AEA Ribbon Mics R84 Ribbon Microphone
AEA Ribbon Mics R84 Overview
- 1Description
- 2Based on the RCA 44BX
- 3Improves on the 44
- 4Versatile Applications
- 5Designed for High-Gain Preamps
- 6Features at a Glance
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Offering the classic tone of the massive RCA 44BX with less proximity effect in a more compact, lightweight, and affordable form, the USA-made AEA Ribbon Mics R84 is a welcome solution for engineers, producers, and musicians in need of a smooth, detailed, and full-sounding ribbon mic that can handle extreme SPLs and an array of voices and instruments in close-range and distant applications. Utilizing a 2.35" long ribbon and a bidirectional figure-8 polar pattern, the R84 delivers a blend of vintage ribbon character and top-end extension along with up to 90 dB of rejection at the sides.
The 10' attached cable is terminated with a standard XLR 3-pin male connector for hookup to virtually any microphone preamp, no phantom power required. High-gain, high-impedance preamps are recommended for optimal microphone performance. The integrated yoke-style cushion mount reduces bulkiness while ensuring ease of positioning in the studio.
Based on the RCA 44BX
In 2000, AEA sought to design a more compact, lightweight, and economic version of the hefty, eight-pound RCA 44BX. The result was the R84, which retains the best traits of the 44 series in a lower cost, three-pound package. R84 series ribbon microphones deliver the classic tonality of the legendary R44, with extended top-end and reduced proximity effect for mid- and close-range recording.
The R84 and original RCA 44 (now the AEA R44C) share the same Big Ribbon element, transformer, and other mechanical elements by design. By using updated design techniques and stronger, more compact magnets, the R84 retains the classic RCA ribbon sound.
The R84 and original RCA 44 (now the AEA R44C) share the same Big Ribbon element, transformer, and other mechanical elements by design. By using updated design techniques and stronger, more compact magnets, the R84 retains the classic RCA ribbon sound.
Improves on the 44
The R84 boasts improvements on the 44 design�more manageable proximity effect, more extended top-end, vibration isolation, and greater maneuverability on small stages and in small studios. The microphone's U-shaped yoke acts as a shockmount and enables the user to position the R84 at various angles, even on a straight mic stand.
Versatile Applications
The R84 series quickly endears itself to engineers and musicians due to its remarkably expansive frequency range, complete with sweeping highs and booming lows. The smooth, high-frequency roll-off and reduced sibilance of the R84 make it a top choice for engineers when tracking vocals or other instruments that often sound harsh when recorded with condenser mics.
The R84's balanced and manageable proximity effect bolsters the low-end of vocals, drums, and brass, from just feet away. A ribbon mic as multi-purpose, lightweight, and maneuverable as the R84 is well-suited for both close-range and ambient mic applications. The R84's accentuated midrange captures the unique qualities of many instruments with detailed elegance. R84 series mics perform well on practically any voice or musical instrument, making them highly useful in recording and broadcast studios.
The R84's balanced and manageable proximity effect bolsters the low-end of vocals, drums, and brass, from just feet away. A ribbon mic as multi-purpose, lightweight, and maneuverable as the R84 is well-suited for both close-range and ambient mic applications. The R84's accentuated midrange captures the unique qualities of many instruments with detailed elegance. R84 series mics perform well on practically any voice or musical instrument, making them highly useful in recording and broadcast studios.
Designed for High-Gain Preamps
Since the R84 is a passive ribbon microphone, a good preamp is critical for optimum performance. Preamp gain should be at least +60 dB or higher and it should have a very-high impedance. These requirements are vital for the ideal performance of any ribbon mic.
To guarantee consistent, full-range ribbon sound with the passive R84, preamps designed specifically for ribbon microphones (such as AEA's RPQ2, RPQ500, and TRP2 preamps) are available separately. However, preamps with above a 5-Kilohm impedance found in many live soundboards are adequate for guitar amps and other louder instruments. On quiet sound sources or for distance recording, an AEA preamp is highly recommended.
To guarantee consistent, full-range ribbon sound with the passive R84, preamps designed specifically for ribbon microphones (such as AEA's RPQ2, RPQ500, and TRP2 preamps) are available separately. However, preamps with above a 5-Kilohm impedance found in many live soundboards are adequate for guitar amps and other louder instruments. On quiet sound sources or for distance recording, an AEA preamp is highly recommended.
Features at a Glance
- Warm, smooth, and detailed classic ribbon sound
- Full and rich tonality with generous highs and lows
- Sonically similar to the legendary R44 Series, with less proximity effect
- Handles SPLs up to 165 dB
- Versatile in close-range or ambient applications
- Made in the USA
In the Box
- AEA Ribbon Mics R84 Ribbon Microphone
- Soft Case
- Limited 1-Year Warranty, Extendable to 3 Years upon Online Registration
Table of Contents
- Description
- Based on the RCA 44BX
- Improves on the 44
- Versatile Applications
- Designed for High-Gain Preamps
- Features at a Glance
AEA Ribbon Mics R84 Specs
Microphone
| Form Factor | Stand/Boom Mount |
| Sound Field | Mono |
| Operating Principle | Pressure Gradient |
| Capsule | Ribbon |
| Diaphragm | 2.35" / 59.69 mm |
| Polar Pattern | Figure-8 |
| Orientation | Side Address |
| Circuitry | Solid-State |
| Pad | None |
| High-Pass Filter | None |
| Tone Adjustment | None |
| Indicators | None |
| On-Board Controls | None |
| Windscreen | None |
Performance
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Maximum SPL | 165 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1% THD) |
| Off-Axis Rejection |
6 dB at 60° 6 dB at 120° 0 dB at 180° |
| Impedance | 270 Ohms |
| Load Impedance | 1.2 Kilohms |
| Sensitivity | 2.5 mV/Pa |
Connectivity
| Output Connectors (Analog) | 1 x XLR 3-Pin Male (on Attached Cable) |
| Cable Length | 10' / 3.0 m |
Physical
| Mounting | Shockmount (via Integrated Hardware) |
| Dimensions | H: 11.6 x W: 3.9 x L: 2.5" / H: 29.5 x W: 9.9 x L: 6.3 cm |
| Weight | 3 lb / 1.4 kg (with Cable) |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | 2.565 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 16.1 x 5.7 x 5.5" |
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