Heil PR40 vs Shure SM7B
A side-by-side look at Heil PR40 and Shure SM7B for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Heil PR40
The dynamic mic that built the podcasting industry's standard
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Shure SM7B
The broadcast standard that built a generation of podcasters
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Heil PR40 | Shure SM7B | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Serious podcasters who want the mic that defines the classic American broadcast podcast sound | Podcasters and streamers who want broadcast-quality vocal presence in less-than-perfect rooms |
Key features
Heil PR40
- Cardioid dynamic XLR, no phantom power required
- Frequency response 28 Hz to 18 kHz - widest range in Heil's PR series
- 40 dB rear rejection for superior noise isolation
- Large aluminum diaphragm with neodymium magnet structure
- Output impedance 600 ohms, output level -53.9 dB at 1 kHz
- Made in the USA
Shure SM7B
- Dynamic cardioid, XLR only
- 50 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response
- Internal air-suspension shock mount
- Switchable bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis
- Detachable windscreen and close-talk windscreen included
- 150 ohm output impedance
Pros and cons
Heil PR40
Pros
- 28 Hz low-end extension gives voice recordings genuine warmth and body
- 40 dB rear rejection - exceptional in shared or noisy spaces
- American manufacturing with robust build quality
- Reference-level podcast sound with decades of validation
Cons
- Significant preamp gain required - a Cloudlifter may be necessary
- Premium price for a dynamic microphone
- Heavy - requires a quality boom arm rated for its weight
Shure SM7B
Pros
- Outstanding off-axis rejection in untreated rooms
- Switchable EQ on the mic body itself
- Built like a tank - lasts decades
- Consistent, flattering vocal sound
Cons
- Needs a lot of gain - budget interfaces will introduce noise
- XLR only, no USB option
- Heavy for some lightweight boom arms
The verdict
Choose Heil PR40 if
Serious podcasters who want the mic that defines the classic American broadcast podcast sound.
The PR40 is where many serious podcasters land after trying cheaper alternatives. Its frequency extension to 28 Hz provides a natural low-end warmth that other dynamics cannot match, and the 18 kHz ceiling gives it a clarity that rivals some…
Choose Shure SM7B if
Podcasters and streamers who want broadcast-quality vocal presence in less-than-perfect rooms.
There's a reason every serious podcasting setup photo has an SM7B in it - the off-axis rejection is excellent and the cardioid pattern forgives a lot of bad room acoustics. The built-in switchable EQ settings (bass rolloff, mid-range boost) let…