AEA R84
UPC/EAN #652401977551
MPN #R84
Classic Big RibbonTM mic inspired by the R44
A WORKHORSE RIBBON
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 R84 series' 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 R84A retains the same sonic character of the R84 but offers an additional 12dB of output and a stable impedance that allows flexibility when recording quiet sources through any preamp.
A MODERN CLASSIC
R84 series ribbon mics are a staple in numerous recording studios because of a unique tonality and classic sound. The smooth, high-frequency roll-off and reduced sibilance of the R84 make it the first choice for engineers when tracking vocals or other instruments that often sound harsh when recorded with condenser mics.
The R84's accentuated mid-range captures the unique qualities of many instruments with detailed elegance. Its remarkable low-end response is perfect for adding heft to the sound of drum kits or otherwise thin vocals. R84 series mics perform well on practically any voice or musical instrument, making them highly useful in recording and broadcast studios.
BIG SOUND IN COMPACT WAY
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.
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 modern design techniques and stronger, more compact magnets, the R84 retains the classic RCA ribbon sound.
The R84 boasts improvements on the 44 design- including 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 shock mount and enables the user to position the R84 at various angles, even on a straight mic stand.
WHICH MODEL IS FOR ME
The R84 and R84A are almost identical in sound.The R84A is an R84, but equipped with custom-made Lehle transformer and active electronics. Though the two versions of the microphone sound very similar and both deliver the classic ribbon sound, they have different requirements. The choice between the R84 and R84A is contingent on the specific needs of an engineer and their environment.
Features
Warm, smooth and detailed classic ribbon soundFull and rich tonality with generous highs and lowsSonically similar to the legendary R44 Series, with less proximity effectVersatile in close-range or ambient applicationsActive R84A version has 12db level increase and is optimized for all preampsMade in the U.S.A.
Specifications
Operating Principle: Pressure gradient microphone
Directional Pattern: Bidirectional (Figure-of-8)
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL: 165+ dBSPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
Output Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa (-52 dBv/Pa) into unloaded circuit
Output Impedance: 270 nominal
Recommended Load Impedance: 1.2 k or greater
Powering: 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 (0.0000018 m) of pure aluminum
Ribbon Width: 0.185" (4.7 mm)
Ribbon Length: 2.35" (59.7 mm)
Dimension:
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)
Write a review about the AEA R84
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5.0
dorian bell
Montreal, QC
January 25, 2024
Great all-around microphone
The type of microphone you can use to record every instrument in your song, without compromise. Beautiful detail, and a shocking amount of high frequency clarity for a ribbon. Almost caught me off guard!
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5.0
Dorian Bell
Montreal Quebec
January 15, 2024
AEA R84 - AMAZING ALL AROUND MIC
Just having got the microphone we put it through a good weekend of recording on guitars, drums and vocals and it captured such wonderful clarity and detail in each case. The mix came alive with the microphone placement and straight recording with minimal need to apply effects.
Read more It has such a warm natural sound! Everyone noticed and I am looking forward to years of using it with its rugged quality build and great looks...really proud to own such a true peice of studio excellence in design and performance. This is classic and will always work in all styles. Thank you!
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5.0
Josh Parkman
Strasbourg, Sk
April 11, 2021
Best In Class
This immediately got me the 'classic ribbon sound' that I had in my head. Smooth, punchy, thick, convincing. A very trustworthy mic that I love having around. And Studio Economik is definitely the place to get it in Canada.
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5.0
Daryl Sarnat
Barrie ON
January 9, 2019
Fantastic
This mic is great at any price, but the fact that it is priced where it is makes it even more impressive. Very happy with my purchase and plan to eventually get another for stereo situations.
This is not, in my opinion, an all-purpose microphone. However, when it suits the situation it is mind-blowingly awesome...
Read moreit clearly was the choice hands down on vocals for a recent client vs our Neumann U87....the next song not so much though.
Preamp: Make sure you have a quality preamp as this microphone actually needs one.
Electric guitars: I miked up the cab with our usual 57 and 421 combo... but also added the R84... and ended up using mostly just the R84 mic in the final mixes.
Bag for a case: Still deciding if I like it or not. It makes sense as it forces you to store it in the needed vertical position, but I wish it had a little more protection/padding on the bottom of the bag for when you are setting it down.
Overall it is a mic that does specific things extraordinarily well. I would highly recommend it (as long as you know what it is and when to use it...which AEA explains well on their site with literature and audio samples).
Kudos to AEA... will be buying another!!!
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5.0
Daryl
Woodstock New Brunswick
November 29, 2017
Stereo Pair R84
I have looked at the R84 for a long time and finally pulled the trigger on a Stereo pair. My sales guy Mario (the best by the way) helped me make my decision on buying them. I have had them up and running for a few days and all is what I can say is WOW WOW WOW...
Read moreThis mic excels on anything I throw at it.. Smooth, creamy, articulate, is what it gives back to me. The proximity affect is nice to have for sure. Right now I am putting it up against my acoustic guitar and acoustic amp. Wow my recording room is just alive it has never sounded like this in there. I am now a hug fan of AEA and the R84..
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5.0
Mario Sévigny
Brossard
April 9, 2016
Magnifique!!
Ce micro est exceptionnel... Il a une chaleur indescriptible et un son vintage mais moderne à la fois. Je l'ai utilisé sur des voix et guitares acoustiques. Il a une superbe proximité. Évidemment, un micro à ruban est un peu plus terne au niveau
Read moredes hautes mais avec un petit boost autour de 7500k avec un EQ ce micro peu faire à peu près n'importe quoi..
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