The AEA R84 Passive Ribbon Microphone provides the versatility to capture your full range of vocal, drums, strings or guitar both close up and in ambient settings. With a bidirectional pickup pattern and warmth of the classic RCA 44's, this mic has earned the reputation of being a workhorse in a huge range of recording applications at a more budget minded price than the premium AEA R44's.
For the uninitiated, ribbon microphones get their name because they use a light metal ribbon suspended between the poles of a magnet and can handle your range better than a condenser mic. Historically, ribbon microphones were expensive and delicate, but AEA makes use of incredible improvements in materials and production to put this microphone in reach and plenty durable to use on stage and handle the power of rock-n-roll.
The AEA R84 uses a big low-tension ribbon element at 2.35" by 0.185" by 2-microns of pure aluminum, the same as the R44s. This giant ribbon is more difficult to install than other manufacturers' smaller ribbons, but offers important advantages. Compared to condenser, coil, or shorter ribbons, the R84 will have a very low resonant frequency with more ribbon magnetic gap movement. That movement helps this mic to handle more sound pressure (SPL) than its competition.
SPECIFICATIONS::
Operating Principle: Pressure gradient microphone
Directional Pattern: Bidirectional (Figure-of-8)
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 15 kHz
Maximum SPL: 165+ dBSPL (1% third harmonic > 1 kHz)
Output Sensitivity: 2.25 mV/Pa (-53 dBV) into unloaded circuit
Output Impedance: 270 Ω nominal
Recommended Load Impedance: 1.2 kΩ 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 μ (0.0000018 m) of pure aluminum
Ribbon Width: 0.185” (4.7 mm)
Ribbon Length: 2.35” (59.7 mm)
Accessories:
Included: Custom storage / shipping case, stand adapter, manual
Optional: Any length cable, inquire for price and delivery.
Limited Warranty: One year parts and labor, shipping not included. Three year extended warranty if the product is registered.
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)
