Offering the classic tone of the massive RCA 44BX with less proximity effect and a hotter output in a more compact, lightweight, and affordable form, the USA-made AEA Ribbon Mics R84A is a welcome solution for engineers, producers, and musicians in need of a smooth, detailed, and full-sounding ribbon mic that can perform consistently with any preamp and handle an array of voices and instruments in close-range and distant applications. Utilizing a 2.35" long ribbon and a bidirectional figure-8 polar pattern, the R84A delivers a blend of vintage ribbon character and top-end extension along with up to 90 dB of rejection at the sides.
Equipped with JFET electronics and a custom transformer, the R84A provides a 12 dB level increase over the passive R84. The 10' attached cable is terminated with a standard XLR 3-pin male connector for hookup to virtually any microphone preamp, 48V phantom power required. Due to the active circuitry and stable impedance of the R84A, it does not require a high-gain, high-impedance preamp for optimal performance. The integrated yoke-style cushion mount reduces bulkiness while ensuring ease of positioning in the studio.
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'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 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
- Made in the USA