Both the Heil PR40 and the Shure SM7B can be seen as some of the greatest dynamic mics which are accessible to purchase at the moment (also see, ‘Best Dynamic Microphones‘).
Both of these microphones are perfect for whatever you will need them for whether this is recording music or making podcasts.
These microphones sound great even when used on acoustic instruments, such as acoustic guitar, during live music performances.
However, since both these microphones come so highly recommended, as well as being in such a similar price range, they of course will be compared, and with the question of comparison, comes people asking which is best and which they should buy.
So while the Shure tends to be a little more expensive than the Heil, we are going to answer the question of which of these microphones will be the best fit for you!
We will go through each of the microphones individually so you get to know what each dynamic mic is like, and then we will get into directly cross-comparing them so you can know which is best for what.
So, if you are struggling to pick between the Heil PR40 and the Shure SM7B, we are here to make your decision easier!
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| Primary Rating: 3.5 | Primary Rating: 3.5 |
| $349.00 | $359.00 |
Shure SM7B
This is one of the best cardioid dynamic microphones and has been popular for quite a while because of this.
This microphone is quite well known for being very similar to the SM7 which was popular with Michael Jackson.
The only difference between this microphone and the SM7 is that the SM7B features a Hambucking coil as well as a slightly bigger windscreen.
This mic is known for being the same one for recording Bad, Off The Wall, and Thriller.
There are plenty of other famed artists that have used this mic like Metallica, Wille Nelson, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
This is part of the reason why the quality of this microphone is so well known.
The Mic has a 50Hz to 20kHz response and is great for recording VO as well as music, and podcasting.
The Shure SM7B is great for recording acoustic guitars, particularly with guitar cabs in the studio. It has a flat frequency response, robust construction, and immunity to electromagnetic interference, making it an ideal choice for music production.
The SM7B also provides up to 60dB of ambient noise rejection and can handle sound pressure levels of up to 150 dB without distortion. Its bass roll-off switch helps reduce low-frequency rumble that can occur with certain sound sources.
Additionally, the SM7B is perfect for voice-over work due to its smooth, rich, and detailed sound, making it a popular choice in radio broadcasting and podcasting.
One thing you should know when considering this mic is that it has quite a low output.
This means you will need a preamp to boost your signal as well as a passable audio interface like Cloudlifter CL-1 which will increase the signal while not damaging the quality of the audio (also see, ‘Best Audio Interface For Podcast‘).
But, if you do not own a preamp, this is a pricey addition you will need to consider.
Pros Of The Shure SM7B
- This is an incredibly versatile mic
- It has a good warm and smooth sound
- Does not need much EQ
- Great for live recording
- Very quiet
- Good durable design
- Has a shock mount build in (also see, ‘Best Mic Shock Mount‘)
- Will not get plosive
- Rejects electromagnetic hum
- Good internal air suspension and shock isolation
- Good bass roll off as well as mid-range boost
Cons Of The Shure SM7B
- Can get quite muddy and dark on the lower registers
- It has a low output which necessitates having a preamp or turning up gain which can lead to significantly more noise (also see, ‘How To Reduce Background Noise On Mic‘)
Heil PR40
While this microphone is not as widely known as the Shure SM7B, for those who know it, it is well known for its impressive quality being just as good as a dynamic microphone.
This microphone is just as good for recording vocals as well as being perfect for recording the audio of some instruments like snare and kick drums as well as electric instruments.
This microphone is also just as popular for VO and podcasting work as it is for music being seen as one of the best microphones for this use.
While you could quickly assume that this is just a typical condenser mic at just a quick glance, this is actually one of the best quality dynamic microphones which is available (also see, ‘Best Condenser Mic‘).
A stand out feature of this microphone is how good it is at dealing with ambient noise and is much better at ignoring annoying background noise than a standard condenser microphone would be.
CHECK OUT: Heil PR-40 Microphone Review
The Heil PR40 does not need phantom power to work, and it comes with a pop filter to reduce plosives and sibilance. The microphone has excellent rejection of off-axis sounds, which makes it perfect for recording in studios with loud noise or reverberation.
Additionally, the Heil PR40’s large diaphragm helps provide warmth and depth to recordings, making it a great choice for voice-over work (also see, ‘How To Talk Into A Mic‘).
With its frequency response of 30Hz – 18kHz, the Heil PR40 is a very versatile microphone that can be used in all kinds of recording applications. It has been used to record a variety of sound sources, including vocals, drums, acoustic instruments and more.
If you are looking for a great mic that is perfect for podcasting, this is probably preferable over the Shure, but it is also good for music which should not be overlooked.
However, this mic does have a similar issue to the Shure SM7B needing a preamp to get the best results, however it is nowhere near as bad as it is with the Shure SM7B, but having a good preamp will still get preferable results.
Pros Of The Heil PR40
- Great for noise rejection
- Perfect for broadcasting as well as podcasting
- Good build quality made with all metal making it durable
- Clear with an open top end
- Has a good extended low frequency response
- Has the brightness of a condenser mic but does not pick up ambient noise like a condenser would
Cons Of The Heil PR40
- Does not feature the switches which are on the Shure SM7B
- Does not have any gain control
Similarities Between The Shure SM7B And The Heil PR40
- Both of these microphones will perform a lot better if you are using a preamp like Cloudlifter CL-1
- Both microphones will perform well using flat EQ setting
- Both are good for rejecting any ambient noise
Differences Between The Shure SM7B And The Heil PR40
Shure SM7B
- A more versatile microphone good for recording music
- Has a warmer sound
- The lower end has a lower quality
- Has 2 windscreens
Heil PR40
- Much better suited for VO work as well as podcasting, but still sounds great for music
- Has a slightly more flat sound
- Better retention of lower registers
- Does not feature a windscreen (also see, ‘Windscreen vs Pop Filter‘)
- Does not have the extra features of the Shure SM7B like the bass roll off
Conclusion
When considering both of these microphones, whichever you choose to invest in depending on your personal taste, you will still get noticeably good quality results and you will not have to worry about one product being significantly worse than the other.
Generally speaking, if you are going for music, then go with the Shure SM7B, but if you are looking for VO work or podcasting, then the Heil PR40 will be a better choice.
