microphone, the heil has a really uncomfortable treble to it, not a nice sound. It also lacks a huge amount of high end clarity. If I did podcasting more, I'd rather invest in a shure sm7b or an RE20, as they have a much smoother and more flexible sound, but still ideal for radio.

[@buckaroobonsi555]

I think both sound really good. Keep in mind he has they set identically on the eq/mixer. If he set them to sound identical rather than with identical setting I am guessing her could get them darn close!

[@acastillo066]

Hey, Craig great posting, I think MXL 990 give a lot of good quality for the price, thanks for your interest

[@cpcohen1945]

It would be interesting to see what happened if you gave the MXL990 a bit of "presence boost", and bass cut (below 100 Hz) with the mixer's EQ, so that its frequency response matched the Heil. Both mics are nice and clean (IMHO), but there's more "punch" with the Heil. I just got an ART M-TWO (large-diaphragm condenser), still wringing it out. Thanks for the video.

[@Contracultura_tv]

Great vídeo! Thank's for the review.

[@dwftube]

I thought the best sound was with them both running at the same time.

[@filippopiloto8682]

Hello Craig! Thanks for the amazing video! I'm looking for a condenser mic to record vocals, acoustic guitar and electric guitar, through the amp and cabinet. I've saw the MXL 770. Do you have any information about it, in comparison with the MXL 990? What do you think? I couldn't find any review comparing the two of them. Thanks again!

[@Fanggotten]

What mixer do you use in this video?

[@G0ogs]

Thanks for a good review, I personally use a Heil PR780 which leans more towards the braodcast side, there is a big difference and I guess its what is good for you, I prefer the dynamic because I dont have a sound cued studio room and from time to time I get family members making a noise else where in the house. Also I would not like to close talk a condensor mike, but its great to see a comparison, thanks again for the review I enjoyed it, cheers.

[@legacyg6]

I like them both and have used both. I like the 990 a little more. I use it for several different things besides vocals. I think I just prefer the flatter frequency response

[@jakeanddar]

I like the PR40 slightly better,but my ears enjoy the higher frequencies produced by the Heil,still the MXL is a great mic for the money. My Blue Yeti was $200 but it is USB play & play,no mixer or preamp needed! Great video Craig,cheers!

[@MindOverEverything]

Thanks for this. Very, very helpful.

[@TheBeerChasers]

Good information Craig. Thanks!

[@earthprisoner]

You're the home brew guy! I love your stuff.

[@novemberromeo8170]

hey Craig, thanks from me also. I enjoyed the video. I was wondering to myself today about what gear and software people are using to produce their YT's and vblogs so great timing. You can sense a difference when they are setup like you have them but at the end there as you changed some settings it became less obvious. I was going to ask about the mixer and wondering if the cost would end up being much different if you still had to get something to drive the mike but Hansol posted that they have a USB model. Thanks Hansol. I'd love to learn more about what tools you use to make your videos and casts, software, editing and even lighting. Cheers 17. NR (303)

[@LordGSO]

Hey Craig have you ever used the MXL 770? If so how does it compare to the MXL 990? Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@Dangoldmedia]

Excellent video

[@RichGoyetteMusic]

Great comparison/review. Bravo!

[@SteveWrightNZ]

The dynamic insert mic always made me reach for the volume control. I think it was more about the rather severe note of it, than the levels. Have you played with BBE ARS? - it is a very interesting audio-restoration scheme adds a lot to vocals, and would restore the punch that the condensor mic loses, all while retaining the lovely honey-golden audio from it. I would say the Heil mic more had 'clout' than punch, and that might be ok when used outdoors on a PA system, but on my theatre system here it sounds heavy-handed. Great comparison! I doubt you will be parting with your MXL990, and it certainly gets my vote. Do try the BBE ARS if you can borrow one.

[@albertwesker9400]

Thank you ! Your vids are awesome ! I 'm gonna buy MXL 990

[@depswajuju]

Excellent. Professional. What model is your mixer?

[@markr4888]

I've been a Ham for 50 years and I have a 1.5KW AM transmitter and I use a Heil PR40 a great flat Response Mic with sibilance and great lows. What most Hams want , high end audio also have a PR 30 which is also a high end vocal mic Cheers.

[@PeteStean]

That Heil is very punchy - it has a lot of presence. I guess it works for radio because it's cutting through the engine noise in your car when you're listening to the news announcer or whatever. Personally I prefer (and own) the MXL990 because it's much flatter starting out, and I can add colour when editing later or through the EQ controls on the mixer - I have an Alesis Multimix 8 FX, which is great.

[@kffive]

PR40= GREAT! Am radio mic.

[@IYF_Productions_SL]

Awesome video Craig! I agree with what you said about it not being that big of a difference. A Heil PR40 is what it is and the MXL 990 does the job and sounds ok. I also have the 990 XLR. Personally I didn't like the sound of the Heil for my voice and went with a RODE Procaster. Sounded more like me.

[@englush6484]

Hi I'm looking for documentive record microphone for exemple: top 10 videos what kind of a microphone do I need ?

[@jay-rus4437]

Just recently got the pr-40 for my HAM shack. Really nice mic. I would have been happy with the Heil 718, but got a really good deal on a new but preowned pr-40. Got it for $200. Wasnt going to pass it up for that price.

[@7xchad]

Craig, I'm looking for a dynamic mic for bass vocals in an accapela group mainly because my board does all mics on phantom or none. In your experience, is there a mic that stands out without a lot of roll off below 40Hz?

[@TrevorTV]

Hey there Craig, great video with lots of in depth musings for the comparison. I purchased an MXL 990 because of your video around 2 years ago and it has served me very well. I'm itching to upgrade but I'm curious, what preamp are you using to drive those microphones in this video and did you find the Heil PR40 to be extremely gain hungry? I recently purchased a SM7B but had to return it because I don't have the money to spend on a ~400-500$ preamp in order to properly drive it. I hear the PR40 takes a bit less to drive so I'm curious as to whether my Symetrix 528E can do the job. Appreciate the great content, -Trevor

[@slotbar1548]

+Trevor hi Trevor, watched your video of the 990 and how did u get it for that darn cheap price?its 40 bucks man, how could you pick one up that cheap? Is there a link to it?

[@slotbar1548]

+SlotBar thanks for your time :)

[@TrevorTV]

I actually found a listing on craigslist! Turns out it was a pawnshop and they were selling one used. It seemed to be in great condition so I grabbed it! I've actually also seen it on sale at Guitar Center for 50$ brand new as well from time to time.

[@slotbar1548]

+Trevor thanks for the quick reply ! Like your videos too! And I may actually bid one that is on eBay right now, it's 19.9 dollars used !

[@roland1313]

just an excellent and real-world comparison!! To my ears, the Heil sounds exactly like what you would hear on the radio.. seems to have a 'Neuman-esque' vocal vibe..sounds compressed out of the box. Having a use a lot of various microphones, the MXL really sounds veiled -probably due to its cheap internal conponents the Heil exagerated. They are both good for Podcasting. I prefer the Heil though. The MXL seems best for spoken word.

[@ka2rwp]

You can buy the pickup element and make your own mic with a metal or plastic or pvc tube or pipe or a old flashlight housing.

[@underpressureman]

the heil pr40 and pr30 are both definately used for musical instruments and vocals, vocals not as much but yeah, the pr40 is a popular kick drum mic and also floor toms and bass, and the pr30 is one of the most popular guitar amp mic especially in heavy rock and metal! good comparison!

[@ofirtagtgren4528]

Im going to start a band and i have to make death growls.... wich one do you recommend me to buy?

[@Hearthful_]

How do you have the MXL990 set up? I have a 770 myself and the sound I get is about 100% worse than yours. Lots of white noise and no warmth at all. The reason for that is probably cause I don't know much about EQ-ing and I don't do any for this mic. Could you reccomend me any tutorials/guides that I can use to get more out of it? Thanks :)

[@thatdanhill]

Am I the only one who think that the double mic'ing at the top of the video, sounded pretty awesome?

[@roland1313]

no..here its the best of both worlds. I think double miking sond the best. Purchasing the 2 mics wold be less than $400, but the sound to me rivals many $2000 mics!!

I agree also..... you said it! Together they sound balanced....

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I think that it depends on your use case. I really severely dislike the PR40 without processing. It sounds way sharp and unflattering. But the mic really comes alive when you add voice processing and a lot of it. The MXL990 sounded smoother all around and more natural.

[@antoineinniss140]

Hi, are you still active on this channel?.. I'm commenting from the caribbean

[@RELATECASTS]

Great review! Your voice sounds way better on the Heil. It gives you much better articulation, or clarity of speech. On the MXL it's muddier. Not bad but muddier with more plsives... Thansk!

[@norb1969]

I actually think I prefer the MXL990. It has a warmer sound than the Heil and I think is therefore probably more suited to podcasting/chat where you want that warmth to come across to the listener. Great video, enjoying with a homebrew!

[@SophiepTran]

Hey Craig, Thanks for the comparison. I wonder how the mxl990 would fare with a EQ boost between the 6k to 10k range. Can they match up pretty well through EQ? Cheers and happy brewing!

[@CraigTube]

Sophiep Tran I actually managed to EQ the 990 to sound very much like the PR40. It can be done. But engineers who have the money to spend like to have good sound out of the box. Tweaking and EQing takes time, and time is money in that world.

[@SophiepTran]

***** Ah, all too true. I have the 990/991 combo and it works fine for my purposes. Thanks for the perspective.

[@lushkordz6643]

For recording guitar amp one of the most common setup is a ribbon + dynamic mikes in order to capture all different types of frequencies ...the ribbon give a warm silky tone N the dynamic is able to grab some more high end or mid-highs N bring a more punchy sounds to the mix /// To record an acoustic guitar we normally use a condenser (small or large capsules depends of the focus you want) coz it really have more output than a ribbon (( which has a weak output level even weaker than other dynamic mikes since ribbon is a special type of dynamic mike )) but in the same time has a more balanced frequency response than a ribbon mike /// in fact it is really about experimentation N personal taste i really love mikes there R part of human history N one of the most extraordinary physical phenomenon

To be honest, I am impressed with the cheaper one, but I prefer the Heil PR40. It sounds very crispy. I record lessons for learning Spanish, and I will think about purchasing one.

[@Mugwart1]

Great video! I agree that they both sound great, but the 990 is a little flat to my ears, and the PR-40 is beautiful with a terrific high end "right out of the box" like you noted. In my opinion, for voice work, save your money for the PR-40. Thanks Craig. Nice work as always. Time for a home-brew. :)

[@TimOlson1]

Environment matters with a condenser. You will hear a pin drop. The PR40, which is dynamic, has the rear rejection needed for a noisy room.

[@CentauriTiger]

As an audio gal in her mid-30s who still can hear her 18k Hz frequencies, I honestly preferred the MXL990 for the speaker. The PR40 really dug into my nerves because the voice really came across nasally (I found myself wanting to blow my nose in the same way you feel like coughing when listening to someone with a frog in their throat). Words are definitely more crisp with the PR40, but I really preferred the smoothed out response the MXL gave the voice. But really, you need to consider your own voice when purchasing a microphone. If you have a naturally nasally voice, I would say the PR40 isn't the one you want to go with because it's going to really make it pronounced.

[@DynoSauR4Truth]

The Heil sounds more processed and the other one sounds more realistic sound. If you are going for a radio voice then the PR 40 sounds like that but, I agree the MXL sounds great and is capturing your true sound. I just bought a new PR40 yesterday for $100 cash yesterday so I couldn't turn it down.

[@abethornton5963]

I think the hi pitch problems you are having is due to the use of the pop filter instead of a wind sock on the mxl. I believe that Joe Rogan uses those on his pod cast? Thanks for the Vid!

[@samuelhatton6335]

Helpful. Thanks.

[@DanABA]

Your voice sounds richer, higher energy, etc. through the PR40.

[@matthewlayer7232]

Simply put, the PR40 is a much higher resolution. The vocal clarity is NOT from the HF bump. Just like a CRT TV vs an LCD TV, the both have red green blue but the latter is crafted for a higher resolution. BTY, Craigs voice sounds sooooo much more natural through the Heil. He sounds suffocated through the MXL

[@roland1313]

totally agree on all points.

[@ConsumerTeamPete]

Well done. Pr40 rocks

[@DubCampbell]

You sound fine on the mic you have...but the PR 40 does give your voice some added presence that sounds really nice on your voice. As someone who has moderate hearing loss in high frequencies, I would be much more comfortable listening to you with the 'air' that the PR 40 provides. I've been using an RE-20 for decades because of the silky low end...but now I'm thinking of switching to the PR-40 for radio-communication. For your purposes though, I wouldn't worry about the difference in sound. You sound just fine on your own mic. Dub

[@MrHamit64]

Yes I'm 1 of those guys that has heard the PR 40 on Leo's shows. How ever I'm liking the MXL a lot more. But hell for a dinamic, the PR 40 is awesome. Now you say you feel your voice sounds more natural on the MXL. I prefer condencer as well. To me they seem to hear more like ears. Yes in some respects I've found wiht my Audio-Technica AT 8022 that they can over hear. In the sence that they hear more of something then the tthing may actually sound to your actual ears. Butt I ddo like Condencers more. I do want a Rode NT1-A mike. That thing's epic.

[@SwissGlitcher]

Watched you videos for quite a long time today and I gotta say I love your style, especially if your daughter is involved because you troll her so hard ;D I'm really thinking about buying the MXL990 mic.. But one question left is why the f** was this mic 60 dollars a few years ago and now you gotta pay 99 bucks (it's listed with 199 dollar (!). And here in switzerland I have to pay 150 swissf rancs wich is roughly 155 dollar. Have I missed the perfect time to buy it or why the heck are they playing with the price so much?

[@CraigTube]

It might be because the 990 was introduced cheaply to get it into the market. Not that more people want it, the price went up. Not much of a surprise.

[@scotth2776]

how would the mxl990 sound if you used a compressor limiter gate? I was watching a video on Gavin webber's Chanel kzbin.infovideos on his setup. Any chance of you doing a similar series of videos on how you set your hardware up?

[@1OFGODSOWN]

A HEIL PR-20 has a built in pop filter & sounds better than both of these microphones.I don't know why the PR-40 does NOT have a built in Pop filter? I close talk my PR-20's & they don't pop EVER.That is on Amateur Radio or when I am performing live music.

[@kk6fvp595]

If you can't afford a $90 mic try the BM-800. It goes under a number of brandings. It's a cheap Chinese condenser mic. Amazon has it for $30. I picked one up on ebay for $15. I am new to pro style audio gear; so I have nothing better to compare with. But compared to my Logitech headset it's MUCH better. I think it sounds pretty darn good for such a cheap mic.

[@jamisthebest123]

KK6FVP Yea it aounds good for $30 but id recommend most people to save up for soemthing a bit better unless you absolutely cant

[@survarium8202]

for lisening on 12 ohers cast i prefer the MXL 990 its more smoth

[@raiderrob672]

Hey Craig, on the 990 you sound more natural. on the Pr-40 you sound like "HI! I AM RADIO GUY!

[@Texturas75]

Exactly!

[@VideoedTechReviews]

Have you used the Blue Yeti and if so what do you think?

[@CraigTube]

I have not used it but I'm not a fan. I hope to borrow one soon.

[@VideoedTechReviews]

***** Ok thanks, that'll be interesting.

[@djkanzertv]

PR40!

[@steamyb2]

I'm a 'normal' viewer, and I'm wondering if you had your son doing the switching (so that you were unaware which mic was on), would your voice change at all. I think most folks will agree, that we all sound better with stuff that we like. Just an idea, IMHO.

[@skakdosmer]

I don't quite like any of them (especially the MXL). Fortunately there are many other options. Shure SM58, Sennheiser MD421, Røde NT1a, just to mention a few.

[@brooklandbackyardbrewery4660]

Hi Craig, For me the MXL is sounding the best, nice warm sound and crisp enough. The PR40 is too irritating on the ssssssssssssssssss's . thats my opinion anyway, it might even be different for others dependant on what equipement they are actually listening to it on. Asus Transformer Prime with headphones is definitely MXL friendly. Cheers

[@boydmasonlake1995]

Pr40 nearly perfect with lofty articulation. The 990 sounds like you're talking though a blanket.

[@TomKrall]

I agree that the 990 is overpriced, I had one and wasn't super pleased with it. Big fan of the Audio Technica combo pack, I think it's the AT2020? All that said, I think you sound lovely ;)

[@ega0117]

The Heil mic is perfect for your voice....

[@micoromico]

MXL990 FO' LIFE SON!

[@podcastbunker]

To make a short story long.

[@KeepItRealRN]

The MXL990 sounds muffled compared to the PR40

[@PRO_2025]

MXL990

[@Jer0tube]

The MXL 990 is better!

[@mneff69]

The Heil PR 40 sounds great but the MXL 990 sounds good as well but for the money difference I would stay with the MXL 990. If you got the extra loot to spend I guess go buy the high dollar one lol.

[@Jamespendle]

I have a 990 and despise it. But thats for my voice and not a great recording space.

[@Grimexperience62]

To me this video is anything but boring. Its certainly revealing. I do think that you sound more natural through the 990(bigtime. The heil sounds very nice if not a bit processed in its natural state. For recording I like the flat sounding 990. Not only flat but it has a wonderful presence. I would love for you to compare a 990 to an mxl 67g. You have a very revealing compare style. Thanks T

[@daygo6969]

990 sounds a little more normal and the 40 reminds me of a lifted radio DJ sound.

[@NoName-nw5kn]

I like them both. Come at me internet.

[@user-cv3gd2wr5q]

Pr40!!! The end!

[@jwb60]

It's Called Colorazation . All Mic's Have that! I like Both but the Heil will outperform the Condenser Mic!

[@podcastbunker]

No sure how much processing you were using but it's a really bad comparison. Bob Heil would be really pissed.