The AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone delivers the big, smooth, unmistakably musical sound of a classic studio ribbon microphone in a more versatile design. The R84 should be in the mic locker of every studio.
Inspired by the legendary RCA 44-style ribbon sound, the R84 gives engineers warm lows, natural highs, and a forgiving character that flatters vocals, brass, strings, acoustic instruments, guitar amps, drums, and room capture. Designed as a passive, figure-8 ribbon microphone, the AEA R84 excels both up close and at a distance. Its balanced proximity effect makes it easier to work with than many vintage-style ribbons, while its extended frequency response and high SPL handling make it a true studio workhorse. From intimate vocal takes to big drum rooms and rich acoustic sources, the R84 brings that classic ribbon “finished record” feel without getting fussy. Handcrafted in Pasadena, California, the R84 uses AEA’s large ribbon geometry and classic ribbon design philosophy to deliver smooth transient response, natural off-axis behavior, and a tone that sits beautifully in a mix. The R84 rewards you with depth, body, and a wonderfully natural presentation.
AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone Features
- Passive ribbon microphone inspired by the classic R44 ribbon sound
- Smooth, warm, and detailed tone with extended lows and natural highs
- Figure-8 polar pattern for front/back pickup and strong side rejection
- Excellent choice for vocals, brass, strings, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, drums, and room miking
- Reduced proximity effect compared to traditional large ribbon designs
- High SPL handling for loud sources
- U-shaped yoke provides flexible positioning and built-in vibration isolation
- Handcrafted in Pasadena, California
AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone Specifications
- Pattern: Bidirectional (Figure-of-8)
- Frequency: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Principle: Pressure gradient microphone
- SPL: 165+
- Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa (-52 dBv/Pa) into unloaded circuit
- Impedance: 270 Ω nominal
- Recommended Impedance: 1.2 kΩ or greater
- Power: Not required or recommended
- Polarity: Pin 2 high for positive pressure on front of microphone.
- Connector: XLR-3M wired to a 3m captive cable
- Off Axis Response:
- Polar Pattern: Native bi-directional pattern
- Horizontal: Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent
- Vertical: Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0° / 180° axis
- Transducer element:
- Ribbon Thickness: 1.8 μ (0.0000018 m) of pure aluminum
- Ribbon Width: 0.185" (4.7 mm)
- Ribbon Length: 2.35" (59.7 mm)
- Physical Specs:
- Weight with Cable: 3 pounds (1.36 kg)
- Height: 11.6" (29.5 cm)
- Width: 3.9" (9.9 cm)
- Depth: 2.5" (6.4 cm)
AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone Includes
- AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone
- Protective Soft Case
- Manufacturer Warranty
Videos Hide Videos Show Videos
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AEA R84 - Male Voice - Listening Library
Hear the AEA R84 on male vocals. For more info about the AEA R...
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AEA R84 - Acoustic Guitar - Listening Library
Hear the AEA R84 on acoustic guitar. For more info about the A...
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AEA R84 - Female Voice - Listening Library
Hear the AEA R84 on female vocals. For more info about the AEA...
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AEA R84 - Trumpet - Listening Library
Hear the AEA R84 on trumpet. For more info about the AEA R84 r...
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AEA R84 - Kick Drum - Listening Library
This video features an AEA R84 on kick drum. For more info abo...
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AEA R84 - Violin - Listening Library
Hear the AEA R84 on classical violin. For more info about the ...
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AEA R84 - Upright Bass - Listening Library
Hear the AEA R84 on upright bass. For more info about the AEA ...
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AEA R84 - Drum Overheads - Listening Library
This video features a pair of spaced AEA R84s on overheads. Fo...
12 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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AEA R84 is truely the bomb!
Feb 23rd 2009I've used a pair on the contrabasses in the orchestra and was really blown away! An amazing open bottom end, not boomy like other condenser mics... and the figure of 8 is another weapon of this mic; I needed a spot mic on the piano with the opera singer next to it, placed the R84 in front of the piano with the singer in the "null" of the mic and could really get a natural balance between the piano and singer using the AEA R84 in combination with my other micorphones. And what they say is true: one pair of R84's is not enough...! These are my favorite mic's! Just go for it; you won't regret it (if you don't like them, you can always sell them to me... I would like to have an extra pair...)
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Worth the money
Feb 15th 2009I've owned this mic for about a year and it's become my favorite for electric guitar, smooth vocals, and drum overhead. This mic captures what's going on in the room extremely well. So if your guitar/drums sounds great in a room, they'll sound great in your recording. If it sounds like crap in the room, this mic won't save you. The mic take EQ extremely well. I like to use the mic in combination with other brighter mics to create a really uniquie sound I can never capture with one single mic.
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AEA R84 Large capsule Ribbon Mic
Dec 6th 2005What a wonderful mic-!! When I first pulled the capsule from its interesting looking high-end wine sack I was pleased to find it was definitely not a half pint replica, but all the girth and beauty of the ribbon mic's of yesteryear. I placed it first on an Upright Bass. When I keyed up the monitors I could swear the bass was setting next to me in the control room. Full rich with tons of bottom, no EQ today. From everything I have read about the R84 I can't wait to try this on brass and vocals. 6/23/2004
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