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AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone

Passive Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone
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Item ID: R92
AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone
Price:$1,199 and 00 cents
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AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone
Backordered - More On The Way! Notify me
Price:$1,199 and 00 cents
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This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

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The Perfect Ribbon Mic for Close-miking Applications

AEA has once again pushed the boundaries of ribbon microphones with the R92. Designed for amplifier, instrument, and vocal applications, the R92 features reduced proximity effect bass boost and excellent wind blast protection, making it ideal for close-miking in a wide range of scenarios. Building on the smooth high-frequency response of the R88 transducer, the R92 extends this clarity even further, establishing itself as a distinct and versatile voice among ribbon mics.

A great addition to your mic locker

Engineered to reduce the proximity effect and offer excellent wind blast protection, the AEA R92 is great for close-miking of guitar and bass amps, drums, and vocals. In addition, Sweetwater engineers find that the integrated shockmount and swivel allow for easy setup and positioning in tight spaces. With the R92 ribbon microphone, you can now get the mic right up on your sound source and get a great open and clear sound without the low end rumble.

Individually voiced sides for different miking options

AEA has designed the R92 to have slightly different tones on the front and rear of the microphone. The front lobe of the R92 gives you clean, clear, and realistic high-end detail. Perfect for when you need the top-end to give your source its character. The rear lobe offers more of the classic ribbon high-end roll-off to help handle harsh transients in a very refined and flattering way. And thanks to the larger ribbon elements, the bass reproduction of the R92 is very solid and extends to the lowest audible bass frequencies.

Stunning results when used on electric guitars

Close-miking can sometimes provide a boomy low end that can get too much and overpowering in some recording situations. The guitarists at AEA asked for a ribbon microphone that captured an authentic and balanced electric guitar tone when put right onto the grill of an amp. Thanks to its purely passive signal path, the R92 not only handles the SPL levels of a loud electric guitar amplifier with ease, but it also translates all the gritty details of your tone distortion characteristics that you've created.

AEA R92 Features:

  • Large ribbon geometry transducer captures rich, natural sound with exceptional detail
  • Solid bass and smooth treble response deliver a balanced, musical tone across the frequency range
  • Fast and accurate transient reproduction preserves the natural attack and dynamics of your source
  • Low self-noise and high SPL handling make it ideal for both quiet performances and loud sound sources
  • Excellent off-axis frequency response maintains consistent tone, even with slight source movement
  • Wide frequency range from 20Hz–20kHz ensures full-spectrum clarity and depth
  • Distinct front and rear lobes provide creative tonal options based on mic positioning

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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: 135dB
  • Output Impedance: 270 ohms
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 2 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: R92

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Reviews

pure perfection
the most natural sounding mic i've ever used, period. when used with the AEA RPQ preamp, it's pure bliss. on vocals, nothing comes close to the openness and dimensionality of this mic…
Music background: music producer
Saved by the R92...
I love love love this thing, and thankfully
can use it with the AEA RPQ preamp. On vocals,
it is pure bliss... this mic recently saved
the day when tracking a female Broadway singer
known for her brightness. Soooo smooth
and real and beautiful.
Music background: Producer/songwriter/pianist...
Favorite for Acoustic Guitar
I've had mine for a couple of months and it's my new favorite for steel string acoustic guitar. I record in stereo, so the only question that comes up for me is which other of mic is getting paired with it. Problems with transients go away with this mic. It sounds great with no eq in many positions, but it takes EQ on both the high and low end very well. This mic works everywhere, but I think my favorite position is over the shoulder maybe 8" from the top of the guitar and slightly in front. Because of the flexibility provided by the mount, it is really easy to position too. The mic is very light weight for it's size, so don't be put off by it's bigness.

I tried it for vocals, but it's not the best fit for my voice because the boost in this one is exactly where I don't need it. I can see it working for certain voices with certain mixes. Have not tried to mic my amp with it yet just because I don't do much of it, but I'm sure it will be great.

The only caveat with this mic is that it can appear a little hissy on quite sources because of the gain required if you don't use a really clean pre. I have an Apollo, but it wasn't clean enough. Added cloud lifter, still not quite happy. Not much different than any other dynamic really, but I hadn't met a dynamic that I really want to feature on acoustic guitar like this one. Ended up buying a used TRP and now I'm good to go with quite finger style stuff. I also have an AEA R84, Royer R10, and some good dynamics that take some gain, so the good clean pre was worth the investment. The R92 is the mic that made me pull that trigger.
Magical
Despite the R92 being the most affordable mic in AEA's stunning collection, it truly is a gorgeous-sounding workhorse.

In my opinion, it is the world's finest source of recording electric guitars; If you're seeking a rich, creamy, thick/fat, juicy and articulate guitar tone, you have found what you're looking for. Pair it with a 57 and the result will barely require further processing. My main genre is metal but it is equally capable of handling every genre.

The R92 excels at pretty much every single application: Piano, strings, brass, woodwind instruments, electric & acoustic bass, vocals, acoustic/classical guitars, etc.

My all-time favourite microphone.
Music background: Guitarist, Vocalist, Audio Engineer.
R92 - surprisingly versatile!
I'm a sucker for ribbon mics, but had never gotten a chance to try any of AEA's modern lines. I bought the R92 on a whim, and have been consistently blown away by its qualities.

This is a mic that can sound great on everything - I've used it for vocals, guitar cabs, brass, and drums (as an overhead and kick mic), and it shines. The sonic differences between the front and rear sides of the ribbon are incredibly useful when trying to coax a little more shine out of the sound source, and I never feel like this is a "risky" piece of gear to handle.

Like all ribbons, you'll want to pair it with a preamp that can provide enough clean gain, and impedance matching is always crucial. The AEA RPQ preamp does it better than just about anything else, although I've also used the R92 with CAPI and UAD products with plenty of success!
Music background: Engineer/Songwriter
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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?
Jared Kalish
I've heard some great things about what ribbons can do for your sound, but I really had no idea until I got this R92 home and put it on my Taylor 714-CE acoustic guitar. The way that this ribbon responded to the bright sound of my Taylor really translated for me into a "real" and rounded tone in my recordings. I know what my go-to is for acoustic guitar from now on!
Charlie Davis
“This mic lets me record the guitar tone that the guitar player hears in the room. As a guitar player I know how invaluable that is! But wait until you try this on upright bass!”