AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone

AEA

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Product Code: 1033
$1,199.00
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The AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone has become a modern-classic and should be in the mic locker of every studio. Vocals, drums, bass, guitar (acoustic or electric), piano, whole ensembles, the AEA R84 does it all!

The AEA R84 brings the same ribbon motor and transformer of the celebrated AEA R44 to a more cost effective - but no less stellar sounding - microphone chassis. As its predecessor, designed way back in 1936, the R84 proves that some classics don't fade away... they adapt, improve, and strengthen with age. If you are new to ribbons, you are in for a treat! Experienced users have discovered the AEA R84 is an all purpose ribbon microphone, ideally suited for solo and accent work. It is hard to find an application where the R84 mic does not shine. The AEA R84 delivers the natural sound and figure-8 directional sensitivity a quality ribbon microphone should offer:

  1. Pure natural sound, just as you hear it when you're placing your mic in the studio.
  2. Quick smooth transients that capture the feeling of being there without sounding like a recording.
  3. Extended bass and treble that captures the details without shoving anything in your face.
  4. A figure-eight pattern that focuses your recording on the sound you want.

We believe you will enjoy the confidence this microphone inspires. It's a forgiving tool that makes your recording work easier, as it literally sounds good on everything. Try it first and you'll usually like it and find it sits well in the mix. When time is scarce and quality necessary, put the AEA R84 to the test. Our users' experience is that you'll use it more and more (in pairs too!). Then it will start to really grow on you.

The versatile AEA R84 large ribbon microphone is suitable for a wide range of instruments, including brass, strings, percussion, electric guitar and bass. Utilizing the same basic acoustic structure as the AEA R44CNE, the AEA R84 delivers that "big ribbon" sound. At just 0.00007 of an inch, the ultra-thin, low-tension ribbon element of the AEA R84 ensures a quick response, whatever the application. Capable of handling better than 165 dB SPL at higher frequencies, when used on vocals or instruments the AEA R84 offers a performance that is intimate, warm and detailed, yet never harsh.

AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone Features

  • Same Big Ribbon, tuning, and transformer as the R44 series
  • Classic look, but with milder proximity effect than the R44
  • Easy to use and affordable
  • Versatile for close-up and ambient mic applications

AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone Specifications

  • Pattern: Bidirectional (Figure-of-8)
  • Frequency: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Principle: Pressure gradient microphone
  • SPL: 165+ dBSPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
  • 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 3 m captive cable
  • Off Axis Response:
    • Polar Pattern: Native bi-directional pattern
    • Horizontal: Level changes with angle, frequency response is consistent, –35 dB null at 90° / 270°
    • Vertical: Level changes with angle, reduced HF response above and below 0° / 180° axis, –35 dB null at 90° / 270°
  • 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)
  • Limited Warranty: One year parts and labor, shipping not included. Three year extended warranty if the product is registered.
  • 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 Microphone
  • Shock Mount / Mic Stand Adapter
  • Hard Wired 10-foot Starquad Cable
  • Vertical Carrying Case
  • Manual
  • Manufacturer Warranty

10 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

  • 5
    AEA R84 Large capsule Ribbon Mic
    James Easton

    What 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

What We Think

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The AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone is perhaps the perfect antidote for the sterility of recording in the digital landscape. Why? Imagine depth, a smooth yet extended high frequency response, and a nicely balanced frequency response throughout. Great at distance mic placement, the R84 began as a more cost-conscious build of the high-dollar AEA R44 microphones. However, while it still sports the same ribbon material and the same transformer as the R44, the body resonance and the grille shape contribute to a unique and highly flexible sound all its own. Looking to record a singer/songwriter with a single microphone; old-school style? The R84 is the answer. It's never too bright and when matched with the right microphone preamplifier, it's got a balance that just isn't achievable with most any FET or tube condenser. Ribbon microphones really are dynamic microphones - only, they are high-resolution dynamic microphones. There is a unique depth of field that they capture that is impossible otherwise. This really becomes a beautiful component of this microphone when recording anything, but especially when recording vocals with an expressive vocalist. The R84 really gets you out of a jam when you have a 'nasaly' sounding singer, or one who is particularly sibilant. We have recorded several vocalists who just don't sound right on even the most expensive tube microphones - no matter how smooth the top-end. The R84 became the clearly evident solution!

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