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1

Why We Love It

The Heil PR-40 is a favorite among podcasters and professional audio engineers. Its wide frequency range and excellent sound capture allow for a crystal-clear recording experience. The built-in breath blast filter is a big plus, effectively reducing unwanted 'popping' sounds. Despite the high price, users believe it to be a worthwhile investment for its studio-grade audio quality.

Pros

  • Wide frequency range
  • Excellent sound capture
  • Internal breath blast filter

Cons

  • Requires an interface to connect to computer
  • High price range

Dynamic Studio Microphone with internal breath blast filter.

The Heil PR-40 microphone boasts the widest frequency range of any dynamic mic in the Heil PR series. The PR-40 incorporates Heil’s sage-like understanding of phasing plug placement, along with the use of a very large (1.5”), low mass diaphragm, and custom magnet metals housed in a specially designed microphone body. It's perfect for creating professional-quality podcasts and recordings.

2

Why We Love It

Users and experts consistently praise the Heil Sound PR-40 for its exceptional sound quality, often comparing it favorably to more expensive models. Its wide frequency response is appreciated for bringing out the natural nuances in speech. The durable construction and internal shock mount also receive positive comments for their effectiveness in reducing handling noise, making it a top choice for professional podcasters.

Pros

  • Wide frequency response for natural articulation
  • Durable construction
  • Effective noise isolation

Cons

  • Higher price range
  • Does not include a stand

Dynamic microphone with internal shock mount

The Heil Sound PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone provides an unparalleled audio experience for podcasters. Featuring a steel body with a zinc die-cast bottom ring, the microphone ensures durability. It offers a wide frequency response for natural articulation and the internal shock mount reduces handling noise. The PR-40 microphone also has a cardioid pattern to isolate your voice from background noise.

3

Why We Love It

Users frequently praise the Heil Sound PR 40 for its superior sound quality, noting that it captures voice with exceptional clarity and richness. The included shock mount and pop filter are also highly appreciated, as they contribute to the overall audio quality by minimizing unwanted noises. Despite being more expensive, many agree that the quality justifies the price.

Pros

  • Rich, full-bodied sound capture
  • Includes shock mount and pop filter
  • Wide frequency range

Cons

  • Pricier than some options
  • No included XLR cable

Dynamic microphone bundle with a shock mount and pop filter.

The Heil Sound PR 40 microphone bundle includes everything needed to achieve professional recording quality. The microphone features a dynamic element and a cardioid pattern to capture rich, full-bodied sound while minimizing background noise. The bundle also includes a shock mount to reduce handling noise and a pop filter to eliminate plosive sounds. It covers a wide frequency range, ensuring clarity and detail in vocal capture.

4

Why We Love It

Podcasters and audio professionals rave about the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x's excellent sound quality and comfort. The headphones' design ensures good sound isolation, making them perfect for recording or editing sessions. Even though the cord is non-detachable, users appreciate the overall build quality and consider these headphones a worthwhile investment.

Pros

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Comfortable for long use
  • Good sound isolation

Cons

  • Non-detachable cord
  • High price range

Professional Studio Monitor Headphones with 90-degree swiveling earcups.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio and on the go. They feature 45mm large-aperture drivers, rare earth magnets, and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. The circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation. The 90-degree swiveling earcups provide easy, one-ear monitoring.

5

Why We Love It

The Zoom H5's portability and high-quality recording capabilities are often highlighted in reviews. Users appreciate its versatility, noting the advantage of the interchangeable input capsules. Despite some comments about the battery life, most users agree that the H5 is user-friendly and highly convenient for on-the-go podcasting.

Pros

  • High-quality audio recording
  • Versatile with interchangeable capsules
  • Portable and user-friendly

Cons

  • Batteries can drain quickly
  • Some find the plastic build less durable

Portable recorder with interchangeable input capsules.

The Zoom H5 Handy Portable Recorder is a versatile tool for podcasters who want to record high-quality audio anywhere. It comes with an interchangeable X/Y microphone capsule and can be used with other Zoom input capsules. Features include a backlit LCD, built-in speakers, and USB port for data transfer and interface use. Its dual combo inputs can handle both mic- and line-level signals, and it records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB.

6

Why We Love It

Users love the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder for its portability and high-quality recording capabilities. The interchangeable input capsules make it adaptable to various recording situations. The ability to handle high sound pressure levels is a major plus for those recording in loud environments. While the included microSD card's storage is limited, users appreciate the recorder's overall functionality and versatility.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Versatile
  • High-quality recording

Cons

  • MicroSD card has limited storage
  • No AC adapter included

Handy Recorder with interchangeable input capsules and four-track recording.

The Zoom H5 Handy Recorder provides four tracks of simultaneous recording and interchangeable input capsules, making it one of the most versatile portable recorders on the market. It offers two onboard microphone preamps with phantom power and a stereo line input. The H5 can handle sound pressure levels up to 140 dB, perfect for capturing loud concerts and events. It also includes a 2GB microSD card.

7

Why We Love It

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 gets high praise for its compact size and high-quality recording capabilities. Users appreciate the low latency, enabling them to record and perform with effects in real time. The included Pro Tools and Ableton Live Lite are a big plus for those starting out in podcasting or music production. Despite requiring a computer for operation, users find it user-friendly and highly functional.

Pros

  • High-quality recording
  • Low latency
  • Compact and portable

Cons

  • Requires computer for operation
  • May not be suitable for complex setups

USB Audio Interface with two mic preamps and high-performance converters.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface provides two mic preamps with Air mode to reproduce the sound of Focusrite's original ISA mic preamp. It features high-performance converters for 24-bit/192kHz recording, and low latency to enable you to perform and record using effects in real time. It's perfect for singer-songwriters and podcasters. The package includes Pro Tools and Ableton Live Lite.

8

Why We Love It

Users praise the Heil Sound PL-2T for its ease of use and flexibility. The easy cable threading system is a standout feature, and the quiet and effortless adjustments make it ideal for live broadcasts. Reviewers appreciate its versatility, with options to mount it on various stands. The overall build quality and design are repeatedly commended, often described as a 'must-have' for serious podcasters.

Pros

  • Easy cable threading
  • Quiet and effortless adjustments
  • Versatile mounting options

Cons

  • May not support heavier microphones
  • C-clamp may not fit all stands

Overhead broadcast boom with removable top and back plates

The Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom is a highly adjustable boom that ensures optimal microphone positioning. It features a unique system that allows for easy cable threading, with removable top and back plates for quick installation. The internal springs provide quiet and effortless adjustments, ensuring minimal noise transmission to the microphone. It also includes a standard C-clamp mount that fits most standard microphone stands.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 8 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Dynamic Microphone Frequency Response Included Accessories Durability Portability Price
2 Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone
Yes 28 Hz - 18 kHz None Steel body with zinc die-cast bottom Studio use only $349.00
2 Heil Sound PR 40 Dynamic Cardioid Studio Microphone Bundle
Yes 28 Hz - 18 kHz Shock mount, Pop filter Steel body Studio use only $349.00
2 Heil Sound PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone
Yes 28 Hz - 18 kHz None Steel body with zinc die-cast bottom Studio use only $349.00
3 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
No 15 Hz - 28 kHz None High build quality Foldable design $159.00
3 Zoom H5 Handy Portable Recorder
No 20 Hz - 20 kHz Interchangeable X/Y microphone capsule Plastic body Highly portable $249.99
4 Zoom H5 Handy Recorder
No 20 Hz - 20 kHz 2GB microSD card Plastic body Highly portable $249.99
5 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface
No 20 Hz - 20 kHz Pro Tools and Ableton Live Lite Compact design Highly portable $109.99
5 Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom
No N/A None High build quality Adjustable $99.00
2

Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone

Dynamic Microphone
Yes
Frequency Response
28 Hz - 18 kHz
Included Accessories
None
Durability
Steel body with zinc die-cast bottom
Portability
Studio use only
Price
$349.00
2

Heil Sound PR 40 Dynamic Cardioid Studio Microphone Bundle

Dynamic Microphone
Yes
Frequency Response
28 Hz - 18 kHz
Included Accessories
Shock mount, Pop filter
Durability
Steel body
Portability
Studio use only
Price
$349.00
2

Heil Sound PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone

Dynamic Microphone
Yes
Frequency Response
28 Hz - 18 kHz
Included Accessories
None
Durability
Steel body with zinc die-cast bottom
Portability
Studio use only
Price
$349.00
3

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Dynamic Microphone
No
Frequency Response
15 Hz - 28 kHz
Included Accessories
None
Durability
High build quality
Portability
Foldable design
Price
$159.00
3

Zoom H5 Handy Portable Recorder

Dynamic Microphone
No
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Included Accessories
Interchangeable X/Y microphone capsule
Durability
Plastic body
Portability
Highly portable
Price
$249.99
4

Zoom H5 Handy Recorder

Dynamic Microphone
No
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Included Accessories
2GB microSD card
Durability
Plastic body
Portability
Highly portable
Price
$249.99
5

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface

Dynamic Microphone
No
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Included Accessories
Pro Tools and Ableton Live Lite
Durability
Compact design
Portability
Highly portable
Price
$109.99
5

Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom

Dynamic Microphone
No
Frequency Response
N/A
Included Accessories
None
Durability
High build quality
Portability
Adjustable
Price
$99.00

Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Podcasting Equipment

What makes a professional podcasting equipment the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your professional podcasting equipment recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of professional podcasting equipment?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.