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AEA R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone

Large Ribbon Studio Microphone w/Cable and Carrying Case
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Item ID: R84
AEA R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone
AEA R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone

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R84 Ribbon Microphone with Stand and Cable
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Product Image - This Item - AEA R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone
AEA R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone
$1,299.00
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Link to Ultimate Support MC-125 Professional Studio Boom Microphone Stand
$269.99
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Link to Mogami CorePlus Microphone Cable - 25 foot
$69.95
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Large Ribbon Sound with High-volume Capacity

If you are new to ribbons, you are in for a treat! The AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone is an outstanding general-purpose microphone, ideally suited for solo and accent work. It is hard to find an application where the R84 mic does not shine. Its natural sound and figure-8 directional sensitivity mean the R84 gives you everything professionals expect from a quality ribbon mic.

Related Videos: R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone

Outstanding transient response for natural sound

The AEA R84 uses a big, 2.35" by 0.185" by 2 micron pure aluminum low-tension ribbon element, that ensures a quick response, whatever the application. This means that percussive attacks, vocal consonants, and other rapid-attack material are cleanly and accurately reproduced by the R84 with no "dull' or "flabby" characteristics. It sounds just like you're standing right in front of the source!

A versatile mic for multiple recording applications

The AEA R84 uses Large Ribbon Geometry (LRG) that's suitable for use by the most demanding audio professional or hobbyist. Whether you're recording brass instruments, strings, piano or percussion, or you're trying to capture that elusive "perfect" vocal take, the R84 large ribbon microphone is up to the task.

Superb bass and treble response that handles high SPLs

The R84 produces solid bass down to 20Hz and clean, clear highs up to 20kHz. Plus, it's capable of handling better than 165 dB SPL at higher frequencies, so whether used on vocals or instruments the R84 offers a performance that covers the entire frequency and dynamic range yet is still intimate, warm and detailed, yet never harsh.

The AEA R84 is supplied in a complete system that includes a shock mount, 10-foot mic cable and sturdy foam-lined carrying case. Weighing-in at under two pounds and measuring eight inches tall and 2.7 inches in diameter, the R84 is a great sounding microphone that is extremely versatile.

AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone Features:

  • Reliable ribbon mic with wide dynamic range
  • Large Ribbon Geometry (LRG), 2.35" by 0.185" by 2 micron pure aluminum low-tension ribbon
  • Able to handle better than 165 dB SPL at higher frequencies
  • Figure 8 pattern for duo recording convenience
  • Includes shock mount, 10-foot cable and sturdy foam-lined carrying case

Resources

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Ribbon
  • Ribbon Type: 1.8-micron Aluminum (4.7mm x 59.7mm)
  • Polar Pattern: Figure-8
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 165dB
  • Output Impedance: 270 ohms
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 3 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: R84

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Reviews

5.0

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Fantastic for Digital Recording
How many times have you experienced digitally recording a source that sounds great in headphones before hitting the record button, but sounds quite different on playback and not in a good way?

Lots of mic signals get weird when going through a/d conversion and then d/a conversion on playback. Ribbon mics sound WAY more natural when undergoing digital conversions than do condensers and dynamics. Many of the reviewers have noted their recordings sound like standing in front of the source. Ribbons have the conversion edge.

Now how to deal with figure 8? If you have a great sounding room it's not such a big deal. But if your recording space is your spare bedroom or basement then you will need to deal with it. Get a Se shield for the mic and use wool blankets for behind the singer or source. Much improved results. I use the mic 8" from the source and use hp filter @ 85hz if proximity is an issue. Point the nulls at sides towards windows or doors to reduce neighbors sounds. Use them to your advantage!

One last thing - we have been trying to record a powerful female jazz vocalist for years and have never gotten the sound right until using the R84 on her. Lots of studio condensers. Way too harsh with high end spikes and sibilance. The R84 makes her sound smooth as silk and handles dynamics from whispers to belting out with grace and ease. Use a little compression (-3 to -6 dB range is best) before hitting the digital converter will help smooth your tracks.

The R84 is a great mic! Try the tips I have learned from experience with this mic and your recordings will go to the next level. Sprinkle a little high frequency air on the final mix and it's amazing.
by Patrick from New Mexico on
Music background: Sound engineer, producer
A Great Addition to Any Mic Locker
I have been curious about the R84 for a while. My main vocal mics are a Neumann U87Ai, Mohave MA-200, and MA-201. I have a couple of other ribbons, a pair of Royer R-10 and an MXL, but these are very different than the R84.

First off, the quality is second to none. As soon as I opened the package, I could tell a lot of care went into making this mic. The cable is attached, which is a pain. I imagine there's a reason for this, but I don't like it. There's no case, which was a little bit of a disappointment, but there is a heavy canvas cover with padding, which is better.

For vocals and acoustic guitar, this mic is beautiful. It softens things up and gives the source a warm and vibey character. You'll love this mic if you're doing Americana, folk, or jazz.

I keep a mic on a stand to get ideas down when writing. Usually, this is my U87. I've been using the AEA quite a bit now for this purpose. However, it does have a "sound" which can be excellent or not so great depending on the material. Also, it excels as either a mono drum mic or out in the concrete space that adjoins my live room.

Lastly, I was a little worried my preamps wouldn't have the gain needed for the AEA. I'm using The Box, which has API 312 pres. These have been perfect. I do have some inline boosters, but haven't used them. I have an Avid Carbon and it works fine with that as well.
by Noah from Massachusetts on
Try it on guitar amp
Found another spot where this mic really does well. Sounds like you're sitting in front of the amp!
by Jack Conners from Traverse City, MI on
Lovely, natural sound
At first listen, I am stunned by how realistic everthing sounds. Difficult to describe, but the impression is that your ears are placed with the microphone position. Figure eight pattern provides very natural room sound and is quite effective for isolation due to extreme null at the sides of the microphone. So far, I've used the R84 on acoustic guitar, vocal, and various percussion. Looking forward to upcoming sessions where I'll give it a go on trumpet and saxophone. Now, I fear I may need to aquire another for stereo recording!
by Jack Conners from Michigan, USA on
Great addition to the locker
I wish someone had told me how useful a mic like this can be when I started recording 20+ years ago. I've used it on vocals, guitar cabs, saxophone, and drum overhead/front of kit so far. And it's great on all of them. Loved it for sax - not an instrument I've recorded often - but certainly recorded poorly in the past. Not the case with the AEA R84 - the tenor sax just sounded great and natural! I would recommend this mic for anyone dipping their toes into the higher end of mics. Plus I love the customer service and the info they give you in the included documentation.
by Matt from Oakland on
Music background: performer, producer, educator, audio engineer
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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?
Bart Good
I remember the first time that I used the AEA R84 while recording a popular jazz ensemble. The R84 was in front of an alto saxophone and I couldn't believe how smooth and real “3D” it sounded. Since then I have used this mic on acoustic guitar and vocals. I have been impressed with how smooth it captures sound. It also takes eq very well which makes it easy to sculpt in the mix. I highly recommend this microphone - if you've never used a ribbon mic, the R84 is a great place to start.
Forrest Powell
I had the privilege of Wes Dooley coming over to the home studio recently, and we did some quick recordings of acoustic guitar on the R84 and R92. Wow! Compared to some mics at, well, four times the price tag, they both stood up with marvelous clarity and rich, musical character. I love ribbon mics in general, and the R84 is spot-on for vocals to reduce proximity effect and extend the frequency range dramatically. Awesome!
See also: Ribbon Mics, AEA, AEA Ribbon Microphones