If you want to start your podcast or do professional voiceovers, I have the perfect microphone for you, and it is not the Samson Co1u Pro, the Blue Snowball, or the Rode Podcaster.
All the above-referenced mics connect via USB, and the sound quality is good for a beginning podcaster, but if you want superior audio quality right out of the gate, then the Heil PR40 is the right way to go.
Although you will need a mixer board like the Behringer Xenyx 1002FX Mixer for the XLR mic hookup, you will be more than excited when you see that the FedEx guy has left the package at your front door,
This microphone has been replacing a lot of microphones in the industry and rivaling one of its biggest competitors, the Electro-Voice RE-20.
Despite its appearance, the PR40 is an end-firing dynamic mic, not a side-address condenser mic. This is a hi-fi-sounding microphone with a nice full low-end extended response without sounding overly “woofy”. The mids are gently pulled back, so it is much more forgiving in the mid-range, and you get a nice top-end roll-off.
It’s important to note that the type of mic-pre you use will change how your voice sounds with the PR40 Heil. This is, without a doubt, a kick-ass microphone, but you will only sound as good as your speaking voice. So if you’ve got that great “bassy” radio voice expect better broadcast quality with the PR40.
Also, the sound from the PR40 may sound pretty mellow in its raw and unedited format. Therefore, you’ll need the skill to fine-tune the audio and know which settings to make the audio sound best. If you know how to fine-tune your audio in post-production, you’ll be stoked at how the PR40 projects your voice.
The PR 40 microphone is a full-function professional broadcast quality mic, and dollar for dollar; you would be hard-pressed to find a better value. The mic retails at just over $300, and the shock mount retails at about $100. The shock mount is optional, but you will need a pop filter because you will experience a lot of “popping”.
Again this is a dynamic microphone, which means that if you are in a noisy environment like a studio apartment or basement of your house, this mic will significantly help cut down on some of the background noise.
There are a lot of people that record their podcasts and do great work with USB microphones. However, you can rely on a mic like the Heil PR40 to get professional broadcast quality. You will also need some good XLR cables like Monster because of their lifetime guarantee.
The PR 40 has an unmatched presence and clarity. This mic will find its way into many studio and live-sound setups. It has a rugged build, a wide frequency response, and an affordable price point. If you want a solid mic to add to your dynamic mic collection, the Heil PR 40 will serve your needs for many years.