Heil PR40 Vs SM7B RE320 RE20 Podmic Mic Comparison

[@ConsumerTeamPete]

Nice job on giving coverage to Bob Heil's amazing life and contributions to music. I am told that he developed the 'voice box' that Peter Frampton used to affect his voice on tour and on Frampton Comes Alive. I'm a career radio guy and have used the Heil PR40 in all the studios I've built and in several for clients. For spoken word and talk shows, it's a great value and a real unsung hero mic. And, yes the high frequency boost won't work on all voices, but that's easily fixable with an EQ tweak. I was not surprised to hear that Sirius/XM ordered the PR40 for all their studios. Another under-rated mic is the Audio Technica BP40. It's a dynamic with similar EQ curve to the PR40 that shines on talk radio. Thanks for the good work on this review.

[@markhodgen7386]

I have a PR-40. I think it is fantastic in a noisy environment (untreated room). In fact, it is the best mic I have found for rejecting off-axis sound. I also like its sound with deeper or darker-sounding voices. The big bump on the high-end brings a lot of brightness and makes it sound up-front. That can be a good thing for some voices. I have to EQ mine to tame some sibilance, but I even do that with my Sennheiser MHK 416 (which also has a bump on the high-end, but not as much). It is a great mic - especially for deeper voices. I have used Heil products with Ham Radio for over 25 years. Bob Heil knows his stuff. He is fun to listen to, and if you get a chance, check out his story. I also liked the sound of the RE20.

I have the HEIL too and what I like about it is that "natural" tone that it gives. It sounds clearer and more alive than many others. If you really want the "radio sound" with it you can EQ it. But giving its presence I find it more versatile. Thanks for the comparison! :-)

[@garycook5125]

The Heil microphone is nice. I use the Neumann TLM 103, Shure SM58, and EV RE20. For broadcasting, the RE20 is perfect for the job. Remember, all microphones need to run through equalization before going into the final mix. Use the EQ to fine tune the microphone's output to suit your ears.

[@jalind1]

I like it in comparison to all the others. They are all different and the PR 40 has a different vocal characteristic, perhaps more different from the others than they are from each other. It's very cleanly crisp. I like it. Just like all other mics in the good/excellent range, the desired result is subjective according to the voice talent, producer, and the actual voice. I've used one. I've used the SM 7B. I've used the RE 320, RE 27N/D, and RE 20. I've used the Rode Procaster. I've used AT BP 40. I particularly like the RE 27N/D and RE 320 with my voice from amongst the others and I like the PR 40 equally as well -- especially if I want a little extra crispness and some very useable proximity effect. For my voice, a bit of scooping plus a bit of crispness helps. The PR40 is good with my voice with some tweaks. I really like the proximity effect -- it's clean and very responsive to using it. I have good mic discipline and know how to move my head whilst maintaining distance and axis. One note, it's sweet spot is fairly narrow. So, once I found it, I had to practice at maintaining it. I'm in Amateur Radio and have been continuously since 1967. Bob Heil is a major contributor to the art of good communications audio in Amateur Radio voice modes (there's a whole huge wold of morse, RTTY, digital, etc besides voice in Amateur Radio) -- an art that prioritizes intelligibility over high-fidelity in harshly sub-optimal communication circumstances -- an art that Bob Heil had totally nailed. Thanks for the great review.

[@voicehead]

I think the pr40 really does suit your voice much more than the other microphones

[@markjamesmason]

I used the PR40 on every kick drum I ever recorded. It’s lovely.

[@IvanJohnsonMedia]

In our record room that is primarily used for book narration, there has been an issue with noise leakage into the room - especially low end noise. The Heil PR40 seems to reject this off-axis noise even better than the Shure SM7B.

[@richardkline3378]

I watched this for a second time, maybe I was getting buyers remorse after so much PR40 hating. Over time, I have come to love the Heil PR40 and now I own 3. As I become more familiar with audio (and I am an amateur at best) the bright sound seems easier and clearer to fit into video. The SM7b seems muffled and bla sounding, but that could be my age. I think this mic brings out what's best in your voice.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks! I have a problem with s sounds...lol. Causes a LOT of post production. I didn't hate the mic...in fact if well treated it is a very good mic... Problem is I have a lot of mics too...lol

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

The SM7B DOES sound more muffled than other btoqdcast mics. Its frequency response dips in presence area. For some voices it's good, and makes them easier to EQ, vs other mics, as it naturally attenuates sibilant frequencies around 5-9 KHz or so. For other voices that aren'r that sibilant-prone, it dampens those frequencies a tad too lich, almost making some people sound lispy.

[@jamesschaeffer3802]

On your voice, I thought the RE20 and RE320 sounded better than the Heil.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yeah...those mics were literally made for my voice... They sound great on almost anyone...the true sign of a good broadcast mic. Cheers!

[@jay-rus4437]

Have the PR-40, and love it. Especially considering I use it for HAM radio, so the highs serve an important purpose for radio use. With that said the Rode Podmic is an amazing mic, especially for the price. Im not sure that there is a better mic in that price range

[@DarkCornerStudios]

99 dollars is tough to beat...no kidding there. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

I know most of Bob Heil's history already - but I deeply appreciate that you shared some of the facts that cement his legacy and legitimacy 👌 Credot where credit is due. To both you, and Bob Heil 🤗

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks! It only seemed fitting to include the history

[@HighlightReel]

Use a PR40 for my channel and I love it, I don't think it works for everyone's voice but I like the way it makes mine sound. Gets a ton of hate that it doesn't deserve.

[@mattiasabom]

Great sound. Love the PR 40

[@jamiemcparland]

Always depends on your own voice. I have the RE20, SM7, and the Heil PR40. They all sound good, but I found the Heil PR40 sounds the best on my voice. And on the used market they are a GREAT deal! Unfortunately I bought the PR40 last.

[@jediknightdiscomike22]

Listening to the PR-40 in this youtube video sounds great for his voice although you can hear the boost in the midrange on this mic. I am also impressed with listening to the Electrovoice re-20 in his voice as well. I have the Heil PR37 and it sounds great when I pair it with the Focusrite Clarett + 4pre with no EQ. I think I will give the PR-40 and the Electrovoice re-20 a try.

[@bigtastyben5119]

Imo you deserve more subs

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks Ben! Working on it. Cheers and thanks for watching!!

[@rpc2112]

The Heil picks up a fuller range of frequencies where’s as the SM7B mutes the sound making it sound a bit too closety.

[@eyesonly4451]

Buel ler here... The RE320 has a 1kHz impedance of 150-ohms vs the PR40's 600-ohms. Additionally, the RE320 has a sensitivity of -52 dB vs a slightly less sensitive PR40 at -54 dB. Not knowing the input impedance of your particular preamp, I'd say you'd need to gain adjust the RE320 down by 3 to 5 dB to account for these differences. Other than that, I couldn't really tell much difference between the PR40, the RE320, and the SM7B. I love my PR40. But as you say, it depends on one's particular voice. My voice is naturally low, so the PR40 fits.

[@tricogustrico]

With the Heil it is easier to hear what you are saying versus the muddy sounding shure and electro voice. Not everyone has perfect hearing.

[@thewilberforce]

I always loved using a PR-40 on a kick drum. Especially 24 inch boomers. Just amazing results. When I started a podcast, the Heil bested my SM7B. By far.

[@TransplantHelper]

I didn’t like my Podmic and actually sold it but I sold it. I like it better than the PR40. It one point the PR40 Was my dream mic, I’m glad I never got it. Way to much high frequency for my taste.

[@k6lcs]

You call the Heil "brighter." I call it the "most natural-sounding" of all shown. Great A-B comparison. I am feeding my PR40 into a PreSonus TubePre with Tung-Sol tube - in to either a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. Listeners tell me I sound great, and your tests show me I don't have to invest in anything else. THANK YOU!

[@tsdmoto]

Which one do I like, anything but the PodMic, no idea how that tiny sounding mic got to be popular.

[@apostolicbible1]

I love my PR40 but put the pop filter shown on my SM7B without a foam cover. But really the big difference in mics, IMHO, is the DBX286, and without it you are lost even using a Scarlett or MOTU M2 interface.

[@imark7777777]

Having sort of helped kind of not really put together a podcast studio locally we went with the rode so I'm fairly familiar with how it sounds I was shocked to hear the difference it isn't until the last two that I was saying I like the competitor better. Very interesting. Of course I have to be aware that I am slightly biased as I listen to a podcast that uses heil microphones i'll be heavily compressed. But I also do live sound so I do here quite a bit of difference.

[@YTPartyTonight]

I did not know anything about the PODMIC but I didn't like it in this comparison. The EV RE320 is hotter and the RE20 is softer or more mellow; that was already a known thing to me. I think the Heil PR40 is not drastically different sounding than both EVs and the SM7B. It seems like it slots in between the RE20 and the RE320 and it's also quite similar to the Shure SM7B. What I really want to hear is the Heil, both EVs, and SM7B compared for recording bass.

[@jamiehayes6714]

I have a Heil PR40, actually 2, and only use it for Zooms. But need a new interface (with USB out) that provides enough gain, and maybe some processing. Although the Rode Podcast 2 would be great, it is overkill for my needs. Any suggestions?

[@Stevens4]

I Love my Heil PR40

[@kevinwolfe376]

Love your channel. I’m torn between the Re20 and the Re 320. Which one of those two do you prefer. Would love your feedback. Looking to use it with a rodecaster pro.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Honestly if you are just using it for voice...go with the RE320. It is a bit crispier and needs less intervention in post. The benefit is you get to save yourself a bit of money as well. I also prefer the look of it. If you really want to move up the stack, go for the RE27nd Otherwise...just stick with the RE320! Cheers!

[@kevinwolfe376]

Thanks for your insight. So you think the re320 is a better option then the Re20 or the SM 7B. The Re 20 also comes in black now too like the re320?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@kevinwolfe376 Oh does it? Nice. Honestly I would say buy them...and return the ones you dont like as much. If I were to decide between them all...now that you bring up the SM7B...I would buy that...but that is me and my voice. Try them all.... But the re20 in black is tempting...lol

[@dantezero5404]

Maybe u can get procaster for identical sound but a lot cheaper..

[@dantezero5404]

@@kevinwolfe376 I rate RE20 higher ..

[@JeffJasperVO]

IMHO, the RE320 sounds clear yet full-bodied on you, while the Heil is just too brassy. If we were living in an AM radio world, the Heil would be perfect. I'm listening on flat JBL LSR308s. Years ago, a radio station I worked had a Heil mixing console that was a pleasure to use. It's the only one I've ever encountered. Could it be the same guy? It would be great to see a comparison of the PR40 and the Sennheiser MD421-II some time!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

If its a Heil, it is the same company. They have their fingers in almost every facet of live sound. And yeah, not the best mic for my voice whatsoever. As for the comparison, let me do what I can to find a MD421...those are hard to pin down lately

[@JeffJasperVO]

@@DarkCornerStudios Yes, I noticed several suppliers were backordered. Some even had discounts if you ordered in advance, but those seem to be gone now. But, I was reluctant to pull the trigger as the curve of the MD421-II looks very much like the Heil. The older MD421-U5 was not nearly as bright, apparently, and back in the day was just right to lift heavier voices out of the mud. Nowdays it might only be good for Mitch Phillips, but I'd love to hear you on it if you ever get the chance, as you and I are similar pitch. Sure enjoy your vids! Thanks!

[@dickginkowski6071]

If the RE320 sounded better...that's a huge (and proper) indictment of the Heil!

[@sweetgav9163]

Great review. I just got one from my dad that he had sitting around.

[@Lessrian]

I have a video request would it be possible to do a tutorial on mic eq like highs, mids and lows on a mixer for a microphone. I cannot find any good tutorials or could you suggest some resources, every time i look i get dj music eq or adjusting a full on eq in post processing.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

That is a tough one, as EQing isnt a straightforward process. Let me chat with my buddy Dylan, and see if we could put something together... Cheers!

[@annekedebruyn7797]

Question, I am looking to switch my Procaster with the PR40 which is on the PSA1 arm like in the video. How smooth is the arm still when moving around? I heard some horror stories with the PSA1 with mics that are just too light just flying up when you move it around a bit. Thanks to anyone whom may reply.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

You can tighten the arm with the screws on the hinges. No issues WHAT SO EVER

[@iiSup3rior]

I liked the re320; this was a comparison where I actually noticed a difference. I never imagined an sm7b sounding so trash. SOMEONE IS LYING ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THESE MICS

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Not really lying. The magic is in the post production...

[@iiSup3rior]

@Dark Corner Studios well I am using a podmic. For some reason after all the other reviews and comparisons on it. I never heard a difference between a podmic and a sm7b. But I always felt like it wasn't enough then I'd watch comparisons again and be like "maybe it's the price that makes me feel it's not good" but this video really brought out what I hear. It's good but it's lacking color. It has a bit of harsh esses. Bit of static etc. And this video made me waste an extra 50 dollars for an all black re 20. And again I skipped over the ever popular sm7b cos this video brought out that muddled noise. This video is top quality and it really brings out weaknesses other videos, like I said, are either lying or they're doing too much magic in post that it ruins the point of conparisons

[@davidsillars3181]

Very interesting background to Bob H. I have read good things about the mic. It sounds pretty good, a tad bright though. As you say, might not suit every voice.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Although it was super bright...I do like it. At least it doesnt distort on the high end. Though I dont think I will be able to use it as a primary mic...lol...

[@ialokinstein]

Great video!!!!!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!!

[@johnheiser2604]

Sounds good to me.

[@ivomartijn7400]

Those broadcast dynamics really haven't been designed to keep 6 inches away from your mouth. Their differences would've been clearer if you'd had been closer to them.

[@DrRChandra]

To me, the SM7B and the PR40 are almost exactly the same. I would give a slight edge to the Electrovoice RE320

[@rafapucpr]

I also thought that the SM7B and HEIL PR-40 are very similar, but I think it's due to the distance of the microphones, maybe it would be better to speak closer to the microphones to better emphasize the difference.

[@radioman6489]

PR 40 is a lot better microphone got way smoother tone to it

[@Walker_328]

It’s just too bright sounding for me. Sounds like it is trying hard. When the RE20 comes on, it’s obvious that the Heil is too “in your face” sounding. To me.

[@Decenium]

the heil just sounds synthetic to me, but the sm7b did not sound much better......man these comparisons just show what a crapshoot it really is. The RE20 here imo just sounds muffled and I say HERE I prefere the re320....but in other videos its the other way around or the sm7b being the best, again...such a crapshoot

[@PhillipRPeck]

I thought the Podmic sounded the best. Just kidding. I thought the Heil sounded pretty good against all of them, though I didn't listen w/ headphones

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yeah...I dont know why I included it, but I had to try for a budget option. As for the Heil, it is a great mic, and I am going to keep it around for instrument recording, but I dont think it will be my forever mic.

[@PhillipRPeck]

@@DarkCornerStudios Lol, I think it's a good valuable comparison, it just stuck out to me as noticeably worse than the others

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@PhillipRPeck Yeah...when kept in its own division it sticks out as being a decent mic, and honestly it is pretty good with a nice EQ applied... Just a bit out of its weight class here

[@PhillipRPeck]

@@DarkCornerStudios I'm getting one in a couple days, so I'll be able to listen for myself. Should be fun

[@lyneicehaynes4922]

I had fun singing karaoke.

[@henrycross8776]

Ham Operators use this mic, I use this mic, it cuts through

[@Meckerkopp007]

Echt jetzt ???

[@twenty3electronics]

Sssssooo much ssss sibilance. Sounds like a cheap beginner mic with all the unnatural hyped treble. Not even in the same league with the Shure and EV mics. You’re going to need a de-esser if you plan on using it. No; it is not flattering to your voice

[@luk7n]

I hate the pricing between EU and US, this is just bullshit. I love the sound of the RE20 but the price is 653$, 457$ for SM7B but it still sounds too muffled to me, RE320 sounds much better than the Heil, which I don´t like it´s sound, 359$ for RE320 is still a lot of money, considering how low it costs in US. Dang it. I know that on the other hand in US is Neumann for example much more expensive than here in EU, but this is just bullshit, why does America always has to limit only to themself and limit others.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yeah...its not as bad as that here in Canada...but I feel your pain. All of the markups are said to be due to the weaker dollar... But when we are on par...nothing changes. I smell a rat

[@casquijo]

The Podmic sounds so weak and thin. It is just a pretty face, nothing more.