AEA R84

The AEA R84 is a large ribbon microphone that comes with a carrying case and cost less than 1000 dollars. The AEA R84 is more of an do it all type of microphone, it can be used for almost anything , it has a very natural sound because of the 8 figure directional sensitivity. The R84 has a very smooth sound with clean hi’s and solid mids and lows. This microphone has really changed my view on ribbon microphones. It sounds great with recording piano’s as well has string and brass instruments. If you use it for vocals depending on how your voice is, it will sound amazing. If you have a lighter or weaker voice then you may need to boost some of the EQ’s to get a good sound with it though. You can record either live or studio with the R84 and it won’t make a difference. Either way the sound you capture will sound full and rich. I do prefer the sound in the studio more because the live sound does tend to pick up some unwanted sounds from around the room or wherever you are using it live at.


OVERALL OPINION

When you purchase the AEA R84 it will ome with a 10 foot microphone cable and a shock mount. The carrying case is foam lines so it protects the microphone. For the price, you will get way more than your money’s worth with the R84. I have been using it since 2010 and its an amazing microphone. I didn’t have to care instrument microphones around with my vocal mics. The R84 was just the 1 microphone that I would carry around to other members house in my group. Its an all in one solution to your recording needs. I am now looking into more Ribbon Microphones because of the R84, it has really opened my mind up to how versatile a ribbon mic is.

The AEA R84 is a large diaphragm ribbon microphone.  It should only be used in the recording studio, as is the case with all ribbon microphones since it is so fragile.  The mic has a figure eight polar pick up pattern and comes with the swivel mount as shown in the picture above.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, the AEA R84 is an affordable ribbon microphone that is great in a variety of situations.  I've used the mic for mostly in situations where I am looking for as much detail as possible.  Since it is a sensitive microphone, I tend to only use it in situations where there isn't going to be any bleed from anywhere else.  For these reasons I've used it on acoustic guitar and vocals in solo situations, as well as for recording overdubs of acoustic stringed instruments like violin, mandolin, and cello.  This microphone is modeled after the classic RCA ribbon microphones, but offers up this similar style and sound for a fraction of the cost.  It even has a similar logo, so I wouldn't be surprised if they had to make a licensing agreement with RCA to manufacture these microphones.  Beyond the sound quality, the price of this mic is definitely its best attribute.  They have made the microphone affordable for both professionals and amateurs alike without sacrificing sound quality or overall quality of its make up.  While only having a figure 8 polar pick up pattern is a little strange, once you decide to go with it instead of against it, you can really work it to your advantage.  All in all, if you're looking for a high quality ribbon microphone in the style of the old RCAs without the price tag, the AEA R84 is the closest that you're going to get to the real thing without getting a real RCA...

Dynamic microphone ribbon. For technical specifications see the test performed by "Recording Musician"

NOTICE GLOBAL

Professional (I'm a musician and composer and possde my own studio) I use it for two years notemment on acoustic instruments such as clarinets, harmonicas, guitars, bass, vocals, percussion, and also amps.
We must learn to find his adquate use: the sound is very diffrent good dynamic and well on a static quality.
I prfere is its relatively low register incomparable and very acute mat: it is
fabulous for bass clarinet for example, an amp, but more delicate voice or a different source or acute middle register is important.
it is the only microstrip I test but I compar neuman of KM 84 and 74, KM184-TLM170-TLM103 a Seinheiser MD441 and MKH404 and AKG 414 TL2,
This is an exellent micro incomparable to some sources-or hot is serious research, and high mids and treble very attnus which cash-in levs dynamics.
Attention to the breath, the ribbon is fragile (anti pop filter very recommended.
By knowing well it soon becomes essential for certain sources complmentaire way with one or two good static: 414, TLM 170 / U87
I do not regret my choice ... I played in dozens of albums in fabulous studios (like PCI Brussels) I never had the grain of the microphones for my instruments
(Clarinets and harmonica) even with a U47 or U67 ...
you need a good pre-amp so it gives its measure: as much tape (dynamic) has little level

Micro Excelent

OVERALL OPINION

Just one comment because we often read, as is the case in the notice below, that we should not use the 48v with ribbon mics on pain of ruining it.
It is true that this was the case when the microphones were asymmetrical output.
Now do not worry, because in most cases the output is mirrored with a transformer thus insensitive to food phanton, and in some cases manufacturers integrate a pre-amp to compensate for the lack of level, there must be a phanton, symmetry will then either be Tranfo mail.
see R102 MKII Classical Ribbonhttp
://www.superlux.com.tw/productInfo.do?pdctid=fc618536-2360-44b9-aa69-9d418d34844d&pdkid=b1dfcdc3-f1e7-4ae0-8786-5da613871d05&level=2&lv0=1

So do not worry ribbon microphones are now much stronger than in the past: o)
good sound
friendly
Monad