| AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Details The AEA R92 is one of the newest additions to the AEA family of microphones. The R92 motor has been designed to optimize AEA's Big Ribbon element to close micing situations. Reduced proximity bass boost and excellent wind blast protection make it suitable for close micing (6-12 inches) of guitar amps, vocals, percussion,
etc. In addition, the smooth high frequency response of the R88
transducer has been further extended in the R92, making the R92 a
unique voice in the world of ribbon mics.
AEA has designed the AEA R92 to have slightly different tones on the front and rear pickup lobes of the microphone. The front lobe of the AEA R92 is the “crisp” side, offering exceptionally clean and realistic high end detail. The rear lobe is the “smooth” side, which has a bit of classic ribbon high end rolloff that can help to handle harsh transients in a very refined and flattering way. Just like its bigger brothers in AEA’s LRG(TM) microphone series, the bass reproduction of the AEA R92 is very solid and extended to the lowest audible bass frequencies.
The AEA R92 is designed with an integral elastic shock mount, featuring a unique mounting system that allows excellent flexibility of mic positioning. The mic ships with a two meter cable and a durable plastic carrying case.
AEA’s Matt Ashman comments about the AEA R92: “We designed it to have a very full range sound, and to capture it all with a minimum of resonance artifacts for the ultimate in realism. It’s perfect for getting FAT guitar sounds with a present and clean high end."
AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Features
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Captive 2 meter cable to A3M connector
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Integral swiveling shockmount for flexible positioning
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Designed for close micing situations
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2.5" diameter and 7" tall and two pounds
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Polished anodized finish
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Sturdy plastic case
AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Specifications
- Sensitivity: >-55dBV/Pa
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz (+/- 3dB)
- Output Impedance: 270 ohms
- SPL Handling: >135dB SPL peak
AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Documentation
AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone User Reviews
"On Test Microphone: AEA R92 & TRP Studio Ribbon Microphone and Preamp" April 2007, Sound on Sound, by Hugh Robjohns "This classy ribbon mic doesn't just look great - AEA's thoughtful design means that it also offers great results...If you are considering investing in the smooth natural character of a ribbon mic, this is certainly one worth auditioning first-hand. I've fallen in love with it!" www.soundonsound.com– Requires subscription
"AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone" September 2006, Pro Audio Review, by Russ Long "The AEA R92 is a wonderful microphone ... If anyone ever told me that a ribbon could capture high requencies the way the R92 captures high frequencies, I would have called them a liar ... Its top end is wonderfully pristine. You truly have to hear it to believe it." No link currently available
"Micrófono de listón R92 de AEA" May 1, 2006, Músico Pro, by Scott Dorsey www.musicopro.com– Requires subscription
"Ribbon Revival" November 2005, Electronic Musician, by Miles Boisen "Among the other premium mics, I was most excited about the AEA R92.The sweet highs of this pill-shaped transducer make it an ideal candidate for applications that have always challenged ribbon mics — namely acoustic guitar, percussion and modern pop vocals." Read article
"AEA R92 Ribbon Mic" September 2005, EQ, by Monte Vallier To sum it all up, this microphone exceeded all expectations that I had. The versatility, the design, the excellent wind-blast protection, the reduced proximity bass boost, the clean, the even frequency response, great high end, and very affordable price make this a must have for anyone looking for a real ribbon to add variety to their sound or to replace some finicky vintage mics. Read article
"Field Test: AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone" Aug 01, 2005, Mix, By Kevin Becka It rounds off transients in true ribbon fashion, adding a naturally compressed sound that flatters even the most strident source. This tendency and its tailored frequency response make the R92 a hands-down winner at close quarters. You don't need to be afraid to get this mic in a singer's face or right up on a speaker. The R92 – like its forefathers carrying the same engine, the R84 and R88 – is unequaled in its price range. I almost felt guilty... Read article
"Tools of the Trade" Jan 01, 2005, Mix The R92 from AEA is a mic that shares the same 2-inch ribbon as the company's popular – and more expensive – R84, but has decreased proximity effect to avoid the LF build-up that can occur when ribbon mics are placed close to loud guitar cabinets. Read article
"The Phil O'Keefe Report: Transducers-R-Us!!!" January 2005, EQ, By Phil O'Keefe A couple of other mics impressed me, like the AEA R92 ribbon mic ($900) from Wes Dooley, which is similar to the R84 but designed for less proximity effect and use at closer distances (www.wesdooley.com). Read article
"Lynn Fuston Makes The Money Picks" January 2005, EQ, by Lynn Fuston The bottom end on the R84 is exaggerated up close, but on the 92, it's very smooth even when working as close as 2". The R92's top end was astounding, almost sounding like a condenser compared to the R84. Read article
AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone Professional User Reviews
"I hate you guys! Now I have to buy them. I used the R92 on Al's Di Meola's guitar amp, and the 84's about a foot away, Fantastic!!! Al loved the sound. I used the R88 on the drum overheads, sweet!!!!" – Paul Antonell, Clubhouse Studio, Owner
"There's NO WAY I can part with this R92!!!!" – Jonathan Burnside, Producer/Scoring mixer, Australia
"I was so pleased to get a chance to use the line of AEA ribbons on a project I recently did. They have that characteristically smooth, warm ribbon sound, I used the R84's on everything from close-miked, extremely loud guitar amps, horn sections and bagpipes to smooth room ambience for drums. I was particularly happy with the stereo ribbon model R88. They are a "must have" for all my sessions!" – Neil Dorfsman, Producer/Engineer, Scotland
What We Think
"The AEA R92 is primarily designed for close mic'ing of guitar cabinets and therefore exhibits more high frequency response and less bottom frequency response than the R84. So, in situations where you might want the body and dimension of a ribbon but need a little more bite on top, this is the perfect microphone.I love the way it sounds on a guitar cab in a live situation - no EQ required and it just sounds like the system is an extention of the guitar amp itself, but with an air and dimension around the sound. It just sits in the room very naturally. The recorded tracks come out very strong as well. Overall, this is not an AEA mic to discount just because it's their most affordable."
Alan Moon - Front End Audio |