AEA Ribbon Mics R84A Phantom-Powered Ribbon Microphone

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 active R84A (formerly known as the A840) is a premium version of the R84 complete with JFET electronics and the same custom transformer used in AEA’s active R44. It’s basically an R84 with a built-in preamp.

The R84A 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 R84A at various angles, even on a straight mic stand.

The R84A 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 R84A make it a top choice for engineers when tracking vocals or other instruments that often sound harsh when recorded with condenser mics.

The R84A’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 R84A is well suited for both close-range and ambient mic applications. The R84A’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 active R84A mic retains the same sonic character of the R84, but with an additional 12 dB of output and a stable impedance. This gives a consistent frequency response and greater flexibility with different preamps, including those found in audio interfaces for personal computers. This is great for on-the-road musicians who might have to use a different preamp each night.

The extra 12 dB of output is vital when recording quiet sources like vocals or soft acoustic guitars. The active circuitry also prevents noise interference on long cable runs or when operating near large lighting rigs. The R84A’s active circuitry requires standard 48V phantom power to operate. The premium R84A also flaunts an 18kt gold-plated grille.

• 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
• 12 dB level increase over passive R84
• Handles SPLs up to 141 dB
• Optimized for all preamps
• Versatile in close-range or ambient applications